Festivals, Feasts & FairsSAN FRANCISCO--A floral extravaganza...

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SAN FRANCISCO--A floral extravaganza awaits at the 43rd annual Pacific Orchid Exposition, “Orchid Magic,” Feb. 24-26 in the Festival Pavilion, Ft. Mason Center. The show and sale are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday ($7, general; $4, people with disabilities, children and seniors). Featured: 50 international exhibitors, more than 100,000 flowers; lectures, demonstrations and tours. (415) 665-2468.

SOLVANG--Myths, music, folklore and fun are in store at the fourth annual Flying Leap Storytelling Festival, Feb. 24-25 at venues in Solvang and Los Olivos. Three Friday night events, including “Ghost Stories Under the Stars,” start at 8. The seven events on Saturday kick off at 10 a.m. with “Family Showcase” and end with “Evening Showcase” at 8:15 p.m. Tickets are sold separately for each event, or a Saturday pass is available for $25, general; $15, kids. (805) 688-9533.

ISLETON--Celebrate Chinese New Year at the free Asian Festival, 11 a.m. Feb. 25-26 along Main Street. Highlights include a parade, Chinese Lion Dancers and ceremonial drummers, Asian cuisine, arts and crafts and more. (916) 777-5880.

SAN LUIS OBISPO--The 17th annual Mardi Gras in San Luis Obispo, themed “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” kicks off Feb. 25 on Garden Street, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A costume contest and mask parade for kids, food, crafts and entertainment are featured. A parade is at 6:30 p.m. on Higuera Street. A gala costume ball is at 8 p.m. at the San Luis Obispo Veterans Hall, 801 Grand Ave. $25. Reservations recommended; costumes required. (805) 541-2183.

ESPARTO--Six communities along California 16, from Madison to Rumsey, participate in the Capay Valley Almond Festival on Feb. 26. Celebrate the blooming of the almond blossoms with activities, centered in Esparto, including an all-you-can-eat breakfast, entertainment, crafts and an exhibit of antique farm equipment. Other events include a rib barbecue in Rumsey, blacksmithing demonstrations in Guinda, and a classic car show in Madison. (916) 787-3443. Call listed phone numbers for directions.