Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

DUNSMUIR--The fourth annual Winter Rail Fair is Feb. 16-18 in Dunsmuir’s downtown district along Sacramento Avenue and the train tracks. The fair includes trackside activities, a swap meet and photographic exhibit. Weekend pass: $7.50, general; $12 per family. Schedule and information: (800) 386-7684.

LA JOLLA--Examine life in the nooks and crannies of the seashore on two tide pool excursions offered by the Stephen Birch Aquarium-Museum at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. An aquarium naturalist leads an expedition to Encinitas, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Feb. 17. “Tidepooling for Tots,” a trip to La Jolla Shores for preschoolers and kindergartners, is 1:30-3 p.m. Feb. 18. Each trip is $11, general; $7, kids. Reservations required: (619) 534-7336.

LA QUINTA--La Quinta’s Mainstreet Marketplace, a family event with a jazz theme, brings festivities to Calle Estado in the village of La Quinta, 6-9 p.m. Feb. 23. Featured: live entertainment and rides for kids. (619) 564-3199.

SAN FRANCISCO--”Gardens in the Rain,” the 44th annual Pacific Orchid Exposition, is Feb. 23-25 in the Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center. More than 50 international exhibitors with thousands of species and hybrids are on hand. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $8 general; $5, seniors and those with disabilities; free for kids 12 and under. A Friday night preview benefit, 6-10 p.m., is $18 in advance; $20 at the door. (415) 665-2468.

SANTA CRUZ--The 14th annual Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off is Feb. 24 at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St. The event begins at 10 a.m.; public sampling begins at 1 p.m. Tasting kits: $5. (408) 423-5590. The Great Chowder Chase, a 4.5-mile race, is Feb. 25 ($16 in advance; $20 at the race). (408) 429-3477.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.