CALENDAR

ARIZONA

Scottsdale Culinary Festival

Wine and cocktail glasses will be clinking all over town at this epicurean experience. Among the happenings are a picnic on two days with cooking demos and vodka cocktails; the Eat, Drink and Be Pretty Party, with more than 20 restaurants and caterers, and live music indoors and out; and dinners featuring elite chefs, such as the benefit featuring James Beard Award winners.

When, where: April 8 to 13 at various venues in Scottsdale.

Cost: Varies from $10, plus $1 tasting tickets, for the Great Arizona Picnic to $250 for the James Beard dinner.

Info: (480) 945-7193, www.scottsdaleculinary festival.org.

CALIFORNIA

Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival

The San Francisco fest includes a street fair with tidbits for sale such as sushi, takoyaki (octopus in a wheat flour dumpling) and imagawayaki (cakes with sweet bean filling); a Japanese arts-and-crafts fair; entertainment such as folk dancers and taiko drummers. Dancers and musicians perform in the April 20 parade on Polk and Post streets.

When, where: April 12 and 13, 19 and 20, centered at the Japan Center, at Post and Buchanan streets, in Japantown.

Cost: Most events free; queen program $25.

Info: (415) 563-2313, www.nccbf.org.

Pinot Paradise

Take a self-guided Pathways tour Saturday of Santa Cruz Mountain wineries, stopping at 17 sites for barrel samples of Pinots, or take part in the March 30 Grand Cruz Tasting. Also: presentations by experts on growing and making Pinot in the region.

When, where: Saturday and March 30; map of Pathways tour is on the website; grand tasting and technical sessions at Villa Ragusa conference center, 35 S. 2nd St., Campbell.

Cost: Driving tour $25 a person; grand tasting $65; technical sessions $65.

Info: (831) 685-8463, www.scmwa.com.

OREGON

Astoria-Warrenton Crab and Seafood Festival

Fresh-caught Dungeness crab will be served up for crab-cracking festival-goers during a traditional crab dinner. Fresh shrimp, salmon, oysters, halibut and clam chowder will be available throughout the fest, plus a beer garden, regional wines and live music.

When, where: April 25 to 27 at Clatsop County Fairgrounds, 92937 Walluski Loop Road.

Cost: $8 Friday, $10 Saturday, $5 Sunday; children 11 and younger free. Crab dinner about $15.

Info: (800) 875-6807, www.oldoregon.com.

--

-- Amy Hubbard