Bay Area events calendar
Check out all of these things to see and do in the Bay Area these last weeks of winter and beyond.
Courtyard Concert starring Michelle Lambert:
5:30p.m. today, 2400First St., Livermore. Kick off the weekend with happy hour in the Madden Courtyard starring Michelle Lambert. Mixing breezy pop-country tunes and ballads with a confident hip-hop-flavored flow, Lambert dominates the stage, playing her violin in classic rock goddess mode. $20admission. livermorearts.org/events/ courtyard-concert-starringmichelle-lambert
Bay Area Kawaii Fest:
12 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Solano County Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo. Enjoy the Bay Area's second Kawaii Fest, a pink pastel party filled with fun, colorful merchandise — handcrafted jewelry, soaps, clothing and more — from more than 50 vendors. Tickets go on sale Jan. 7. eventbrite.com/e/ bay-area-kawaii-fest-2-early-bird-tickets-availabletickets-469674558247
The Great San Francisco Crystal Fair:
Saturdaysunday, San Francisco County Fair Building, 1199 Ninth Ave., San Francisco. The largest gem and mineral show in San Francisco features minerals, crystals, beads, gems and jewelry, plus healers, psychics, aura readers and masseuses. $14. crystalfair.com
Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival:
March 16-19, various venues in Sebastopol. SDFF brings the best documentaries and filmmakers from around the world to Northern California for an annual celebration of nonfiction films. This festival will present more than 70 films over four days on six screens for a wide audience of documentary film lovers, industry professionals, filmmakers and curious bystanders. $50to $100. sebastopolfilmfestival.org
Oakland Running Festival:
March 17-19, Snow Park, Harrison and 19th streets. at Lakeside Drive, Oakland. Nationally recognized as one of the country's best running festivals, this event offers distance running for everyone, followed by an afterparty that includes a beer garden and live music at the Ronald Mcdonald House Charities Celebration Village. $15 to $160. oaklandmarathon.com
New Ballet's Fast Forward:
7:30 p.m. March 18, Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. This annual event celebrates new contemporary ballet by six choreographers created specifically for the troupe. $10 to $250. newballet.com/fast-forward
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 1819, 201 Washington St., Monterey. Entertaining and educational for all ages, the 13th annual Whalefest features more than three dozen interactive marine-themed exhibits, a symposium with marine experts, fun activities, live music and more. Free admission. montereywharf.com
Whalefest Monterey:
Barrel Tasting Weekend:
Noon to 4:30 p.m. March 18-19, various wineries in Livermore Valley. During Barrel Tasting Weekend, participating wineries invite you to sample wines straight from the barrels, chat with winemakers about what new wines are coming up and purchase futures to enjoy for your personal cellar. $15to $25tasting fees. lvwine.org/event/9476/ livermore-valley-barreltasting-weekend
`Pretty Woman' The Musical:
March 21-26,
San Jose's Center for the Performing Arts, 255S. Almaden Blvd., San Jose. Based on the famous movie, this stage production hails from two-time Tony-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell with an original score by Grammy winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. $38+. broadwaysanjose.com/shows/ pretty-woman
Sonoma International Film Festival:
March 22-26, 103 East Napa St., Suite 2A, Sonoma. Discover the best in independent film from around the world at this annual event that combines film, food, wine and fun. $75 and up. sonomafilmfest.org
California Artisan Cheese Festival:
March 24-26,
Sonoma County Event Center, 1350Bennett Valley Rd, Santa Rosa. This celebration brings together lively experts and presenters from the wonderful world of artisan cheese to promote awareness and enjoyment of those delicious products. Check back later in 2023 for updated ticket information. artisancheesefestival.com
Spring Brews Festival:
Noon to 4 p.m. March 25, Todos Santos Plaza, 2175 Willow Pass Road, Concord. The Brewing Network's
12th annual Spring Brews Festival hosts more than 50 breweries and rounds out the festivities with live music, food booths and more. $60-$75. thebrewingnetwork.com/