Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

LA JOLLA--Take a closer look at sea life with two March 18 programs offered by the Stephen Birch Aquarium-Museum at UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. “Tide-Pool Crafts,” for kids 4-5, is 10 a.m.-noon ($15). A seashore observation of the elusive grunion, preceded by a lecture and film, is 10 p.m.-midnight. $8, general; $4, kids 7-13. Call for reservations and locations: (619) 534-7523.

SANTA BARBARA--The 50th annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show brings exotic floral splendor to the Earl Warren Showgrounds, March 24-26. Flowers by more than 60 commercial and private growers are featured, plus demonstrations and sales. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday in the Exhibit Building, U.S. 101 and Las Positas Road. $6, general; $4, seniors and students; free for kids under 12. (805) 967-6331.

WALNUT CREEK--Learn about our state’s native fauna at the Family Wildlife Festival, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. March 25 at the Lindsay Museum, 1931 1st Ave. at Larkey Park. $3, general; $2, juniors 3-17 and seniors; free for members and those under 3. (510) 935-1978.

LAGUNA BEACH--Feast on pasta, then burn it off line-dancing at Spaghetti Western Night, 6-11 p.m. April 1. The benefit event, sponsored by the Exchange Club of Laguna Beach, features an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner, live music, games and more at the Festival of Arts grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. General: $15 in advance, $20 at the gate; kids 12 and under: $3. (714) 494-8820.

SAN DIEGO--The 22nd annual San Diego Crew Classic rows into town, April 1-2. Teams from the United States and Canada participate in rowing competitions starting about 7 a.m. at Crown Point Shores, Mission Bay. Admission is $5 a day. (619) 488-0700.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.