JANUARY

2nd First Friday on First Street in Benicia At At this monthly event, First Street shops offer a special welcome to the community by opening their doors in a festive way to share not only their wares, but also to spread good cheer for the new year. Some have live entertainment, others will provide refreshments. All are open from 6pm til 9pm.

10th East West Shrine Game, Pac Bell Park, San Francisco. A game with the best collegiate football players divided into East and West teams. Call (925) 762-2277 for tickets.

10th Friends of the Library Book Sale at 150 East L Street, Benicia. For information and times, please call (707) 745-4770.

17th   Men of Worth Celtic Concert     Concert at the Camel Barn at 2024 Camel Road; call (707) 745-5435 for tickets and show time.

17th-Feb 8th Chinese New Year Parade and Celebration, San Francisco Chinatown.

The festivities include a Chinese New Year Flower Fair (January 17-18), The Miss Chinatown USA Pageant (January 30), Miss Chinatown Coronation Ball (February 6), and the Chinatown Community Street Fair (February 7-8). It’s all built around a fantastic parade from Market and Second Street to Columbus Avenue beginning at 5:30pm on Saturday, February 7. For information, call (415) 982-3000.

22nd Zinfandel Festival, a special tasting from 5:30-8:30pm during the festivals Jan 21-24’s events. This event pairs 35 wineries with 35 restaurants in a tasting walk at the beautiful Arboretum in Golden Gate Park. Ticktets for this event sell out quickly. Call (530) 274-4900 for more information.

22nd Evening with Paula Poundstone Comedienne Poundstone appears at Benicia’s Majestic Theatre at 710 First Street. For tickets and information, call (707) 747-0182.

24th-25th Chinese New Year’s Bazaar Enjoy this rich cultural event featuring ongoing music, foods, and arts and crafts. Oakland Chinatown (510) 893-8979.

26th Robert Burns Night, Muir Beach (415) 383-6000.

FEBRUARY

6th-29th Crab Feast Gala Banquet and Fundraiser for the Fishermen and Seamen’s Memorial Chapel: McCormick and Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant at Ghirardelli Square hosts this public event, which features plenty of fresh Dungeness crab plus a silent and live auction for getaway weekends, dinners, attraction tickets, cruises, and more. 7pm. Tickets are $75; advance reservations are required. Call (415) 626-7070.