Widely acknowledged as the biggest and most diverse festival of its kind, the San Francisco Ocean Film Festival is a four-day festival featuring more than 50 ocean-inspired films from independent filmmakers around the world.
Published: March, 2012
Ninth Annual San Francisco Ocean Film Fest
Widely acknowledged as the biggest and most diverse festival of its kind, the San Francisco Ocean Film Festival is a four-day festival featuring more than 50 ocean-inspired films from independent filmmakers around the world. The films range from documentaries to animations to narratives, and topics include surfing, sharks, sailing, the environment, marine wildlife, adventure, coastal cultures and more. This festival offers more than 10 programs featuring exciting and innovative films, followed by in-depth discussions and Q&A sessions with filmmakers and content experts. This is a unique public forum on the environmental, social and cultural importance of the world’s oceanic resources. Also included are the 5th Annual Free Student Programs and weekend family discount days. The event takes place March 8-11 at the Bay Theater at Aquarium of the Bay on PIER 39 at the Embarcadero and Beach Street. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for children. Tickets can be purchased online at www.oceanfilmfest.org and in person at the Aquarium of the Bay.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy!
The Economics of Happiness conference will bring together some of the most respected thinkers and activists in the worldwide localization movement to focus on an agenda for change—away from jobless growth towards sustainable livelihoods; from large-scale sweatshops towards scaled-down business; from self-recrimination and guilt towards empowerment and collaboration; from a globalized system of exploitation and inequality towards an economics of happiness. Hosted by the International Society for Ecology and Culture (ISEC), the Economics of Happiness conference seeks to provide clarity on the way forward—towards more truly sustainable ways of living. It will cover a range of interconnected topics, including public policy choices; local initiatives in food, energy, education, business and banking; the need to bridge the North-South divide; and the influence of the economy on our psychological well-being. This ground-breaking three-day event will be held March 23-25 at the David Brower Center in Berkeley. For more information visit www.theeconomicsofhappiness.org. A special screening of the documentary films, The Economics of Happiness and Schooling the World, will take place March 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Marsh Arts Center in Berkeley.
All That Calistoga Jazz
The Napa Valley town of Calistoga will usher in the spring season with the inaugural Calistoga Spring Jazz Festival, March 10-11. Under a main tent in the heart of downtown, Calistoga will turn into a veritable jazz club as some of California’s best live jazz bands roll out their sultry sounds. The Calistoga Chamber of Commerce has put together a full roster of notable acts that will perform in the main tent from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 10. The day’s events include wine tasting from over two dozen top wineries, as well as food tastings. Attendees must be 21 years and over. General admission tickets are available at the door for $40 per person, and include entrance into the main tent for live music performances, 10 tasting tickets (for use on either food or wine tastings; additional tasting tickets are $5 for two), an unbreakable GoVino event glass, and an event map/schedule. The mobile cigar lounge—wildly popular at previous events—will also be on hand. Sunday, March 11, visitors can partake in delectable morning or early afternoon brunches at several local eateries, which will host more live music. For ticket purchases or more information, such as a complete list of events, participating wineries and restaurants, or a roster of performers, please visit www.CalistogaVisitors.com or call the Calistoga Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center at (707) 942-6333.
The Wearing of the Green
The 161st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in San Francisco is a well established event with historic ties to the city. The parade itself is a huge draw for attendees from all different demographics and ethnicities and the addition of a festival after the parade provides a great opportunity for attendees to learn more about Irish history and culture while having fun experiencing the event. A full day of activity is planned for the St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Civic Center Plaza in front of City Hall. The Festival is full of flair, and offers all in attendance the opportunity to truly experience the Irish culture. This year’s Festival features Irish cultural and exhibitor booths, a healthy selection of Irish food and beverages, Irish dancing, live contemporary to traditional music, and a multitude of activities for children such as pony rides, inflatable and mechanical rides and much more. The Parade begins at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 17 at the corner of Second and Market, where over 100 colorful floats, Irish dance troupes and marching bands will wind their way to Civic Center Plaza. The festival will take place before, during and after the Parade from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year the Festival will be alcohol free. For further information or to participate in the parade and/or festival call SRES at (800) 310-6563 or visit www.SRESproductions.com.
A Whale of a Time
The Randall Museum, NOAA’s Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, and the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association announce the latest Sanctuary Soiree, an adults-only program to enjoy the museum at night and hear fascinating presentations. On March 3 from 7 – 10 p.m., the Randall teams up with the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary to present the Sperm Whale Soiree, a unique art and science reception and lecture. Sit in on a lecture at 7:15 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. with Dr. Sarah Mesnick, NOAA ecologist and co-founder of the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation at Scripps Institute of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Dr. Mesnick will share her latest research on sperm whales, including their complex social structure, amazing diving abilities, intriguing behaviors, as well as sperm whale conservation issues. Along with the lecture there will be talks about the fascinating sex life of whales, and an audio presentation of whale sounds. Participants can take part in whale-themed art projects in the Randall Museum’s ceramics and art studios, dance to live jazz on the outdoor observation deck, and enjoy a cocktail while taking in stunning views of the City at night. The $25 tickets include all activities and two complimentary cocktails and must be purchased in advance. The Randall Museum is located at 199 Museum Way. For tickets contact Justin Holl at (415) 561-6622 x308 or justin.holl@noaa.gov.
Beer Here!
Marin’s favorite rite of spring, the 17th Annual Fairfax Brewfest, will take place on Saturday, March 17 from 1-5 p.m. The event features 20 of the best California microbrewers personally pouring the freshest batches of their award-winning ales, lagers and special limited brews alongside live music and delicious pub food at the historic Fairfax Pavilion. Presented by Iron Springs Pub & Brewery and the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce, the festival brings you a day of great beer, music, food and friends! Taste the brews and meet the brewers who make these amazing libations during this annual rite of spring in Fairfax. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Visit www.fairfaxbrewfest.com for more information.
To have your event or announcement considered for the Bay Crossings Around the Bay listings, please send information or a press release to: joel@baycrossings.com.
