Napa
Drink a Mile
In addition to its renowned Wine Country reputation, Napa Valley is becoming a home for world-class beers and brewers. Several of those breweries are participating this weekend in the third annual Napa Beer Mile. The walkable event invites beer aficionados to spend the day leisurely exploring six downtown Napa craft breweries, all of which will offer special half-off pricing on glasses of beer. Those who can make it to the end—responsibly—will also receive a commemorative cap. The Napa Beer Mile begins on Saturday, Feb. 26, at St. Clair Brown, 816 Vallejo St., Napa. Noon. $25. Napabeermile.com.
Sonoma
Making Magic
Award-winning, New York-based performer, lecturer and creator, Mario “The Maker Magician,” who has been seen on Sesame Street and live on tour with David Blaine, returns to the North Bay with a new show featuring illusions mixed with the Maker movement. Mario “The Maker Magician” Marchese is well known for his robotic creations, upcycled props and new-school slapstick character; all of which he brings with him for an interactive and inspiring experience on Saturday, Feb. 26, at Sebastiani Theatre, 476 First St. E., Sonoma. 2pm. $15–$20. Proof of vaccination required. Sebastianitheatre.com.
Occidental
Music History
Occidental Center for the Arts celebrates Black History Month this weekend with an exciting homage to Motown’s greatest songs and stars. The award-winning tribute band Sha’Motown will take the stage, featuring angelic songstress Ariel Marin, who grew up around Bay Area recording artists ranging from the Grateful Dead to Tony Saunders. Joining her will be musical arranger and platinum producer James “Jae-E” Earley and a full band that’s sure to get the crowd dancing on Saturday, Feb. 26, at 3850 Doris Murphy Court, Occidental. 7:30pm. $25–$30. Proof of vaccination required. Occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
Online
New Tales
Margaret Atwood is the author of more than 50 books, including the 1985 classic, The Handmaid’s Tale, and her writing encompasses fiction, poetry and critical essays. This March, Atwood unveils her latest collection, Burning Questions: Essays and Occasional Pieces, 2004 to 2021, in which she offers funny, curious and prescient takes on everything from debt to the climate crisis to granola. To mark the book’s release, Atwood appears online in a conversation with author Judy Blume (Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret) hosted by Book Passage on Tuesday, March 1, at 5pm. $40, including a book. Bookpassage.com.
—Charlie Swanson
