Named one of the top ten Parades in the world by the International Festivals and Events Association, San Francisco's Chinese New Year Parade is one of the few remaining night illuminated parades. Watch in amazement as intricately decorated floats, dancers, acrobats and the golden dragon snake down the street. The parade is from 5:15-8:00pm, and starts at Market and Second Street. 415/986-1370; www.chineseparade.com.

Wanna get in “the mood” in a unique way with your honey? Head to the Legion of Honor for their Valentine’s Day-themed scavenger hunt. The challenge is to scour the museum for art that features nudity, from Rubenesque women to full-frontal David-like sculptures. Get some art education in while giggling like school children; no previous experience with art or nudity is required. http://watsonadventures.com/schedule_sf.html

Got a craving for some creamy chowder and some tasty sourdough? Well, head to Bodega Bay and eat till your heart’s content from 11am to 3pm at the annual Bodega Bay Chowder Day. A tasting tour of the best clam chowder will be held at the restaurants in town, and it’s up to you to be the judge as to who has the best recipe. Leave room for some saltwater taffy! 707/875-3866 http://www.bodegabay.com/

Bottlenotes’ second annual “Around the World in 80 Sips” wine tasting lets wine enthusiasts explore the world of wine in their own backyard, with 80+ sips of wine from boutique and estate wineries around the world. Bottlenotes gives local wine enthusiasts an affordable opportunity to taste wines from traditional and emerging wine regions around the world—France, Italy, Spain and even Thailand—as well as sample Artisanal Premium Cheese and meet local winemakers. www.bottlenotes.com/80sips

The Marriage of Figaro was banned in Mozart’s time, yet it’s now a favorite of both opera buffs and classical fans. Celebrated soprano Christine Brandes sings an aria from Figaro, and takes a star turn in Berg’s “vocal concerto.” The performance honors the 100th anniversary of Mahler’s death with the magnificent Adagio of the composer’s tenth (and unfinished) symphony. www.santarosasymphony.com

The 11th annual SF Sketch Fest is a star-studded comedy festival held at venues all around the city, including the Eureka Theatre and the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. Amy Poehler, Paul Rudd, and Elliott Gould are just a few of the 50 artists performing over 18 days. www.sfsketchfest.com

Come do the wild thing at the San Francisco Zoo’s 22nd annual “Woo at the Zoo” event while learning all there is to know about the birds and the bees. For adults only, come join expert Jane Tollini in exploring animal mating habits, while indulging in a delectable feast, and sharing some hardy laughs. Participants are sure to have a hilarious time, and hey, may even learn some things. 415/753-7236; http://www.sfzoo.org/announcements/woo

The San Francisco Brewers Guild presents the much-awaited SF Beer Week, featuring many events in the greater Bay Area for 10 days. Learn all about malt & hops, how to make your own home brew, cooking ideas on how to utilize beer other than guzzling, and taste thousands of varieties of the luscious elixir that fuels frat houses and spare tires across the globe. http://www.sfbeerweek.org/

Ever imagine how they used to ski in the olden days? Now you can see it in person! Join the spectators and the Eureka Ski Bowl participants as they don 12-foot long skis and leather boots while wearing period costumes and race down the hill. Reviving the speed skiing competitions of days past, this event is not to be missed. http://www.plumasskiclub.org/poster.html

This winter Northstar Resort partners with star guide and poet, Tony Berendsen, on a stargazing snowshoe tour. Tours are suited for guests of all ages and will feature a guided snowshoe walk paired with a tour across the night sky complete with telescopic viewing. The cost to participate is $50 for ages 13+ and $25 for kids 10-12. Snowshoe rentals are available as well. http://www.northstarattahoe.com/

Mustard Madness still reigns supreme in the Napa Valley town of Calistoga. Downtown will turn into a veritable jazz club as some of the area's best live jazz bands roll out their smooth sounds for the Mustard, Mud & Music Festival. The weekend's events include wine tasting, mustard tastings, Sunday morning brunches, and live jazz. www.mustardfestival.org/mustard-music-mud.html

Each winter from December through March, a large colony of northern elephant seals assembles on the beaches at Año Nuevo State Reserve. Watch bull seals engage in battles for breeding access and mothers nurse their pups. To view the seals during this season, you must be on a guided walk, which lasts about two and a half hours. Tours operate daily from early morning. 800/444-4445; http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523

The Walnut Creek Farmers' Markets are wonderful places to spend a Sunday morning and have a cup of coffee, a scone, and listen to some music while pondering your holiday shopping list. The Walnut Creek Farmers' Markets offers some of the finest and freshest produce direct from small Northern California family farms—avocados, beets, broccoli, butternut squash, and much more. Variety and choice is what you will find and healthy food is what you'll take away. Saturday’s market is located at the corner of Mitchell Dr. and North Wiget Lane (800/806-FARM;  www.CAFarmersmkts.com). The Sunday market is located on Locust Street between Giamona Dr. and Lacassie Ave. 925/431-8361, www.cccfm.org