Calendar: Girls’ Night Out in Placerville on Feb. 26

PLACERVILLE, CALIF.

Girls’ Night Out

When, where: Friday, Main Street

Highlights: Merchants in this historic town stay open late for shopping, fashion shows, demos (including floral arranging, beauty, cooking and crafts), raffles and chocolate, cheese and wine tasting. Restaurants offer special deals.

Cost: Event is free; cost of merchants’ activities varies

Info: (530) 672-3436, www.placerville-downtown.org

CALISTOGA, CALIF.

Mustard, Mud & Music Festival

When, where: March 6 and 7, throughout Calistoga

Highlights: Celebrate the blooming of the mustard flower during this music-and-wine event. Live jazz, wine tastings, mustard samplings, an art show and mustard-infused foods made by local chefs.

Cost: $25 a day, $40 for both days, including 10 tastings per day and a wine glass

Info: (707) 942-6333, www.calistogavisitors.com

SANTA BARBARA

Santa Barbara International Orchid Show

When, where: March 12-14, Earl Warren Showgrounds

Highlights: The 65th annual event brings together commercial and amateur growers from around the world, along with thousands of orchids for display and sale. Other highlights include an orchid-themed art show, orchid-care workshops and a flower-arranging exhibition. Area nurseries also host open houses.

Cost: $12; $10 for students and age 65 and older; free for age 12 and younger

Info: (805) 962-6004, www.sborchidshow.com

LAS CRUCES, N.M.

Cowboy Days

When, where: March 13 and 14, New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum

Highlights: The 10th annual event presents the Western Arts & Crafts Show, music, western movies, gunfight reenactments, horsemanship shows, horseback rides, horseshoeing, sheep and goat herding with dogs, kids’ activities and a variety of Old West demonstrations, including milking, blacksmithing and quilting.

Cost: $4; $12 ($10 in advance) for the cowboy breakfast, March 13

Info: (575) 522-4100, www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org

MAMMOTH

Gay Ski Week

When, where: March 17-21, throughout Mammoth

Highlights: This event, the eighth annual, is all about the parties. There’s one called “Cliffhanger,” and another called “The Party at 10,000 Feet,” which requires a pitch-black gondola ride to get to.

Cost: Prices range from $45 ($35 presale) for a single party to $450 for a White Party pass, which includes admission to eight bashes. Visit the website for more information.

Info: (323) 654-0650, www.mammothgayski.com

-- Avital Binshtock

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