This annual festival is held in mid-March and showcases the best in new Asian and Asian-American cinema. The first festival was held in 1982 and continues to be a success every year, allowing Asian independent filmmakers to get their foot in the industry door and featuring about 120 new independent films. The movies are usually shown at the AMC Kabuki 8 in San Francisco, but as of November 2010 no venue had been announced for the 2011 festival.
Every spring, SFJazz spotlights dozens of talented jazz performers and holds jazz-related educational events. The SFJazz team, formerly called Jazz in the City, organizes year-round jazz performances and events. In March 2011, some of the headliners will be Patricia Barber, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Kenny Werner Quintet, Yasmin Levy, Marc Ribot, and Marcus Roberts Trio. Educational events will include two classes in the five-class series "Jazz and American culture through the lens of the great tenor saxophonists." Family matinees will also be available during March.
Well into its third decade, in 2011 the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show will take place March 23-27 at the San Mateo Event Center. Every year the show seeks to highlight the best gardening practices and most innovative outdoor floral creations. The 2011 theme will be "Living in California Garden." In addition to flowers, trees, and other flora, the show features plenty of family entertainment; try Sproutopia, a kid-geared interactive display that includes Barbara Butler Playhouse and carnivorous plant feedings.
Pier 39 provides excellent seaside fun for the whole family all year long, with its dozens of shops, attractions, events, live entertainment and restaurants. In March, Pier 39 hosts the Street Performers Festival. On the last weekend in March, from noon to 5 p.m., you can watch unicyclists, jugglers, rope walkers, and other performers show off their skills at the Pier 39 entrance plaza. Afterward, enjoy the rest of Pier 39's exciting activities.
