Festival of whales Mar. 1–2, 8–9. Annual festival celebrating migration of California gray whale. Activities include parade, street fairs, concerts, crafts and marine-mammal cruises. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point, 949.472.7888. Map J16

The Flower Fields Mar. 1–May 11. Ranunculas forever! Plus fun activities. I-5 at Palomar Airport Road, south of Orange County in Carlsbad, 760.431.0352. Map south of J17

Toshiba Senior classic Mar. 7–9. Senior PGA players compete. Newport Beach Country Club, 1600 E. Coast Highway, 949.644.9550. Map E6

Glory of easter Mar. 14–22. Special effects, live animals, huge cast chronicle last days of Christ's life. Crystal Cathedral, 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove, 714.544.5679. Map J10

SPRING INTO ART Mar. 15–16, 29–30, Apr. 5–6. Learn to create jewelry, paint, blow glass, arrange flowers. Sawdust Art Festival grounds, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, 949.494.3030. Map G15

RETURN OF THE SWALLOWS Mar. 15. Festival commemorates storied annual bird visit. Free. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300. Map F6

Newport Boat show Apr. 9–13. 35th annual show at Lido Marina Village. Free parking and shuttle from Newport Tech Center, 500 Superior Ave., Newport Beach, 949.757.5959. Map N13

2008 Philharmonic House of design Apr. 22–May 18. Prestigious design showcase at home with sweeping views of Pacific Ocean. Benefits youth music programs of the Philharmonic Society. Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, 949.553.2422. Map M17

Southern california spring garden show Apr. 24–27. Seminars, competition gardens and vendors. South Coast Plaza, Bear Street Wing, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 800.782.8888. Map J13

Newport beach Film Festival Apr. 24–May 1. Screenings of more than 350 films from around the world including features, shorts, documentaries and animation. Jury and audience awards. 949.253.2880, www.newportbeachfilmfest.com. Map E3

Youth expo Apr. 25–27. Educational fair features rides, science exhibit, four acres of livestock area and petting zoo. Free. Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.1500. Map K12

Newport to ensenada yacht race Apr. 25. Noon start. World's largest international yacht race; more than 450 boats expected to participate. Best views from Corona del Mar coastal cliffs and Balboa Pier, 949.644.1023. Map M16, N14

Doheny Blues Festival May 17–18. Live blues, rock, R&B, roots on three stages. Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.360.7800. Map H15

Fun with chalk Street painting festival May 17–18. 10th annual Italian street painting festival; great for families. Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24393 Veterans Way at La Paz Road, Mission Viejo, 877.WECHALK. Map J10