Kung Hei Fat Choy to all of you and especially those born in the year of the Pig! Time to celebrate with our annual parade. Cinequest is here with films, virtual reality and more in Redwood City and San Jose. Berkeley Rep has extended its production of the spectacular “water” play Metamorphoses – run don’t walk to see it. And say Aloha to Michael Mina’s newest restaurant creation, Trailblazer Tavern. Totally drool worthy.

Chinese New Year Celebrations

Perhaps you have already celebrated the coming of the New Year – Chinese Style. But the annual parade is tomorrow.  If you are up for it, the parade is one of the largest in North America. Yes, it is loud and full of life featuring group after group of dragon dancers, acrobats, martial arts displays, elaborate floats, costumed marchers and stilt walkers. This parade is something to be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Lots of pounding drums and firecrackers may require earplugs. Head to Chinatown, you can’t miss it. 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Some bleacher seats still available.

If all you want to do is munch your way through the New Year celebration, then you want to go to Dumpling Down on Sunday. Delicious dumplings, kumquat mimosas and Chinese Beers are supplied at the only Lunar New Year food festival. Vendors from all over the Bay Area will be steaming, frying, baking and boiling authentic Chinese dim sum classics. Again, the mouth waters! Spark Social SF Mission Bay Boulevard North .11 – 5.

Metamorphoses at Berkley Rep

This sparkling and “splashy” play was extended by two weeks due to its popularity. Having just been mesmerized by this production, I urge you to go if you can get seats. Director Mary Zimmerman creates magic on stage. She won the Tony for this play and you will easily see why. Based on the myths of Ovid and acted by 10 extremely versatile men and women, the stories jump to life – in water actually. Difficult to describe but amazing to observe.

At once contemporary and yet paying homage to the “Gods” of lore, you will be on the edge of your seat as you watch Midas wishing to turn everything he touches to gold. Or Orpheus as he tries to bring his wife Eurydice back from the dead and brief and poignant moment with Narcissus falls in love with his reflection. One of the finest productions we’ve ever seen in the area. www.berkeleyrep.org

March 5-17. Cinequest

Now billed as a Film and Creativity Festival, Cinequest arrives March 5 – 17 and will astound, delight and inspire you with the many offerings held in Redwood City (my backyard!) and San Jose. This unique festival merges Silicon Valley’s technologies and spirit of innovation with the arts to empower amazing creations. Yes there are over 130 world and U.S. premiere films including touching documentaries, comedies and dramas.

However, there are also creative experiences such as virtual and augmented realities, along with fashion, writing, dance and art experiences. Connect with a vibrant mix of artists, innovators, executives and film lovers and exchange ideas at Happy Hour gatherings each day from 5 – 7 at various locations. Head to a VR workshop or visit the VR experience lounge. Listen to Bill Nighy as he receives the Maverick Spirit award this year. The award is given to those who take original ideas and make them real. Let’s just say, your March social outings are taken care of via Cinequest and the hundreds of opportunities to learn and connect.  Get the details.