Spring is in the air, the Bay is begininng to fill with sailboats, and Earth Day has everyone thinking up new ways to make this the greenest year ever at Fisherman's Wharf.

Whether you want to go sailing on the Bay, find a new way to go green, taste local wines or make advance plans for a fun-filled summer, Fisherman's Wharf has it all!

Check out this month's update on the special events and fun activities that await you when you visit San Francisco's most popular destination!

Saturdays and Sundays, March 8 through November 29
Alma Sail
1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Hyde Street Pier, San Francisco

Historical, hands-on sail aboard Scow Schooner Alma. The Alma is a wooden-hulled scow schooner built in 1891 to carry bulk cargo.

Contact: John Cunnane, 415-561-7170
Email: john_cunnane@nps.gov
Website: www.nps.gov/safr

Second Saturdays, March-November
Costumed Living History

Location: Hyde Street Pier, San Francisco
Information: John Cunnane, 415-561-7170
Email: john_cunnane@nps.gov
Website: www.nps.gov/safr

April 20
EarthFest
12 noon to 4 pm

It's so easy being green. Sponsored by Aquarium of the Bay, EarthFest features 20 different environmental groups with interactive booths, fun children's activities, and live musical entertainment. EarthFest is an annual community festival that celebrates the simple, everyday green actions that can help protect our environment. Show your Muni pass or transfer to get into the Aquarium for half price during EarthFest..

Location: Aquarium of the Bay Front Plaza, PIER 39, The Embarcadero and Beach St.
Information: 415-623-5300
Website: www.aquariumofthebay.com

April 20
Hornblower Cruises: Full Moon Cruise
Boarding at 6:30 pm; Cruising from 7 pm to 9 pm

Dinner-dance cruise with live entertainment.

Location: Pier 3, On the Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111
Information: 415-438-8310
Website: www.hornblower.com

April 23
Hornblower Cruises: Administrative Professional Lunch Cruise
Boarding at 11 am; Cruising from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Enjoy fine food and breathtaking views while cruising the Bay.

Location: Pier 3, On the Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111
Information: 415-438-8310
Website: www.hornblower.com

April 23
Open House
4 pm to 7 pm

Meet park staff, learn about ongoing projects, and provide feedback and comments at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Open House. Information/Discussion Stations include: Capital Construction Projects; Historic Street Car Project, Interpretation/Programming/Events; Historic Ships; Volunteers/Docents/Living History; Cultural Resources; San Francisco Maritime National Park Association; and Friends of the San Francisco Maritime Museum Library.

Location: Visitor Center, 499 Jefferson Street
For more information: 415-561-7006
Website: www.nps.gov/safr

April 27
Opening Day on the Bay

Kick off the sailing season on the San Francisco Bay with the annual boat parade.

Location: Waterfront along Fisherman's Wharf
IInformation: 331-0702

April 27
Opening Day on the Bay Aboard the California Hornblower
Boarding at 11 am; Cruising from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Lavish champagne brunch buffet.

Location: Pier 3, On the Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111
For more information: 415-438-8310
Website: www.hornblower.com

April 29
Free Ice Cream Day
12 noon to 6 pm (Pier 41); 12 noon to 8 pm (475 Jefferson Street)

Location: Ben & Jerry's, Pier 41 and 475 Jefferson Street
For more information: 415-263-7233
Website: www.benjerry.com/argonaut

May 4
Hornblower Cruises: Doggie Day on the Bay
Boarding at 11 am, cruising 12 noon to 2 pm

Dog friendly cruise with gourmet buffet and free flowing champagne. A portion of proceeds benefits San Francisco SPCA. Limit one dog per person.

Location: Pier 3, On the Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111
For more information: 415-438-8310
Website: www.hornblower.com

May 9
AquaTots! Crazy about Coral Reefs
10 am to 12 noon

Crazy about Coral Reefs is the theme of this month's AquaTots event, which features special guest Scuba Sam. AquaTots! is a fun way for 2-5 year olds to learn about the animals that live in the San Francisco Bay and surrounding waters. Includes stories, live animal viewing and touching, crafts, songs and games. Free with paid Aquarium admission.

Location: Aquarium of the Bay, The Embarcadero and Beach Street
For more information: 415-623-5300
Website: www.aquariumofthebay.com

Saturday, May 10
Red and White Fleet:
View the spectacular KABOOM Fireworks Show from amidst San Francisco Bay

Sail the Red and White Fleet for spectacular views of San Francisco’s city lights and the breath-taking KABOOM fireworks show along Downtown San Francisco. Enjoy feel-good music from the 70s to today and a hearty appetizer buffet by Boudin during this fun evening cruise for all ages.

Don’t miss this special event that is being offered by the historic Red and White Fleet. Departs from Pier 43½ on Fisherman’s Wharf at 8PM on Saturday, May 10, 2008. Call (415) 673-2900 or visit us online at www.redandwhite.com.

Sunday, May 11
Red and White Fleet: Mother’s Day
Treat Mom for a Relaxing Cruise on San Francisco Bay?

Sail San Francisco Bay for a special Mother’s Day Treat. Come aboard the Red and White Fleet for a fun 2-hour cruise in a relaxed and casual atmosphere.

While onboard, enjoy appetizers and a complimentary beverage, as you sail under the majestic Golden Gate, past the lush hillsides of the Marin Headlands and Angel Island State Park, and around Alcatraz.

The cruise will depart from Pier 43½ on Mother’s Day: Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 2:00 pm. Book early to save your seats! Call (415) 673-2900 or visit us online at www.redandwhite.com.

May 17
Uncorked! Ghirardelli Square Wine Festival
1:00-5:00 pm

The Uncorked! Wine Festival at Ghirardelli Square is a benefit for COPIA: The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts. Activities include wine sampling from over 50 Northern California wineries, wine demonstrations, a chef demonstration from Top Chef's Marisa Churchill, and much more. The event is free & open to the public; however, tickets must be purchased to participate in the wine tasting and Chef Churchill's demonstration.

Location: Ghirardelli Square, Beach & Larkin Streets
Website: www.ghirardellisq.com

May 23 through September 1
San Francisco Explorer Cruise
Cruises take place every Wednesday-Sunday at 3:30 pm.

Explore the city's unique natural history, architecture, and Native American past aboard Red and White Fleet's San Francisco Explorer Cruise. This unique 90-minute tour of San Francisco Bay offers an exclusive sailing route that lets guests sail under both spans of the breath-taking San Francisco Bay Bridge, along San Francisco's downtown skyline, into McCovey Cove by AT&T Ballpark, around Treasure Island, and next to Alcatraz Island. Full bar with drinks, snacks and merchandise; inside and outside seating, and restrooms.

Location: Red and White Fleet, Pier 43 1/2
More Information: Please call 415-673-2900
Website:www.redandwhitefleet.com

Ongoing through July 1, 2008
Rebate on Sightseeing Tours

Take an additional 20% off on any tours purchased from Bay City Guide's tour site: www.GuideYou.com. You must mention code FMWA in the "how did you hear about us" when booking online or ordering by phone. You will receive the 20% rebate to the credit card used for your booking. No cash value.

Location: www.GuideYou.com
For more information: 888-802-5151
Website: www.BayCityGuide.com

Fourth of July Celebration
2:00 pm-10:00 pm
Fireworks at 9:30 pm .

Experience the Fourth of July at Fisherman's Wharf. Aquatic Park stage (Jefferson & Hyde) showcases an afternoon of family entertainment. Great food, live music, kids' activities and family fun leading up to an amazing fireworks display.

Location: All along the waterfront, the Cannery, Ghirardelli Square and PIER 39. Fireworks launch from the foot of Municipal Pier and barges to the north of PIER 39.

July 4
Family Festival
11 am - 8 pm

Celebrate Independence Day at The Cannery's Family Festival. There will be face painting to entertain the children (11 am to 3 pm), live musical performances featuring local artists playing classic American hits (until 8 pm) plus delectable food offerings by The Cannery's fine selection of restaurants and cafes. Show your red, white and blue spirit by letting Janelle the Clown paint your cheeks with your favorite Independence Day symbol!

Location: The Cannery at Delmonte Square
Website: mwww.DelMonteSquare.com

Saturday, August 23
Viva Las Americas
12 Noon to 4 pm
PIER 39
www.pier39.com

PIER 39 celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Viva Las Americas. This festive event showcases music and dance performances commemorating the artistry of Mexico, Central and South America. Fun for children includes traditional Latin American craft-making.

September 6-7
13th Annual Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival
Saturday & Sunday, 12:00-5:00 pm, Ghirardelli Square, Beach & Larkin Streets. www.ghirardellisq.com

Be decadent in your own sweet way at the Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival, a benefit for Project Open Hand. Indulge in chocolate delicacies, sip at the wine & chocolate bar, enjoy chef demonstrations and other fun family activities. This event is free to the public, but tickets must be purchased to participate in the chocolate tastings.

October 9-14th
Fleet Week

October 12
Italian Heritage Day Parade
12:30-3:00 pm

More than 400,000 revelers are expected at San Francisco's 140th ANNUAL ITALIAN HERITAGE PARADE on Sunday, October 12, 2008, as the City's oldest civic event and the nation's oldest Italian-American parade and community celebration winds its way from Fisherman's Wharf to North Beach. A San Francisco institution since it was established in 1868, the 2008 Parade is promising to be bigger, better and more colorful than ever.

Sunday, October 26
Pumpkin Pandemonium
12 Noon to 4 pm
PIER 39
www.pier39.com

Ghoulish and giddy behavior is part of the fun as kids in costume trick or treat throughout PIER 39's Pumpkin Pandemonium. Children 12 and uder are welcome to visit the shops, restaurants and attractions to gather their sweets. Pumpkin carving demonstrations, and face painting will be available, as well as photos with frightful characters. Children will be able to wander through the pumpkin patch to pick their one free pumpkin.

November 10
Annual Irish Coffee Anniversary Celebration
Buena Vista Cafe
sfbuenavista@aol.com for more information

Featuring Irish Musc, bagpiper, Irish Dancers and Old World Irish Food.

Sunday, November 16
Holiday Tree Lighting
1 pm to 6 pm
PIER 39
www.pier39.com

A multi-cultural celebration, PIER 39's holiday Tree Lighting will feature Bay Area groups performing seasonal favorites from around the world. The enchanting entertainment will include holiday trations from Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa. PIER 39's majestic tree, adorned with 400 glistening ornaments, 500 bows and 2,000 twinkling lights will be lit at 5:30 pm in the entrance plaza.

November 28
44th Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony
5:30pm, Ghirardelli Square, Beach & Larkin Streets, 415-775-5500. www.ghirardellisq.com

Ghirardelli's magical square comes alive with colorful performers, music, Santa Claus, a 50-foot Christmas to tree lighting up the night and snow!

Ongoing
New Hot Breakfast Bar for Guests

The complimentary Express Start® Breakfast Bar for guests at the Holiday Inn Express Fisherman's Wharf now includes a fresh, hot bar - serving breakfast instead of cocktails. Guests are invited to dive into fluffy scrambled eggs or delicious cheese omelets. They can also try warm, crispy bacon, sausage patties and biscuits with gravy.

Location: Holiday Inn Express Fisherman's Wharf
Website: www.hiexpress.com

Year-round, Saturdays
Ship/Boat Modelers’ Workshop
9:30 am-afternoon (ending times vary)

Hands-on craft making aboard ferryboat Eureka

Location: Hyde Street Pier, San Francisco
Information: Terry Dorman, 415-556-1613
Email: terry_dorman@nps.gov
Website: www.nps.gov/safr

First Saturday of every month
Chantey Sing
8:00 pm-12:00 am

Cultural/historical/musical event aboard the ship Balclutha

Location: Hyde Street Pier, San Francisco
Information: Peter Kasin, 415-447-5000
Email: peter_kasin@nps.gov
Website: www.nps.gov/safr

Every Saturday and Sunday (Winter), and
every Friday and Saturday (Spring, Summer, Fall)
Historic Waterfront Walking Tour: From Gold Rush To National Park
10:30 am-11:30 am

Location: Argonaut Hotel lobby, 495 Jefferson Street, San Francisco
Information: John Cunnane, 415-561-7170
Email: john_cunnane@nps.gov
Website: www.nps.gov/safr

PERSONAL HEADSETS WITH NARRATION AVAILABLE IN 8 LANGUAGES ON RED & WHITE FLEET'S GOLDEN GATE BAY CRUISE

The historic Red & White Fleet provides a special welcome aboard to guests on its Golden Gate Bay Cruise, with personal headsets that provide audio narration in eight languages. Offered only by the Red and White Fleet, the narration is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, and Mandarin. Available at no charge, the custom-developed audio and personal headsets treat guests to a real-time narration of the spectacular sights they enjoy during the one-hour cruise. The narration, packed with facts and stories, also brings to life the City's fascinating history and culture. Cruises depart from Pier 43 ½ in Fisherman's Wharf.

Location: Pier 43 1/2
More Information: Please call 415-673-2900 or visit www.redandwhitefleet.com

EXPLORE A REAL U.S. SUBMARINE RIGHT IN THE BAY!

Come on down and experience an authentic World War II submarine, the USS Pampanito. With its near-perfect restoration, you’ll feel history unfold and see how the crew of 80 men lived for weeks on end in amazingly tight quarters. Many original artifacts are on display. Exclusive iPod audio tour features Pampanito crewmen telling their real-life war stories. The gift store is chock full of gifts, books, video/DVDs and memorabilia. A National Historic Landmark, the Pampanito is preserved and operated by the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association.

Cost: Discount for AAA members $6 (Regularly $9)
Location: Pier 45
More Information: www.maritime.org

EXPLORE ANGEL ISLAND ON A SEGWAY™ TOUR

Brand new way of exploring Angel Island on an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, electric Segway™. Professionally guided tours conducted in intimate groups of eight. Must be 16 years and over to participate. Guests may choose from:

• 2.5-hour eight-mile tour to circle the entire island, with incredible views of San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge, Sausalito and Tiburon "
• 45-minute "short tour" of just the Tiburon side of the island, with incredible views of Sausalito and Golden Gate Bridge. (Available afternoons only.)

OPENING OF FOG HARBOR FISH HOUSE AT PIER 39

Our beautiful new spacious restaurant celebrates the rich history of Fisherman's Wharf. Fog Harbor features exquisite views, outdoor seating, a stunning fireplace and waterfall, lobster tank, great cocktail area, and a private room for groups and events. Watch our chefs prepare freshly caught fish and bake classic sourdough bread daily. Menu specialties include fresh seafood, crab, lobster, cioppino, steak, salads, and award-winning clam chowder.

Fog Harbor Fish House is open daily for lunch and dinner. Validated parking is available in the PIER 39 garage. Please call 415-421-2442 for reservations.

Location: PIER 39 entrance, second level, left side.
More Information: 415-421-2442

NEW MENU AT VINTNER’S GRILL

Vintner's at the Hilton San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf introduces new menus! Vintner's Grill, our full-service breakfast cafe, features traditional a la carte breakfast offerings as well as our San Francisco specialties, including Oatmeal Crème Brulee, Crab Cake Benedict and the Wharf Omelet. Plus, our Breakfast Buffet offers a vast array of breakfast favorites to start your day in San Francisco just right!

Vintner's Bar is our casual, full-service San Francisco pub serving beverages, lunch and dinner daily. Intimate and cozy, Vintner's Bar provides local "small plate" specialties such as Dungeness Crab Cakes, Garlic Pommes Frites and Bay Shrimp Quesadillas, as well as entrées like the Kobe Burger, Crab Risotto and the Fisherman's Wharf Crab Sandwich.

Location: Hilton San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf, 2620 Jones Street
More Information: Please call 415-885-4700 for reservations.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE CANNERY AT DEL MONTE SQUARE

Come and enjoy daily live musical performances at the Del Monte Square Courtyard at THE CANNERY. Musical performances range from Afro-Roots music, jazz, folk, island-music, and more, for a complete listing of the daily performers visit the online entertainment calendar.

Cost: Free
Location: THE CANNERY at Del Monte Square, 2801 Leavenworth Street
Dates: Daily
More Information: Please visit THE CANNERY website at www.thecannery.com

LIVE MUSIC AT PIER 23 CAFE

Enjoy live music nightly at Pier 23 Cafe, San Francisco's waterfront hot spot. Performers range from classic jazz standards to more lively salsa, reggae and hip hop. For more information and a complete events schedule, please visit www.pier23cafe.com.

Cost: Cover charge applies to some performances. Please check the Pier 23 Cafe website for details.
Locations: Pier 23 on The Embarcadero
Dates: Nightly
More Information: For a complete events schedule, please visit www.pier23cafe.com

UNIQUE CRUISES ON THE BAY

Alcatraz Discovery Lunch Cruises
Enjoy beautiful Bay sights including the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge! As you feast on a gourmet lunch buffet you will view Alcatraz Island from the water as never seen before! A live narration will provide an interpretation of the history of Alcatraz from fortress, penitentiary, prison to National Park. You’ll discover the flora and fauna of the San Francisco Bay as you sail by Angel Island, the Ellis Island of the West, and alongside the San Francisco waterfront. Boarding at 11:00 am. Sailing from 11:30 am. to 1:30 pm. For more information or reservations, call 415.788.8866 x 7 or visit www.hornblower.com/discoverycruise/.

Dinner Dance Cruises on the Bay
Come aboard and enjoy the Hornblower experience! Spend an evening of your choice cruising around the San Francisco Bay while feasting on gourmet cuisine, enjoying the spectacular Bay views, dancing to live music, and taking in the fresh sea air on the outer decks. This is the perfect way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or any special evening for parties of 2 to 20 guests.

Cost: Varies by cruise and event. Please visit www.hornblowerholidays.com or call 415-788-8866 for reservations and pricing.
Location: Pier 3, on the Embarcadero

NEW TOURS FROM TOWER TOURS

City By Night Tour
The City By Night Tour starts with a three-course dinner at McCormick & Kuleto’s including your choice of entrée (Fresh Fish, Pasta or Chicken). Following your memorable dinner at this famed San Francisco eatery, your two hour tour departs the Ghirardelli Square Area and will highlight the following: Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, China Town and Treasure Island.

Cost: $72 (adult), $70 (seniors 60+), $55 (child 5-11)
Location: 865 Beach Street, at Ghirardelli Square
Dates: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday at 5:30 pm
More Information: Please visit www.towertours.com.

TRIVIA NIGHT AT KNUCKLES HISTORICAL SPORTS BAR

Test your knowledge…grab your friends and join us! Knuckles Historical Sports Bar at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf hosts trivia night with Brainstormer’s Pub Quizzes. Prove to all your friends how smart you really are. Enroll in our MVP Mug Club and receive $2.00 off our 34oz. domestic drafts when you present your MVP Mug Club Card. So come on down and make us your favorite neighborhood bar…where everyone will know your name!

Location: Hyatt Fisherman's Wharf, 555 North Point Street.
For more information: call 415-486-4346.
Dates: Every Wednesday at 6:30 pm