LA QUINTA--Main Street Marketplace will set a...

LA QUINTA--Main Street Marketplace will set a Mardi Gras-type mood 6-9 p.m. Friday. The event includes a parade with costumed revelers on Avenida Bermudas. A band will play N’Awlins-style tunes, and about 65 vendors will sell food and crafts. At Calle Estado and Avenida Bermudas. Free. (619) 777-0134.

SOLVANG--Bring your sweet tooth to the Taste of Solvang, March 15 and 16. About 30 restaurants, candy stores, bakeries and other sites will have treats for the downtown Walking Smorgasbord, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Entertainers will include a magician, a clown and a female barbershop quartet. $15 per person. (800) 468-6765, Ext. 519.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO--The return of the swallows will be celebrated March 15 and 19 at the historic Spanish mission, with entertainment by mariachi bands, school choirs and local dance troupes. Vendors will sell arts, crafts and food, including “chocolate swallows.” The mission, at Camino Capistrano and Ortega Highway, will be open 7 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. $5 adults; $4 seniors and children 3-12; free under 3. (714) 248-2048.

FORT BRAGG--This community will mark the annual gray whale migration with a seafood chowder tasting 11 a.m. March 15 at Town Hall, Main and Laurel streets; $5 per person. On March 15 and 16, the Point Cabrillo Lightstation hosts tours, lectures and other activities. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (800) 726-2780.

MURPHYS--Visitors will be seeing green March 15 and 16 at Irish Days. On March 15, entertainment 11 a.m.-6 p.m. outside the Red Bud Inn will include Irish music and storytelling. A parade will begin at noon on Main Street. Other highlights are a 2 p.m. March 15 treasure hunt, with a $400 gold pendant as a prize ($5 per person); and Irish music and food 11 a.m.-5 p.m. March 16, at Kautz Ironstone Vineyards. Free admission. (800) 225-3764.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.