Happy St Patrick's Day! San Diego March Calendar of Events!

Scavenger Hunt, Rio Rio,On Course and Mardi Gras...

March 5: QUASH Charitable San Diegans with a competitive streak compete in this citywide "Quest to Unravel Alzheimer's Scavenger Hunt," which pits trivia-loving teams against each other in a race to solve clues and complete challenges until they reach the finish line and post-race festivities. Proceeds benefit the Alzheimer's Association. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.sanalz.org March 5: San Diego Brazil Carnival It's feathers and festivities at their finest at this 19th annual cultural fiesta that brings all the fun of Rio - caipirinhas, capoiera and more - to 4th and B in downtown San Diego. 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. 345 B Street, 619-224-4684, www.brazilcarnival.com March 5: Women, Wine and Fashion The female golf enthusiasts of Women on Course take their fun off the green and invite interested new members to this afternoon of socializing, networking, food and wine at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 8970 University Center Lane, 703-268-5078, www.womenoncourse.com March 8: Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Break out the beads and get ready to party New Orleans style at this Fat Tuesday bash in downtown San Diego, where the streets are filled with raucous revelers enjoying parades, live music and food and drink specials. 6 p.m. to midnight. www.gaslamp.org

Museum, Latino, Kettner, Fashion Plates and Church Lady...

March 10-20: San Diego Latino Film Festival Movie lovers stream to the UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas at Hazard Center for screenings of the best in films by Latinos or about the Latino experience at this 18th annual film festival, featuring more than 160 films, celebrity appearances, panel discussions, social events and more. www.sdlatinofilm.com March 11: Kettner Nights Little Italy has proven itself to be much more than delicious - it's also artistic, as demonstrated by this Friday-evening art walk, which invites creative culture lovers to peruse the galleries, boutiques and studios of the Art and Design District. 6 to 9 p.m. Kettner and India Streets between Grape and Laurel Streets, 619-358-9512, www.littleitalysd.com March 12: Fashion Plates The San Diego Food Bank takes to the runway with this inaugural fashion show and luncheon fundraiser. Produced by KUSI "Style Guy" Leonard Simpson and chaired by Sally B. Thornton, the event at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina features food and fashion, live and silent auctions, all to fight child hunger in San Diego. Noon. 1380 Harbor Island Drive, 858-863-5129, www.sandiegofoodbank.org March 12: An Evening with Dana Carvey The master of impersonation and comedic characters takes the stage at the Grand Del Mar to "Stand Up for Rady Children's Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders" at this 15th annual fundraising gala, featuring cocktails, food stations, live and silent auctions, and an hour-long stand-up performance. 5:30 p.m. to midnight. www.rcha-rsf.org

Concerto, Tasting 2011, one Ugly Dog and Shamrocks...

March 12-13: Concerto for Florist and Orchestra It may seem odd to combine classical music with floral design, but that's just what's most intriguing about this world-premiere La Jolla Symphony and Chorus performance, conducted by Steven Schick and featuring ornamental horticulturist James DelPrince as soloist. 8 p.m. Mandeville Auditorium at UCSD, 9500 Gilman Drive, 858-534-4637, www.lajollasymphony.com March 13: Tasting 2011 Family Winemakers of California entices wine lovers with this third annual trade and consumer tasting, bringing the products of more than 300 wineries to the Del Mar Fairgrounds. 1 to 3 p.m., trade; 3 to 6 p.m., public. 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, 866-465-3995, www.familywinemakers.org March 13: Ugly Dog Contest Calling all wire-haired canines and smash-faced four-legged friends: It's your time to shine! This 16th annual contest, presented by Del Mar Kiwanis, proves that beauty is in the eye of the pet owner and presents awards in 14 categories, from Most Handsome Male to Dog Who Looks Most Like Its Owner. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, 858-755-5913, www.uglydogcontest.com March 17: shamROCK The Gaslamp Quarter invites spirited San Diegans to "Go Green or Go Home," as it rolls out the green carpet for another year of Irish food, music and emerald entertainment. 4 p.m. to midnight. 5th Avenue and G Street. 619-233-5008, www.sandiegoshamrock.com