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North Beach is a food lovers paradise. The smells of coffee and garlic waft across the crowded streets. For truly authentic Italian sandwiches, pasta, breads, wines, and salads, head to Molinari’s Delicatessen on Columbus Avenue, which still makes their own cold cuts and pasta. Or two Panelli Brothers on Stockton, owned and operated by the Panelli family since 1934. Another venerable establishment is Capp’s Corner on Powell Street west of Columbus, where the meals are served family style and a laid-back atmosphere is the rule at the bar. It’s a popular spot with older locals, families and groups that come in from Club Fugazi next door, hungry after a performance of the riotous Beach Blanket Babylon. Further down Columbus, Gold Spike is a classic, no-frills eatery where patrons of days past have adorned the walls and ceiling with hundreds of quirky collectables and personal messages.

Beach Blanket Babylon: This musical revue has been running so long they named a street after it. Take a cocktail to your seat and surrender yourself to the pop culture references, jokes about current events and the preposterous hats sported by the actors. (The grandest of all depicts the San Francisco skyline itself, and brings the house down every time.) This is all presented in the improbable context of a modern-day Snow White story. Club Fugazi, 678 Green St., (415) 421-4222.

North Beach Festival: Celebrates the Italian heritage and Beat history of North Beach, with live music, poetry readings, dancing and arte di gesso, or street chalk art. The festival also offers arts and crafts booths and food al fresco. Free. Information: (415) 989-2220.
Oyster and Beer Festival: "The cuisine in Ireland has taken more than its share of knocks over the years," remarks The Chronicle's James Sullivan, "but you can't beat one of the country's culinary specialties: a pint of Guinness and a fresh batch of oysters." Past musicians at the festival have included Ireland's acclaimed Sligo's Dervish and Waterford's Danu, as well as the Irish-American group the Young Dubliners. Usually in March, in Washington Square Park, North Beach, San Francisco. Admission is free. (415) 989-6222 or www.oreillysoysterfestival.com.