A salsa fest to an oyster flats tour

SAFFORD, ARIZ.

SalsaFest:

The third annual SalsaFest celebrates all things hot with jalapeño- and salsa-eating contests. There will be chili-roasting demonstrations, salsa-making competitions, and salsa dancing. Hot air balloons will fill the skies, with plenty of opportunities for rides. Area restaurants will offer salsas, and Mexican and American foods for sale. Entry is free; fees for competitions, which range from $20 for amateurs to $40 for professionals, will benefit the Gila Valley Boys and Girls Club. www.salsatrail.com, 888-837-1841.

SEPT. 4-12

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA

Royal Adelaide Show:

A giant agriculture and trade show open to everyone in a country famed for wine - what could be better? Included are dog and horse showings, live entertainment, and crafts. There’s also a big food component - from tastings of olives, honey, bread, chocolate, and other foods to wine tastings and exhibitions. Tickets are $17 for adults with discounts for families. www.theshow.com.au.

SEPT. 19-20

WESTMINSTER, MD.

Maryland Wine Festival:

This event about 30 miles northwest of Baltimore celebrates the wineries of the state as well as its food. This is a down-home affair with offerings from Big Mama’s Cajun food, Boy Scouts, Carroll County Farmers Market, and Hoffman’s Funnel Cakes, among many others. Along with food and wine tastings and seminars, there are many musical acts and crafts vendors. Entry is $25 for adults, $5 ages 6 to 20. www.marylandwinefestival.org, 800-654-4645.

SEPT. 26-27

CARDIFF, WALES

The Great British Cheese Festival:

The biggest cheese extravaganza in the British Isles will be held at the 2,000-year-old Cardiff Castle. Cheese makers from Wales and around the world offer tastings and a selection of almost 500 sheep, goat, cow, and buffalo artisanal cheeses for sale. The two-day festival includes master cheese-making classes and demonstrations, produce from around Wales, artisanal food and drink, and contests such as cheese skittles and cheese tossing. Tickets are about $22.50. www.thecheeseweb.com, www.visitcardiff.com.

SEPT. 26-27

KENNEWICK, WASH.

TriCities Harvest Catch the Crush:

Columbia Valley wines are the focus of this weekend of tasting events at 16 wineries. Some of those participating are Buckmaster Cellars, Columbia Crest, Sandhill Winery, and Terra Blanca. Tastings range from free to $20 for VIP tastings, which include a Stölzle crystal glass and a special tasting at 360 Cellars. www.colum biavalleywine.com, 866-360-6611.

PLAN AHEAD

OCT. 16-18

EDGARTOWN

Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival:

Celebrities such as Stefan Richter, “Top Chef: New York’’ finalist, and chefs including Andy Husbands of Tremont 647 and chocolatier Lee Napoli will participate in this Vineyard celebration. Along with cooking demonstrations, dinners at Atria in Edgartown and other restaurants, and wine tastings, there will be a tour of oyster flats and another of homes and gardens. Prices range from $25 to $90; a VIP pass for the weekend is $500. www.mvfoodandwine.com, 508-939-0880. ALISON ARNETT

Events are sometimes canceled, rescheduled, or sold out; check online. Alison Arnett can be reached at alacarte59@aol.com.