Festivals for fans of apples, oysters, and films

WARWICK, N.Y.

Warwick Applefest: The highlight of this festival is probably the apple pie baking contest, mainly because slices are for sale. There’s a category for kids, too, so if you get a hotel room with a kitchen, everyone can participate. (Just make sure to register first.) There are also hundreds of craft vendors (some artists even manage to make nice apple-themed trinkets and quilts) and live music by bands such as the Closers, a seven-piece ska band, and Mighty Girl, a garage rock band. Free, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.warwickapplefest.com

OCT. 20-27

AUSTIN, Texas

Austin Film Festival: Film buffs will be most interested in the first few days of the festival. The conference features panelists who have worked behind the scenes on a list of well-known projects. Elizabeth Avellán co-produced “Sin City’’ and “Grindhouse,’’ Ted Griffin co-wrote the remake of “Ocean’s Eleven,’’ Jim Herzfeld wrote “Meet the Parents,’’ and Rhett Reese co-wrote and co-produced “Zombieland.’’ The list goes on and on. If you can get to Austin a night early (on the 19th), you can sign up to attend the Film and Food Gala, which is being co-chaired by actress America Ferrera and Ferrera’s writer/director husband, Ryan Piers Williams. 512-478-4795, www.austinfilmfestival.com

NOV. 4 and 5

URBANNA, Va.

Urbanna Oyster Festival: At the 54th annual installment of this event, you will be able to watch an oyster shucking contest, see a child crowned Little Miss Spat, and bring your children to lessons about marine biology and Virginia history. For instance, the Mitchell Map, which was used during the Treaty of Paris, hangs in the Old Tobacco Warehouse. After the learning, you can enjoy music and food. 804-758-0368, www.urbannaoysterfestival.com

OCT. 14-16

SHEBOYGAN, Wis.

Sheboygan Children’s Book Festival: One of the authors at this year’s book extravaganza for young people is Catherine Gilbert Murdock (sister of “Eat, Pray, Love’’ author Elizabeth Gilbert), who wrote the young adult novel “Dairy Queen,’’ which is about a girl who lives on a farm and her foray into football. The theme of this year’s festival is “memory.’’ Free. www.sheboyganchildrensbookfestival.org

PLAN AHEAD

JAN. 20-22

PORTLAND, Ore.

Seventh Annual ChocolateFest: This celebration of sweets also has wine, so expect to sample pairings throughout the weekend. The festival benefits the World Forestry Center, so that should wipe away any of your calorie-counting shame. Vendors include the Love Bucket Baking Company, which makes macaroons that look as rich as cheesecake, and Brevin’s Solid Gold Fudge, with flavors that include cayenne pepper, lemon cheesecake, and root beer float. Get there on Friday for the opening-night party. $20 for Friday-night party, $7 to $10 for tickets to Saturday and Sunday’s festivities. Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE MLJ Jr. Blvd. 503-228-1367, chocolatefest.org

MEREDITH GOLDSTEIN

Events are sometimes canceled, rescheduled, or sold out; check online. Meredith Goldstein can be reached at mgoldstein@globe .com