TASTE OF THE BAYOU Charleston

Lowcountry Cajun Fest is March 28

The 19th annual Lowcountry Cajun Festival will be noon to 6 p.m. March 28 in James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Drive, just southwest of downtown Charleston. The afternoon will feature Cajun and Creole food (including fresh, steaming crawfish) prepared by area chefs, live zydeco music - provided by Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas (2:15 and 4:45 p.m.) and Leroy Thomas & the Zydeco RoadRunners (1 and 3:30 p.m.) - plus activities for kids.

Admission: $10; 12 and younger, free. Coolers, outside alcohol and pets not permitted. From downtown Charleston, take the I-30 bridge west from Calhoun Street to James Island; veer to the right and get in the left lane. Take a left on Central Park Road; take it to the end, turn left onto Riverland Drive and follow signs.

Details: 843-795-4386; www.ccprc.com/cajun.

GREAT SNAKES! Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Reptiles and amphibians in Lowcountry program

Get the up-close lowdown on snakes, turtles, lizards, gators and other "herps" that live in South Carolina when the Coastal Discovery Museum presents a special program March 31 and April 7 in Hilton Head, S.C. Tony Mills, from the Lowcountry Institute, will explain why these animals are important to local habitats. The programs, at 9:30 and 11 a.m., will be in the Mary Ann Peeples Pavilion at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, 70 Honey Horn Drive. Cost: $12; $7 for ages 4-12; 3 and younger, free. Advance reservations required: 843-689-6767,ext 223; www.coastaldiscovery.org.

PACK PLACE Asheville

Contemporary ballet at Wortham Theatre

New York-based Complexions Contemporary Ballet will perform at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place in downtown Asheville. The troupe of 16 is led by founders Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden, who danced with Alvin Ailey. You may have seen Richardson and Rhoden choreography on TV: They appeared on and staged the season finale of "So You Think You Can Dance."

Complexions will perform three works in Asheville. Admission: $35; $33 for 65 and older; $30 for students (full-time, any age. with valid ID); $12 for 11 and younger. Tickets/details: 828-257-4530; www.dwtheatre.com. Both days, there will be a pre-performance discussions at 7 p.m. in the Forum at Pack Place. Ticket-holders can attend free of charge.

MARCH 1-7 Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Deals, demos are part of Golf Week

The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton (S.C.) Chamber of Commerce is hosting the first-ever Hilton Head Island Chamber Golf Week, March 1-7, with proceeds benefiting the Verizon Heritage PGA Tour Tournament and Heritage Classic Foundation.

Golf-related events include a weeklong putting championship ($10 per dozen balls), free golf exhibitions and demo days through the week, a spring golf fashion show ($30 luncheon) on Tuesday, two-for-one adult green fees for Family Get Out and Play Day (next Sunday) and "Get Your Plaid On," a party with no cover charge on Friday.

Details: 843-785-3673; www.hiltonheadisland.org/ golfweek.

ST. PAT'S Savannah, Ga.

Events go green in March

Savannah in March? Yes, there will be merrymaking for St. Patrick's Day: The Georgia city is the scene of one of the largest such events in the United States. This year's parade - the 186th edition - begins at 10 a.m., March 17 and winds through the streets and squares of the Savannah Historic District. Details: 912-233-4804; www.savannah saintpatricksday.com . There will be daylong celebrations in City Market, on River Street and elsewhere in the city.

On March 13, just east of Savannah, the Tybee Island St. Patrick's Heritage Celebration Parade will begin at 3 p.m. with a family-friendly parade. Details: 912-786-5444; www.tybeevisit.com.

In downtown Savannah March 13, the Tara Feis Festival - an outdoor, family-friendly celebration of Irish culture - will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Emmet Park. It features live stage performances, music, dancing, crafts food and more. Featured entertainment: the Cathie Ryan Band. This event is free and open to the public. Details: 912-651-6417; www.savannahga.gov.