Plenty of food and fun at Marin’s Oscars parties

If watching Sunday’s 96th Academy Awards from a small screen at home won’t cut it for a vicarious dose of the evening’s glitz and glam, here are a few nearby options that can invigorate your viewing experience. And unlike those watching live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, viewers at these Marin venues won’t go hungry during the three-and-a-half-hour simulcast.

Tapas in Tiburon

Step onto the red carpet at Cinelounge Tiburon at 3 p.m. for photographs and champagne followed by an evening featuring free-flowing local wines, small bites and sweets, music by local pianist Michael Miller and Oscar winner prediction contests with prizes.

Made-in-house appetizers passed throughout the ceremony include smoked salmon blinis with crème fraiche and caviar; mini wedge salad bites with blue cheese and bacon; brie, fig and prosciutto crostini; antipasto skewers; mini grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup; samosa bites (crispy wraps with potato, peas and spices); skewered fried chicken and waffles; classic cheeseburger sliders; hot churros with chocolate sauce; and lemon meringue with vanilla bean ice cream.

Also, plan on nibbling on the Cinelounge-exclusive vegan gourmet popcorn with flavors like sea salt, bourbon caramel, rosemary salted caramel, truffle and cinnamon churro.

Cinelounge is at 40 Main St. in downtown Tiburon. Purchase tickets ($75) for Sunday’s event by searching for the “Cinelounge Oscars Party” at eventbrite.com or call 415-797-6976. Black tie is recommended.

Left Bank at the Lark

The Lark Theater in Larkspur rolls out the red carpet for its annual awards night gala at 3 p.m., ready with pours of Prosecco and other fine wines from Total Wine & More in Corte Madera and hot and cold French hors d’oeuvres and miniature French pastries from nearby neighbor Left Bank Brasserie.

Additional donated sweets include brownies from Jane/Marin (formerly Sweet Things) in Tiburon; tarts from Corte Madera-based Petit Lulu Patisserie; and gluten-free macaroons and butter cookies from a local baker. Coffee, popcorn and other select concession items are offered by the Lark free of charge.

Compete in the costume contest or show off your Hollywood trivia skills for a chance to win prizes.

The Lark Theater is at 549 Magnolia Ave. in Larkspur. For more information about the gala or to purchase tickets ($60), go to larktheater.net or call 415-924-5111. Proceeds support the Lark Theater’s youth education screenings for Marin schools.

Boxed dinner at the Rafael

Guests are greeted with a glass of champagne and small popcorn at the come-as-you-are Academy Awards celebration at the Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael, where the evening includes predict-the-winner contests with prizes, a raffle, film trivia and photo opportunities.

Set yourself up in advance with a gourmet boxed dinner (chicken, salmon or tofu) from Bella Luxe Catering & Events in San Rafael; a limited number are also sold on-site ($25). Beer and wine and San Rafael’s Fiorello’s Artisan Gelato are available for purchase.

Doors open at 2:30 p.m., the red carpet rolls out at 3 p.m. and the show starts at 4 p.m. at 1118 Fourth St. in San Rafael.

General admission tickets are $35, or $30 for California Film Institute (CAFILM) members, and can be purchased at rafaelfilm.cafilm.org/awards-night-2024 or by calling the main office at 415-454-5813. Proceeds benefit CAFILM education.

Return of the herring

Gather with local chefs, maritime enthusiasts and environmental advocates from 5 to 9 p.m. March 16 for the 11th annual Sausalito Community Boating Center’s (SCBC) Herring Festival, and celebrate the seasonal arrival of this humble delicacy in Richardson Bay. This year’s event is at Sausalito Center for the Arts at 750 Bridgeway.

Savor small plates of ocean-sourced cuisine from California Caviar Co., Angelino, Flora & Fungi Wild Food Adventures and other sustainably minded local chefs and restaurants helming the tasting stations. Bites are paired with gin and whiskey cocktails from Sausalito Liquor Co.

Live music is from local band Whiskey Rockfish, and three short films that offer a glimpse into the wonders of the marine world and the compelling need to protect it are from the International Ocean Film Festival.

Ticket, raffle, silent auction and cash bar proceeds and direct donations support the completion of SCBC’s docks that facilitate access to Sausalito’s waterfront.

Find more about SCBC and a link to purchase individual tickets ($75 before March 16; $125 after that includes eight $10 raffle tickets) at sausalitoboatingcommunity.org.

Leanne Battelle is a freelance food writer and restaurant columnist. Email her at ij.lbattelle@gmail.com with news and recommendations and follow on Instagram @therealdealmarin for more on local food and updates on the launch of The Real Deal Marin restaurant search guide.