Thursdays Salsa & Salsa

In this fun class – outside on a spacious patio on the beach - you’ll learn to make half a dozen authentic salsas - salsa roja, salsa verde, pico de gallo, pineapple and melon fruit salsas and a sweet/hot dessert salsa - as well as traditional guacamole. But first, the instructors demonstrate the correct way to make a margarita, and then strongly suggest you taste-test them throughout the class. (Taquitos, chips and quesadillas are also served.) Once the cooking portion is over, you move on to salsa (the dance), and learn the basic steps. A guaranteed good time will be had by all! Come alone or bring a friend; reservations necessary. Thursday, Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. $38 US per person or peso equivalent. At the Hotel Las Flores in the Golden Zone. Info, reservations: 6691-159-1655 or Vonage 970-672-0882.

16-20 Mazatlán Bird Festival

Four days of workshops, excursions, talks, exhibitions and more are all part of the first annual Mazatlán Bird Festival. Events include a Birding for Beginners workshop on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon; single- and multi-day trips to preserves, estuaries and islands; and keynote speakers throughout. See the full schedule of events online at www.mazatlanbirdfestival.com. The festival takes place at the Playa Mazatlán in the Golden Zone and is open to the public; costs vary but register before Jan. 13 to avoid a late fee. Info, registration: Sendero Mexico (669) 940-8687 or online.

1-15 Jane Saborio

Award-winning local artist Jane Saborio works in a mixed medium of oil, watercolor and acrylic, creating impressionistic kaleidoscopes of color on canvas and also on her trademark white dinner plates. Colombian by birth, but known internationally in Canada, France, England, Japan and the U.S., her new show, “Mexico, Colores de Mi Alma,” features some of her favorite subjects: the architecture of Old Mazatlán, Copala and El Quelite, marinescapes and flowers, particularly the colorful hibiscus. Through Jan. 15. Gallery Angela Peralta Theater, Plazuela Machado. Free. www.laorquideaart.com.

28-29 The Dave Barter Memorial Blues Fest

Nothin’ but the blues here, folks, as Canucks hosts its annual blues festival featuring various local artists, the debut of the MazAzul Little Big Band, and popular bass player Chris Henderson, just back from California. Assigned seating, tickets $80. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Make your reservation in person at the club, on the malecón just north of Olas Altas, or online at www.canucksinmaz.com. Info: 981-8508.

2 First Fridays Artwalk / Camino de Arte

Stroll the streets of Old Mazatlan, see artists in their workshops and studios, and peek inside some of the restored colonials, too, during the monthly First Fridays Artwalk. Free maps of participating galleries and studios are at hotels, restaurants and local stores (or online at www.artwalkmazatlan.com), or just start at the Plaza Machado and look for balloons and banners (and other folks with maps in hand). The diverse group of participating artists includes painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, fabric art, jewelry and more, and you’ll see works in progress as well as finished pieces for sale. The event features 21 sites with 35 participating artists. Free. 4-8 p.m. the first Friday of every month, November to May.

17 Noroeste Hospice Mazatlán Golf Tournament

Enjoy a day of fantastic golf at Estrella del Mar’s gorgeous beachfront course while helping a good cause at the same time. The second annual Hospice Mazatlán Golf Tournament has a few openings left and the deadline (Jan. 10) is fast approaching. Singles and couples will be paired, or get your own team together. Scramble format, Peoria rules (ie, anyone can win), plus free transportation and check-in at the Purple Onion or Canucks.  Prizes, raffles, BBQ and more, including a new VW for a hole-in-one. Tournament is at Estrella del Mar Resort. Cost: $95 U.S. or peso equivalent day-of payment. Registrations must be paid in advance. Info: www.hospice-mazatlan-iap.org, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 913-2562.