Crafting high-quality beer starts with a flower. Most beer enthusiasts, however, will only experience the bitter punch of hops in a mug. But at the Hop ’N Vine Festival hop-heads will have the opportunity to get hands-on with whole cones at the event’s “Hop ’N Vine University.” Featuring locally produced brew and wine, plus lite bites, entertainment and an exhibition on the history of beer and wine production in the Santa Clara Valley, it’s an ideal way for connoisseurs of both grape and grain to spend an afternoon.

Hop ’N Vine
Sat, 2pm, $25+
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, San Jose

After the 2008 housing crash, tiny homes made a big splash, as many aspiring homeowners achieved their dreams by downsizing. Most tiny homes aren’t much bigger than a standard college dorm room. TinyFest is a weekend-long showcase of tiny homes in all their surprising little forms. There are houses on wheels, van conversions, shipping container homes and skoolies—school buses turned into mobile homes. Engage with speakers in workshops promoting sustainability, minimalism and more mindful living. Plus, check out live music, food and the Simply Living Marketplace. (WR)

TinyFest California
Fri, 5pm, Free
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, San Jose