Upstarts, standouts

San Francisco

April 20-May 6: While encouraging independent cinema, the San Francisco International Film Festival also honors a few veterans: On April 27 at the Westin St. Francis, the San Francisco Film Society bestows its directing award on Werner Herzog and its acting award on Ed Harris, who also will be the subject of a career retrospective on April 28. The 200 festival selections -- most of which have no U.S. distribution -- come from more than 50 countries.

Various theaters. Information, (415) 561-5000, www.sffs.org. Tickets on sale Tuesday. (925) 866-9559.

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Albuquerque

April 27-29: The vibrant colors and sounds of traditional Native America will rise from “The Pit” as more than 3,000 dancers and singers from more than 500 tribes convene for the Gathering of Nations powwow, to celebrate their cultures in social events and competitions. More than 800 artists, craftsmen and traders will offer wares and display Native American artifacts in the Indian Traders Market.

University of New Mexico Arena (known as “The Pit”), Avenida Cesar Chavez Boulevard SE. Tickets $10-$13. (505) 836-2810, www.gatheringofnations.com.

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Tucson

May 6-7: The day after Cinco de Mayo, American musical heritage takes over the city with the Tucson Folk Festival. Grammy winner Bill Miller, Terri Hendrix, Joyce Andersen and Harvey Reid are the headline performers among more than 100 acts that play four stages. Events include a gospel sing-along.

El Presidio Park, West Alameda Street, west of Church Avenue. (520) 326-9021 www.tkma.org

-- Blake Hennon