Entertainment

Animal events

Cool City Pets

SAT Hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and mice available for adoption, $5-$25 adoption fees, 1 p.m. Saturday, Seattle Animal Shelter, 2061 15th Ave. W., Seattle (206-386-7387 or www.seattleanimalshelter.org).

New Year Adoption Paw-ty

SAT-SUN Rescue shelter pets available for adoption, cats and kittens, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; dogs and puppies, noon-3 p.m. Sunday, staff available to help choose the perfect pet for your family; PetSmart, 100 108th Ave. N.E., Bellevue (www.AnimalAllianceWA.weebly.com).

Wolves in Washington

SUN Learn about wolves in Washington State, for ages 12 through adult, 1 p.m. Sunday, Lewis Creek Park, 5808 Lakemont Blvd., Bellevue; free, donations appreciated, preregistration required (425-452-6885).

Free small critter adoption

THRU JAN. 31 Adoption fees waived through January for guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters and pet rats, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays, Seattle Humane Society, 13212 S.E. Eastgate Way, Bellevue (425-641-0080 or www.seattlehumane.org).

Benefits

Lunar New Year Banquet

JAN. 26 Chinese entertainment, celebration and culture to support Chinatown Seafair Parades, Scholarship for Women Program, Ambassador Youth Leadership Program and other community events, 6 p.m. Jan. 26, China Harbor restaurant, 2040 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle; $40 (www.seattlechinesechamber.org).

Empty Bowls

PLAN AHEAD Part of nationwide event to fight hunger in local communities; pick out a handmade bowl for a meal of soup, bread, dessert, sponsored by Burien Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services and Discover Burien; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Jan. 27, Burien Community Center, Burien; minimum donation $15/adults, $10/children (206-988-3700 or www.burienparks.net).

The Big Mini Golf Classic

PLAN AHEAD Miniature golf fundraiser; Sponsor Night 6-10 p.m. Jan. 27, $50/person; Family Day, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 28, $5, Washington Center for the Performing Arts, Olympia (360-753-8586 or www.washingtoncenter.org).

Biking

Sunday Pedalers for Cinnamon Rolls

SUN Cascade Bicycle Club 20-mile, leisurely paced ride with brunch stop, steady rain cancels, noon Sunday, Loehmann's Plaza, 3620 Factoria Blvd. S.E., Bellevue (206-522-3222 or www.cascade.org).

Dance

Emerald City Contra Dance

FRI Beginners' workshop, 7 p.m.; dance to live music with caller, 7:30 p.m. Friday, don't wear perfume or other scented products, Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle; $5-$8 (206-440-9839 or seattledance.org/contra/emerald.city.html).

Skandia Family Dance

FRI Pizza, salad and drinks while supplies last, 6 p.m.; instruction and dancing for ages 4 and older, 7 p.m.; open dancing, 8:30 p.m. Friday, Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 52nd Ave. W., Lynnwood; $7-$10, kids free (206-784-7470 or www.skandia-folkdance.org).

Northwest Dance Network

SAT Pre-dance workshop, 7:30 p.m., dance to music by John Holte's Radio Rhythm Orchestra, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Swedish Cultural Center, 1920 Dexter Ave. N., Seattle; $10-$15 (www.nwdance.net).

Burns Night Celebration

SAT Poetry, toasts, haggis to celebrate the life of Robert Burns, the Bard of Scotland; easy Scottish Country dances, 7 p.m. Saturday, Congregational Church of Mercer Island, 4545 Island Crest Way, Mercer Island; $12 (425-753-5433 or www.rscds-seattle.org).

Sno-King International Folk Dance Club

SAT Dancing to requests, 7 p.m.; dance instruction, 7:30 p.m.; international folk dancing to recorded music, 8:30-10 p.m. Saturday, Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 52nd Ave. W., Lynnwood; $2-$7 (425-385-2088 or www.sno-king.org).

Thursday Night Contra Dance

JAN. 26 Beginners' workshop, 7:30 p.m.; live band and caller, 8 p.m. Jan. 26, Lake City Community Center, 12531 28th Ave. N.E., Seattle; $5-$8, kids and first-time dancers free (206-525-0932 or seattledance.org/contra/lakecity).

Masquerade Ball and Secret Cabaret

PLAN AHEAD Waltz, swing, blues, tango and Latin dancing to the music of Valse Cafe Orchestra, masks required, costumes encouraged, 8:30 p.m. Jan. 27, Century Ballroom, Seattle; $45 advance, $50 at the door (www.centuryballroom.com).

Festivals/Expos

Lunar New Year Celebration

SAT Performances and demonstrations on three stages, cultural exhibits and activities, pingpong tournament, tea room, children's activities, food, 3:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Westminster Chapel, 13646 N.E. 24th St., Bellevue; $4-$8 (www.westminster.org).

Tet Festival

SAT-SUN Celebration of Vietnamese New Year with performances including dragon and lion dances, martial arts, fashion show, food, knowledge bowl, health info, children's entertainment and activities, exhibits, 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Seattle Center, Seattle; free (206-684-7200 or tetinseattle.org).

Skagit Eagle Festival

SAT-SUN Tours, walks and educational programs to learn about the eagles that migrate to the Skagit River area for the winter; events Saturdays-Sundays through January in Concrete, Rockport and Marblemount; information 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays at Concrete Center, 45821 Railroad Ave., Concrete, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, Concrete Chamber of Commerce, 45909 Main St., Concrete, Skagit County; most events free unless noted (360-853-8784 or concrete-wa.com/skagit-eagle-festival-2012); events include;

• Concrete Heritage Museum history of the upper Skagit Valley, open noon-4 p.m. Saturday, 7380 Thompson Ave., Concrete; free;

• Wine tasting and eagle talk, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Eagle Haven Winery, 8243 Sims Road, Sedro-Woolley (360-836-6268 or www.eaglehavenwinery.com);

• "Looking to the Future: River Power, Salmon and Our Environment" presentations by Puget Sound Energy, eagle-viewing, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 46110 E. Main St., Concrete (www.pse.com);

• "The Incredible Bald Eagle" presentation, 10 a.m. Saturday, Concrete Theatre, 43920 Main St., Concrete (www.concrete-theatre.com);

• Native American dance performance, storytelling, 1 p.m. Saturday, Concrete Theatre, Concrete; $10 (www.concrete-theatre.com);

• Country hayride and bonfire, weather permitting, 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Ovenell's Heritage Inn & Double O Ranch, 46276 Concrete-Sauk Valley Road, Concrete (360-853-8494 or www.ovenells-inn.com);

• Grassmere Village Art Walk and Recycled Art Show, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Grassmere Village Shopping Center, 44568-44586 State Route 20, Concrete (360-708-3279);

• Marblemount Fish Hatchery tours, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 8319 Fish Hatchery Road, Marblemount; free (360-336-0172);

• Eagle viewing boat tours by reservation, Skagit River Excursions (888-675-2448 or www.skagiteagles.com); Chinook Expeditions (800-241-3451 or www.chinookexpeditions.com);

• Challenger Ridge Vineyard and Cellars wine tasting, special events, boat tours, Saturdays-Sundays, 43095 Challenger Road, Concrete (425-422-6988 or www.challengerridge.com);

• Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays; guided nature walk 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday; Howard Miller Steelhead Park, 52809 Rockport Park Road, Rockport, Skagit County; free (360-853-7626 or www.skagiteagle.org);

• Eagle viewing stations, volunteers provide spotting scopes and binoculars, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through January at Sutter Creek Rest Area, Milepost 100, Highway 20; Marblemount Fish Hatchery, and Howard Miller Steelhead Park, 52809 Rockport Park Road, Rockport (360-856-5700 or www.fs.usda.gov/mbs).

Washington Sportsmen's Show

WED thru JAN. 29 Hundreds of exhibitors, indoor Steelhead River, DockDogs competition, seminars, Kid's Trout Pond, noon-8 p.m. Wednesday through Jan. 27, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Jan. 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 29, Puyallup Fair and Events Center, Puyallup; $5-$12 (www.thesportshows.com/wss/).

Tacoma Home & Garden Show

WED thru JAN. 29 More than 1,000 exhibits, Vintage Market, display gardens, kitchen and bath showcase, seminars, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Jan. 25-26, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Jan. 27-28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 29, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma; $8-$10 (253-756-2121 or www.otshows.com).

Fishing

Northwest Fly Anglers

JAN. 26 5-week beginning fly-tying class, starts 6 p.m. Jan. 26, Ingraham High School, 1819 N. 135th St., Seattle; $50, reservations required (206-547-8904).

Food events

French wines under $15

THU-SAT French wine tasting, noon Friday-Saturday, Fremont Avenue Cellars, 3601 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle; $3 (206-632-1110).

Pancake breakfast

SAT Pancakes, eggs, bacon or sausage, 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Northshore Senior Center, 10201 E. Riverside Drive, Bothell; $4-$5 (425-487-2441 or www.northshoreseniorcenter.org).

New Year Beer Festival

SUN Craft beers from regional breweries, proceeds benefit The Coffee Oasis for homeless teens, noon-3 p.m. or 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Kitsap Conference Center, Bremerton; $30-$35 (www.newyearbeerfestival.com).

Wine Tasting Primer: Sight, Smell, Taste

TUE How to taste wine knowledgeably, wine types, smart buying, proper storing, aging, 3-session class starting 6 p.m. Tuesday, South Seattle Community College, 6000 16th Ave. S.W., Seattle; $93 (206-934-5339 or www.LearnatSouth.org).

Gardening

Fruit trees

SAT Fruit-tree pruning lecture, 11 a.m.; lab, noon Saturday, Sky Nursery, 18528 Aurora Ave. N., Shoreline; free (206-546-4851 or www.skynursery.com).

Terrariums

SAT Seminar and demo on miniature-landscape terrariums that require minimal care, 10 a.m. Saturday, free; kids ages 6 and older create terrariums in a half-gallon jar, noon or 1 p.m. Saturday, $15 per child includes supplies; Molbak's nursery, 13625 N.E. 175th St., Woodinville; $15 per child (425-483-5000 or www.molbaks.com/events.html).

Winter gardening

SAT Trees, shrubs, perennials and ground cover for winter color, 2 p.m. Saturday, Woodinville Library, 17105 Avondale Road N.E., Woodinville; free (425-788-0733 or www.kcls.org).

There's a deer in my garden

SAT Deer-resistant plants and other strategies on managing deer grazing, 11 a.m. Saturday, Christianson's Nursery, 15806 Best Road, Mount Vernon; $5, reservations required (360-466-3821 or www.christiansonsnursery.com).

Fruit Tree Pruning

SUN Techniques to keep your plants healthy, 1 p.m. Sunday, The Plant Farm, 15022 Twin Lakes Ave. N.E., Marysville; free (360-652-3351 or www.theplantfarm.com/events.htm).

Hiking

Issaquah Alps Trails Club

FRI Dogs welcome on 3-to-5 mile hike with 500-to-900-foot elevation gain, 10 a.m. Friday; Issaquah Alps Trail Club clubhouse, 110 S.E. Bush St., Issaquah (http://issaquahalps.org).

Hobbies

Scrapmania Scrapbooking Event

SUN Class and crop, bring basic scrapbook tools and supplies, papers, stickers, embellishments available, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Ben Franklin Crafts & Frame Shop, 21121 Highway 410, Bonney Lake; $25 (253-862-6822 or www.bfranklincrafts.com/BonneyLEvents.html).

American Research Center in Egypt Lecture

JAN. 26 "Cleopatra's Pearls: Trade and Adornment in Roman Egypt," 7 p.m. Jan. 26, Gowen Hall, University of Washington, Seattle; free (206-241-7593 or www.arce-nw.com).

Movie bargains

"Midnight in Paris"

It's new at the Crest Cinema. Also there: "Happy Feet Two," "Tower Heist," "Moneyball," "Puss in Boots" and "The Ides of March" ($3).

"Young Goethe in Love"

It's new at the Varsity Theatre. Also there: "In the Land of Blood and Honey," "My Week with Marilyn" and "Melancholia." All seats on Tuesday are $7.

"The Divide"

It's the midnight movie at the Egyptian Friday and Saturday. All seats are $8.25.

"Haywire"

It's new at the Big Picture Seattle. The 3:45 p.m. shows on Saturday and Sunday are $7.

"My Week with Marilyn"

It continues at the Big Picture Redmond. The 2 and 4:15 p.m. shows on Sunday are $7.

"The Princess Bride"

It's new at the Central Cinema in Seattle. All shows $6-$8.

"Moneyball"

It's new at the Tin Theater in Burien this week. All shows $7-$8.

Museum events

Free Friday Night Live at Imagine Children's Museum

FRI Free admission for all ages, 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, Imagine Children's Museum, 1502 Wall St., Everett; free (425-258-1006 or www.imaginecm.org).

Lunar New Year

SAT Kick off for the Year of the Dragon, lion dance, firecrackers, 11 a.m.; family craft activity, 1-3 p.m.; Japanese Oshogatsu tea ceremony, 4:30 p.m. Saturday; exhibit on Korean, Chinese and Cambodian New Year traditions through March; Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, 719 S. King St., Seattle; third Saturday admission by donation (206-623-5124 or www.wingluke.org).

Eats & Beats: Recess Monkey

SAT Concert, museum open for play, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, KidsQuest Children's Museum, 4089 Factoria Blvd. S.E., Bellevue; $8-$12 (425-637-8100 or www.kidsquestmuseum.org).

Best Friends, Antique Images of Animals and Their People

SAT Antique photos of people and their pets, noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays through April 15; professional pet photo event, noon-4 p.m. Saturday, $15 per 5x7 print; White River Valley Museum, 918 H St. S.E., Auburn; $1-$2 (253-288-7433 or www.wrvmuseum.org).

Family Winter Wonderland

SUN Winter-themed art projects, artist demonstrations, entertainment for ages 4-12 and families, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Bellevue Arts Museum, 510 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue; free (www.bellevuearts.org).

Movies at the Museum: Planet Earth

WED Explore the planet during family movie night; popcorn and museum playtime included, 6 p.m. Wednesday, KidsQuest Children's Museum, 4089 Factoria Blvd. S.E., Bellevue; $5-$8 (425-637-8100 or www.kidsquestmuseum.org).

Seattle Children's Museum

ONGOING Medieval Merriment Month activities through January; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, The Children's Museum, Seattle Center House, Seattle; $6-$7.50 (206-441-1768 or www.thechildrensmuseum.org).

Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art

ONGOING More than 1,200 dolls from antique to modern, dollhouses, teddy bears and other toys; open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. Sundays; closing permanently March 1, Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art, 1116 108th Ave. N.E., Bellevue; $5-$10 (425-455-1116 or www.dollart.com).

Paddle Sports

Dragon boating

SAT-SUN Introduction to dragon-boat paddling, no experience required, for ages 18 and older or age 12 and older with parent, 8 a.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, South Lake Union Park, 950 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle; free (206-523-4518 or www.seattleflyingdragons.org).

Park events

Starlight Beach Walk

FRI Explore the beach at low tide with beach naturalists, 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, Edmonds Olympic Beach, 200 W. Dayton St., Edmonds; free (425-771-0227).

Soils Super Saturday, Seward Park

SAT Learn the difference between dirt and soil, and who lives in soil, with kid-friendly snacks, games and activities for all ages, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Seward Park Audubon Center, 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle; free (206-652-2444 or sewardpark.audubon.org); also;

• "Mosses, Liverworts and Lichen" hike through old-growth forest to learn about plant species that have existed on our planet for over 450,000 years; for ages 12 and older, 12:30 p.m. Saturday, free;

• Magnifying glasses provided on walk through the forest to examine the small world of nurse logs, for ages 4 and older, noon Saturday, $3-$5, preregister (www.brownpapertickets.com/event/216744).

New Moon Night Hike, Discovery Park

SAT Learn about winter constellations and animals that are active in the dark, for adults and families with children ages 8 and older, 5 p.m. Saturday, Discovery Park, 3801 W. Government Way, Seattle; $8 (206-386-4237 or www.seattle.gov/parks).

Mercer Slough Nature Walk

SAT Park ranger-guided tour of 320 acre wetland park and its history, animals and plants, all ages welcome, 2 p.m. Saturday, Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, 1625 118th Ave. S.E., Bellevue; free, no registration necessary (425-452-2565 or www.bellevuewa.gov/mseec.htm).

Seahurst Park Nighttime Beach Walk

SAT People for Puget Sound low-tide beach walk; wear boots and bring a flashlight, 7 p.m. Saturday, Seahurst Park, Southwest 136th Street and 13th Avenue Southwest, Burien; preregister (360-754-9177, ext. 160, or pugetsound.org).

Orienteering

SAT Explore the park searching for checkpoints on a map; race or easy stroll, instruction available, start anytime 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Point Defiance Park, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma; $8-$11 (www.cascadeoc.org).

Owl Prowl Party & Walk

PLAN AHEAD Lessons, children's book readings, games, owl pellet dissections, followed by hike into the forest to call down resident barred owls; recommended ages 6 and older; walk limited to the first 25 registrants, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 28, Seward Park Audubon Center, Seattle; $5 (206-652-2444 or www.brownpapertickets.com/event/214566).

Intro to Wildlife Biology

PLAN AHEAD Learn about human-wildlife interactions in Washington and what biologists are doing to manage conflicts, for ages 12 and older, 1 p.m. Jan. 28, Lewis Creek Park, Bellevue; free, preregistration required (425-452-6885).

Performances

Up North Improv

FRI-SAT Improv comedy. 8:35 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Black Box Theatre, Edmonds Community College, 20310 68th Ave. W., Lynnwood; $10 (800-838-3006 or www.unexpectedproductions.org).

Shifty Sailors ShantyFest

FRI-SAT Fundraiser concerts for Whidbey Island medical support groups, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Greenbank Farm, 765 E. Wonn Road, Greenbank, Whidbey Island; $20 (800-838-3006 or www.brownpapertickets.com).

Caspar Babypants

SAT Singalong for kids and families, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, High Point Community Center and Field, 6920 34th Ave. S.W., Seattle; $3/advance, $5/at the door per person, $15/family maximum (206-584-7422 or www.seattle.gov/parks).

Children's Series

SAT Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council concert series, Juggletunes, 11 a.m. Saturday, Shoreline Community College Campus Theater, 16101 Greenwood Ave. N., Shoreline; $7 (206-417-4645 or www.shorelinearts.net).

"The River of Life"

SAT Brian Waite Band for kids ages 3 and older with adult; space limited, 11 a.m. Saturday, Shoreline Library, 345 N.E. 175th St., Shoreline; free (206-362-7550 or www.kcls.org).

"More Auntie Lena's African Stories"

SAT-SUN Thistle Theatre puppet performances, 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Magnuson Park Theatre, 7120 62nd Ave. N.E., Seattle; $8-$9 (206-524-3388 or www.thistletheatre.org).

"Urban Tanuki Samurai"

SAT-SUN Thistle Theatre puppet performances, 1 and 11 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Washington Ensemble Theatre, 608 19th Ave. E., Seattle; $5-$10 (800-838-3006 or www.washingtonensemble.org).

"Fashion"

MON Reading of Doug Lucie's play, 7 p.m. Monday at ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle; $8-$10 (206-292-7676 or acttheatre.org). The Comedy Workshop

JAN. 26 Weekly open mike featuring stand-up, improv and sketch comedy performers, hosted by actor/comedian Rik Deskin, 10:30 p.m. Jan. 26, Odd Duck Studio, 1214 10th Ave., Seattle; $5 (800-838-3006 or www.eclectictheatercompany.org).

"California Suite"

JAN. 26 Neil Simon comedy about four pairs of occupants at a posh Beverly Hills hotel suite, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26, Tacoma Little Theatre, 210 N. I St., Tacoma; pay-what-you-can (253-272-2281 or www.tacomalittletheatre.com).

"Play it Again, Sam"

JAN. 26 Woody Allen's 1969 comedy about a critic entering the dating world with the help of Humphrey Bogart, 8 p.m. Jan. 26, Lakewood Playhouse, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd., Tacoma; pay-what-you-can (253-588-0042 or www.lakewoodplayhouse.org).

Running

Resolution Run Series

SAT Races with awards; 10 miles or 10K, 9 a.m. Saturday, register 7:30-8:45 a.m.; Steilacoom High School, 54 Sentinel St., Steilacoom; $15-$20 (www.runfsrc.com).

Sales/Shopping

Kirstie Kelly Signature

Road Show

FRI-SUN Wedding gown road show, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Costco, 4401 Fourth Ave. S., Seattle (310-322-4200 or www.costco.com/Service/FeaturePage.aspx?ProductNo=11534639).

Washington Public Market and Wine Cellars

SAT-SUN Artists, farmers, crafts, vintage, food, flowers indoor/outdoor marketplace promoting local products, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays; Wine Cellars of Washington wine tasting, 12:30-6 p.m. Saturdays, 12:30-5 p.m. Sundays, 1011 Second St., Snohomish (888-415-9567 or www.washingtonpublicmarket.com).

Snow sports

Half-day snowshoe hikes, Snoqualmie

FRI-SUN Extended snowshoe outing in Commonwealth Basin, 9:30 a.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays through March 31, Snoqualmie Pass; $20 donation requested, reservations required, space limited (425-434-6111 or www.fs.usda.gov/mbs).

Guided snowshoe walks, Hurricane Ridge

FRI-SUN One-mile ranger-led walks, snowshoes included, 2 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Monday holidays through March 27; register 30 minutes before, space limited, $5/person donation suggested; Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center, off Highway 101, Port Angeles; $15/vehicle park entrance fee, all vehicles entering the park required to carry chains (360-565-3131/road conditions; 360-565-3130/visitor center or www.nps.gov/olym/).

Guided snowshoe walks, Snoqualmie Pass

SAT-SUN Interpretive 90-minute walks to learn about winter ecosystem, wildlife and safety, 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through March 31, Snoqualmie Pass; by reservation; $10/suggested donation (425-434-6111 or www.fs.usda.gov/mbs).

Guided snowshoe walks, Stevens Pass

SAT-SUN Introductory snowshoe walks, learn about local history, ecosystem and wildlife, no experience necessary, snowshoes provided, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Feb. 26, Stevens Pass; by reservation; $10/donation suggested (360-677-2414 or www.fs.usda.gov/mbs).

Guided snowshoe walks, Mount Rainier

SAT-SUN Moderately strenuous 1.5-mile guided snowshoe walks for ages 8 and older, snowshoes provided or bring your own, 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Monday holidays through March 25; sign up one hour before each walk; Jackson Visitor Center, Paradise, Mount Rainier; $15/park entry fee; $4 donation suggested for snowshoes; all vehicles required to carry tire chains (360-569-6575 or 360-569-2211 or www.nps.gov/mora/).

Special interest

MOMS Club of Seattle

Preschool Fair

SAT Meet representatives from 35 Northwest Seattle neighborhood preschools, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, St. Alphonsus School, 5816 15th Ave. N.W., Seattle; free (momsclubseattlenw.org).

Crooked Trails Fundraiser with Anuradha Koirala

SAT Keynote speaker Anuradha Koirala, 2010 CNN Hero of the Year and internationally recognized humanitarian, activist and lecturer dedicated to combating the sexual exploitation of women and children; documentary showing, wine, appetizers, coffee, 11 a.m. Saturday, Lakewood Seward Park Community Club, 4916 S. Angeline St., Seattle; $40-$150 (206-372-4405 or www.crookedtrails.org).

Alien Encounters: Sci-Fi Movies and Cold War Culture of the 1950s

SAT Film clips and discussion examines the anxieties that resulted in the alien-invasion scenarios of 1950s science-fiction films, 2 p.m. Saturday, Kirkland Library, 308 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland; free (425-822-2459 or www.kcls.org).

2011 in Pictures

JAN. 26 Slide show of photographs from 2011 and discussion of photojournalism with Seattle Times staff, 7 p.m. Jan. 26, Seattle Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle; free (206-386-4636 or www.spl.org).

Meet the Ranger

TUES THRU JAN. 26 Learn about the outdoors and recreation opportunities, outdoor safety, tours, guided snowshoe walks and volunteer opportunities from U.S. Forest Service rangers, 7 p.m. Tuesday, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St., North Bend (425-888-0554); 7 p.m. Wednesday, Snoqualmie Library, 7824 Center Blvd. S.E., Snoqualmie (425-888-1223); 7 p.m. Jan. 26, Fall City Library, 33415 S.E. 42nd Place, Fall City (425-222-5951 or www.kcls.org).

Travel events

AAA Cruise Show

SAT Seminars, travel tips for experienced and first-time cruisers, travel trends and packing workshop, travel store and cruise deposit discounts, members and nonmembers welcome, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Lynnwood Embassy Suites, 20610 44th Ave. W., Lynnwood; free (425-744-7302 or www.aaawin.com/travel/events/).

Europe Through the Back Door

SAT Travel class, Turkey, 10 a.m. Saturday, Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds; free, reservations required (425-771-8303, ext. 298 or www.ricksteves.com).

Travel seminars

SAT "Turkey: Crossroads of Civilization," 10 a.m. Saturday; Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan, 1 p.m. Saturday, Savvy Traveler, 112 Fifth Ave. S., Edmonds; free, call for reservations (425-744-6076 or www.savvytravelerstore.com).

Volunteer

Sew Thoughtful

FRI Help make quilts for families whose infants pass away at Providence Hospital; materials provided; bring your own sewing machine and basic sewing tools, or help with cutting and pressing; 10 a.m. Friday, McCollum Pioneer Park, Everett (206-595-9717).

Urban Forest Restoration

SAT Help King Conservation District replace invasive ivy and blackberry with native trees and shrubs to restore salmon habitat, 10 a.m. Saturday, Longfellow Creek, Seattle; preregister (425-282-1908).

Workshops

Tech coaching, Flickr

SAT Teen volunteers offer one-on-one tutoring to use photo-sharing website, 1-2:15 p.m. or 2:30-3:45 p.m. Saturday, Mountlake Terrace Library, 23300 58th Ave. W., Mountlake Terrace; free, by reservation (360-651-7069 or www.sno-isle.org).

Menu for the Future

WED Community discussion, explore food systems and their impacts on society and ecological systems, noon-1:50 p.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 29, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma; $21, registration required (253-879-3716 or www.pugetsound.edu/academics/academic-resources/sound-policy-institute/).

Ways of Whales workshop

PLAN AHEAD Orca Network presentations on Pacific Northwest whales, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Jan. 28, Camp Casey Conference Center, Coupeville; $25, by reservation (www.orcanetwork.org).