Entertainment

Snow geese and trumpeter swans in La Conner

THRU March 31 See sea birds, bald eagles, snow geese, tundra and trumpeter swans and other birds of the Pacific Flyway; free bird map of Western Skagit County available through March 31 at La Conner Chamber of Commerce, 606 Morris St., La Conner; free (360-466-4778 or www.laconnerchamber.com).

Edison Bird Festival

PLAN AHEAD Workshops, lectures, art exhibition, tours focusing on birds and conservation, Feb. 11-12, Edison (www.edisonbirdfestival.com).

Boating

Seattle Boat Show

THRU SUN Boats on display from luxury yachts to inflatables, runabouts, fishing boats, kayaks, 200 seminars by boating experts, kids' activities, continuous free shuttle between venues, $5-$12, ages 10 and younger free (www.seattleboatshow.com);

• at CenturyLink Field Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday;

• at South Lake Union, Seattle; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

Dance

Seattle Balkan Dancers

FRI Dance lesson, 7:30 p.m., Balkan line dancing, partner not required, 8:30 p.m. Friday, Russian Community Center, 704 19th Ave. E., Seattle; $5-$15 (425-883-0332 or www.seattlebalkandancers.org).

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 Vinterdansen

FRI Folk dance with live music, 8 p.m. Friday, Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 52nd Ave. W., Lynnwood; $10-$13, 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 The Jukehouse Hounds, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Swedish Cultural Center, 1920 Dexter Ave. N., Seattle; $10-$15 (www.nwdance.net).

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).

Festivals/Expos

Health Awareness Expo

FRI Macy's and the American Heart Association event for women with health screenings, nutritionist, CPR-training demo, red lipstick and makeup touch-ups, fitness trainer; first 100 people to visit all the stations in the store and get pass stamped receive a gift bag, 10 a.m. Friday, Macy's, 400 Bellevue Square, Bellevue; free (www.macys.com/gored).

Search for Meaning Book Festival

SAT Diverse group of 40 authors representing a range of belief systems and faith traditions discuss the human search for meaning on issues of spirituality, faith and social justice, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Seattle University, 900 Broadway, Seattle; free, tickets required (206-296-5330 or www.searchformeaning.us).

Seattle/Eastside CampFair

SAT Resources to learn about 100 summer day-camp and overnight-camp options for children, in areas of art, science, nature, drama; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, St. Thomas School, 8300 N.E. 12th St., Medina; free, reservations suggested (www.parentmap.com/campfair).

Seattle RV Show

FEB. 9-12 Sale of new 2012 RVs and closeouts on 2011 models from several manufacturers; seminars and information on the RV lifestyle and recreational opportunities, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 9-10, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 12, CenturyLink Field Event Center, Seattle; $8-$11, ages 12 and younger free (425-277-8132 or www.theseattlervshow.com).

Food events

Issaquah First Friday

Wine Walk

FRI Taste wines from small local wineries at several Front Street locations; 5-8 p.m. Friday, check in at Hailstone Feedstore, 232 Front St., Issaquah; $20/advance, $25/at the door, includes six 2-ounce tastes (www.downtownissaquah.com).

Carpenter Creek Winery Red Wine and Chocolate Festival

FRI-SUN Red wine and fine chocolates, Friday-Sunday, Carpenter Creek Winery, 20376 E. Hickox Road, Mount Vernon (360-848-6673 or www.carpentercreek.com).

Belgianfest

SAT Washington Beer Commission hosts 30 breweries with 70 varieties of Belgian-style beer, noon-4 p.m. or 5:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Bell Harbor International Conference Center, Pier 66, Seattle; $30/advance, $35/at the door, includes tasting glass and 10 4-ounce samples; designated driver admission $5 at the door only (www.washingtonbeer.com).

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).

Pancake Breakfast Fundraisier

SUN Ham, sausage, bagels, fruit and all-you-can eat pancakes to benefit community center program scholarship fund, 8 a.m.-noon Sunday, Hiawatha Community Center, 2700 California Ave. S.W., Seattle; $4-$6 (206-684-7441 or www.seattle.gov/parks).

The World of Tea and Beyond

SUN Tea tasting with expert Jeffrey McIntosh, 3 p.m. Sunday, East West Bookshop, 6500 Roosevelt Way N.E., Seattle; $5 (206-523-3726).

Chocolate tasting for the connoisseur

WED Learn about and taste chocolates from around the world, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Theo Chocolate, 3400 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle; $15 (www.brownpapertickets.com).

Valentine's Cocktail Class

PLAN AHEAD How to mix creative cocktails, 2 p.m. Feb. 11, Salty's at Redondo Beach Seafood Grill, Des Moines; $30, reservations required (253-946-0636).

Gardening

Mason Bees in the Garden

SAT How to attract Mason Bees to pollinate your garden, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Master Gardener Demonstration Garden, 15416 S.E. 16th St., Bellevue; free (425-485-5942).

Orchids/Trees

SAT Expert tips on selecting, planting, pruning trees, 10 a.m.; orchid varieties and care, noon Saturday, Molbak's nursery, 13625 N.E. 175th St., Woodinville; free (425-483-5000 or www.molbaks.com/events.html).

Fruit Trees Class

SAT All about fruit trees with professional horticulturist, 10 a.m. Saturday, Sunnyside Nursery, 3915 Sunnyside Blvd., Marysville; free (425-334-2002 or www.sunnysidenursery.net).

Rose care

SAT Jeff Wyckoff, president of the American Rose Society and author of "Rose Gardening," speaks on rose care, 11 a.m. Saturday, The Plant Farm, 15022 Twin Lakes Ave. N.E., Marysville; free (360-652-3351 or www.theplantfarm.com/events.htm).

Seattle Tilth Organic Gardening 101

TUE Introduction to growing food organically, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Seattle Tilth Association, 4649 Sunnyside Avenue North, Seattle; $36-$54 (206-633-0451 or seattletilth.org/).

Northwest Flower

& Garden Show

WED thru FEB. 12 25 display gardens with show theme, "A Floral Symphony: Gardens Take Note," 120 seminars, 350 exhibitors, "The PlayGarden" activities area for kids and parents, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday through Feb. 11, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 12, Washington State Convention Center, Seattle; $5-$20 (www.gardenshow.com).

Hiking/walks

Orienteering

SAT Explore the campus searching for checkpoints on a map, racing or easy stroll, no experience necessary, instruction available, start anytime 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Green River Community College, 12401 S.E. 320th St., Auburn; $8-$11 (www.cascadeoc.org).

Issaquah Alps Trails Club

SUN Weowna Park in Bellevue, 4 miles, 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Issaquah Alps Trail Club clubhouse, First and Bush Streets, Issaquah (issaquahalps.org).

Hobbies

Antique & Collectible Show

SAT-SUN Vintage bicycle display, antiques and collectibles from the 1880s to the 1970s from 290 exhibitors, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Puyallup Fair and Events Center, 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup; $6 (www.palmerwirfs.com).

Pioneer Quilts and the Oregon Trail

TUE Art historian Susan Olds tells the stories of women quilters and quilt-making during the westward migration of the 1800s, 7 p.m. Sunday, Issaquah Library, 10 W. Sunset Way, Issaquah; free (www.kcls.org).

Movie bargains

"Drive," "Breaking Dawn — Part 1" and "New Year's Eve"

They're new at the Crest Cinema. Also there: "Midnight in Paris," "Moneyball" and "Puss in Boots" ($3).

"Breaking Dawn — Part 1" and "New Year's Eve"

They're new at the Admiral Theater in West Seattle. Also there: "Midnight in Paris" ($5.75).

"Addiction Incorporated"

It's new at the Varsity Theatre. Also there: "Pariah" and "My Week with Marilyn." All seats on Tuesday are $7.

"12 Monkeys"

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

"Haywire"

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

"Say Anything" and "Hellboy"

They're new at the Central Cinema in Seattle. All shows $6-$8.

"Drive"

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

"New Year's Eve" and "Breaking Dawn — Part 1"

They're new at the East Valley 13 in Renton. Also there: "The Sitter," "Happy Feet Two," "Immortals," "Jack and Jill," "J. Edgar," "Tower Heist," "In Time," "Puss in Boots" and "Moneyball" ($3.50).

"Breaking Dawn — Part 1" and "New Year's Eve"

They're new at the Gateway in Federal Way. Also there: "The Sitter," "Happy Feet Two 3D," "Tower Heist," "Jack and Jill," "Immortals 3D," "Real Steel" and "Puss in Boots 3D" ($2, all seats on Tuesdays $1).

Museum events

Artist Lecture: Suzanne Opton

FRI Photographer discusses "Many Wars," a photographic series of soldiers and veterans from American wars over the past 70 years, most of whom are in treatment for combat trauma, 7 p.m. Friday, Henry Art Gallery, 4100 15th Ave. N.E., Seattle; $5 (206-543-2280 or www.facebook.com/events/246750358720706/).

Pacific Planetarium's First Friday Sky Walk

FRI Planetarium hosts shows on the night sky, 5 p.m. Friday, Pacific Planetarium, 817 Pacific Ave., Bremerton; $3 (360-616-8915 or pacificplanetarium.com).

Railroad history

FRI Museum open house, 6:30 p.m.; railroad history lecture, 7:30 p.m. Friday, White River Valley Museum, 918 H St. S.E., Auburn; $4-$5 (253-288-7433 or www.wrvmuseum.org).

Ocean Career Day

SAT Presentations and discussions on career opportunities with biologists, researchers, educators and marine scientists for students attending middle school, high school and college, teachers and parents welcome, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, The Seattle Aquarium, Pier 59, Seattle; $8-$10, preregister (206-386-4300 or www.seattleaquarium.org/ocean-career).

Black History Month, Museum of Flight

SAT Presentation by former astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris, the first African American to walk in space, veteran of two space shuttle flights and president of nonprofit organization supporting math/science education and crime prevention programs for youth, 2 p.m., followed by "Reaching Your Potential" panel discussion with Harris, U.S. Air Force and Alaska Airlines pilots and others discussing career opportunities in aerospace, 3:15 p.m. Saturday, Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle; $9-$17 (206-764-5720 or www.museumofflight.org).

Teddy Bear Clinic

SAT Bring a favorite stuffed buddy for checkup with real doctors, and care for minor stuffed-animal injuries, to help alleviate children's fears of visiting the doctor, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, KidsQuest Children's Museum, 4089 Factoria Blvd S.E., Bellevue; $7-$8 (425-637-8100 or www.kidsquestmuseum.org).

Restoring and Flying the MiG-29

SAT Society of Experimental Test Pilots presentation on the restoration and test flight program of Mig-29 N29UB, 1 p.m. Saturday, Historic Flight Foundation Restoration Center, 10719 Bernie Webber Drive, Mukilteo; $20 (425-348-3200 or historicflight.org/hf/).

Sparks

SAT Museum staff, artists and community partners host hands-on opportunities for families to explore art, science, invention, or craft, 9:30-11 a.m. Saturdays through March, Children's Museum of Tacoma, 1501 Pacific Ave., Tacoma; $15/family of 4 (253-627-6031 or www.playtacoma.org).

Coast Salish Artists

SUN Demonstrations and talks on contemporary Coast Salish art from artists including carving, printmaking, multimedia, weaving, basketry, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Seattle; $7.50-$10 (206-543-5590 or www.burkemuseum.org).

Queen Anne Science Cafe

TUE "The Art & Science of Reading" with Kevin Larson, Ph.D., Advanced Reading Technologies Group, Microsoft, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, T.S. McHugh's Irish Pub & Restaurant, 21 Mercer St., Seattle; free (206-443-2001).

Black History Month Storytelling

FEB. 9 Eva Abram presents a perspective on the Little Rock Nine, 11 a.m. Feb. 9, Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S. Massachusetts St., Seattle; free Second Thursdays admission 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (206-518-6000 or www.naamnw.org).

Hungry Planet: What the World Eats

ONGOING Exhibit features photos on the culture of food and agriculture in the 21st century from 10 cultures around the world, through June, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, until 8 p.m. first Thursdays, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Seattle; $7.50-$10 (206-543-5590 or www.burkemuseum.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

La Conner Sound Rowers Open Water Race

SAT Sound Rowers Open Water Rowing and Paddling Club race on the Swinomish Channel for all levels of competition, for all human-powered craft, 10 a.m. Feb. 4, La Conner; $8-$18 (360-466-4778 or www.laconnerchamber.com).

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

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. Saturdays, Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, 1625 118th Ave. S.E., Bellevue; free, no registration necessary (425-452-2565 or www.bellevuewa.gov/mseec.htm).

Metro Parks Tacoma outdoor adventures

SAT Metro Parks provides transportation for winter recreation for all ages and abilities, by reservation, from several Tacoma locations, including adult cross-country skiing including equipment, Saturday or March 10, $65-$70; Family Snow Day at Mount Rainier Feb. 11, 18, March 3, $20/family; family snowshoe hike, Feb. 25, $18-$20; women's snowshoe hike, Feb. 26, $60-$65; Metro Parks, Tacoma; preregister (253-594-7847 or www.metroparkstacoma.org/outdoor).

Arboretum walk

SUN "Winter Scenes and Evergreens" walk, 1 p.m. Sunday, Graham Visitors Center, 2300 Arboretum Drive E., Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle; free (206-543-8801 or www.uwbotanicgardens.org).

Northwest Trek closed

ONGOING Wildlife park closed through late February due to severe storm damage, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Eatonville (360-832-6117 or www.nwtrek.org). Performances

Cultures of China, Festival of Spring

FRI Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council of P.R. China celebration of Chinese New Year, year of the dragon, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Paramount Theatre, Seattle; $18-$88 (www.nanhaishow.com).

"The Thrilling Adventures of the Famous Lewis & Clark"

FRI-SAT A late-night spin on the Northwest expedition, 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Annex Theatre, 1100 E. Pike St., $5-$10 (207-728-0933 or www.annextheatre.org).

Clay Martin Puppet Theatre

SAT Concerts for Kids performance, "Amadoo & The Crocodile" and other African stories, 11 a.m. Saturday, Northgate Community Center, 10510 Fifth Ave. N.E., Seattle; free (www.hallerlakearts.org).

Science Fiction and Fantasy Short Film Festival

SAT EMP and SIFF event with 21 films from around the world, 4-6 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Cinerama, 2100 Fourth Ave., Seattle; $10/one session, $18/both sessions (206-464-5830 or siff.net/presents/seriesDetail.aspx?FID=264).

More Auntie Lena's African Stories

SAT-SUN Thistle Theatre puppet performances, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Sunset Hill Community Club, 3003 N.W. 66th St., 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).

New Age Flamenco

SUN Jazz and contemporary rhythms with folk music from Latin American, Mediterranean, Gypsy and Russian cultures, 2 p.m. Sunday, Seattle Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle; free (206-386-4636 or www.spl.org).

Jazz Vespers

SUN Casual, family-friendly concert featuring Quiet Fire, The Andre Thomas Quartet and Friends, 6 p.m. Sunday, Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave., Seattle; free, donations collected for musicians (206-325-6051 or www.seattlejazzvespers.org).

Pinter Fortnightly

MON Reading of Harold Pinter's "Old Times." 7 p.m. Monday., ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle; $8-$10 (206-292-7676 or www.acttheatre.org).

"Prairie Nocturne"

TUE-WED Book-It presents a stage adaptation of Ivan Doig's novel. Previews 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday. Center House Theatre, Center House lower level, Seattle Center; pay-what-you-can (206-216-0833 or www.book-it.org).

Ladies Musical Club

WED Music by Brahms, Schubert, Wolf and Copland, noon Wednesday, Seattle Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle; free (206-386-4636 or www.spl.org).

"Tartuffe"

WED Moliere's comedy skewers religious zeal, previews 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Taproot Theatre Company, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle; pay-what-you-can (206-781-9707 or www.taproot.org).

"Emma"

WED and FEB. 9 Student staging of Jane Austen's novel, previews 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Jones Playhouse, 4045 University Way N.E., Seattle; $10 (206-543-4880 or drama.us.edu/tickets).

"The Bells"

FEB. 9 Theresa Rebeck's mystery set on the Northwest frontier at the end of the Alaskan Gold Rush, 8 p.m. Feb. 9, Erickson Theater Off Broadway, 1524 Harvard Ave., Seattle; $15 (800-838-3006 or www.strawshop.org).

Sales/Shopping

Friends of the Black Diamond Library Book Sale

THU-SAT Used books, CDs, DVDs and audio books at bargain prices, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Black Diamond Library, 24301 Roberts Drive, Black Diamond (360-886-1105 or www.kcls.org).

Freshy's Homemade Brigade

SAT Cafe hosts arts and crafts sale by local artists, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Freshy's Coffee, 2735 California Ave. S.W., Seattle (206-937-4316).

Heavy equipment and vehicle auction

SAT Auction of machinery, tools, construction vehicles, cars and trucks; 9 a.m. Saturday, doors open 8 a.m., preview 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, James G. Murphy Inc., 18226 68th Ave. N.E., Kenmore (425-486-1246 or murphyauction.com).

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).

Indulge Preview Launch Party

FEB. 9 Opening event for Indulge jewelry marketplace (open to the public Feb. 10-12), featuring the first pick of designer collections, spirits, bites, swag bags, 6 p.m. Feb. 9, Bellevue Arts Museum, Bellevue; $40 (425-519-0770 or www.bellevuearts.org/indulge).

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 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/).

Kids in the Snow

SAT Learn about tracking, crawl into a snow cave, earn a Junior Ranger Snow Badge, 1 p.m. Saturdays through March 31, Snoqualmie Pass; $10/person donation suggested; reservations required (425-434-6111 or www.fs.usda.gov/mbs).

Winter Photography and Ecology Outing

SAT Capture winter nature on film, learn about ecology, limited to groups of six, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Feb. 18, March 3, 17 and 31, Snoqualmie Pass; $20 donation requested; reservations required (425-434-6111 or www.fs.usda.gov/mbs).

Washington Tubbs Romp to Stomp Showshoe Series

SAT 3K or 5K snowshoe walk, 3K snowshoe race, free demo snowshoes; benefits Puget Sound Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 9 a.m. Saturday, Stevens Pass Nordic Center; $17-$42, preregister (206-812-4510 or tubbsromptostomp.com/wa).

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 February, 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 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/).

Snowshoe hikes, Mount Baker

PLAN AHEAD Heather Meadows 90-minute walk to learn about area history, wildlife, 11 a.m. Saturdays through February, Mount Baker Ski Area; $10, reservations required by the Wednesday prior, space limited (360-856-5700, ext. 515 or 360-599-2714).

Special interest

Lunar New Year Celebration

SAT Karaoke, dancing, poetry writing, games, dim sum to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, 2 p.m. Saturday, Seattle Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle; free (206-684-0849 or www.spl.org).

Sponge Chinese New Year

SAT Chinese performers, Year of the Dragon craft activities for families, information on language classes, 10 a.m. Saturday, Sponge, 3107 S. Day St., Seattle; free, reservations required (206-227-7138).

Hands-on-Henna

SAT How to make henna tattoos, for ages 12 and older, 11 a.m. Saturday, Mountlake Terrace Library, 23300 58th Ave. W., Mountlake Terrace; free, preregistration required (425-776-8722).

Skagit Valley College GlobalfFest

FEB. 9 International dinner with speaker Lisa Shannon, humanitarian and author, to kick off GlobalFest celebration of world culture, international business, human rights through March 8, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 9, Skagit Valley College, 1405 E. College Way, Mount Vernon; $35 (360-416-7774 or www.skagit.edu/globalfest).

Neighborhood History Exhibit

ONGOING Exhibit of historic photos, maps and articles about the development of Wedgwood, View Ridge, Laurelhurst, Meadowbrook and Ravenna neighborhoods, on display through February, Northeast Library, 6801 35th Ave. N.E., Seattle (206-684-7539 or www.spl.org).

Tours

Lake Whatcom Railway

PLAN AHEAD Scenic 90-minute ride on vintage train, 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Feb. 11, Lake Whatcom Railway, Wickersham, Whatcom County; $10-$20 (360-595-2218 or www.lakewhatcomrailway.com).

Travel events

Hosteling in Europe's Castles

SAT Presentation explores 10 of Europe's best castle hostels, 2 p.m. Saturday, Hosteling International, 520 S. King St., Seattle; free (206-658-3262 or www.hiwsc.org/events).

Solo travelers

SAT Informal gathering for travelers to learn from each other's travel experiences, 9 a.m. Saturday, Wide World Books & Maps, 4411 Wallingford Ave. N., Seattle (206-634-3463 or www.wideworldtravelstore.com).

Europe Through the Back Door

SAT Women's travel seminar, women traveling solo, 10 a.m.; European rail skills, 11:15 a.m.; packing light and right, 1 p.m. Saturday, Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds; free, reservations required (425-771-8303, ext. 298 or www.ricksteves.com).

Travel seminars

SAT Camino de Santiago, the Artists' Journey, 10 a.m. Saturday; France, 1 p.m. Saturday, Savvy Traveler, 112 Fifth Ave. S., Edmonds; free, call for reservations (425-744-6076 or www.savvytravelerstore.com).

Exploring Tanzania

TUE Speakers share information on Tanzania, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Hosteling International, 520 S. King St., Seattle; free (www.hiwsc.org/events).

Volunteer

Susan G. Komen 3-Day Get Started Meetings

TUE Inspiring, informative meeting to learn about the 3-Day, fundraising support and training goals; free, reservation required (www.the3day.org);

• 6 p.m. Tuesday, Maple Valley Library, 21844 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley;

• 6 p.m. Wednesday, Bothell Library, 18215 98th Ave. N.E., Bothell;

• 6 p.m. Feb. 9, Richmond Beach Library, 19601 21st Ave. N.W., Shoreline.

Workshops

Singing Classes

SAT All-ages, small group singing and performing solo voice class, 9:30-11 a.m. Saturdays through May, Bellevue Youth Theatre, 16661 Northup Way, Bellevue; $30, first class free (425-653-5586).

Connections Conference symposium

for parents of gifted children

SAT Information about academic, emotional and social needs of gifted children, 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Edmonds-Woodway High School, 7600 212th St. S.W., Edmonds; $24-$65 (www.nwgca.org/connections.html).

Sound Waters

SAT Learn about our Salish Sea environment, WSU Island County Beach Watchers hosts more than 60 sessions, Saturday, South Whidbey High School, Langley; $40-$50, preregister (www.beachwatchers.net/soundwaters).

Historic Seattle programs

FEB. 9 Learn about resources for genealogy and local history research from 1850 to the 1990s, 10 a.m. Feb. 9, National Archives and Records Administration, 6125 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle; $5-$15 (206-622-6852 or www.historicseattle.org).

Seattle Tilth

PLAN AHEAD Introductory courses, raising chicks and keeping chickens in the city, 10 a.m. Feb. 11, $40-$60; fundamentals of beekeeping, 2 p.m. Feb. 11, $36-$54, Seattle Tilth Association, 4649 Sunnyside Avenue North, Seattle; preregister (206-633-0451 or seattletilth.org/).