Cheap dates

Dates and times are subject to change.

Fairs/Festivals

Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival

TODAY-SUN Japanese food, tea-ceremony demonstrations, entertainment and art, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. today-Sunday, Seattle Center House and Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center, Seattle (206-684-7200 or www.seattlecenter.com).

Spring Fair in Puyallup

TODAY-SUN Farm animals, carnival rides, garden show, entertainment, KidZone activities, Fiesta Mexicana with food, entertainment and dancing-horse performances, vendors, fair food, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. today-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, Puyallup Fair and Events Center, 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup; $7-$8, all kids up to age 18 admitted free today only, food-bank donations requested; Military Appreciation Day, free admission active, reserve, retired military and their dependents with valid ID, Friday only (253-841-5045 or www.thefair.com).

World Folk Arts Festival

SAT-SUN Demonstrations and hands-on activities with 20 artists, including folk art from Latvia, Ukraine, Guatemala, Mexico, Norway, Vietnam, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, with world performances on the hour beginning at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma; $6-$8 (253-272-3500 or www.washingtonhistory.org).

GlobalFest

SAT Celebration of cultures around the world with exhibits, food and music and dance performances, including Yamato Taiko drumming and traditional Vietnamese, Japanese traditional, Brazilian, Turkish and Cambodian dancing, 5 p.m., Highline Community College, 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines; $5-$10 (206-878-3710 or www.highline.edu/international/).

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

ONGOING Fields in bloom at dates according to Mother Nature; art shows, winery, museum and farm events, through April 30, information online or in brochure available from Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Office, 100 E. Montgomery St., Mount Vernon (360-428-5959 or www.tulipfestival.org)

Mount Vernon Street Fair

SAT-SUN Arts-and-crafts vendors, food, music on two stages, children's activities, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, downtown Mount Vernon (360-336-9277 or www.downtownmountvernon.com).

100 years of Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition

SAT Grand opening 1 p.m. Saturday of exhibit of photos and memorabilia on the 1909 fair and its far-reaching impact on King County communities, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Tuesdays-Saturdays through Oct. 7, Shoreline Historical Museum, 749 N. 175th St., Shoreline; free, donations requested (206-542-7111 or www.shorelinehistoricalmuseum.org).

Events

CycleFest

SAT Local cycling clubs, free bike inspections, cycling-product reps, STP clinic, helmet fittings, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., REI, 7500 166th Ave. N.E., Redmond Town Center, Redmond; free (425-882-1158 or www.rei.com).

Ready to Roll Bike Safety Open House

SAT Snohomish County Fire District 1 bike-safety rodeo for kids, $7 custom-fitted bike helmets, fire-engine tours, short family ride led by firefighters on the Interurban Trail at 11:30 a.m., weather permitting; children must be accompanied by an adult, 10 a.m.-noon, Mariner Fire Station, 12310 Meridian Ave., Everett; free (425-551-1243 or www.firedistrict1.org).

Welcome the Whales

SAT Shore-based whale watching, educational displays, music and celebration, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., parade, 1:30 p.m., Langley, Whidbey Island (360-678-3451 or www.visitlangley.com).

Golden Age of Hollywood

SAT Classic movie matinees, free popcorn, "It Happened One Night," 1 p.m. Saturday, Mountlake Terrace Library, 23300 58th Ave. W., Mountlake Terrace; free (425-776-8722).

Washington Old Time Fiddlers Fiddle & Variety Show

SAT Musical show featuring some of Washington's finest fiddlers, including youth fiddlers and vocalists performing old-time music, 1:30 p.m., Des Moines Masonic Lodge, 2208 S. 223rd St., Des Moines; $5-$6 (425-228-5846).

Planetarium show and star party "8 ½ Planets"

SAT Take a tour of our solar system, stopping off at Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, and find out what's up with Pluto, now demoted to dwarf planet; image-enhanced planetarium presentation on the night sky; if the sky is clear, astronomers will be on hand with telescopes; 8 p.m., Battle Point Park, 11299 Arrow Point Drive N.E., Bainbridge Island; free (206-842-9152 or www.bpastro.org/).

Earth Revealed: A View of Our Planet from Space

SAT Explore Earth by seeing it from satellites and spacecraft, meet scientists and participate in hands-on activities, 10 a.m., Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Ave. N., Seattle; $6-$11, activities included with admission (206-443-3656 or pacificsciencecenter.org).

Families Explore Slavery's Legacy

SUN Film and discussion series, "Yokes and Chains," efforts of early abolitionists, 2 p.m., Seattle Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle; (206-386-4636 or www.spl.org).

Dancing

Emerald City Contra Dance

Today Dance lesson, 7 p.m., and all-age dance with live music and caller; no cologne, perfume or other scented products requested, 7:30 p.m. today, Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle; $4-$7 (206-440-9839 or seattledance.org/contra/emerald.city.html).

Celebrate Ballard Spring Dance and Social

Sat Learn about Ballard history and dance to fiddle tunes and swing; wine-and-beer bar; for ages 21 and older; proceeds benefit Ballard Historical Society and Sunset Hill Community Club, 8 p.m. Saturday, Sunset Hill Community Hall, 3003 N.W. 66th St., Seattle; $7 at the door, cash only (206-660-8463). Sno-King International

Folk Dance Club

Sat Skills and easy dance review, 7 p.m., dance instruction, 7:45 p.m., international folk dancing, 8:30-10:45 p.m. Saturday, Cedar Valley Grange, 20526 52nd Ave. W., Lynnwood; $2-$5 (425-385-2088 or www.sno-king.org).

Classical

Master Class: Susan Gulkis Assadi, violin

Today Seattle Symphony Principal Violist Susan Gulkis Assadi leads a master class with students of faculty violist Melia Watras. 1:30 p.m. today, Brechemin Auditorium, University of Washington Music Building, Seattle; free (206-685-8384 or www.music.washington.edu).

UW Music Mallet Head Series: Wooden Music

Today Faculty artist Tom Collier and his UW percussion students present their annual concert of music for marimba. 7:30 p.m. today, Brechemin Auditorium, University of Washington Music Building, Seattle; $5 (206-685-8384 or www.music.washington.edu).

Ladies Musical Club

Sat Claudia Kester, mezzo soprano, and Johanna Mastenbrook, pianist, perform selected opera arias. Helena Emery, violinist, present works of Schumann, Bach and Sarasate. 2 p.m. Saturday, Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E. Prospect St., Seattle; free (206-622-6882 or www.lmcseattle.org).

Bellevue Community Band Spring Concert

Sun The 47th annual spring concert includes contemporary and classical band music, marches, show and novelty tunes. 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Newport High School, 4333 Factoria Blvd. S.E., Bellevue; free (425-747-3017).

Early Music Guild: Ingrid Matthews, baroque violin

Sun Baroque violinist Ingrid Matthews, the founder and music director of Seattle Baroque, plays a short program of favorites demonstrating the stylistic and tonal possibilities of the gut-strung Baroque violin. 1 p.m. Sunday, Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., Seattle; $5-$10 (206-325-7066 or www.earlymusicguild.org).

Ladies Musical Club

Sun Helena Emery, violinist, performs works of Schumann, Bach and Sarasate. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, University House, 4400 Stone Way N., Seattle; free (206-622-6882 or www.lmcseattle.org).

Songs of the Soul

Mon The music of composer Sri Chinmoy, performed by acclaimed world, classical, and jazz musicians from around the globe. Reservations required. 7:30 p.m. Monday, Benaroya Hall (Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall), 200 University St., Seattle; free (206-446-9409 or www.songsofthesoul.com).

Brass Band Northwest Spring Concert

Tue The Puget Sound's foremost British-style brass band presents its spring concert. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue, 1717 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue; free (www.brassbandnw.org).

Garfield High School Orchestra Pops Concert

Thu The 5th annual Pops Concert features music from movies and video games. 7 p.m. Thursday, Garfield High School, 400 23rd Ave., Seattle; $5-$10 suggested donation (www.garfieldorchestra.org).

Theater

"Carlotta's Depression Wing Ding"

Today-Sat This new late- night show features Depression-era-themed songs, musicians and a soup line. 11 p.m. today-Saturday. Open Circle Theatre, 2222 Second Ave., Seattle; $7 (206-382-4250 or www.octheater.com).

"Don't Drink the Water"

Mon-Tue Our American Theater Company presents at staged reading of Woody Allen's comedy about uptight American tourists abroad. 7 p.m. Monday at the Theatre Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave. S., Seattle, and 7 p.m. Tuesday at ArtsWest, 4711 California Ave. S.W., Seattle; free (www.ouramericantheater.org).

"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde"

Ends 5/10 An adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher of the bone-chilling Robert Louis Stevenson story about a proper Victorian physician, Dr. Jekyll, whose rampaging alter ego is the monstrous Mr. Hyde. R. Hamilton Wright directs the show, which is the opener of ACT's 2009 season. Previews 2 p.m. Thursday. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., Seattle; Pay-What-You-Can (206-292-7676 or www.acttheatre.org).

"Fun Bucket"

Ends 6/13 Wing-It Productions' latest late-night improvised comedy show, based on objects put in a bucket by audience members. 12:30 a.m. Saturday (late Saturday, early Sunday). Historic University Theater, 5510 University Way N.E., Seattle; $8 (tickets available at the door or www.wingitpresents.com/funbucket).

"Keefee's House of Cards"

Thu Printer's Devil Theatre presents a comedy about the "alcohol-fueled Southern misadventures" of the character of Keefee, blackjack dealer and "fixture" of gay Florida culture. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Theatre Off Jackson, 409 Seventh Ave. S., Seattle; pay what you can (800-838-3006 or www.printersdevil.org).

"Open Box"

Sat An open mic for playwrights. 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Jewelbox Theater, 2322 Second Ave., Seattle; $3 (206-441-5823 or www.jewelboxtheater.com).

"Shakespeare in Hollywood"

Ends 4/25 A student staging of Ken Ludwig's comedy that transports two Shakespearean fairies to a Hollywood movie set circa 1934. Opens 7 p.m. today. 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Seattle Public Theater at the Bathhouse, 7312 W. Green Lake Drive N., Seattle; free (206-524-1300 or www.seattlepublictheater.org).

"The Stay Up Late Show"

Sat A monthly talk show featuring a variety of local guests. 11 p.m. Saturday. Balagan Theatre, 1177 E. Pike St., Seattle; $8 (tickets available at the door or www.stayuplateshow.com).

Visual arts

Free Family Day: Celebrate Earth Day

Sat The museum offers free admission as well as hands-on art activities for all ages. 1 p.m. Saturday. Bellevue Arts Museum, 510 Bellevue Way N.E., Bellevue, free (425-519-0770 or www.bellevuearts.org).

Family Art Day: Make Art With Found Fabric

Sat A hands-on art activity for all ages. 11 a.m. Saturday. Museum of Northwest Art, 121 S. First St., La Conner, Skagit County, $2-$5, space is limited, call 360-466-4446, ext. 108, to register (www.museumofnwart.org).

Climate Day for Kids

Sat The Olympic Sculpture Park celebrates Earth Day with green-art activities using recycled materials, games and displays from SAM partners. Noon Saturday. Olympic Sculpture Park, Broad Street and Elliott Avenue, Seattle, free (206-654-3100 or www.seattleartmuseum.org).

Made In Montlake

Sat An annual sale of art by artists from Seattle's Montlake neighborhood with live music and refreshments. 10 a.m. Saturday. Montlake Community Center, 1618 E. Calhoun St., Seattle, free (206-684-4736 or www.ci.seattle.wa.us/parks/parkspaces/montlakeplayfield.htm).

Meito Shodo Kai Calligraphy Exhibit

Sat-Sun An exhibit of 100 scrolls of Japanese calligraphy. Noon Saturday, 10 a.m. Sunday. Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St., Seattle, free (206-684-7200 or www.seattlecenter.com).

The Big Draw

Sun The museum hosts a drawing festival with collaborative and individual drawing projects throughout the building, live performances, dance, prizes and art-making activities. Noon Sunday. Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, free (253-272-4258 or www.tacomaartmuseum.org).

Movies

"The Wrestler" and "He's Just Not That Into You"

They're new at the Crest Cinema. Also there: "The Reader," "Milk" and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" ($3).

"Wendy and Lucy," "The Reader," "The Wrestler" and "He's Just Not That Into You"

They're new at the Admiral Theater in West Seattle ($5).

"State of Play"

It's new at the Big Picture Seattle. The 3:15 p.m. show on Saturday, the 1:45 and 4:30 p.m. shows on Sunday, and all shows on Mondays and Tuesdays are $7.

"Taken"

It's new at the Big Picture Redmond. All shows on Mondays and Tuesdays are $7.

"The International" and "Coraline"

They're new at the East Valley 13 in Renton. Also there: "Paul Blart: Mall Cop," "He's Just Not that Into You," "Hotel for Dogs," "Slumdog Millionaire," "Doubt," "The Pink Panther 2," "Push," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" and "Bedtime Stories" ($3).

"The International" and "He's Just Not That Into You"

They're new at the Gateway in Federal Way. Also there: "Coraline," "Paul Blart: Mall Cop," "Hotel for Dogs," "The Pink Panther 2," "Push," "The Uninvited," "Slumdog Millionaire" and "Bedtime Stories" ($2, all seats on Tuesdays $1).

Tours

Benaroya Hall

Today, Tue Public tours of the home of the Seattle Symphony, with free organ recital on select Mondays at 12:30 p.m. Noon and 1 p.m. Fridays and Tuesdays (tours), 200 University St., Seattle; free (206-215-4700 or www.benaroyahall.org).

Qwest Field

Today-Sat Tour the home of the Seattle Seahawks and other events 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., subject to change because of holidays, stadium events and inclement weather; 800 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle; $5-$7 (206-381-7582 or www.qwestfield.com).

Safeco Field

Tue-Sun Tour the home of the Seattle Mariners, 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. on days when there are no games. On days when there are games at 6 p.m. or later, only the 10:30 and 12:30 tours will be given. Tours will not be given on day games; subject to change because of holidays, stadium events and inclement weather. 1250 First Ave., Seattle; $6-$8 (206-346-4001 or www.seattlemariners.com). Ongoing fun

Pacific Science Center

Daily Permanent exhibits include Dinosaurs, Tropical Butterfly House, Insect Village, Tech Zone, Kids Works, animal exhibits, planetarium, plus IMAX and laser theaters. Current IMAX films include:

• "Monsters vs. Aliens";

• "Under the Sea 3D";

• "Survival Island";

• "Beavers."

Call for specific showtimes on IMAX films. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m. -6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 200 Second Ave. N., Seattle; $6-$10.75 for IMAX films, IMAX/exhibit combo tickets available (206-443-2001 or www.pacsci.org).

Pike Place Market

Daily Locally grown produce, fresh fish, handcrafted gifts, used-book stores and eclectic restaurants highlight this popular landmark. (Saturday free one-hour tours are 9 a.m. and meet at Rachel the piggy bank, no reservations are required.) 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays, 85 Pike St., Seattle (206-682-7453 or www.pikeplacemarket.org).

Space Needle

Daily Panoramic view of Seattle with facts and trivia about the Space Needle's history. Sundays-Thursdays 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Fridays-Saturdays 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Seattle Center, Seattle; $8-$16 (206-905-2100 or www.spaceneedle.com).

Seattle Art Museum

Daily Hosting diverse exhibitions and programs; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Friday, closed Mondays, 1300 First Ave., Seattle; admission $9-$15 (special exhibits can have a separate charge), free on the first Thursday of each month (206-654-3100 or www.seattleartmuseum.org).

Seattle Central Library

Daily Architectural marvel that features the largest collection of books and materials in the Seattle public library system, hosts meetings, book readings, tours (call for times) and more; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle, free admittance (206-386-4636 or www.spl.org).

Museum of Flight

Daily Permanent exhibits include historic aircraft, walk-through tours of Air Force One and Concorde supersonic jetliner, Family Flight Zone and flight simulators, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. first Thursday of each month, Airpark is open daily 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle; $7.50-$14 (206-764-5720 or www.museumofflight.org).

Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI)

Daily Museum of Pacific Northwest memorabilia, including 1.5 million historic photos, hands-on exhibits and special events, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. first Thursday of the month, 2700 24th Ave. E., Seattle, $6-$8; first Thursdays are free (206-324-1126 or www.seattlehistory.org).

Compiled by Seattle Times

news assistants.