Weekend calendar

Animal events

National Tag Day

THU, FRI Two personalized pet tags for the price of one when purchasing or renewing a two-year Seattle cat or dog license and free microchip registration with Seattle Animal Shelter, today and Friday, Seattle Animal Shelter, 2061 15th Ave. W., Seattle (206-386-7387 or www.seattleanimalshelter.org).

Basic manners for dogs

SAT Six-week training course for dogs at least five months old and their guardians to learn basic commands, leash manners and solutions to common behavioral problems using positive training methods; sessions meet one hour a week including 2:15 or 4:45 Saturdays starting this week, Humane Society for Seattle/King County, 13212 S.E. Eastgate Way, Bellevue; $95-$120/per six-week course (425-641-0080 or www.seattlehumane.org).

Benefits

Elvis & Black Tie Bingo

SAT Elvis performs, bingo, live and silent auctions, buffet dinner, open bar, prizes, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Alki Masonic Temple, 4736 40th Ave. S.W., Seattle; $100 (206-935-3999).

Lifelong AIDS Alliance's Gay Bingo

SAT Fundraiser for Lifelong AIDS Alliance, Pillow Talk Bingo, doors open 6 p.m.; bingo begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, South Lake Union Naval Reserve Building, 860 Terry Ave. N., Seattle; $25, by reservation (206-323-0069 or lifelongaidsalliance.org/gaybingo).

Spaghetti Feast Fundraiser

SUN Spaghetti feast, Island Praise and Worship hula ministry, DJ music, rummage sale to benefit Emmanuel Counseling & Educational Services (ECES) nonprofit faith-based substance-abuse-treatment program, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Messiah Lutheran Church, 7050 35th Ave. N.E., Seattle; $10/advance, $15/at the door, $5/children 10 and younger (206-417-2222 or www.emmanuelcounseling.org/).

Raise Funds and Raise Heat for Local Fire Department and EMTs

SUN Mexican-themed lunch and talent show by Evergreen Court Senior Living Community to raise money for the Bellevue Fire Department and Emergency, 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Evergreen Court, 900 124th Ave. N.E., Bellevue (425-455-4333).

Biking

The Mighty Schwinn

SAT Cascade Bicycle Club 20-mile, leisurely pace, mostly flat route ride, bring money for lunch stop, meet at dog park; steady rain cancels, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle (206-522-3222 or www.cascade.org).

Cyclefest

SAT Local cycling clubs, mechanics and bicycle vendors with information on biking, free clinics, bike maintenance 101 at 11 a.m., STP seminar at 1:30 p.m., cycle gear for women at 3 p.m., 11 a.m. Saturday, REI, 7500 166th Ave. N.E., Redmond (425-882-1158 or www.rei.com).

Bicycle Maintenance Clinic

SAT The Bikery provides tools, volunteer mechanics and information to fix or maintain your bike, 2-5 p.m. every Saturday, Garfield Community Center, 2323 E. Cherry St., Seattle (206-684-4788 or www.thebikery.org).

Seattle Old Bike Swap Meet and Show

SUN Display of up to 400 bicycles and 60 swap booths, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Kent National Guard Armory, 24410 Military Road, Kent (206-240-0937 or www.geocities.com/seattleoldbikeswap).

Easy Riders Green River Loop

SUN Ten-mile, easy-paced ride on paved trail, bring money for coffee stop; call to verify, if weather is rainy, 1 p.m. Sunday, Russell Road Park, Russell Road and James Street, Kent (206-817-0746 or seattleeasyriders.net).

ONGOING Easy recreational bike tour along the Tulip Route with stops at display gardens, local attractions and for lunch at a garden cafe, approximately 15 miles total, bikes, helmets, tour guide, lunch and entry fees to events included, 10 a.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during April, Tulip Country Bike Tours, 13391 Avon Allen Road, Mount Vernon; $60-$75 (360-424-7461 or www.countrycycling.com).

Boating

Powerboat Racers Novice School

SAT Seattle Outboard Association classroom seminar for new powerboat racers, on setting up a boat for racing, rules and safety, noon Saturday, Hydroplane and Race Boat Museum, 5817 S. 196th St., Kent; free (206-764-9453 or www.seattleoutboard.org).

Dance

Emerald City Contra Dance

FRI All dances taught, no partner necessary, no perfume, cologne or other scented products, beginners' workshop 7 p.m., dance to live music and caller, 7:30-10 p.m. Friday, Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle; $4-$7 (206-440-9839).

Green Lake Folk Dancers

FRI Mostly Balkan line and circle dances, all ages welcome, partners not required, 8:30 p.m. Friday, VFW Hall, 7220 Woodlawn Ave. N.E., Seattle; $5 (425-883-0332).

Rhumba Service

SAT Northwest Dance Network swing-dance lesson, 7:30-8:30 p.m., dance with music by swing/Latin band, 8:30 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Leif Erikson Lodge, 2245 N.W. 57th St., Seattle; $10-$17 (206-781-1238 or www.nwdance.net).

Festivals/Expos

Whirligig

THU-SUN Indoor inflatable rides and entertainment for kids, Toddler Zone, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. today, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Seattle Center House, Seattle; $1.50/per ride or $7.50/all-day ride pass, $4.50/toddlers all-day ride pass, free today (206-684-7200 or www.seattlecenter.com).

SAT Exhibits with tips on living green, workshops, family art activity, giveaways while supplies last include water bottles, plants, Tree Walk Guide, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; workshops include Productive Vegetable Gardening in Small Spaces, 10:30 a.m.-noon and Improving Your Recycling IQ, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Lake Forest Park Towne Centre, 17171 Bothell Way N.E., Lake Forest Park (www.cityoflfp.com).

Green Festival

SAT, SUN Sustainability event and green consumer showcase with fair-trade and eco-shopping, music stage, community action center, Green Film Festival, fair trade cafe and organic beer and wine garden, natural pets section, green kids zone, green home workshops, speakers, information on green careers, eco-tourism, yoga and movement classes, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Washington State Convention & Trade Center, 800 Convention Place, Seattle; $15/weekend pass; $10/at the door for seniors, students, union members with ID and people who arrive by bicycle and use Bike Valet parking; ages 11 and younger free (206-694-5000 or www.greenfestivals.org).

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

THU-SUN Tulip fields, farms, art events, tours, daily through April, events include Not So Impromptu Tulip Parade, 2 p.m. Saturday along First Street in La Conner; Tulip Frolic music, kids' activities, wine garden, noon-3 p.m. Saturday, downtown La Conner; PACCAR Open House, Kenworth, Peterbilt trucks and their development and testing, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Bow; information available at Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Office, 100 E. Montgomery St., Mount Vernon (360-428-5959 or www.tulipfestival.org).

Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival

PLAN AHEAD Event commemorates Japan's 1976 gift of 1,000 blossoming cherry trees to Seattle with Ikebana flower displays, taiko drum performance, Japanese food, art displays, tea ceremony demonstrations, April 18-20, Seattle Center, Seattle (206-684-7200 or www.seattlecenter.com).

Spring Fair

PLAN AHEAD Exhibits, rides, food vendors, farm animals, garden show, Fiesta Mexicana, science fair, entertainment, 3-10 p.m. April 17, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. April 18-19, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. April 20; Thrivefest games, inflatables, entertainment for middle-school and high-school students, 6-10 p.m. April 18; demolition derby, 6 p.m. April 19, Puyallup Fair and Events Center, 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup; $5.50-$8, free admission for students Thursday; Thrivefest $5; demolition derby $12-$15 (253-841-5045 or www.thefair.com).

Welcome the Whales Day

PLAN AHEAD Festival to celebrate the spring arrival of gray whales to Whidbey Island with activities, music, presentations and parade of species, April 19, Langley (360-221-6765 or www.orcanetwork.org/news/).

Food events

Kosher-wine tasting

THU Taste kosher wines for Passover with kosher food samples, 6 p.m. today, Tree of Life Judaica & Books, 2201 N.E. 65th St., Seattle (206-527-1130 or www.treeoflifejudaica.com).

Pirates dinner

SAT Fundraiser dinner to support senior-center programs with choice of Caribbean pork tenderloin, steak, salmon or chicken with side dishes and music by the International Pirates Zydeco band, seatings at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sno-Valley Senior Activity Center, 4610 Stephens Ave., Carnation; $15, reservations required (425-333-4152 or www.snovalleysenior.org).

Spring Wine & Tulips Festival

ONGOING Sample Skagit Valley wines, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays-Mondays through April, Carpenter Creek Winery, 20376 E. Hickox Road, Mount Vernon (360-848-6673 or www.carpentercreek.com).

Gardening

Early Bloomers Sale

SAT Sale of perennials, shrubs, small trees, conifers, bonsai starts, proceeds to benefit the Arboretum, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Graham Visitors Center, 2300 Arboretum Drive E., Seattle (206-325-4510 or www.arboretumfoundation.org).

Weeds and Needs

SAT Gardening boutique will donate 25 percent of all purchases made on April 12 to Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest, also collecting clean blankets and sheets for the chimpanzees, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Urbanweeds, 4302 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle (206-632-7680 or www.chimpsanctuarynw.org).

Northwest natives for sun and shade

SAT See how to add color and texture to your garden by incorporating Northwest native plants, noon Saturday, Swanson's Nursery, 9701 15th Ave. N.W., Seattle; free (206-782-2543 or www.swansonsnursery.com).

SAT, SUN Artistry in container gardening, 10:30 a.m. Saturday or Sunday, Sunnyside Nursery, 3915 Sunnyside Blvd., Marysville; $30, preregister (425-334-2002 or www.sunnysidenursery.net).

Veggies in Containers

SUN Seattle Tilth guest speaker on growing vegetables on patios, decks or in a small yard, 1 p.m. Sunday, Wight's Home and Garden, 5026 196th S.W., Lynnwood (425-775-3636 or www.wights.com).

Creative, colorful containers

SUN How to assemble, plant and maintain in pots of all shapes and sizes, 1 p.m. Sunday, Bainbridge Gardens, 9415 Miller Road N.E., Bainbridge Island; free (206-842-5888 or www.bainbridgegardens.com)

ONGOING Part of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, tulip fields, 3-acre display garden, gift shop with cut and potted tulips and other flowers, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through April, Roozengaarde, 15867 Beaver Marsh Road, Mount Vernon; admission $3/person, $2/military with ID, ages 10 and younger free (360-424-8531 or www.tulips.com).

Tulip Town

ONGOING Part of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, tulip field with 60 varieties of tulips, International Peace Gardens, trolley rides with elevated view for photography, garden shop with tulip bouquets and potted tulips, indoor tulip and garden display, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily, later when weather permits, through April, Tulip Town, 5002 Bradshaw Road, Mount Vernon; admission $5/person, $4/military with ID, ages 16 and younger free; trolley rides $2, ages 12 and younger free (360-424-8152).

Hiking/Walks

Issaquah Alps Trails Club

SAT Tiger Mountain Tradition Plateau 4 miles, hiking shoes, rain gear, daypack, food, water required, 10 a.m. Saturday, Issaquah Alps Trail Club clubhouse, First and Bush Streets, Issaquah.

Volkssport walks

SAT Northwest Tulip Trekkers Volkssport club 11k (7 miles), 10k (6.2 miles) and 5k walks on road shoulders, trails and through residential neighborhoods, start anytime 9 a.m.-1 p.m., finish by 4 p.m. Saturday, from Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1515 E. College Way, Mount Vernon (www.nwtrekkers.org).

FRI, SAT, SUN Show features more than 250 traditional and contemporary quilts with vendors, demonstrations, tea room, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Issaquah Community Center, 301 Rainier Blvd. S., Issaquah; $5 (425-466-8219 or www.bpquilters.org).

Sons of Norway Genealogy Workshop

SAT Lectures and tours of the lodge library, 9:30 a.m.-noon, help with your research, 12:30-3 p.m. Saturday, Leif Erikson Lodge, 2245 N.W. 57th St., Seattle; $20-$30, preregistration required, space limited (206-783-1274 or www.leiferiksonlodge.com).

Star Parties

SAT Telescopes and information on observing the night sky with the Seattle Astronomical Society, weather permitting, 7 p.m. Saturday, Green Lake Park near the fishing piers west of the Bathhouse Theater, 7201 E. Green Lake Drive N., Seattle and Paramount Park, Eighth Avenue Northeast and Northeast 155th St., Shoreline (206-523-2787 or www.seattleastro.org).

Antique-appraisal fair

SAT Verbal appraisals, $7/per item or $30/5 items, proceeds benefit Kitsap County Historical Society, 11 a.m. Saturday, Silverdale Community Center, 9729 Silverdale Way N.W., Silverdale (360-479-6226).

Literary events

John Medina

THU Author discusses his book "Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School." 7:30 p.m. today, Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., Seattle; $5 at the door only (206-652-4255 or www.townhallseattle.org).

THU-SAT Find out how small a nanoparticle is as you view things on a microscopic scale, build a molecular model, create a heat sensor with nanocrystals and conduct other nanoscale science experiments, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today and Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, KidsQuest Children's Museum, 4089 Factoria Blvd. S.E., Bellevue; $7/everyone a year old and up, free, 5-8 p.m. every Friday (425-637-8100 or www.kidsquestmuseum.org).

Pop Conference

THU-SUN Panels, presentations and performances on the theme "Shake, Rattle: Music, Conflict and Change," hours vary, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Experience Music Project, 325 Fifth Ave. N., Seattle; preregister, space limited (206-770-2745).

Spring Fling at Pacific Science Center

THU-SUN Honoring Arbor Day and spring with animal, nature and outdoor events and activities including pony rides; forest adventure; make a birdhouse; meet goats, llamas and alpacas; storytelling; raptors; gardening; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Ave. N, Seattle; $7-$10 (206-443-2001 or www.pacificsciencecenter.org).

Auburn Paranormal Research Team

SAT APART presents the results of its recent investigation of "The Seattle Underground Tour — Is It Haunted?" 7 p.m. Saturday, Museum of the Mysteries, 623 Broadway E., Seattle; $5-$ (206-328-6499 or www.seattlechatclub.org).

American Roots Music

SAT Family program exploring American music from early traditions to present-day blues and rock music, 11 a.m. Saturday, Renton History Museum, 235 Mill Ave. S., Renton; $1-$3 (425-255-2330 or www.rentonhistory.org).

Railroad Adventures Family Day

SAT Games, crafts and special guests, in conjunction with the museum's exhibit "Passenger Trains of Puget Sound, 1900-1970," noon-4 p.m. Saturday, White River Valley Museum, 918 H St. S.E., Auburn; $1-$2 (253-288-7433 or www.wrvmuseum.org).

Contemporary felting

SAT Illustrated lecture on contemporary felt-making, 10:30 a.m., adult workshop to make felt and create small 3-D sculptural objects, 12:30-4:30 p.m., 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Tacoma Art Museum, 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma; lecture free with museum admission, workshop $50-$60, preregistration required (253-272-4258, ext. 3030 or www.tacomaartmuseum.org).

A Blooming History, Edmonds Museum

SAT, SUN Exhibit on the 85-year history and accomplishments of the Edmonds Floretum Garden Club, opening Saturday, then 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays through June 29, Edmonds Historical Museum, 118 Fifth Ave. N., Edmonds (425-774-0900).

Science With a Twist

PLAN AHEAD African Ascent program, for ages 21 and older only, happy hour 6 p.m., presentation 7:30 p.m. April 17, Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Ave. N, Seattle; $20 includes first drink from the bar, reservations required (206-443-3611 or www.pacsci.org).

Park events

Birding for beginners

SAT Learn about local birds and their habitats, for all ages, 9:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, Camp Long, 5200 35th Ave. S.W., Seattle; $8/adult, $6/child, register by Friday (206-684-7434).

Earth Day Celebration

SAT An Earth Day Celebration with guided tours and speakers discussing global climate change and reducing Seattle's carbon footprint, 2 p.m. Saturday, Olympic Sculpture Park, Broad Street and Elliott Avenue, Seattle (206-654-3100).

Northgate Urban Center Park development

SAT Participate in workshop and design concepts, including design station for children, for future city park, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Northgate Community Center, 10510 Fifth Ave. N.E., Seattle (206-386-4283 or www.seattle.gov/parks/maintenance/Northgateurbancenter.htm).

Enviropalooza

SUN Enviro-Fair with displays and workshops, entertainment, activities on trails and in the garden for all ages, noon-4 p.m. Sunday, IslandWood, 4450 Blakely Ave. N.E., Bainbridge Island; suggested donation $5/person, $10/family, preregister (206-855-4300 or www.islandwood.org).

Performances

Arts Alive

SAT Songs about Seattle, Puget Sound and the Pacific Northwest with Bob Antone and Mike Pryor, 7 p.m. Saturday, Haller Lake Community Club, 12579 Densmore Ave. N., Seattle; $6-$12 (www.hallerlake.info).

SAT Music and participation for families with children up to age 10, concert and raffle support Homewaters Project programs connecting youth to urban nature, 11 a.m. Saturday, Daniel Bagley Elementary School, 7821 Stone Ave. N., Seattle; $5-$8 (206-526-0187 or www.homewatersproject.org).

Washington Telugu Samhiti Ugadi Celebration

SAT Celebrating the Ugadi new year tradition of south India with classical dance, music, Tollywood dance, skits, dinner and more, 4 p.m. Saturday, Newport High School, 4333 Factoria Blvd. S.E., Bellevue; $15 (425-427-9794 or watsweb.org).

SUN Marathon begins at 8 a.m. Sunday, Cornet Bay, north end of Whidbey Island; half marathon begins at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, on Heller Street adjacent to Oak Harbor High School, 950 N.W. Second Ave., Oak Harbor; also, marathon expo, packet pickup and registration, noon-8 p.m. Saturday, Oak Harbor High School www.whidbeyislandmarathon.com/home.cfm).

Sales/shopping

Friends of the Library

FRI, SAT, SUN Sale of used fiction, nonfiction, CDs, DVDs, children's books, most books $1, collectible and recent releases also available, proceeds benefit the library, members-only preview sale, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, memberships available at the door; sale open to all, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle (www.splfriends.org).