Originally published Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Weekend calendar

A listing of weekend events and activities.

Seattle Times staff

Last splash of summer Slip into some watery fun at Henry Moses Aquatic Center, which closes for the season after the long weekend. The Renton park features two pools, a play structure and water slides. See "Swimming"

THOMAS LEE / AP

Boys will be boys Celebrate elk breeding season with stories and games Saturday through Monday at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. See "Animal events"

ERIKA SCHULTZ / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Hold on tight Don't miss one of the biggest rodeos in the U.S., happening in Ellensburg Friday through Monday. See "Fairs/ festivals"

JOHN LOK / THE SEATTLE TIMES

LeMay Museum Car Show and Auction If classic and specialty automobiles get your engine running, make tracks for the display of more than 1,000 cars, trucks and motorcycles Saturday in Tacoma. See "Auto events"

Get ski and boarding conditions all winter long with webcams, snow alerts and more at seattletimes.com/snowsports

Animal events

Get Out of the Rut Weekend

SAT-MON Crafts, stories and games celebrating the elk rut (breeding season), 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Monday, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, 11610 Trek Drive E., Eatonville; $6-$15 (360-832-6117 or www.nwtrek.org).

Adoption Workshop

SUN Learn about options for acquiring a dog, how to select the right dog for your family and integrating the dog into your household, sponsored by Pawsitive Alliance, 11 a.m. Sunday, Canine Behavior Center, 7551 205th Ave. N.E., Redmond; $20/family, space limited, preregister (206-465-4116 or www.pawsitivealliance.org).

Auto events

Horseless Carriages

SAT Horseless Carriages car show, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, 3015 N.W. 54th St., Seattle; free (206-783-7059).

LeMay Museum Car Show and Auction

SAT Display of more than 1,000 vintage, classic and specialty automobiles, trucks and motorcycles, vendors and auction, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, LeMay Museum, 325 E. 152nd St. E., Tacoma; $10/adults, $20/family of 4, $5/ages 11 and younger and active-duty military; free parking offsite with shuttle-bus transportation to event (253-536-2885 or www.lemaymuseum.org).

Italian Concours d'Elegance

SUN Judged exhibit of cars and motorcycles from Italian companies including Alfa Romeo, Ducati, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Vespa, featuring the marques of Fiat, Lancia and Abarth, plus automotive and Italian-inspired merchandise, raffle to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation and noontime opera performance, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Des Moines Marina, 22307 Dock St., Des Moines; $5, ages 9 and younger free (206-235-4711 or www.italianconcours.org).

Benefits

March of Dimes Everett Jail and Bail Fundraiser

THU Community leaders and citizens "serve time," raising "bail" in the form of donations to the March of Dimes programs for research, community services, education and advocacy, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today, Flying Pig Brewing Co., 2929 Colby Ave., Everett; free (206-624-1373 or www.marchofdimes.com/washington).

Vietnam Scholarship Foundation Benefit Dinner

PLAN AHEAD Event to honor volunteers; proceeds benefit education programs, 6 p.m. Sept. 5, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Seattle; $75 (www.vnsf.org/default.asp).

Puget Sound Ride for Kids

PLAN AHEAD Scenic motorcycle ride to raise funds for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 8 a.m. Sept. 7, Remlinger Farms, 32610 N.E. 32nd St., Carnation; minimum donation $35 (800-253-6530 or www.rideforkids.com).

Biking

Spokespeople

SAT New and experienced urban cyclists take monthly rides to Seattle neighborhoods, 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Wallingford Playfield, 4219 Wallingford Ave. N., Seattle (206-547-9569 or www.spokespeople.us/).

Brewery ride

SAT Cascade Bicycle Club, 25-mile, leisurely paced ride with some hills; steady rain cancels, 10 a.m. Saturday, Scuttlebutt Brewing Company, 1524 W. Marine View Dr., Everett (206-522-3222 or www.cascade.org).

Sweet summer cycle

SAT Bike Smart Seattle 10-15 mile, easy-pace ride to Golden Gardens with bakery snack stop, 1 p.m. Saturday, Loyal Heights Community Center, 2101 N.W. 77th St., Seattle (206-957-4439 or www.cascade.org).

Summer cycle

SUN Bike Smart Seattle, 10-15 mile, easy-pace ride to Lake Washington Boulevard with deli stop; steady rain cancels, 1 p.m. Sunday, Garfield Community Center, 2323 E. Cherry St., Seattle (206-522-3222 or www.cascade.org).

"Tour de Vine" Bike and Wine Tour

PLAN AHEAD 50-mile ride through wine country, 8 a.m. Sept. 6, Wenatchee; $75-$120 (509-663-0425 or www.tourdevine.com).

Boating

Port Townsend

Wooden Boat Festival

PLAN AHEAD Wooden boats on display with workshops, music, lectures and regattas, 5:30-10 p.m. Sept. 4, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 5-6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 7, Point Hudson Marina, 103 Hudson St., Port Townsend; $6-$12 (www.woodenboat.org).

Dance

Dancing Till Dusk

THU Dance instruction, 6-7 p.m., dancing featuring country western band 8-Second Ride, 7-9 p.m. today, Freeway Park, 700 Seneca St., Seattle (www.seattle.gov/parks/centercity).

Harbor Happening

SUN Nightclub two-step dance lesson, 7 p.m., dance to swing, ballroom, Latin and county music with DJ, for singes and couples ages 21 and older, 8-11 p.m. Sunday, China Harbor, 2040 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle; $6/lesson, $8/dance, $12/lesson and dance (425-917-1188 or www.seattledanceinfo.com).

Fairs/festivals

Evergreen State Fair

THU-MON Entertainment, draft-horse shows, 4-H exhibits, carnival rides, food, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday, admission $5-$9 today-Sunday, $4-$7 Monday, ages 5 and younger and 90 and older free; unlimited-carnival-ride wristband $25/person, Monday-Friday, $30/person Saturday-Sunday; rodeo 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, Monday, $3-$7 in addition to fair admission; Evergreen State Fairgrounds, 14405 179th Ave. S.E., Monroe; parking $7-$9 (360-805-6700 or www.evergreenfair.org).

Kittitas County Fair

THU-MON Carnival, entertainment, food, Yakama Indian Nation cultural-heritage displays and activities, Frontier Village, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. today-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Kittitas County Fairgrounds, 512 N. Poplar St., Ellensburg; $4-$7 admission (509-962-7639 or www.kittitascountyfair.com).

Ellensburg Rodeo

FRI-MON One of the biggest rodeos in the U.S., 6:45 p.m. Friday, 12:45 Saturday and Sunday, 11:45 p.m. Monday, $15-$23; Western parade, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, downtown Ellensburg; Xtreme Bulls event, 8 p.m. Saturday, $20-$35; Broncs Blowout Bronc riding and exhibition drills and games by mounted posses, 6:45 p.m. Sunday, $12; Ellensburg Rodeo Fairgrounds, 512 N. Poplar St., Ellensburg (509-962-7639 or www.ellensburgrodeo.com).

Olympia Harbor Days

FRI-SUN Tour of tugboats, tall-ships displays, tours and sailing, entertainment, food, art and children's activities, 5-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Percival Landing Park, 217 Thurston Ave. N.W., Olympia (800-788-8847 or www.harbordays.com).

Bumbershoot

SAT-MON Music, dance, theater, film, literary art, visual arts, comedy and children's performances, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Seattle Center, Seattle; $40/single-day tickets, $100/three-day pass (206-628-0888 or www.bumbershoot.org).

Bremerton Blackberry Festival

SAT-MON Entertainment, food, fun run, bike ride and fly-in, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Bremerton Waterfront Boardwalk, Bremerton (www.blackberryfestival.org).

Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival

PLAN AHEAD "Celebrate by the Bay" with art, food, parades and entertainment, 3 p.m.-midnight Sept. 5, 7 a.m.-midnight Sept. 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 7, Rosehill Community Center, 304 Lincoln Ave., Mukilteo (425-353-5516 or www.mukilteofestival.org).

Puyallup Fair

PLAN AHEAD Thrill rides, kiddie rides, farm animals, exhibits, vendors, food, entertainment, concert, Sept. 5-21, Puyallup Fair and Events Center, 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup; $8-$10 (253- 841-5045 or www.thefair.com).

Harvest Fair

PLAN AHEAD Organic farmers market, tomato tasting, dairy goats and chickens, live music, family square dance, gardening-related vendors, family crafts, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 6, Meridian Park, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., Seattle (206-633-5045 or www.seattletilth.org).

Korean Cultural Celebration

PLAN AHEAD Traditional Korean Harvest Moon Festival with folk songs, traditional dance, taekwondo demonstrations, films, exhibits, student-art competition, fashion show, food, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 6, Seattle Center House, Seattle (206-684-7200 or www.seattlecenter.com).

Northgate Family Festival

PLAN AHEAD Entertainment, vendors, health and fitness fair, children's activities, classic car show and farmers market, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 6, Northgate Community Center, 10510 Fifth Ave. N.E., Seattle (www.northgatefestival.com).

Newcastle Days

PLAN AHEAD Music, food, craft vendors, entertainment, arts and crafts activities, pony rides, community art show, custom and classic car show, noon-9 p.m. Sept. 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 7, Lake Boren Park, Southeast 84th Avenue and Coal Creek Parkway Southeast, Newcastle; parking and free shuttle-bus service available from Newcastle Elementary School (www.ci.newcastle.wa.us).

Food/Beverage events

Guest Chef Nights

THU Three-course meal with local guest restaurant chefs from Earth & Ocean, 6-8 p.m. today; Tutta Bella, Sept. 4; proceeds benefit FareStart's job-training programs for homeless and disadvantaged men and women, FareStart Restaurant, 700 Virginia St., Seattle; $24.95 by reservation, space limited (206-443-1233 or www.farestart.org). Wine 101

THU Overview of wine terms to help you decipher restaurant wine lists, 6 p.m. today, The Tasting Room, 1924 Post Alley, Seattle; $20 (206-770-9463).

Raw food

SUN Lecture by Tonya Zavasta, author of "Quantum Eating," "Beautiful on Raw: Uncooked Creations" and "Your Right to Be Beautiful: Miracle of Raw Foods," 6 p.m. Sunday, Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Drive N.E., Kenmore; $15-$25 (206-334-7111 or www.beautifulonraw.com).

Gardening

Dahlia garden show

THU-MON Walk-through garden with 350 dahlia varieties in bloom with large indoor display, cutting demonstrations, cut flowers, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through Sept. 1, Connell's Dahlias, 10616 Waller Road E., Tacoma (253-531-0292 or www.connells-dahlias.com).

Dahlia Show

SAT-SUN Seattle Dahlia Society show with display of hundreds of blooms, dahlia growing information and cut flowers for sale, noon-4 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Lake City Community Center, 12531 28th Ave. N.E., Seattle (206-546-1522).

Phinney Garden Tour

PLAN AHEAD Eleven neighborhood gardens in the Phinney/Greenwood neighborhood, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 7, Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle; $10-$15 (206-783-2244 or www.phinneycenter.org).

Hiking/Walks

Sno-Valley Seniors Walk to the Falls

FRI Walk 2-4 miles on paved Snoqualmie Valley Trail, for all ages, 1 p.m. Friday, Sno-Valley Senior Activity Center, 4610 Stephens Ave., Carnation; $1, reservations required (425-333-4152 or www.snovalleysenior.org).

Magnolia Bluff

SAT Eastshore Singles 3-mile walk with views, lunch afterward, 10 a.m. Saturday, meet at parking lot on Magnolia Boulevard between West Howe Street and Montavista Place, West Seattle (www.eastshoresingles.org).

Issaquah Alps

SUN Issaquah Alps Trails Club hike, Lodge Lake 4-5 miles slow pace on Pacific Crest Trail, 9 a.m. Sunday; hiking shoes, appropriate clothing, rain gear and daypack with food and water required; no dogs, Issaquah Alps Trail Club clubhouse, First and Bush Streets, Issaquah; free (www.issaquahalps.org).

Museum events

20th Century Technology: 100 years of Multi-Media

THU-SAT Last weekend of exhibit of audio players, recorders, console TVs and other audiovisual pieces, noon-4 p.m. today, Friday, Saturday, Kent Historical Museum, 855 E. Smith St., Kent; admission by donation (253-854-4330 or kenthistoricalmuseum.org).

"Inspiring Impressionism: The Impressionists and the Art of the Past"

THU-MON Special hours, open Monday; featuring special exhibit of nearly 100 works of art looking at the origins of Impressionism, through Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. today and Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Seattle Art Museum, 1300 First Ave., Seattle; $20/adults, $17/ages 62 and older, $14/ages 13-17 and students with ID, free for ages 12 and younger (206-654-3100 or www.seattleartmuseum.org).

The Last Polar Bear: Facing the Truth of a Warming World

ONGOING Exhibit of 40 photos of polar bears in their natural habitat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Seattle; $5-$8 (206-543-5590 or www.burkemuseum.org).

Paddle sports

Dragon boating

SAT-SUN Introduction to the sport of dragon boating, 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/Center, 860 Terry Ave. N., Seattle; (206-523-4518 or www.tacomadragonboat.org).

Park events

Wild Waves and Enchanted Village

THU-MON Amusement park with thrill rides including TimberHawk, the state's biggest roller coaster, the Sky Dive and the Timber Axe; family rides, water park with tube slides, Raging River ride, wave pool, activity pool, warming tubs and kiddie pools with water slides, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday-Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 7, 13-14, then closed for the season, Wild Waves and Enchanted Village, 36201 Enchanted Parkway S., Federal Way; $34.99/general admission, $29.99/children under 48 inches tall, ages 2 and younger free; parking $10 (253-661-8000 or www.wildwaves.com).

Jetty Island Days

THU-MON Last weekend of the year for ferry to sandy beaches and shallow warm water of Jetty Island, a man-made island in Port Gardner Bay, accessible by ferry leaving every half-hour, 10 a.m.-5:50 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-8:50 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-6:50 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-5:50 p.m. Monday, 10th Street Boat Launch and Marine Park, 10th Street Boat Launch and Marine Park, Everett; suggested ferry donation $2/adults, $1/children (425-257-7308 or www.everettwa.org/parks).

Stories of Our World

FRI Naturalist storytellers share nature stories from around the world, around the fire circle with s'mores, for ages 3 and older, 7 p.m. Friday, Carkeek Park, 950 N.W. Carkeek Park Road, Seattle; free donations accepted (206-684-0877 or www.seattle.gov/parks).

Audubon Center Super Saturday

SAT Games, arts and crafts, educational workshops, nature walks, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Seward Park Environmental and Audubon Center, 5902 Lake Washington Boulevard S., Seattle; $2-$4 (206-622-2444 or sewardpark.audubon.org).

Family low-tide beach walk

SAT Naturalist-led 90-minute walks to explore sea life at low tide, suitable for families with young children, 10 a.m. Saturday, Discovery Park, 3801 W. Government Way, Seattle; free (206-386-4236 or www.seattle.gov/parks).

Outdoor and nature games

SAT Drop-in games with park naturalist at the meadow near the playground, for ages 4 and older, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Carkeek Park, 950 N.W. Carkeek Park Road, Seattle; free (206-684-0877 or www.seattle.gov/parks).

Edmonds Beach Walk

SAT Naturalist-led low-tide beach walk, 11 a.m. Saturday, Olympic Beach, Dayton Street and Admiral Way, Edmonds; free (425-771-0227 or www.ci.edmonds.wa.us/calendar.stm).

Evergreen Arboretum tour

SAT Docent-led tour of the arboretum and gardens, 2 p.m. Saturday, Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens, Marine Drive at Alverson Boulevard, Everett; free, donations appreciated (425-257-8597 or www.evergreenarboretum.com).

Nisqually Wildlife Refuge

SAT-SUN Walk and/or slide show about human history within park boundaries, 1 p.m. Saturday; bird walk, 9 a.m.-noon Sunday, Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, 100 Brown Farm Road, Olympia; event free, refuge entry $3/family (360-753-9467).

Heather Meadows Visitor Center programs

SAT-SUN Nooksack tribal stories, 1 p.m. Saturday; local history slide show, 1 p.m. Sunday; visitor center open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily, Heather Meadows Visitor Center, Milepost 56, Mount Baker Highway (State Route 542), Mount Baker; free (360-599-2714 or www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/about/mbrd.shtml).

Volunteer Park road closure

SUN Western loop road closed to cars 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Volunteer Park, 1247 15th Ave. E., Seattle (206-684-4075 or www.seattle.gov). Performances

Stories in Steinbrueck

THU Storytelling with Seattle Storytellers Guild, 5 p.m. today, Victor Steinbrueck Park, 2001 Western Ave., Seattle; free (www.seattle.gov).

Yacht Club

THU An evening of "original nautical themed" performance, 8 p.m. today, Islander Cruises, 1611 E. Fairview, Seattle; $40 (www.thecancan.com).

Performances at the Passage

THU Outdoor concerts on the lawn, bluegrass, Celtic and contemporary folk music with the Clumsy Lovers, 7 p.m. today, Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort, 15347 Suquamish Way N.E., Suquamish; free, with free shuttle bus available from Bainbridge Island ferry terminal (360-598-8700 or www.clearwatercasino.com). Outdoor Cinema

FRI Bring lawn chairs or blankets for outdoor family movie, concessions available; "National Treasure: Book of Secrets," 8:30 p.m. Friday, Steel Lake Park, 2410 S. 312th St., Federal Way; free (253-835-6905).

Fridays at the Fountains

FRI Outdoor concert by The Jazz House Band, 5:30 p.m. Friday, Bremerton Waterfront Boardwalk, Second Street and Washington Avenue, Bremerton; free (www.ci.bremerton.wa.us).

Saturday Relaxation

SAT Jazz Horn Trio, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Kent Station, Fourth Avenue North and West James Street, Kent; free, donations of nonperishable food items for Kent Food Bank and new and gently used books for Kent Youth and Family Services collected (www.kentstation.com).

"South Pacific"

SAT Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater outdoor version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical set on an island Navy base during World War II; barbecue dinner optional, 3 p.m. Saturday, Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater, 36800 S.E. David Powell Road, Fall City; $5-$34 (www.foresttheater.org).

Summer concerts at the Locks

SAT-MON Cascadia Jazz Band, 2-3 p.m. Saturday; The Dissonance, 2-3 p.m. Sunday; Michael Clune and Sleep Until Noon Band, 2-3 p.m. Monday, Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, 3015 N.W. 54th St., Seattle; free (206-783-7059).

Anacortes Jazz Festival

SAT-MON Featuring more than 20 Northwest and international artists, kickoff gala and jazz walk, Saturday-Monday, Anacortes; $25-$30 (360-293-7911 or www.anacortes.org).

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

PLAN AHEAD "Over The Top" circus spectacular with clowns, animals, acrobats, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4 and 5, 11:30 a.m., 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6, 1 and 5 p.m. Sept. 7, Comcast Arena at the Everett Events Center, 2000 Hewitt Avenue, Everett; $14-$76 (866-332-8499 or www.ringling.com).

Sales/Shopping

Friends of the North Bend Library Book Sale

THU-SAT Friends of the North Bend Library sale of gently-used hardcover books, paperbacks, children's books, DVDs, CDs, videos, books on tape and more at bargain prices, library hours today through Saturday, North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St., North Bend (425-888-0554 or www.kcls.org/northbend/).

Shellfish seed sales

SAT Purchase oyster, clam, mussel and geoduck "seed" to plant your tideland, information available, 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Taylor Shellfish Farms, 2182 Chuckanut Drive, Bow (360-426-6178 or www.taylorshellfish.com).

Special interest

Community Health Fair

THU Exercise and massage demonstrations, blood-pressure screenings, health information, across the street from the library, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. today, Seattle Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle; free (206-386-4636 or www.spl.org).

Lake Washington Boulevard closure

THU, SUN To combat global warming and encourage bicycle and pedestrian recreation, scenic area of Lake Washington Boulevard closed 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays; exceptions for residents and their guests, people accessing boat ramps and people with disabilities, Lake Washington Boulevard from Mount Baker Beach to Seward Park, Seattle (206-684-4075 or www.seattle.gov/parks/). Future Cougar Day College Fair

SAT Learn about opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and professional education, connect with fellow alumni in the Puget Sound area, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Qwest Field Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle; free (509-335-6806 or www.wsuinseattle.wsu.edu/). Martial-arts demonstration

SAT Demonstration show of traditional Chinese martial arts, 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Queen Anne Community Center, 1901 First Ave. W., Seattle; free (206-386-4240).

Camlann Medieval Village

SAT-SUN An English village re-creation of the year 1376, with period village life portrayals, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 21, Camlann Medieval Village, 10320 Kelly Road N.E., Carnation; $5 (425-788-8624 or www.camlann.org).

Car-free day, Columbia City to Genesee Park

SUN Car-free day on Rainier Avenue South from South Orcas Street to South Alaska Street to 38th Avenue South, with neighborhood activities including kids' bouncer, buskers, 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Columbia City, Rainier Avenue South from South Edmunds Street to South Hudson Street, Seattle; (www.seattle.gov/transportation/carfree—cc.htm).

Swimming

Seattle beaches

THU-MON Last weekend of the season for swimming with lifeguards on duty, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. today-Monday, weather permitting;

• West Green Lake, 7312 W. Green Lake Drive;

• Madison, 1900 43rd Ave. E.;

• Matthews, 9300 51st Ave. N.E.;

• Mount Baker, 2301 Lake Washington Blvd. S.;

• Seward, 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S.

More information: 206-684-4075 or www.cityofseattle.net/parks/aquatics/index.htm.

Colman Pool

THU-MON 50-meter, heated, saltwater pool with giant tube slide, on the waterfront at Lincoln Park, noon-7 p.m. today-Monday and Sept. 6-7, then closed for the season, Lincoln Park, 8603 Fauntleroy Way S.W., Seattle (206-684-7494 or www.seattle.gov).

Mounger Pool

THU-MON Public swims and special events, 50-foot corkscrew slide and little pool with warm, shallow water, hours vary through Sept. 7, Mounger Pool, 2535 32nd Ave. W., Seattle (206-684-4708 or www.seattle.gov).

Mercer Island beaches

THU-MON Last weekend of the season for swimming with lifeguards on duty, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. today-Monday, weather permitting;

• Groveland Beach with picnic and barbecue areas, playground, restrooms, 8000 S.E. 58th St., Mercer Island;

• Luther Burbank Park with large children's area, tennis courts, boating, fishing, 2040 84th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island (206-236-3545 or www.miparks.net).

Bellevue beaches

THU-MON Last weekend of the season for swimming with lifeguards on duty, noon-7 p.m. today-Monday, weather permitting;

• Newcastle Beach Park, noon-7 p.m., 4400 Lake Washington Blvd. N.E.;

• Meydenbauer Beach Park, noon-7 p.m., 419 98th Ave. N.E.,

• Chesterfield Beach Park, 2-5 p.m., weather permitting, 2501 100th Ave. S.E.;

• Enatai Beach Park, noon-7 p.m., 3519 S.E. 108th Ave. S.E.;

• Chism Beach Park, noon-7 p.m., 1175 96th Ave. N.E.;

• Clyde Beach Park, noon-7 p.m., 2-92nd Ave. N.E.;

(425-452-4444 or www.cityofbellevue.org).

Kirkland

THU-SEPT. 3 Last weekend of the season for swimming with lifeguards on duty, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. today-Wednesday, weather permitting; Houghton Beach Park with swimming raft, picnic tables, 5811 Lake Washington Blvd. N.E., Kirkland (425-587-3300 or www.kirklandparks.net).

Peter Kirk Pool

THU-MON Last weekend of the season for outdoor pool, call for hours today-Monday, 340 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland; $3 (425-587-3335).

Redmond

THU-SEPT. 3 Last weekend of the season for swimming with lifeguards on duty, noon-7 p.m. today-Wednesday, weather permitting; Idylwood Beach, with play structure, concessions stand, picnic shelter and adult lap swim area, 3650 W. Lake Sammamish Parkway N.E. (425-556-2300 or www.redmond.gov). Cottage Lake Pool

THU-MON Last weekend of the season for outdoor pool, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. today-Monday, 18831 N.E. Woodinville-Duvall Road, Woodinville (206-296-2999 or www.metrokc.gov/parks).

Renton

THU-MON Last weekend of the season for swimming with lifeguards on duty, noon-8 p.m. today-Monday, weather permitting, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N., Renton (425-430-6700 or www.renton-wa.gov).

Henry Moses Aquatic Center

THU-MON Last weekend of the season for park with two pools, 9,000-square-foot leisure pool with wave machine, water play structure, water slides, 3,300-square-foot six-lane lap pool, café; call for hours; Cedar River Park, 1719 Maple Valley Highway, Renton; $2-$14, season passes available (425-430-6780 or www.rentonwa.gov).

Vashon Pool

THU-MON Last weekend of the season for outdoor pool, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. today-Monday, 9600 S.W. 204th St., Vashon (206-463-3787 or www.metrokc.gov/parks).

Tours

Seattle Architecture Foundation tours

THU, FRI Tour of notable downtown buildings, 10 a.m. Thursdays; tour of local art deco 1920s buildings, 10 a.m. Fridays, Seattle Architecture Foundation, 1333 Fifth Ave, Seattle; $15-$17 (206-667-9184 or www.seattlearchitecture.org).

Cedar River Watershed

FRI, SAT, SUN Guided tours by bus and foot into the watershed that provides drinking water for much of the Seattle area, 9:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through mid-September, $5-$10, by reservation, exit 32 off Interstate 90 eastbound, go right on 436th Avenue Southeast (Cedar Falls Road) about 3.5 miles past the exit, North Bend (206-233-1515).

MOHAI History Tours

SAT Museum of History & Industry tours to learn about local history; Mercer Girls, Seattle's Cargo of Brides historical sites walking tour, 10 a.m. Saturday; boat tour of the Duwamish River to learn about habitat restoration, Sept. 13, Seattle; $25-$35, meeting places vary, information provided with advance registration (206-324-1126 or www.seattlehistory.org).

Columbia City: Valley on the Rise

SAT Seattle Architecture Foundation walking tour, 10 a.m. Saturday, Columbia City Library, 4721 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle; $15-$17 (206-667-9184 or www.seattlearchitecture.org).

Design Details

SAT Seattle Architecture Foundation tour of embellishments in downtown buildings, ending at Smith Tower with visit to its Chinese Room and observation deck, 10 a.m. Saturday, Seattle Architecture Foundation, 1333 Fifth Ave, Rainier Square Atrium, Seattle; $15/advance, $17/day of tour if space available (206-667-9184 or www.seattlearchitecture.org).

Hellyer Natural History Center

SAT Guided tour of the former home of Dr. David and Constance Hellyer, original park benefactors, 10:15 a.m. Saturday, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, 11610 Trek Dr. E., Eatonville; $3 in addition to regular park admission, by reservation, space limited (360-832-7166 or www.nwtrek.org).

Lake Whatcom Railway

SAT Antique-train excursion, noon Saturday, Lake Whatcom Railway, State Highway 9, Wickersham; $18/adult, $9/ages 2-18 (360-595-2218 or lakewhatcomrailway.com).

Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad

SAT-MON Vintage-train ride through the foothills of Mount Rainier, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, 349 Mineral Creek Road, Mineral; $15-$20 reservations recommended (888-STEAM11 or 360-492-5588 or www.mrsr.com). Northwest Railway Museum train excursion

SAT-MON Antique-train excursion through the upper Snoqualmie Valley, 11 a.m., 12:30, 2, 3:30 and 4:10 p.m. from Snoqualmie, 11:25 a.m., 12:55, 2:25 and 3:55 p.m. from North Bend, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Sundays, $10/adults, $9/ages 62 and older, $7/ages 2-12; Northwest Railway Museum on the history of railroads in the Pacific Northwest open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily at Snoqualmie Depot, 38625 S.E. King St., Snoqualmie (425-888-3030 or www.trainmuseum.org).

Market Ghost Tours

ONGOING Tour of the Pike Place Market with stories of Seattle history, 6 p.m. Thursdays, 6 and 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Pike Place Market, 1501 Pike Place, Seattle; $15 (206-322-1218 or www.marketghost.com).

Houseboat Tour

PLAN AHEAD Tour of 12 homes on east Lake Union and Portage Bay, with shuttle-bus transportation between the two locations, noon-5 p.m. Sept. 7, Terry Pettus Park, 2017 Fairview Ave. E., Seattle; $25 (www.seattlefloatinghomes.org).

Visual Arts

Lummi Island Artists' Studio Tour

SAT-SUN Display and sale of paintings, prints, pottery, jewelry and more by 25 artists at 17 locations around the island marked by balloons, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Lummi Island, accessible by ferry from Haxton Way; ferry to the island, $10/car and driver, $4/passenger or pedestrian, ages 12 and younger free (360-758-7121 or lummi-island.com).

Plein Air Painters U.S. Open

PLAN AHEAD More than 100 artists using the plein-air technique of Impressionist-style painting in available light paint Whidbey Island scenes, Sept. 3-7; juried into a show with auction and gala at Crockett Barn Sept. 6, art exhibit and sale, Sept. 7, Coupeville (www.coupevillearts.org).

Workshops

French for Travelers

THU Five-class session on practical French language skills for travelers, 6-8 p.m. today and Thursdays through Sept. 25, The Savvy Traveler, 112 Fifth Ave. S., Edmonds; $85, preregister (425-744-6076 or www.savvytraveleredmonds.com).

Orcas Island Writers Festival

PLAN AHEAD Classes, workshops, lectures, readings and informal gatherings, Sept. 4-7, Moran State Park, Eastsound, Orcas Island; $65-$325 (360-472-0254 or www.orcasislandwritersfestival.com).