Weekend calendar

Animals

Woodland Park Zoo

ONGOING African Savanna, Temperate Forest, Tropical Rain Forest, Tropical Asia Elephant Forest, Northern Trail, Zoomazium play space for kids; elephant-keeper talks, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; raptor training center, 2:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; Willawong Station bird-feeding experience, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; open 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle; $8-$11 (206-548-2500 or www.zoo.org).

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

ONGOING Beluga whales, walrus, elephants, farm animals, aquarium, Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater; Kids' Zone children's zoo, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma, $4-$11 (253-591-5337 or www.pdza.org).

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

ONGOING A 600-acre wildlife park and animal sanctuary with animals native to the Northwest, some in naturalistic exhibits and some viewed by tram tour in animal free-range area; 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. today and Friday, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; then winter hours, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, Northwest Trek, 11610 Trek Drive E., Eatonville, $6-$15 (360-832-6117 or www.nwtrek.org).

Benefits

Heather Tartan Ball

SAT Silent auction, Scottish country dancing with instruction, performances by Clan Gordon, Keith Highlander and Tacoma Scots Pipe Bands, dance music; proceeds benefit next year's Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games and Clan Gathering, 6 p.m. Saturday, Take Off Events, 800 W. Perimeter Road, Renton Airfield, Renton; $20/advance through today, $25/at the door if space available (206-522-2541 or www.sshga.org).

Kent Historical Society

SAT Dinner, auction and swing dance with live band, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent; $40 (253-854-4330).

Amaranth Diabetes Research Benefit

SAT "An Evening with the Stars" dinner and auction, proceeds benefit Amaranth Diabetes Foundation research and grants, 5 p.m. Saturday, Emerald Downs, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive, Auburn; $45 (www.amaranthwa.org).

MOHAI History Makers Gala

PLAN AHEAD Dinner, speakers, proceeds benefit Museum of History & Industry education programs for local schools, 6 p.m. Nov. 7, Seattle; $250-$500 (206-324-1126).

"Celebrate Folklife" Benefit Auction

PLAN AHEAD Auction, dinner, all proceeds support the 2009 Northwest Folklife Festival, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 8, Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center, Seattle; $65-$75 (206-684-7326 or nwfolklife.org).

Biking

Spokespeople

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

Search for the Suburban Pumpkin

FRI Cascade Bicycle Club 30- to 35-mile, steady-pace, hilly ride with lunch stop in Burien; showers cancel, 10 a.m. Friday, Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave. S., Tukwila (206-522-3222 or www.cascade.org).

Cedar River

SAT Cascade Bicycle Club 20-mile plus, steady-pace ride along the Cedar River; showers cancel, 1 p.m. Saturday, Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Highway, Renton (206-522-3222 or www.cascade.org).

Dance

Green Lake Folk Dancers

FRI Mostly Balkan line dancing, easy dances first 60-90 minutes, children welcome; 8:30 p.m. Friday, VFW Hall, 7220 Woodlawn Ave. N.E., Seattle; $5 (206-325-7668 or www.ratchenitza.com).

Skandia Folkdance Society Fifth Friday Dance

FRI Dance "village dances" of Scandinavia to live music, 8 p.m. Friday, Epiphany Parish, 1805 38th Ave., Seattle; $7-$10 (206-784-7470 or www.skandia-folkdance.org).

El Día de los Muertos: All Saint's Day Swing Dance

SAT Family swing dance, featuring the Eckstein Senior Jazz Band; a Mexican feast, dessert auction, swing-dance instructor, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 4805 N.E. 45th St., Seattle; $10-$30 (206-522-7144 or www.ststephens-seattle.org).

Northwest Dance Network

SAT Dancing lesson, 7:30 p.m., all-ages dance, singles and couples welcome, Sky Blue Swing Band, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Leif Erikson Lodge, 2245 N.W. 57th St., Seattle; $10-$17 (206-781-1238 or www.nwdance.net).

Festivals/Expos

Día de Muertos

SAT, SUN Observance of centuries-old Mexican tradition of honoring loved ones who have died with community altars, food, candles, music, dance, art display, noon-8 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Center House, Seattle Center; procession with music and lights, 7 p.m. Saturday, from the Center House to the International Fountain, Seattle Center, Seattle (206-684-7200 or www.seattlecenter.com).Seattle International Auto Show

PLAN AHEAD Display of 2009 models of cars, trucks, SUVs, hybrids and alternative-fuel vehicles from all major manufacturers, exotic and classic vehicles, noon-10 p.m. Nov. 5-7, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 9, Qwest Field Event Center, Seattle; $8-$11, ages 12 and younger free (206-542-3551 or www.seattleautoshow.com).

Day of the Dead Festival

PLAN AHEAD Celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with candlelight procession, community altar, music, craft activities, 7 p.m. Nov. 7, Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle (206-783-2244 or www.phinneycenter.org).

Cultural Crossroads

PLAN AHEAD Multicultural entertainment by music and dance groups, interactive Lego display, international bazaar, exhibits, 5-10 p.m. Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Nov. 8, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 9, Crossroads Bellevue, 15600 N.E. Eighth St., Bellevue (425-644-1111 or www.ethnicheritagecouncil.org).

Auburn Veterans Day Parade and Observance

PLAN AHEAD Displays of military equipment, Veterans Remembrance Ceremony, Veterans Day Parade with military flyover, more than 200 units including military units, drill teams, military vehicles and 25 marching bands, Nov. 8, Auburn (253-931-3043 or auburnwa.gov).

Food events

Farestart Guest Chef Night

THU Three-course meal hosted by guest chefs from local restaurants, proceeds benefit Farestart's job-training programs, 6 p.m. today, FareStart Restaurant, 700 Virginia St., Seattle; $24.95, by reservation (206-267-6210 or www.farestart.org).

Washington wine tasting

FRI Taste four to six Washington wines, 4-6 p.m. Friday, Portfolio Restaurant, 2600 Alaskan Way, Seattle; $12, reservations required (206-239-2363 or www.ais.edu).

Chili Cook-Off

FRI All proceeds go to NW Harvest Food Bank, 3-6 p.m. Friday, Eastlake Zoo Tavern, 2301 Eastlake Ave. E., Seattle; $6, or $5 w/nonperishable food donation (206-329-3277 or www.eastlakezoo.com).

Day of the Dead

SAT Family-style feast to celebrate the Mexican holiday; bring a photo or memento for display on the remembrance altar, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Flying Fish, 2234 First Ave., Seattle; $65, by reservation (206-728-8595).

Winter Beer Taste

PLAN AHEAD Admission includes 10 tastes of winter beers from 26 microbreweries, music, pub snacks, silent auction, 7 p.m. Nov. 8, Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle; $30, $10/designated driver (206-783-2244 or www.phinneycenter.org).

Hiking

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 call to reserve a spot; dates subject to change (425-333-4152 or www.snovalleysenior.org).

Eastshore Singles

SAT Walk followed by restaurant stop for lunch, newcomers welcome, 11 a.m. Saturday, Lake Alice trailhead, Preston-Fall City Road and Southwest 47th Street, Fall City (www.eastshoresingles.org).

Orienteering

SAT Explore the park for checkpoints marked on a map, against the clock or in an easy stroll, instruction available, start anytime 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Lincoln Park, 8011 Fauntleroy Way S.W., Seattle; $5-$19 (www.cascadeoc.org).

Issaquah Alps Trails Club

SUN Cougar Mountain slow-pace 4- to 5-mile hike to AA Peak, 9:30 a.m. Sunday; daypack, food, water, hiking shoes, raingear required, Issaquah Alps Trail Club clubhouse, First and Bush Streets, Issaquah (www.issaquahalps.org).

Hobbies

Experimental Bead Show

THU Beads including glass, stone, pearls, wood and accessories, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. today, Clarion Inn, 3700 E. Valley Road, Renton; free (208-661-2911 or www.zizbead.com).

Seattle Genealogical Society's Fall Seminar

SAT "Finding your Past in Your Future" fall seminar; topics include Native American, Swedish, Chinese and Irish roots; online resources; and new technology, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sand Point Education Center, 6208 60th Ave. N.E., Seattle; $40 (www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~waseags/).

Port Townsend Woodworkers Show

SAT-SUN Get acquainted with diverse and talented woodworkers and their work in a relaxed and informal setting; furniture and cabinet makers, instrument and bow makers, boat builders, turners and carvers, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, American Legion Hall, Water and Monroe streets, Port Townsend; free (360-440-7660 or www.splintergroup.org).

Museum events

Ghost Hunters Gathering

SAT Ghost hunters and explorers' social salon to share ideas and techniques, facilitated by Auburn Paranormal Research Team, 7 p.m. Saturday, Museum of the Mysteries, 623 Broadway E., Seattle; $2 (206-328-6499 or www.seattlechatclub.org).

From the Home Front and the Front Lines: Veterans History Project

SAT-SUN Opening Saturday, Library of Congress exhibit of letters, diaries, photos, artifacts, films and oral histories by veterans who have served in the U.S. military, focusing on World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through Jan. 19, 2009; lecture series on women's role in the military, Nov. 6, 13, 20, Museum of History & Industry, 2700 24th Ave. E., Seattle; $6-$8 (206-324-1126 or www.seattlehistory.org).

Museum of Flight

SAT-SUN Jay Spenser, author of "The Airplane: How Ideas Gave Us Wings," 2 p.m. Saturday; family workshop to learn about the 1938 radio performance of H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds" and design an alien invasion vehicle, 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Saturday and Nov. 8-9; free First Thursday, 5-9 p.m. Nov. 6; recently opened T. Evans Wyckoff Memorial Bridge with colored lighting and audio experience of flight, connects the museum's main campus on the east side of East Marginal Way to its west campus, which includes the library and archives building, airpark and parking lots; museum open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, airpark open 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily, Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle; $7.50-$14 (206.764.5720 or www.museumofflight.org).

Family First Sundays

SUN Family craft activities, focusing on sea otters in November, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle; activities free with admission, $10-$15 (206-386-4320 or www.seattleaquarium.org).

S'abadeb — The Gifts: Pacific Coast Salish Art and Artists

ONGOING More than 175 works of art including historic sculpture, basketry, weaving, contemporary paintings, prints and photographs exploring the artistry and culture of the Salish First Peoples of Washington state and British Columbia, on display through Jan. 11, 2009, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. today and Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Seattle Art Museum, 1300 First Ave., Seattle; $7-$13 (206-654-3100 or www.seattleartmuseum.org).

Park events

Discovery Park bird tour

SAT Walk with experienced birder to look for birds, bring binoculars and field guides if you have them; for ages 8 and older, 8 a.m. Saturday, Discovery Park, 3801 W. Government Way, Seattle; register by today (206-386-4236 or www.seattle.gov/parks).

Cool Camouflage

SAT Learn about animal and insect camouflage, for ages 6 and older, 10 a.m. Saturday, Lewis Creek Park, 5808 Lakemont Blvd., Bellevue; $5 (425-452-4195).

Mushroom Walk in Bridle Trails State Park

SAT Join mycologist Luke Bayler for a nature walk to learn how to identify mushrooms and about their ecological roles in forests, 9 a.m. Saturday, Bridle Trails State Park, Northeast 53rd Street and 116th Avenue Northeast, Kirkland; free, preregister, space limited (425-827-6595 or www.bridletrails.org).

Juanita Bay wildlife tours

SUN Guided ranger tour, bring binoculars, 1 p.m. Sunday, Juanita Bay Park, 2201 Market St., Kirkland (www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/depart/parks.htm).

Salmon SEEson

ONGOING See salmon returning from the ocean to spawn, with information, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, along the Cedar River at Renton Library, 100 Mill Ave. S., Renton; Riverview Park, 2901 Maple Valley Highway, Renton; Cavanaugh Park, 17410 S.E. Maple Valley Road, Renton; and Landsburg Park, 276th Avenue Southeast, Ravensdale (206-245-0143 or www.cedarriver.org); and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 28, Pipers Creek, Carkeek Park, Seattle (206-684-0877 or www.seattle.gov/parks/environment/carkeek.htm or www.kingcounty.gov/salmon).

Performances

Seattle Folklore Society

SAT Tom Rawson and the Wanders sing Woody Guthrie songs, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle; $14-$16 (206-528-8523 or www.seafolklore.org).

Songs of World War II

SAT Veterans Day music of World War II, 2 p.m. Saturday, Bellevue Regional Library, 1111 110th Ave. N.E., Bellevue; free (425-450-1765).

Recess Monkey

SAT Local elementary-school teachers band, playing music influenced by the Beach Boys and the Beatles, 11 a.m. Saturday, Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds; $10-$16 (425-275-9595 or www.ec4arts.org/RecessMonkey.html).

Breath of Aire choral benefit concert

SAT Choral concert by community choir as a benefit for the Kent Food Bank, 6 p.m. Saturday, Kent Covenant Church, 12010 S.E. 240th St., Kent; free, canned food and cash donations requested (253-631-0222 or www.kentcov.org).

Jazz Vespers

SUN Dina Blade Quintet and tap dancer Jesse Sawyer with inspirational interlude, 6 p.m. Sunday, Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Ave., Seattle; free, donations collected for musicians (206-325-6051 or www.seattlejazzvespers.org).

Recess Monkey

SUN Music for kids and families, 2 p.m. Sunday, Covington Library, 27100 164th Ave. S.E., Covington; free (253-630-8761).

Sales/Shopping

Holiday Gift Show

THU-SAT Folk art, collectibles, clothes, specialty foods, home décor by 95 artists, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. today and Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Pickering Barn, 1730 10th Ave. N.W., Issaquah (425-413-1004).

Ghosts in the Garden

SAT Reception and collection preview with "Project Runway" alum Sweet P. and a limited-edition line of dresses, T-shirts and accessories, 7 p.m. Saturday, Havana, 1010 E. Pike St., Seattle; $15 (206-706-7857 or pulplab.com).

Wood Construction Center Saturday Market

SAT Sale of furniture, arts and crafts made by students and alumni of the SCCC Wood Construction Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, SCCC Wood Construction Center, 2310 S. Lane St., Seattle (seattlecentral.org/wood/).

A Canterbury Faire at St. Dunstan's

SAT Antiques and collectibles, jewelry, woodworking, fiber arts, Christmas items, coffee bar and bake sale, lunch available, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, 722 N. 145th St., Shoreline (425-776-9059).

Book sale

SAT Used-book sale by Friends of the Library, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, all books half price 3-4 p.m., proceeds benefit children's programs at the library, Lake Forest Park Library, 17171 Bothell Way N.E., Lake Forest Park Towne Centre, Lake Forest Park (206-362-8860).

Kirkland Library Book Sale

SAT Books at bargain prices, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Kirkland Library, 308 Kirkland Ave., Kirkland (425-822-2459).

Redmond High School Girls Basketball Booster Club Shopping Gala

SAT Discovery Toys, Tupperware, Pampered Chef and several other vendors, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Redmond High School, 17272 N.E. 104th St., Redmond (425-943-8351).

Holiday Craft Bazaar

SAT Holiday craft bazaar, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Redmond Senior Center, 8703 160th Ave. N.E., Redmond (425-556-2314).

Sons of Norway Bazaar

SAT Arts and crafts, Norwegian lunch and bake sale, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sons of Norway Hall, 23905 Bothell-Everett Hwy., Bothell (www.bothellsonsofnorway.org).

Treats & Treasures Fall Bazaar

SAT Antiques, collectibles, attic treasures, original crafts, baked goods, used books, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Bothell United Methodist Church, 18515 92nd Ave. N.E., Bothell (425-486-7132).

Holiday Craft Fair

SAT Crafts by 70 artists, raffle; proceeds benefit Northshore School District programs for children with disabilities; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Woodmoor Elementary School, 12225 N.E. 160th St., Bothell (425-485-4964).

Holiday Bazaar

SAT All types of vendors, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Glacier Peak High School, 7401 144th Pl. S.E., Snohomish (425-327-3194).

Julefest Christmas Bazaar

SAT Traditional Norwegian needlework, ornaments, home décor, garden decorations, bake sale, lunch, demonstrations of Scandinavian foods and arts, proceeds benefit local food banks, mission quilts and U.S. troop care packages; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Zion Lutheran Church, 25105 132nd Ave. S.E., Kent (253-631-0100 or zionkent.org).

Polish Holiday Bazaar

SAT-SUN Bakery and dessert bar, dinner served all day, delicatessen, sale of Polish crafts, pottery, linens, jewelry, books, Christmas decorations, noon-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Polish Choir Vivat Musica performs 2 p.m. Saturday, Polish Home Association, 1714 18th Ave., Seattle (206-322-3020).

Scandinavian Holiday Bazaar

SAT-SUN Vendors selling imported and handmade Scandinavian items, Swedish pancake breakfast Sunday, entertainment, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Swedish Cultural Center, 1920 Dexter Ave. N., Seattle (425-881-1544 or swedishculturalcenter.org).

Art Mart and Salmon Bake

SUN Native American artists selling jewelry, paintings, drums and other items, salmon bake, portion of the proceeds to benefit United Indians Elders' Program, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Daybreak Star Cultural Center, 3801 W. Government Way, Discovery Park, Seattle (206-228-1410 or www.unitedindians.org).

Special interest

Women's Week at Issaquah REI

THU-SAT Free classes and events to learn more about outdoor recreation, today-Saturday, REI, 735 N.W. Gilman Blvd., Issaquah (425-313-1660 or www.rei.com/issaquah).

Bastyr University Founders' Day Weekend

THU, SAT Author Michael Pollan, VIP cocktail reception, 7 p.m. today, Bell Harbor Conference Center, Seattle, $50; reception, dinner and gala honoring Mission Award recipient, 6 p.m. Saturday, Fairmont Olympic Hotel Ballroom, Seattle; $150, by reservation (425-602-3272 or bastyredu/development/foundersweekend.asp).

Family Health Awareness Day

SAT Hands-on demonstrations, displays, information on nutrition, exercise, child safety and practical first aid, flu shots available for $25; basic CPR and wellness health screening available, reservations by phone required; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Evergreen Hospital Medical Center, 12040 N.E. 128th, Kirkland (425-899-3000 or www.evergreenhealthcare.org/default.htm).

Travel events

Europe Through the Back Door

SAT Croatia and Slovenia, 10 a.m. Saturday, Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds; how to write extraordinary travel journals, noon-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Rick Steves Travel Center, Edmonds; Rick Steves' Travel Festival, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 8, Edmonds; free, reservations required (425-771-8303, ext. 298, or www.ricksteves.com).

Travel seminars

SAT Land of Maya: Belize and Guatemala, 10 a.m. Saturday; Italy travel tips and tricks, 1 p.m. Saturday; Savvy Traveler, 112 Fifth Ave. S., Edmonds; free, reservations required, space limited (425-744-6076 or www.savvytraveleredmonds.com).

Workshops

Digital Storybooking/scrapbooking

THU How to turn your photos into storybooks/scrapbooks and create calendars, posters, cards, 7 p.m. today, Panera Bread Bakery-Cafe, 401 N.E. Northgate Way, Seattle; free (206-450-2656 or www.celebratingmystory.com).

Day of the Dead craft

SAT Kids learn about Day of the Dead and make decorated sugar skulls, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Seattle Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle (206-386-4636).

Early holiday preview

SAT Holiday decorating tips, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Squak Mt. Nursery, 7600 Renton-Issaquah Road S.E., Issaquah (425-392-1025 or www.squakmtnursery.com).

Preserving your old house: Tile

SAT Historic Seattle information on restoring, cleaning or removing old tile, 10 a.m. Saturday, Rejuvenation, 2910 First Ave. S., Seattle; $5-$10, preregister, space limited (206-622-6952 or www.historicseattle.org).

Babeland Brunch Series: Flirting Over Brunch

SUN Coffee, treats and learn tips on flirting, online dating and what to do once you get that special person home, 11 a.m. Sunday, Babeland, 707 E. Pike St., Seattle; free (206-328-2914 or www.babeland.com/events).