Weekend calendar

Animal events

Western Washington

All-Breed Dog Show

FRI-SUN Conformation (breed) judging, group judging, obedience and rally events, dog specialty and supply vendors, breed information, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Puyallup Fair and Events Center, 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup; free for spectators (253-841-5045 or www.thefair.com).

Seattle Dog Winterfest

SAT-SUN Dog expo with Cesar Millan, Next Dog Star Competition, vendors, Fido Fashion Show; proceeds to the Cesar & Illusion Millan Foundation and Ginger's Pet Rescue, 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, Bell Harbor International Conference Center, 2211 Alaskan Way, Pier 66, Seattle; $10-$25 (425-292-0361 or www.seattledogwinterfest.com).

Skagit River Interpretive Center

FRI-SUN Information and programs on viewing bald eagles that migrate to the area in large numbers in winter, with Saturday and Sunday speakers, demonstrations and guided walks, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays-Sundays through Feb. 15, Howard Miller Steelhead Park, Hwy. 20, Rockport; free, donations appreciated (360-853-7626, www.skagiteagle.org).

Biking

Brewpub ride

SAT Cascade Bicycle Club 30-mile, leisurely paced ride followed by brewpub stop, snow, ice or showers cancel, 10 a.m. Saturday, Fred's Rivertown Ale House, 1114 First St., Snohomish (206-522-3222 or www.cascade.org).

Winter ride

SUN Cascade Bicycle Club 20- to 30-mile, steady paced ride on streets and trail with a few hills, showers or icy conditions cancel, 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Tracy Owen Station/Logbook Park, Kenmore (206-522-3222 or www.cascade.org).

Dance

Emerald City Contra Dance

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

Sno-King International

Folk Dance Club

SAT Skills and easy dance review, 7 p.m., dance instruction, 7:45 p.m., Sno-King birthday party international folk dancing, wear colorful costumes, 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).

Community Contra Dance

SUN Potluck supper, bring your own utensils and a dish to share, 5 p.m.; all-ages, open band contra dance, 6 p.m. Sunday, Gift of Grace Lutheran Church, 2102 N. 40th St., Seattle; $5/person, $10/family (www.seattledance.org).

Festivals/Expos

Tacoma RV Show

THU-SUN Latest models and trends in recreational vehicles, accessories and destinations, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. today, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma; $7-$9, ages 12 and younger free; free parking (253-756-2121 or www.otshows.com).

Winter Solstice Fire Festival

SAT-SUN Glowing steel sculptures set afire accompanied by word, music and movement performances as celestial wonders to illuminate the darkness; postponed from its original date in December because of weather conditions. 4-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, International Fountain and Fisher Pavilion lawn, Seattle Center, Seattle; free (206-684-7200 or www.seattlecenter.com).

Food events

Vegetarian food class

SUN How to cook vegetarian food, 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Buddha Jewel Monastery, 7930 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle; free, donations appreciated (206-721-9921 or buddhajewel.org).

Gardening

Polar Bear planting party

THU Help the Northwest Perennial Alliance plant a new border and dig out peonies and other perennials, with one to take home to your own garden, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. today, Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main St., Bellevue (www.northwestperennialalliance.org).

Houseplant seminars

SAT Learn the health benefits of indoor plants that reduce household toxins, 11 a.m.; basics of choosing and caring for low-maintenance house plants, 1 p.m. Saturday, Molbak's, 13625 N.E. 175th St., Woodinville; free (425-483-5000).

Hiking/walks

Eastshore Singles

SAT Singles social group for ages 45 and older, easy 3-mile walk around Green Lake, newcomers welcome, 11 a.m. Saturday, meet by BluWater Bistro, 7900 E. Green Lake Drive N., Seattle (www.eastshoresingles.org).

Hobbies

Puget Sound Civil War

Round Table

THU Program on psychological disorders and postwar adjustment of Civil War veterans in the Pacific Northwest, 7 p.m. today, China Harbor, 2040 Westlake Ave. N., Seattle; $21 (425-822-2267 or www.pscwrt.org).

Pokemon Trading Card championships

SUN City Championships tournament to test players' Pokemon TCG skill, three age divisions compete; 10 a.m. Sunday, Blue Highway Games, 2203 Queen Anne Ave. N., Seattle; free (253-205-6541 or www.go-pokemon.com/op/premierevents/championshipseries/city/).

Holiday events

Garden d'Lights

THU-SUN Holiday and garden-themed display, 5-10 p.m. today through Sunday, Bellevue Botanical Garden, 12001 Main St., Bellevue; free, donations encouraged; preferred parking $5, parking at Wilburton Park free (425-452-2750 or www.bellevuebotanical.org).

Zoolights

THU-SUN Holiday and animal-themed light displays, 5-9 p.m. today through Sunday, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma; $7 (253-404-3822 or www.pdza.org).

Museum events

Lucy lecture

THU Lecture "Lucy Walks: Functional Morphology and the Evolution of Bipedalism," inspired by the exhibit "Lucy's Legacy: the Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia;" 7 p.m. today, Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Ave. N, Seattle; $5 (206-443-2001 or www.pacificsciencecenter.org).

"Auburn: Past, Present and Future"

FRI Lecture and slide show on history of the White River Valley, followed by a city presentation on future development of Auburn downtown, 6 p.m. Friday, White River Valley Museum, 918 H St. S.E., Auburn; $1-$2 (253-288-7433 or www.wrvmuseum.org).

Artifact ID Day

SAT Experts available to identify cultural objects from the Northwest Coast, Pacific Islands, and Asia and specimens from throughout the natural world (including bones, fossils or animal teeth), limit of two items per visitor, no appraisals given; 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington campus at 17th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 45th Street, Seattle; $5-$8 (206-543-5590 or www.burkemuseum.org).

"The Little Doll With a Big Story: Nancy Ann Dolls"

SAT Presentation and bookplate signing by Elaine Pardee, author of "The Encyclopedia of Bisque Nancy Ann Storybook Dolls," Volumes 1 and 2, 1 p.m. Saturday, in conjunction with the exhibit "The Little Doll With a Big Story: Nancy Ann Dolls," through Feb. 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art, 1116 108th Ave. N.E., Bellevue; $5-$8 (425-455-1116 or www.dollart.com).

Paddle sports

Seattle Flying Dragon Boat Club

SAT-SUN Introduction to the ancient sport of dragon boating, no experience required, for ages 18 and older or ages 12 and older with parent, 8 a.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, South Lake Union, 901 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle (206-523-4518 or www.seattleflyingdragons.org).

Park events

Walking with wildlife

SUN Ranger walk to learn what to do and not to do when you encounter wildlife, 2-3 p.m. every Sunday, Lewis Creek Park and Visitor Center, 5808 Lakemont Blvd. S.E., Bellevue; free, no preregistration required (425-452-4195 or www.bellevuewa.gov).

Performances

Pacific Northwest Folklore Society Coffeehouse

FRI Blues concert by Alice Stuart, 7 p.m. Friday, Wayward Coffeehouse, 8570 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle; $10 (pnwfolklore.org).

Haller Lake Arts Council

SAT All-ages concert by local folk-rock band Crookshank, 7 p.m. Saturday, Haller Lake Community Club, 12579 Densmore Ave. N., Seattle; $6-$12 (206-367-0475 or www.hallerlake.info/artsevents.html).

Skating

Bellevue Magic Season Ice Arena

FRI-SUN Open-air ice rink with heated spectator tent, 3-9 p.m. today, 3-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, 3-9 p.m. Jan. 12-13, 1-9 p.m. Jan. 14, 3-9 p.m. Jan. 15, 3-11 p.m. Jan. 16, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Jan. 17, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 18, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Jan. 19, Bellevue Downtown Park, 10201 N.E. Fourth St., Bellevue; $10/all ages, includes skate rental; $7/bring your own skates; free skating on Mondays with pass from Bank of America Bellevue locations (magicseason.com/events/icearena.html).

Snow sports

Snowshoe tours,

Snoqualmie Pass

FRI-SUN Moderately paced 90 minute snowshoe walks, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday; half-day outing that requires a higher level of fitness and winter preparedness, limited to 8 participants, 9:15 a.m. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, weather permitting; minimum age 10 for both programs, snowshoes provided, Snoqualmie Pass Visitor Information Center, Snoqualmie Pass summit; $10/90 minute walks, $20/half-day, call for reservations 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday-Sundays (425-434-6111).

Winter recreation,

Hurricane Ridge

FRI-SUN Hurricane Ridge Road scheduled to be open 9 a.m.-dusk, weather permitting, chains required in all vehicles, Fridays-Saturdays-Sundays and Monday holidays through March; 90-minute snowshoe walks, 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays and Monday holidays through March 29, $5/person, sign up at visitor center 30 minutes before walk, advance reservations available for groups; cross-country ski and snowshoe routes available; tubing and sliding available only in designated areas, weather permitting, at Family Snowplay Area and Small Children's Snowplay Area for ages 8 and younger, Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center, off Highway 101, 18 miles outside Port Angeles, Port Angeles; $15/per vehicle park admission (360-565-3131 or www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/hurricane-ridge-in-winter.htm).

Winter Trails, Snoqualmie Pass

SAT Winter Trails event offers children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Mountaineers Snoqualmie Campus, Snoqualmie Pass; free (206-284-6310 or www.wintertrails.org).

Cle-Elum Slip and Slide

SAT-SUN Volkssport ski or snowshoe a 10K (6.2 mile) route on the Iron Horse Trail, start anytime 8 a.m.-1 p.m., finish by 4 p.m. Saturday, start anytime 8 a.m.-noon, finish by 3 p.m. Sunday, Iron Horse Inn B&B, 526 Marie Ave., Cle Elum (www.ava.org/clubs/esva).

Mount Rainier National Park Winter Recreation

SAT-SUN Snowshoe walks, wear suitable clothing including boots, hat, gloves, sunglasses, for ages 8 and older, 12:30 and 2 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through March 29, limited to 25 people, sign-up starts an hour before the walk at Jackson Visitor Center, snowshoe rental $1 or bring your own snowshoes, advance registration available for organized groups; sledding and sliding on flexible sleds, inner tubes and saucers only, permitted only in designated snowplay area at Paradise, conditions permitting; call for information on skiing and snowboarding conditions; vehicles entering the park required to carry chains, Mount Rainier National Park, Ashford; park entrance $15/vehicle (360-569-2211 or www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/winter-recreation.htm).

Snowshoe tours, Stevens Pass

SAT-SUN Indoor slide show of area history followed by one-mile round-trip snowshoe walk on the Pacific Crest Trail, suitable for beginners, minimum age 6 years old; wear layers of insulated clothing and sturdy, waterproof boots, snowshoes provided, group size limited to 12 people, noon Saturdays and Sundays from the USFS Guard Station at Stevens Pass; $10/per person donation suggested, reservations required (360-677-2414 or www.stevenspass.com).

Avalanche awareness

PLAN AHEAD U.S. Forest Service program on how to avoid avalanche hazards, 7 p.m. Jan. 15, Lewis Creek Park and Visitor Center, 5808 Lakemont Blvd. S.E., Bellevue; free, preregister (425-452-6885 or www.bellevuewa.gov).

Special interest

Robert Burns Celebration

FRI The Caledonian & St. Andrew's Society of Seattle tribute to Robert Burns, the Bard of Scotland, celebrating the 250th anniversary of his birth with a talk on his life and times and performance of his poetry and songs, food including haggis sampling, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Lake City Presbyterian Church, 3841 N.E. 123rd St., Seattle; $10 suggested donation to benefit scholarships and charity (206-284-1094 or www.caledonians.com).

Peace and Justice

Movie & Discussion Night

FRI Showing of "Nobelity," a look at the world's most pressing problems through the eyes of Nobel laureates and how we can work for a brighter future; discussion after the film; 7 p.m. Friday, Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Church, 8109 224th St. S.W., Edmonds; free (www.euuc.org).

Grandparents Rights of Washington State Meeting

SAT Meeting with group working with the State of Washington Legislature to create a new law for grandparents' rights, 2 p.m. Saturday, Barnaby's, 16401 West Valley Highway, Tukwila; free (206-522-8634 or grandparentsrightsofwashingtonstate.org).

Tours

Seattle Architecture highlights

THU Weekly two-hour walking tour to see some of downtown Seattle's most talked-about buildings, 10 a.m. today, Seattle Architecture Foundation, 1333 Fifth Ave., Rainier Square Atrium, Seattle; $15-$17 preregister (206-667-9184 or www.seattlearchitecture.org).

Seattle Coffee Crawl

FRI Walking tour that highlights Seattle's coffee culture and lore on an easy, two-hour walk with complimentary tastings along the way, 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Pike Place Market, meet under the neon coffee mug at Seattle's Best Coffee, 1530 Post Alley and Pine St., Seattle; $20 (800-838-3006 or www.seattlebyfoot.com).

Art Deco, Northwest Style

FRI Seattle Architecture Foundation walking tour to learn about Art Deco style of the 1920s in local buildings, 10 a.m. Friday, Seattle Architecture Foundation, 1333 Fifth Ave., Rainier Square Atrium, Seattle; $15-$17 preregister (206-667-9184 or www.seattlearchitecture.com).

Art + Architecture

SAT Seattle Architecture Foundation walking tour with focus on how form and function meet in downtown architecture, 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).

The Cycle of Life:

Bald Eagles and Salmon

SAT Naturalist-led tour to see bald eagles that migrate to the Skagit River area each winter, includes van transportation., 9 a.m. Saturday, North Cascades Environmental Learning Center, Diablo Dam Road, Diablo Lake; $95 (360-856-5700 or www.ncascades.org/programs/seminars/course.html?workshop—id=919).

Bald Eagle Float Trip

SAT Pacific Science Center Destination Discovery experience to see the largest gathering of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states on 10-mile float, suggested minimum age six years old, 10 a.m. Saturday, Howard Miller Steelhead Park, Highway 20, Rockport; $85-$150 (206-443-3656 or pacificsciencecenter.org).

Travel events

East Africa Adventure

Travel Slideshow

SAT Wildlife & Cultural Safari in the landscape of the world's greatest concentration of mammals, 1 p.m. Saturday, Savvy Traveler, 112 Fifth Ave. S., Edmonds; free (206-932-8352 or www.AdventureAssociates.net/who/seattle.html).

Explore Tibet

Slideshow

SAT Take a trip to the world of the Tibetan people to learn their customs and explore their land, tea and refreshments provided, 7 p.m. Saturday, East West Bookshop, 6500 Roosevelt Way N.E., Seattle; free, reservations suggested (206-201-2168 or www.vdfus.org).

Workshops

Family yoga

SAT Yoga stretches for all ages and levels, 9:30 a.m. Saturdays in January, Bellevue Family YMCA, 14230 Bel-Red Road, Bellevue; $15/day pass to the Y for non-members (425-746-9077).

Half-day Zen

retreat

SUN Practice meditation in the monastery's meditation hall, 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Buddha Jewel Monastery, 7930 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle; free (206-721-9921 or buddhajewel.org).