Peak Bloom

at Meerkerk Gardens

THRU MID-MAY Peak blooming season with thousands of daffodils, cherry trees, magnolias and rhododendrons throughout the 10-acre gardens, through mid-May, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, Meerkerk Gardens, 3531 Meerkerk Lane, Greenbank; $5 (360-678-1912 or www.meerkerkgardens.org).

Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens

Lilac Days

THRU MAY 13 Tour gardens and the historic 1880s-era Victorian farm home of lilac hybridizer Hulda Klager; sale of plants and lilac-inspired items, no pets permitted, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily through May 13, Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens, 115 S. Pekin Road, Woodland, Cowlitz County; $2, ages 12 and younger free (360-225-8996 or www.lilacgardens.com).

Hiking/walks

Columbia City Street Scramble

SAT Visit as many checkpoints on a map as you can in 90 minutes or three hours, on foot or by bike, team of four or solo; 10 a.m. Saturday, registration opens 8:30 a.m., maps issued 9:30 a.m., Southside Commons, 3518 S. Edmunds St., Seattle; $5-$20 (www.streetscramble.com).

Discover Orienteering

SAT Learn about orienteering, a sport using a compass and map to navigate from point to point through diverse terrain, for all ages and ability levels, supplies provided or bring your own compass, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, South Bellevue Community Center, 14509 S.E. Newport Way, Bellevue; free, no registration necessary (425-452-4240 or www.bellevuewa.gov/).

Puyallup Riverwalk

SAT Volkssport 10K or 5K walk on asphalt path along the Puyallup River, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., finish by 4 p.m. Saturday, Goodwill Store, 1200 Fourth St. N.W., Puyallup; free (www.ava.org/clubs/dvva/dvva3.htm).

Hobbies

City Chickens 101

SAT Learn everything you need to know to raise hens in the city, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Seattle Tilth Association, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N., Seattle; $30-$40, advance registration required (seattletilth.org/).

Burlington Scrapbooking Swap Meet

SAT Scrapbooking supplies, vendors, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Burlington Parks and Rec Center, 900 E. Fairhaven Ave., Burlington (360-755-9649 or www.recreation.ci.burlington.wa.us).

All Porsche Car Show

SUN Porsche Club of America NW Chapter show, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, XXX Root Beer Drive-In, 98 N.E. Gilman Blvd., Issaquah; free for spectators (www.triplexrootbeer.com).

Movie bargains

"Safe House," "Friends with Kids" and "Act of Valor"

They're new at the Crest Cinema. Also there: "This Means War" and "The Secret World of Arrietty" ($3).

"Friends with Kids," "Act of Valor" and "Safe House"

They're new at the Admiral Theater in West Seattle ($5.75).

"The Hunger Games" and "The Fairy"

They're new at the Varsity Theatre. Also there: "Marley." All seats on Tuesday are $7.

"Army of Darkness"

It's the midnight movie at the Egyptian Friday and Saturday. All seats are $8.25.

"The Hunger Games"

It continues at the Big Picture Seattle. The 2:45 p.m. show on Sunday is $7.

"Ghost World" and "The Fog (1980)"

They're new at the Central Cinema in Seattle ("The Fog" plays Friday only). All shows $6-$8.

"We Bought a Zoo"

It's new at the Tin Theater in Burien this week. All shows $7-$8.

"This Means War," "Project X," "A Thousand Words," and "Act of Valor"

They're new at the Gateway in Federal Way. Also there: "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island 3D," "Gone," "Chronicle," "The Secret World of Arrietty," and "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance 3D" ($2, all seats on Tuesdays $1).

Museum events

"Gauguin & Polynesia:

An Elusive Paradise"

FRI-SUN Final weekend, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday; Seattle Art Museum, 1300 First Ave., Seattle; $18-$23, free for ages 12 and younger, $3 off 5-9 p.m. Thursday-Friday (206-654-3210 or www.seattleartmuseum.org).

World War I Aviation Symposium

SAT Presentations by experts on the era that established the foundation of military aviation, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle; $5-$10 (206-764-5720 or www.museumofflight.org).

Avalanche awareness

SAT Learn avalanche awareness, 2 p.m. Saturday, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, 319 Second Ave. S., Seattle; free (206-220-4238).

Hands-On Day: Make a May Basket

SAT Make a traditional May basket, for children ages 4-12, any time between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Shoreline Historical Museum, 18501 Linden Ave. N., Shoreline; free (206-542-7111 or shorelinehistoricalmuseum.org).

Fort Nisqually's Sewing to Sowing Living History Day

SAT Re-enactors work in garden and explain the spring planting season, technologies of the mid-1800s and how they affected work at Fort Nisqually, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, 5400 N. Pearl St, #11, Tacoma; $5-$7.50 (253-591-5339 or www.fortnisqually.org).

PCC Talks: Seasonal Aspects of Nutrition

SUN Practical tips to incorporate local, seasonal foods into our diets, 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Seattle; $7.50-$10 (206-543-5590 or www.burkemuseum.org/).

"10,000 Years of Leftovers: The Archaeology of Food and Drink"

WED Course examines the transition from ice-age hunting and gathering to Neolithic agriculture across the globe around 10,000 years ago, 7 p.m. May 2, 9 and 16, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Seattle; $70 (206-543-5590 or www.burkemuseum.org/).

Seattle Aquarium Sound Conversations

MAY 3 Jeff Renner hosts talk-show format discussion; "The Elwha River Undammed: Restoring an Ecosystem" with Seattle Times reporter Lynda Mapes, 7 p.m. May 3, The Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle; $10 (seattleaquarium.org).

First Thursday

MAY 3 Free admission to area museums May 3:

• Tours, music, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. May 3, Seattle Art Museum, 100 University St., Seattle (206-654-3100 or www.seattleartmuseum.org).

• 10 a.m.-9 p.m. May 3, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Volunteer Park, 1400 E. Prospect St., Seattle (206-654-3100 or www.seattleartmuseum.org);

• 10 a.m.-8 p.m. May 3, Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience, 719 S. King St., Seattle; free (206-623-5124 or wingluke.org);

• 11 a.m.-7 p.m. May 3, Northwest African American Museum, 2300 S. Massachusetts St., Seattle (206-267-1823 or www.naamnw.org);

• 10 a.m.-8 p.m. May 3, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Seattle (206-543-5590);

• 10 a.m.-8 p.m. May 3; Museum of History & Industry, 2700 24th Ave. E., Seattle (206-324-1126 or www.seattlehistory.org);

• 5-9 p.m. May 3; Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle; regular admission $7.50-$14 (206-764-5720 or www.museumofflight.org).

Mother's Day Tea and Vintage Fashion Show

PLAN AHEAD Tea, 1:30 p.m. Friday, noon and 3 p.m. May 11, Kent Historical Museum, 855 E. Smith St., Kent; $20, tickets required by May 4 (253-854-4330 or kenthistoricalmuseum.org).

50th Anniversary of Seattle World's Fair

ONGOING Commemorating the anniversary with memorabilia, souvenirs, artwork, "Fashions and Furnishings of the 1960s" display, noon-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays through July, Kent Historical Museum, 855 E. Smith St., Kent; free (253-854-4330 or kenthistoricalmuseum.org).

Paddle sports

Gig Harbor Paddlers Cup

SAT-SUN Competitive paddle racing for kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards, to benefit the Gig Harbor Kayak Club and Surfrider Foundation, vendor fair and demos, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Skansie Brothers Park, 3207 Harborview Drive, Gig Harbor; $32.50/race, expo only free (gigharborpaddlercup.wordpress.com/).

Park events

Movies at Mercer Slough

FRI David Attenborough film about snakes, "Life in Cold Blood: Sophisticated Serpents," popcorn provided, 5 p.m. Friday, Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center, 1625 118th Ave. S.E., Bellevue; free, no registration required (425-452-2565 or www.bellevuewa.gov/mseec.htm).

National Parks

free entrance days

FRI-SUN National Park Week, free entrance to national parks including Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Lewis & Clark National Historical Park, Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park and the Whitman Mission National Historic Site, Friday-Sunday (www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm).

Luscious Local Landscapes Super Saturday

SAT Celebrate native plants, learn from organizations that support them; displays, arts and crafts for all ages, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Seward Park Audubon Center, 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle; free (206-652-2444 or sewardpark.audubon.org).

Spring Botany Walk

SAT Botanists' park tour to see camas lilies, skunk cabbage, red flowering currant and other spring blooms, noon Saturday, Seward Park Audubon Center, 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle; $3-$5 (206-652-2444 or sewardpark.audubon.org).

Performances

"Willy Wonka Jr."

FRI-SAT Newport High School Drama Troupe and Tyee Middle School students in musical version of Roald Dahl's story, 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday, Newport High School, 4333 Factoria Blvd. S.E., Bellevue; $6-$8 (www.bsd405.org/nhs).

"Bye Bye Birdie"

FRI-SAt Student version of the 1960 Broadway hit musical, 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Magnolia United Church of Christ, 3555 W. McGraw St., Seattle; $10 (206-356-1342 or www.themagnoliatheater.com).

Music inspired by Dr. Seuss

SAT The Bushwick Book Club Seattle children's show, 5 p.m.; adult show, 8 p.m. Saturday, Fremont Abbey Arts Center, 4272 Fremont Ave. N., Seattle; $6-$12, ages 10 and younger free (www.brownpapertickets.com/event/237446).

Sound Healing Concert with Tibetan Singing Bowls

SAT Bring a blanket or mat to lie on with sounds for relaxation and rejuvenation, 4 p.m. Saturday, East West Bookshop, 6500 Roosevelt Way N.E., Seattle; $10, preregister (206-523-3726).

Children's Day/Book Day, Vashon

SAT Spanish and English performance of magic and poetry, 2 p.m. Saturday, Vashon Library, 17210 Vashon Highway S.W., Vashon Island; free (206-463-2069 or www.ksls.org).

Children's Day/Book Day, Tukwila

SAT Music, activities celebration of children and the importance of literacy for all cultural backgrounds, sponsored by King County Library, 1 p.m. Saturday, outside Rainforest Café, Westfield Southcenter, 633 Southcenter Parkway, Tukwila; free (206-242-6044 or www.kcls.org).

Children's Day/Book Day, Sammamish

SAT Spanish, Hindi and Russian story times and performances, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sammamish Library, 825 228th Ave. N.E., Sammamish; free (425-392-3130 or www.kcls.org).

Samsara: The Cycle of Life, Odissi

SUN Classical music and dance of India, 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Rainier Valley Cultural Center, 3515 S. Alaska St., Seattle; $20-$50 (206-223-0623 or https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/231593).

Children's Day/Book Day, Kent

SUN Celebration of children and books in English and Spanish, 2 p.m. Sunday, Kent Library, 212 Second Ave. N., Kent; free (253-859-3330 or www.kcls.org).

Running

Tacoma Earth Day 5K

SAT Supporting the environment by giving each participant a tree and donating proceeds to local nonprofits, registration 8:15-9:15 a.m.; 1/4 mile Kids' Dash, 9 a.m.; 5K run/walk, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Point Defiance Park, 5400 N. Pearl St., Tacoma; $20-$30 (www.earthdayruntacoma.org).

Masters Track and Field training

ONGOING One-hour training sessions with stretching, striding, jogging and running based on fitness levels to train for June 2 Track and Field Meet for ages 30 and older, 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays and 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through May 24; West Seattle Stadium, 4432 35th Ave. S.W., Seattle; $6.25/per session (206-684-7092).

Sales/Shopping

Friends of the Seattle Public Library Book Sale

FRI-SUN 25,000 books, CDs and DVDs at bargain prices to benefit Seattle Public Library, everything half-price Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way N.E., Seattle (206-523-4053 or www.friendsofspl.org).

Latvian Center Rummage Sale

FRI-SUN Collectibles, furniture, ethnic items, household items, clothing, books, electronics, tools, plants, ethnic food, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Seattle Latvian Center, 11710 Third Ave. N.E., Seattle (206-363-7794).

Rummage Sale Extravaganza

FRI-SAT Books, jewelry, bikes, fishing gear, antiques, furniture, garden, records, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Saturday, First United Methodist Church of Bellevue, 1934 108th Ave. N.E., Bellevue (425-869-2585 or www.fumcbellevue.org).

Friends of Issaquah Library book sale

FRI-SUN Used books at bargain prices to benefit library programs, 5:30 p.m. Friday for Friends of the Issaquah Library members, membership available at the door; open to all 10 a.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday, Issaquah Library, 10 W. Sunset Way, Issaquah (425-392-5430 or www.kcls.org).

Phinney Neighborhood Preschool Co-op Kids Items Sale

SAT Gently used clothing, toys, books, furniture, gear, maternity wear, many items half-price at noon, 9 a.m. Saturday, Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle (206-783-2244 or phinneycenter.org/).

Sunrise Elementary

PTA Craft Fair

SAT Craft sale, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sunrise Elementary, 22300 132nd Ave. S.E., Kent (sunrise-pta.weebly.com/).

Special interest

ParentMap lecture

TUE Essential conversations for parents to have with ages 8-14 about puberty, sex and growing up, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Seattle Children's Theatre, 201 Thomas St., Seattle; $20-$25 (www.brownpapertickets.clm/event/202793).

Explore Puget Sound

Seminar Series

WED WSU Snohomish County Extension Beach Watchers presentations by local experts; inside the new Brightwater treatment facility, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Mukilteo City Hall, 11930 Cyrus Way, Mukilteo; free (425-357-6020).

Sports

Professional wrestling

FRI Impact Wrestling World Tour, 7:30 p.m. Friday, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent; $25-$55 (253-856-6777 or www.showarecenter.com).

Tours

Harvard/Belmont: The Rich Life on Capitol Hill

SAT Seattle Architecture Foundation walking tour of early 20th-century upscale residential buildings, 10 a.m. Saturday, Merrill Court Townhouses, 901-917 Harvard Ave. E., Seattle; $15-$25 (800-838-3006 or www.seattlearchitecture.org).

Art + Architecture

MAY 3 Walking tour of the best of public and privately funded art, 10 a.m. May 3, Seattle Architecture Foundation, 1333 Fifth Ave., Rainier Square Atrium, Seattle; $15-$25 (800-838-3006 or www.seattlearchitecture.org).

Architecture's Greatest Hits

PLAN AHEAD Walking tour focusing on the construction, context and culture that shaped our skyline, 10 a.m. May 4, Seattle Architecture Foundation, 1333 Fifth Ave., Rainier Square Atrium, Seattle; $15-$25 (800-838-3006 or www.seattlearchitecture.org).

Old Redmond Historic Walking Tour

PLAN AHEAD Guided walking tour of historic downtown core, rain cancels, 1 p.m. May 6, Justice White House, 7730 Leary Way, Redmond; $8, registration required by May 3 (425-885-2919 or www.redmondhistoricalsociety.org).

Travel events

Europe Through the Back Door

SAT Europe 101: Art and History for Travelers, 10 a.m. Saturday, Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St., Edmonds; free, reservations required (425-771-8303, ext. 298 or www.ricksteves.com).

Workshops

Citywide Teen Summit

SAT Open to all high school teens, speakers on issues concerning youth, music, giveaways, lunch, sponsored by Seattle Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, 10 a.m. Saturday, South Lake High School, 8601 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle; free (909-816-2717).

Living Naturally:

Personal Growth

SAT Overview of psychosynthesis, a holistic and spiritual approach to psychology that considers the whole person and how to use its ideas and techniques for personal growth and development, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, 3670 Stone Way N., Seattle; free (206-834-4100 or bastyrcenter.org/content/view/2303/).