Send listings two weeks in advance to braincity@seattleweekly.com.
Summer College for Seniors International relations, Latin American fiction, and Eastern religion are just a few of the course topics available to seniors 50 and over (and anyone else who wishes to attend) at this weeklong mini-term offered by Shoreline Community College. 16101 Greenwood Ave. N., 206-533-6700. $59 for three courses per day, $69 for four. 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Wed., Aug. 18-Fri., Aug. 20.
The Pampered Gardener Putting countless hours and gallons of sweat into shaping your garden may seem thankless at times, but the plants have something to offer you in return. Learn how to convert them into soothing foot soaks and "exfoliating scrubs" at an afternoon workshop. In Bloom, 4437 California Ave. S.W., 206-932-2588. Free. 5-6 p.m. Wed. Aug. 18.
The Great Viaduct Debate A panel of policymakers and city infrastructure experts takes on the Alaskan Way Viaduct. Proponents consider it a vital piece of Seattle's traffic puzzle; detractors say we can do without it. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $5. 7 p.m. Wed., Aug. 18.
Meditations for Pain Management Buddhist meditation can ease your aching head, as medical professional and avowed Buddhist Mary Woth intends to demonstrate. Sakya Monastery, 108 N.W. 83rd St., 206-789-2573. $12 ($6 for students/seniors). 7 p.m. Wed. Aug. 18.
Peace Corps Event Former volunteers with the nation's largest do-gooder organization will be on hand at REI to talk about their experiences and advise aspiring vols. 222 Yale Ave. N., 206-223-1944. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Wed. Aug. 18.
Veterans Info Seminar Learn about the benefits you're entitled to. DAV Meeting Hall, 2315 Burwell St. (Bremerton), www.dav.org. 7-9 p.m. Wed. Aug. 18.
Hydrology and Stormwater Management 101 This daylong seminar at the Northwest Stream Center will walk you through the hows and whys of the local water cycle. 600 128th St. S.E. (Everett), 425-316-8592. $25. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thurs. Aug. 19.
Alternative Health Fair Look for herbalists, midwives, and scores of acupuncturists at this Ballard confab of non-Western medical practitioners. HomeStreet Bank, 8050 15th Ave. N.W., 206-783-6380. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thurs. Aug. 19.
Radical Women Meeting A general meeting for anyone curious about what being a socialist feminist entails. New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S., 206-722-6057. Free ($6.50 donation for vegetarian dinner). 7:30 p.m. Thurs. Aug. 19.
Celebrate Shoreline Rampant skateboarding, a volksmarch ("march of the people" to you non–German speakers), and an arts festival fused with a classic car show—this is how Shoreliners celebrate. Join them, won't you? Paramount Park, N.E. 155th St. and Eighth Ave. N.E., 206-546-5041. Free. 5-8 p.m. Fri. Aug. 20. Ridgecrest School, 16516 10th Ave. N.E., 206-546-5041. Free. Noon-5 p.m. Sat., Aug. 21. Richmond Beach Saltwater Park, 2021 N.W. 190th St, 206-546-5041. Free. 2-5 p.m. Sun., Aug. 22.
Cure Autism Now Walk Round up some sponsors and walk (or jog) the 5K course to raise money. Walk begins at Safeco Field, 1250 First Ave. S., 888-8-AUTISM. Free. 8 a.m. check-in; 9:30 a.m. start time. Sat., Aug. 21.
Naches Peak Loop On this Mount Rainier excursion, led by an Audubon Society guide, you can wave to the gray jays and mountain chickadees, then stop and smell the wildflowers. Wilburton Park & Ride. 720 114th Ave. S.E. (Bellevue), 425-746-5543. $5. 8 a.m. Sat., Aug. 21.
Animal Abuse Prevention Workshop Designed for counselors and sponsored by the Humane Society, this session focuses on "AniCare," a therapeutic program that helps witnesses to animal abuse overcome the trauma. William Gazecki Animal Shelter, 2608 Center St. (Tacoma), 253-284-5814. $90. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., Aug. 21.
Mansions on the Hill Explore the noteworthy homes and "painterly private gardens" of Capitol Hill's Harvard/Belmont Historical District on this Seattle Architectural Foundation tour. Call for meeting spot: 206-667-9184. $20. 9 a.m.-noon. Sat., Aug. 21.
Art + Architecture Public art and structures are the dual foci of this educational walking tour, organized by the Seattle Architectural Foundation. Tour begins at Rainier Square Atrium, 1333 Fifth Ave., 206-667-9184. $10 in advance, $12 on the day of the tour. 10 a.m.-noon. Sat., Aug. 21.
Facing the Future: Global Issues, Sustainable Solutions A workshop intended for professional educators, this daylong seminar offers guidance to those who wish to incorporate environmental and futuristic themes into their curricula. Science Fiction Museum, 325 Fifth Ave. N., 206-SCI-FICT. $30. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., Aug. 21.
Hempfest Sir Mix-a-Lot will be there, as will more plastic marijuana-leaf leis than you can shake a joint at. The bands, the covert pot-brownie consumption and secluded bayside toking, the dull green haze in the air . . . these are all excellent reasons to attend Seattle's annual celebration of the almighty ganja. Oh, and there's the matter of decriminalization, which a number of speakers will address during the fest. Myrtle Edwards Park (Pier 70), 206-781-5734. Free. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat., Aug. 21-Sun., Aug. 22.
Seattle Pet Expo Dogs, cats, birds, chinchillas, and boas—with their faithful owners in tow—are welcome at this yearly domestic-animal convention, which includes a Human Society info booth and a "Kids Korner." Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 225 Mercer St., www.SeattlePetExpo.com. $6 ($5 for students/seniors). 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., Aug. 21-Sun., Aug. 22.
