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Seattle Maritime Festival If you enjoy watching tugboat racing, eating chowder, and taking free harbor tours, this is the event for you. Other scheduled activities include a maritime poetry competition and a boatbuilding smackdown. Call 206-389-7262 or visit www.portseattle.org/news/events/maritime.shtml for schedule. Wed., May 11-Sun., May 15.

Doug Tatum Businesses, too, can suffer from sophomore slump. At this month’s meeting of the Association for Corporate Growth, the CEO of Tatum Partners suggests ways of maintaining success after the startup phase. Washington Athletic Club, 1325 Sixth Ave., 206-362-6975. $40 ($25 ACG members). 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wed., May 11.

Praxis Lecture Series Tom Kundig of the Seattle architectural firm Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen speaks on the topic “Interactions.” UW Architecture Hall (Room 147), 206-543-7679. Free. 6:30 p.m. Wed., May 11.

Bob Dylan Lecture In conjunction with EMP’s ongoing Dylan exhibit, artistic director Bob Santelli discusses the songwriter’s mid-’60s albums Another Side of Bob Dylan and Bringing It All Back Home. Experience Music Project, 325 Fifth Ave. N., 206-367-5483. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Wed., May 11.

Hot Spots in Our World The University of Washington–sponsored lecture series concludes with “Pakistan as a Pivotal State,” by University of Oregon international studies professor Anita Weiss. UW campus (call 206-897-8939 for exact location and to register). $15. 7-8:30 p.m. Wed., May 11.

John Olivera The former PR director for the U.S. Navy joins a panel of local and national antiwar activists for a discussion of the war in Iraq, military recruitment and retention policies, and other issues related to the conflict. UW Smith Hall (Room 120), 206-356-0152. Free. 7 p.m. Wed., May 11.

Within the Silence: Share the Courage This multimedia program on the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II features local children’s author Ken Mochizuki. Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., 206-386-4636. Free. 7 p.m. Wed., May 11.

Sir David Manning Britain’s ambassador to the U.S. speaks on the current state of European-American relations. Sponsored by the World Affairs Council. Benaroya Hall (Norcliffe Founders Room), 200 University St., 206-441-5910. $10 ($5 students/WAC members). 6:30 p.m. Thurs., May 12.

Exploring Our World The University of Washington–sponsored lecture series concludes with “Preventing Sexual Transmission of Infections: What Works?” (presented by UW professor of medicine King Holmes). UW Kane Hall (Room 130), 206-543-0540. Free. 7-8:15 p.m. Thurs., May 12.

Health LecturePower Eating author Dr. Susan Kleiner advocates lowering your cancer risk via everyday eating habits. Stroum JCC, 3801 E. Mercer Way, 206-232-7115 ext. 272. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Thurs., May 12.

Diana Preston In her new book, Before the Fallout, the renowned British historian traces the evolution of atomic energy from the discoveries of Marie Curie to the end of World War II. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $5. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., May 12.

Korean Sports and Cultural Festival “High-energy percussion,” traditional music and dance, a mini film fest, all manner of performance, and various athletic demos are among this Federal Way festival’s attractions. Visit www.hanwoorifestival.org for the schedule of events. Han Woo-Ri Festival Village, 1928 S. Commons St. (Federal Way), 866-468-7630. $5 (suggested). Fri., May 13-Sun., May 15.

Science Seminar Highline Community College continues its spring seminar series with “The Quarterly Health Talk,” presented by occupational-therapy instructor Tracy Brigham. 2400 S. 240th St., 206-878-3710, ext. 3513. Free. 2:10-3 p.m. Fri., May 13.

Rabbi Arik Ascherman The activist rabbi, recently profiled by Salon, speaks at Temple Beth Am about his work on behalf of Palestinian farmers in Israel. 2632 N.E. 80th St., 206-525-0915. Free. 7:30 p.m. Wed., May 18.

Steven Johnson Too good to be true? He defends video games, Seinfeld reruns, and most of our other nasty habits in his new book, Everything Bad Is Good for You: How Today’s Popular Culture Is Actually Making Us Smarter. UW Kane Hall (Room 110), 206-634-3400. $5. 7:30 p.m. Fri., May 13.

Rabbi David Forman The founder of Rabbis for Human Rights speaks at Temple Beth Am.2632 N.E. 80th St., 206-525-0915. Free. 6 p.m. Fri., May 13.

Bear Awareness Weekend They’re big, furry, and fabulous, and you’ll know more about them than you ever thought possible after this flurry of ursine activities, including presentations on the various kinds of bears (grizzly, Asian, etc.) and several chances to meet a keeper from one of Woodland Park Zoo’s bear exhibits. 601 N. 59th St., 206-684-4800. $10 ($7 kids 3 to 12). 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., May 14-Sun., May 15.

Migratory Bird Day Get the latest dirt on our fair-weather feathered friends at the Seattle Aquarium, where lectures, demos, and children’s activities await you. 1483 Alaskan Way, 206-386-4320. $12 ($8 youth 6 to 12). 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., May 14.

“Beyond Oil” Symposium The author of Resource Wars and Blood for Oil, Michael Klare, keynotes this daylong conference on the relationship between oil and political stability. Seattle Unity Church, 200 Eighth Ave. N., 206-789-5565. $20 ($17 advance). 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., May 14.

Herb and Food Fair Workshops, cooking demos, and heaps of good-for-you food at Bastyr University; David Hoffman, a licensed herbalist and cookbook author, is the keynote speaker. 14500 Juanita Dr. N.E. (Kenmore), 425-602-3107. Free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., May 14.

Music Lecture Series The Seattle Chamber Music Society’s “Educate Your Ear” series continues with “May the Force Be With You: How ‘Musical Forces’ Deepen Musical Experience,” presented by University of Oregon music professor Steve Larson. Sand Point Education Center (Room 109), 6208 60th Ave. N.E., 206-283-8808. $12 ($6 students). 10-11:30 a.m. Sat., May 14.

Try Rowing Bash The Lake Washington Rowing Club hosts a session that covers the basics and awards all participants a souvenir T-shirt. 910 N. Northlake Way, 206-547-1583. $30. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat., May 14.

Walking Tour “Concrete, Glass, Steel, and Egos” is the theme of this Seattle Architectural Foundation tour, which examines the history and functionality of our city’s tallest structures. Tour begins at Rainier Square Atrium, 1333 Fifth Ave., 206-667-9184. $12 ($10 advance). 10 a.m.-noon. Sat., May 14.

Park Dedication Celebrate the opening of the Central Area’s new Homer Harris Park, named after a local dermatologist and athlete. 2401 E. Howell St., 206-332-9900 ext. 17. Free. 11 a.m. Sat., May 14.

Family Fun Workshop A kid-friendly primer on the history of the rocket, with a chance to build your own. Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S., 206-764-5700. $14 ($13 seniors, $7.50 youth). 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Sat., May 14-Sun., May 15.

Black Panther Reunion The Seattle chapter of the Black Panther Party reconvenes at Garfield Community Center, with presentations, a film screening, and spoken-word poetry from Laura “Piece” Kelley and other locals. 2323 E. Cherry St., 206-600-1307. Free. Noon. Sat., May 14.

Fair Trade Day The socially conscious Roosevelt boutique 10,000 Villages hosts a fair-trade festival; events include crafts demos, Middle Eastern music and dance, and a talk on Nepali paper arts. 6417 Roosevelt Way N.E., 206-524-9223. Free. Noon-4 p.m. Sat., May 14.

Axis Sally Event Listen to tapes from the 1949 trial of Mildred Gillars (aka Axis Sally), accused of being a Nazi propagandist, then watch a brief theater vignette and decide for yourself whether the verdict was just. 9404 E. Marginal Way S., 206-764-5700. $14 ($13 seniors, $7.50 youth). 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Sat., May 14-Sun., May 15.

Hebolb Pow Wow Both Plains and Northwest tribes will be well represented at this annual event. Expect plenty of traditional dancing, drumming, and singing. Everett Community College (Fitness and Sports Center), 1803 13th St. (Everett), 425-388-9199. Free. 1-7 p.m. Sat., May 14.

Seattle Pug Gala The tiny dogs with squashed faces get the run of Sand Point Magnuson Park, where you can watch them race, wear costumes, march in a parade, and compete in an all-pug talent show. Proceeds from the event help defray the medical costs of homeless pugs. 7400 Sand Point Way N.E., 206-684-4788. $10 (free for kids 12 and under). 1-4 p.m. Sat., May 14.

Grand Opening A ribbon-cutting ceremony at City Hall’s brand-new plaza. Mayor Greg Nickels, various members of City Council, and the Mariner Moose are all scheduled to attend, and there’ll be marching-band music, poetry, dance, tours of public artworks, and a City Council open house to keep you busy once the ribbon’s been snipped. 600 Fourth Ave., 206-684-8888. Free. 2-4:30 p.m. Sat., May 14.

Rabbi David Forman A member of Rabbis for Human Rights, he’ll contemplate the question: “Can a Jewish State Be a Democratic State?” at Bellevue’s Temple B’nai Torah. 15727 N.E. Fourth St. (Bellevue), 425-603-9677. Free. 7 p.m. Sat., May 14.

Gardening Lecture English landscaper Keith Wiley sings the praises of colorful flora in a talk titled “Gardens Don’t All Have To Be Green.” Sponsored by the Northwest Perennial Alliance. Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 N.E. 41st St., 425-823-5711. $10 ($5 NPA members). 1 p.m. Sun., May 15.

Israel Solidarity Walk Show your support at a community stroll beginning at Gas Works Park. 2101 N. Northlake Way, 206-774-2217 Free. 2-5 p.m. Sun., May 15.

Magic Lantern The Frye Art Museum continues its discussion series on cinema and visual art. This month, host Robert Horton discusses political satire in film in conjunction with the museum’s exhibit of subversive artwork from Slovenia’s Neue Slowenische Kunst movement. 704 Terry Ave., 206-622-9250. Free. 2 p.m. Sun., May 15.

Centennial of Norwegian Independence Esther Sunde and Randy Nelson, Scandinavian Studies instructors at South Seattle Community College, recount the political events leading up to Norway’s independence. 6000 16th Ave. S.W., 206-768-6405. Free. 7 p.m. Mon., May 16.

Gloria DeGaetano The local author discusses the challenges of childrearing in the age of HDTV and PS2. Sponsored by Seattle’s Child magazine. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-675-3370. $15 ($12 advance). 7 p.m. Mon., May 16.

Jewish Studies Lectures Stanford University history professor Aron Rodrigue discusses “Sephardi Jewries and the Holocaust” in a pair of talks sponsored by the University of Washington. The first concerns “The Holocaust and the End of Judeo-Spanish Culture in the Balkans”; the second deals with “Rhodes, the Island of Memory.” UW Kane Hall (Room 220), 206-543-4835. Free. 7:30 p.m. Mon., May 16 and Wed., May 18.

Music Lecture Series The “Educate Your Ear” series continues with “Educating the Ear and Empowering the Heart: Music and the Human Spirit,” presented by Rainier Chamber Winds music director Kathleen Macferran. Sand Point Education Center (Room 109), 6208 60th Ave. N.E., 206-283-8808. $12 ($6 students). 7:30-9 p.m. Mon., May 16.

Naomi Wolf The noted feminist author (The Beauty Myth, Promiscuities) reads from and talks about her new memoir, The Treehouse: Eccentric Wisdom From My Father on How to Live, Love, and See. Downstairs at Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-624-6600. $5. 7:30 p.m. Mon., May 16.

Toast of Seattle Network your heart out at an event devoted to business-related mixing and mingling, sponsored by the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, hosted by the Woodland Park Zoo, and overseen by “internationally known networking guru” Darcy Rezac. 601 N. 59th St., 206-389-7215. $35 ($20 GSCC members). 7:30-9:30 a.m. Tues., May 17.

Norwegian Constitution Day Another event in honor of Norway’s independence, this celebration takes the form of a parade through the streets of Ballard. To enhance the festivities, the Nordic Heritage Museum extends its hours, and admission is free to all. Parade begins at the corner of Northwest 62nd Street and 24th Avenue Northwest. Free. 6 p.m. Museum: 3014 N.W. 67th St., 206-789-5707. Free. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tues., May 17.

Business Lecture The Northern Trust Company’s Paul Kasriel predicts the future of interest rates and other financial indices, and breaks down the Bush administration’s economic policies, at a meeting of the Seattle Society of Financial Analysts. Rainier Club (Cascade Room), 820 Fourth Ave., 206-367-8704. $35 ($15 SSFA members). 1 p.m. Tues., May 17.

C. Donald Bateman The inventor of the Ground Proximity Warning System, a major innovation in flight safety, tells the story of its development at the Museum of Flight. Sponsored by the Seattle chapter of the Royal Aeronautical Society. 9404 E. Marginal Way S., 206-764-5700. $14 ($13 seniors, $7.50 youth). 6 p.m. Tues., May 17.

World War II Lecture Series Sponsored by the University of Washington Alumni Association, this series focuses on the aftereffects of World War II. This week, UW history professor Bruce Hevly addresses the role of military research on the conflict and its applications in the postwar era. UW Kane Hall (Room 130), 206-543-0540. $15 ($12 UWAA members, $5 UW students). 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tues., May 17.

Women Writers of the Arab World Six noted female authors from the Middle East lead a panel discussion, sponsored by Hedgebrook, the local retreat site for women writers, and the World Affairs Council. Women’s University Club, 1105 Sixth Ave., 206-441-5910. $30 ($25 WAC members; both include dinner). 7 p.m. Tues., May 17.

Government Forum Scott Miles of the Consensus Building Institute and City Council member Richard Conlin lead a forum on “Transforming the Seattle Way: Bringing Effective Citizen Collaboration to City Government.” City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave., 206-684-8805. Free. Noon-1:30 p.m. Wed., May 18.

Peace Corps Event Former volunteers with the nation’s largest do-gooder organization talk about their experiences and advise aspiring vols. Westlake Center (Suite 605), 1601 Fifth Ave., 800-424-8580. Free. 6:30-8 p.m. Wed., May 18.

Science Lecture At the Northwest Stream Center, learn about the years following the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, when the area surrounding the volcano resembled a lunar landscape. 600 128th St. S.E. (Everett), 425-316-8592. $6 ($4 NWSC members). 7 p.m. Wed., May 18.

Bishop Tom Wright The Anglican bishop visits from England to deliver the first of two talks at Seattle Pacific University, on “Decoding the Da Vinci Code: The Challenge of Historic Christianity to Post-Modern Fantasy.” Upper Gwinn Commons (SPU campus), 3307 Third Ave. W., 206-281-2111. Free. 7:30 p.m. Wed., May 18.