Outsides and Insights

Send listings two weeks in advance to braincity@seattleweekly.com.

Waterfronts for All: Lessons Learned from Our Neighbors Tackling the issue of converting Seattle's waterfront into a more livable civic space, the Seattle City Council hosts a brown-bag discussion with Bremerton Mayor Cary Bozeman and Sue Dowie of Tacoma's Waterway Public Authority. Town Hall (downstairs), Eighth Avenue and Seneca Street. $5. 5–7:30 p.m. Wed., July 12.

Seattle Architecture Tour: Outsides and Insights Learn how one's sense of place is affected by Seattle's urban environment, and how architects conceive the built spaces where you live, work, and play. Tour begins at Rainier Square Atrium, 1333 Fifth Ave., Level 3. 206-667-9814, www.seattlearchitecture.org. $10 advance/$12 day of. 10 a.m.–noon, Sat., July 15.

Get Inside the Mansions on Capitol Hill Get an insider's peek at how the other half lives, in this tour of 18 homes located on Federal and 10th avenues east, between Aloha and Lynn streets. A fund-raiser for the Seattle Architecture Foundation and the nearby Gage Academy of Art, the tour will also include an open house of the academy. Tour begins at the Gage Academy parking lot, 1501 10th Ave. E. 206-667-9184, www.seattlearchitecture.org. $25. Noon–5 p.m. Sat., July 15.

Caring for the One You Love If your partner develops cancer, or some other serious illness, how can you best care for your loved one and still take care of yourself? Led by Roeliena Van Zanten, oncology social worker and psychotherapist, this free discussion offers tips, supportive suggestions, and a forum to discuss what caregivers should expect over the long haul. Gilda's Club Seattle, 1400 Broadway, 206-709-1400. Free. 7–8:30 p.m.; light refreshments at 6:45 p.m. Wed., July 12.

Hop on Your Bike for a Pop Culture Tour You'll take two wheels to the places Nirvana and Soundgarden played first, learn about local boy Jimi Hendrix, and see some great art along the way as you explore the history of Seattle's music scene. This four-hour bike tour begins in Pioneer Square, goes though Belltown, and treks all around the city, from Lake Washington to the ID. Tour begins at the Bike Station, 311 Third Ave. 206-767-0848, www.ibike.org. $20 (bike rental not included). 9 a.m. Wed., July 12–Fri., July 14, with more dates to be added.

The Enemy Living in My House NPR reporter Sandy Tolan tells the story of two families united by one house—a house that first belonged to a Palestinian family, then was occupied by a Jewish one. In The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East, Tolan tells the story of a young Palestinian man who returns to his old home, to be invited in by the family who now lives there. University Temple United Methodist Church, 1415 N.E. 43rd St., 206-634-3400. $5 suggested donation. 7 p.m. Thurs., July 13.

Elephant Lovers Rally Hosted by the Northwest Animal Rights Network (NARN), this rally seeks to expose the plight of Bamboo, the troubled Woodland Park Zoo elephant. NARN hopes to gain support to move Bamboo to a 2,200-acre elephant sanctuary, where organizers say Bamboo "can live like a normal elephant." Woodland Park Zoo, 601 N. 59th St. www.freebamboo.org. 4:30–6:30 p.m. Fri., July 14.

Crone Gathering Get to know the members of Crone of Puget Sound ("Women growing older with power, passion, and purpose") at a potluck picnic. Bring food to share and your utensils, plates, and cups. Coffee, tea, and soft drinks will be provided. Interbay P-Patch, off 15th Avenue West. 206-784-8799. Donation asked for facility rental. 6 p.m. Sat., July 15.

Rosy Role Models Unless you have severe allergies, you should stop and smell the roses in bloom at the Woodland Park Rose Garden. The award-winning, 2.5-acre site has more than 290 varieties of roses and more than 5,000 plants. Restoration of the fountain, reflection pool, and bas-relief and installation of a water feature are complete. This is one of 24 All-America Rose Selections Test Gardens in the country; a list of all the roses in the garden is available on request. Woodland Park Rose Garden, near the south entrance of the zoo, North 50th Street and Fremont Avenue North. Free (parking is $4). Open 7 a.m.–dusk daily.

On the Beach Have fun at the beach and learn about it at the same time on low-tide days with the Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists. These volunteers can answer questions, such as what sea stars eat and which fish can sing. Richmond Beach, Carkeek Park, Golden Gardens, Constellation Park at South Alki Point, Lincoln Park, Seahurst Park in Burien, and Des Moines Beach Park. 206-386-4300, 206-386-4320 (24-hour info line), www.seattleaquarium.org. Various dates and times.

Art Mashup Matt Jones has opened a gallery filled with what he describes as "explosive, high-energy art" and a "Passion for Mashin'" And on the first Friday of each month, everyone is welcome to stop by for music, wine tasting, and raising awareness about local food banks. He asks that you bring a donation of storable food. Gasworks Park, 3815 Fourth Ave. N.E. (big blue Jones Building across from Ivar's on Northlake Way), www.mashedpotatoes.org. Free. 8–11 p.m. first Fridays.