WED–SUN – EXPO

We suggest going at dinnertime, because any other time of day, the Northwest Flower and Garden Show will be as crowded as an aphid colony on a rose bush. 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Wed., Feb. 8–Sat., Feb. 11; 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Sun., Feb. 12. $3–$48, multiday passes available. Washington State Convention Center, Seventh Avenue and Pike Street, 206-789-5333, www.gardenshow.com. LYNN JACOBSON

WED–SUN – MUSIC

Folks have been gathering in Seattle for 21 years to experiment with unscripted music, making the Seattle Improvised Music Festival one of the longest-running festivals of its kind. See preview, p. 43.8 p.m. Wed., Feb. 8–Sun., Feb. 12; also 3 p.m. Sat., Feb. 11–Sun., Feb. 12. $10–$25 sliding scale; afternoon shows are free. Gallery 1412, 1412 18th Ave., no phone, www.gallery1412.org. LAURA CASSIDY

THURS – BOOKS

Generation Y isn’t a pack of slackers. They’re being hamstrung by sinking wages and rising tuition rates. So says Village Voice writer-blogger Anya Kamenetz, who combines financial horse sense and profiles of down-and-out young people in her new book, Generation Debt. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 9. $5. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255, www.townhallseattle.org. NEAL SCHINDLER