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Information Sessions Learn about Global Citizen Journey, a service organization that deploys volunteers to developing nations for humanitarian projects. Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., 206-789-8697. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Wed., June 29. Bellevue Regional Library, 1111 110th Ave. N.E. (Bellevue), 206-789-8697. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Tues., July 5. Third Place Commons, 17171 Bothell Way N.E. (Lake Forest Park), 206-789-8697. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. Wed., July 6.

Tacoma Tall Ships Festival Several dozen vessels hailing from Spain, Poland, the South Pacific, and other faraway lands arrive in Tacoma for the yearly festival, which features ship visits, music, and children’s activities. Commencement Bay (Tacoma), 253-682-1446. $10 ($25 four-day pass). Visit www.tallshipstacoma.com for directions and event schedule. Thurs., June 30-Tues., July 5.

Bones, Birds, Buds, and Butterflies! A new exhibit at the Burke Museum featuring the work of recent graduates of the University of Washington’s Scientific Illustration Certificate Program. 17th Ave. N.E. and N.E. 45th St., 206-543-5590. $6.50 ($5 seniors, $4 students/youth). Opening reception: 5-9 p.m. Thurs., June 30.

Lisa Eschenbach At the downtown REI, the former Olympic National Park ranger gives a virtual tour of her old stomping grounds using slides and stories. 222 Yale Ave. N. (South Room), 206-213-0330 ext. 23. Free. 7-8 p.m. Thurs., June 30.

Vintage Auto Races Hundreds of classic cars converge at Kent’s Pacific Raceways for three days of racing. This year the emphasis is on race cars of the 1950s; Indy 500 veteran Dominic Dobson is slated to drive the pace car. 31001 144th Ave. S.E. (Kent), 206-389-5200. $25 ($5 children 7 to 16). 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri., July 1-Sun., July 3.

Wyland The “marine life artist” discusses “Water’s Extreme Journey,” his new 1,000-square-foot maze depicting the water cycle. (A community cleanup at Alki Beach precedes his appearance.) Cleanup: 1025 Harbor Ave. S.W., 360-808-1103. Free. 8-10 a.m. Fri., July 1. Event: Pacific Science Center, 200 Second Ave. N., 206-443-2001. $10 ($8.50 seniors, $7 children 3 to 12). 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri., July 1.

SAF Architecture Tour The Seattle Architectural Foundation’s summer series continues with “Glass, Steel, and Egos,” a guided tour of the city’s skyscrapers. Meet at Rainier Square Atrium, 1333 Fifth Ave. (Suite 300), 206-667-9184. $12 ($10 advance). 10 a.m.-noon. Sat., July 2.

Wooden Boat Festival The Center for Wooden Boats kicks off its 29th annual celebration Friday evening with an outdoor screening of the 1933 classic Tugboat Annie. The festival also includes rowing classes, sea chantey performances, an assortment of classic speedboats, and an impressive collection of wooden watercraft, from rowboats to steamers. 1010 Valley St., 206-382-2699. $5 ($10/family). 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., July 2-Mon., July 4.

Beach Naturalist Program Take a good look at the flora and fauna of the marine ecosystem during a beach visit led by trained volunteers. Participating beaches in Seattle: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way S.W.), Carkeek Park (950 N.W. Carkeek Park Rd.), Golden Gardens (8498 Seaview Pl. N.W.), and South Alki Beach (1702 Alki Ave. S.W.). Call 206-296-8359 for more info. Free. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sun., July 3. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mon., July 4.

Bainbridge Island Grand Old Fourth Start the day with a pancake breakfast, bum around the arts-and-crafts fair and the classic-car show, and enjoy a parade and an “old times” baseball game. Downtown Winslow (Bainbridge Island), 206-842-3700. Free. 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon., July 4.

Kirkland Centennial 4th of July Celebration Kirkland celebrates 100 years of its existence with an exhibit of children’s art in Marina Park, a noon parade through downtown, a 1 p.m. picnic at Juanita Beach, and fireworks starting at 10 p.m. Various venues; visit www.kirkland100.com for full schedule. Free. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon., July 4.

4th of Jul-Ivar’s The local chain of seafood restaurants hosts its 41st annual Independence Day festival at Myrtle Edwards Park, ending in a fireworks spectacular at 10 p.m. 3130 Alaskan Way W., 206-587-6500. Free. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon., July 4.

Family 4th at Lake Union Sponsored by Washington Mutual and produced by One Reel, Family 4th returns for a 17th go-round at Gas Works Park. Expect a performance by Texas’ Living Proof Youth Choir, kids’ activities, food vendors, and tons of people. 2101 N. Northlake Way, 206-281-7788. Free. Noon-10 p.m. Mon., July 4.

Naturalization Ceremony More than 500 people from 70 countries become U.S. citizens on Independence Day at Seattle Center. Scheduled to attend: Gov. Christine Gregoire, Rep. Jim McDermott, and Mayor Greg Nickels, with a performance by Total Experience Gospel Choir. Sponsored by the Ethnic Heritage Council. Seattle Center (Fisher Pavilion), 206-443-1410. Free. Noon-1 p.m. Mon., July 4.

Bellevue Family 4th An evening of jugglers, balloon artists, puppet shows, and magic—not to mention plenty of food—ushers in the biggest fireworks display on the Eastside (at 10:05 p.m.). Bellevue Downtown Park, 10201 N.E. Fourth St., 425-452-4106. Free. 6-11 p.m. Mon., July 4.

Liz Taylor The Seattle Times columnist, an expert on geriatric issues, talks about caring for loved ones afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. St. Mark’s Cathedral (Bloedel Hall), 1245 10th Ave. E., 206-323-0300. Free. 1:15-2:15 p.m. Wed., July 6.

Home and Garden Class The Phinney Neighborhood Association’s summer series begins with “Installation and Maintenance of Irrigation Systems.” Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., 206-783-2244. $25 ($20 PNA members). 7-9 p.m. Wed., July 6