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

Boat Show Avid seafarers flock to this annual expo to peruse fishing craft, cruisers, canoes, kayaks, and even dinghies. Tacoma Dome, 272 East D Street, 253-756-2121. $9 ($7 seniors on weekdays; $5 children 6 to 16). 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Wed., March 30-Thurs., March 31. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri., April 1-Sat., April 2. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., April 3.

David Nicandri The director of the Washington State Historical Society shows and talks about drawings by Gustav Sohon, who chronicled the Isaac Stevens Treaty Tour in the 1850s. Stevens, then the governor of the newly minted Washington Territory, led the tour as part of a 10-treaty negotiation between the U.S. and Indian leaders. State Capital Museum, 211 21st Ave. S.W. (Olympia), 360-753-2580. $75 (includes hors d’oeuvres and dinner). 5:30 p.m. Wed., March 30.

Home Buying Seminar Mortgage consultant Jayson Cottam of Greenlake Financial explains how to stop throwing money away on rent. Greenwood Library, 8016 Greenwood Ave. N., 206-371-5263. Free. 6-8 p.m. Wed., March 30.

Nature Workshop “Was That a Rat in My Tree?” If so, this week’s Carkeek Park class will teach you what to do about it. Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center, 950 N.W. Carkeek Park Rd., 206-684-0877. Free. 7-9 p.m. Wed., March 30.

Puget Sound Georgia Basin Research Conference Literally hundreds of scientists and scholars converge on the Washington Convention and Trade Center for this environmental confab. The Wednesday evening forum, led by a panel of researchers and policymakers, is open to the public. 800 Convention Pl., 206-694-5000. Free. 7-9 p.m. Wed., March 30.

Panel Discussion Curators, authors, and artists talk about the Center on Contemporary Art’s current show, “Plays Well With Others,” which features collaborations between writers and visual artists. 410 Dexter Ave. N., 206-728-1980. Free. 7:30 p.m. Wed., March 30.

Gardening Lecture Danny Stratten of the Inter*im Community Development Association, which maintains Chinatown’s Danny Woo Community Garden, discusses natural alternatives to harmful pesticides. Bush Hotel, 409 Maynard Ave. S., 206-624-1802. Free. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Thurs., March 31.

Film Screening The documentary Not Straight Forward, about lesbian dating in Seattle, premiered at last year’s Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival and screens tonight as a fund-raiser for the LGBT Center and Verbena. Showbox, 1426 First Ave., 206-628-3151. $12 ($10 advance). 7 p.m. Thurs., March 31.

Nature Slide show In a forum sponsored by People for Puget Sound, conservationist David Lutz shows off the wonders of B.C.’s Great Bear Rainforest. REI, 222 Yale Ave. N., 206-382-7007. $10 ($8 advance). 7-9 p.m. Thurs., March 31.

Learning Disability Screenings For people of all ages who show signs of a learning disability. Hope Clinic, 14030 N.E. 24th St. (Bellevue), 425-462-7800. Free. Time by appointment. Fri., April 1.

Work Party Volunteers of all ages are needed to install playground equipment at Beacon Hill’s Benefit Park. 9320 38th Ave. S., 206-332-9900 ext. 13. Free. Drop-in hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri., April 1-Sat., April 2.

Golf Show Tee off at this annual expo, where you can compete in putting and hole-in-one contests and/or check out a wide selection of discounted equipment. Qwest Field Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave. S., 206-343-4788. $8 ($5 seniors, $3 children 11 to 17). 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri., April 1-Sat., April 2. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun., April 3.

Science Seminar Highline Community College begins its spring seminar series with a talk titled “Predicting Earthquakes: A Hands-On Activity,” presented by Highline professor Eric Baer. 2400 S. 240th St., 206-878-3710, ext. 3513. Free. 2:10-3 p.m. Fri., April 1.

Keyan Tomaselli A faculty member at the University of KwaZula-Natal, he’ll explain how arts programs and social services can work together, with emphasis on South Africa’s DramAidE, which combines theater education and health research. North Creek Cafe, UW/Bothell campus, 18115 Campus Way N.E. (Bothell), 425-352-3576. Free. 3 p.m. Fri., April 1.

Iraq Forum KIRO-AM host Dave Ross moderates a public discussion on how to bring U.S. troops home from Iraq. Bellevue First Congregational Church, 752 108th Ave. N.E. (Bellevue), 425-454-5001. Free. Dinner: 6-7 p.m. Forum: 7-8:30 p.m. Fri., April 1.

Film Screening Socialist Alternative screens Julia Query and Vicky Funari’s Live Nude Girls Unite!, a documentary about employees at San Francisco’s Lusty Lady (the sister peepshow to Seattle’s) and their struggle to unionize. UW Savery Hall (Room 239), 206-293-8389. $5-$10 (sliding scale; no one turned away). 7:30 p.m. Fri., April 1.

Signe Olynyk The head of Canada’s Twilight Pictures speaks about her experience in the TV- and film-production industry. Sponsored by the Northwest Screenwriters Guild. Victory Studios, 2247 15th Ave. W., 206-282-1776. $10 (suggested donation; free for NWSG members and local film students). 7:30 p.m. Fri., April 1.

Garden Sustainability Symposium Bastyr University hosts this daylong parade of workshops on such timely topics as drought-tolerant plants, climate change, and making the most of minimal moisture. Sponsored by the Northwest Perennial Alliance. 14500 Juanita Dr. N.E., 206-390-2073. $60. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., April 2.

Queer Youth Forum Mayor Greg Nickels, SPD Chief Gil Kerlikowski, and ex–Real World housemate Danny Roberts (who is openly gay and now lives in Seattle) are among the guests of honor at this daylong forum for young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Meany Middle School, 301 21st Ave. S., 206-684-4514. Free. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat., April 2.

Southfest A town-meets-gown day at South Seattle Community College, this event includes a sale at the SSCC Garden Center, a four-pack of mini-classes (wine tasting and sushi making among them), an RV show, the chance to apply for a U.S. passport, and several other attractions. 6000 16th Ave. S.W., 206-768-6873. Free. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (visit www.southseattle.edu/southfest.htm for complete schedule). Sat., April 2.

Work Party Help plant trees, flowers, and shrubs at a new “pocket park” in Greenwood. Bring a shovel and work gloves! Sixth Avenue Northwest and Northwest 76th Street, 206-781-7840. Free. Drop-in hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., April 2.

Home Buying Seminar Instructors from the Washington State Housing Finance Commission explain how to purchase a house or condo; subtopics include home-loan qualification and down-payment assistance programs. Capitol Hill Library, 425 Harvard Ave. E., 206-992-6050. Free. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sat., April 2.

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., April 2.

Gardening Workshop Not living in a house doesn’t mean you can’t surround yourself with houseplants, as you’ll learn at this In Bloom class, “Gardening for the Apartment Dweller.” 4437 California Ave. S.W., 206-932-2588. Free. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Sat., April 2. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mon., April 4.

Family Fun Workshop First examine the Museum of Flight’s new exhibit on the history of kites, then make one of your own. 9404 E. Marginal Way S., 206-764-5700. $14 ($13 seniors, $7.50 youth). 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Sat., April 2-Sun., April 3.

Indonesian Cultural Night An evening of gamelan music and traditional dance to raise money for tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia. Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, 104 17th Ave. S., 206-992-9032. $8. 7 p.m. Sat., April 2.

KZAM 30th Anniversary Reunion Three decades after the maverick progressive Seattle radio station first went on the air, members of the original staff are hosting a nostalgic get-together. The event includes performances by artists featured on KZAM and pizza from Tutta Bella; all proceeds benefit Reclaim the Media, a nonprofit media watchdog. Columbia City Theatre, 4916 Rainier Ave. S. Visit www.kzam.net for information and to purchase tickets. $50. 7 p.m.-midnight. Sat., April 2.

Media Forum The lineup for this Foolproof-sponsored panel discussion, titled “All the News That’s Fit to Own: Who Controls the Media and Why We Should Care,” includes Emmy-winning former talk-show host Phil Donahue, Seattle Times publisher Frank Blethen, erstwhile Rocket publisher Robert McChesney, and political writer Amy Goodman. Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., 206-628-0888. $25-$75. 8 p.m. Sat., April 2.

Volkswalk Follow a historic route through Kirkland as you march with members of the American Volksport Association, the event’s sponsor. Both 5K and 10K routes are available. Marina Park, 25 Lakeshore Plaza (Kirkland), 425-827-7018. Free. Start between 8 a.m. and noon, finish by 3 p.m. Sun., April 3.

Quilt Show A juried collection of “social justice themed quilts” at Unitarian University Church. 6556 35th Ave. N.E., 206-525-8400. Free. Reception: 1-3 p.m. Sun., April 3. Viewable every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or by appointment).

Urban Sustainability Forum The Central Library begins a 10-week series with a talk on “Local Politics of Sustainability” by University of Vermont professor Robert Costanza, an expert in ecological economics. 1000 Fourth Ave., 206-386-4636. Free. 5:30-7 p.m. Mon., April 4.

Arts Forum Organized by local arts collective the Shunpike, this panel discussion on “Accountability and the Arts” features Seattle Weekly senior editor Roger Downey, 4Culture director Jim Kelly, ACT Theatre managing director Susan Trapnell, and Michael Killoren of the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. ACT Theatre, 700 Union St., 206-292-7676. Free (RSVP to programs@theshunpike.org to reserve a seat). 7-9 p.m. Mon., April 4.

Pamela ConstableThe Washington Post‘s deputy foreign editor addresses recent violence in Kashmir and other South Asian regions in a talk sponsored by the World Affairs Council. UW Kane Hall (Room 220), 206-441-5910. $10 ($ 5 WAC members/students). 7 p.m. (6 p.m. reception for WAC members). Mon., April 4.

James Gaines The author of Palace of Reason: Bach Meets Frederick the Great in the Age of Enlightenment discusses the composer and the monarch, emphasizing their impact on European history. Town Hall, 206-624-6600. $5. 7:30 p.m. Mon., April 4.

CEO Lunch Series This month: Costco chairman Jeffrey Brotman reveals the challenges of heading up a warehouse membership club. Sponsored by the University of Washington. Columbia Tower Club, 701 Fifth Ave., 206-543-0540. $38 ($30 UW alumni). Noon-1:30 p.m. Tues., April 5.

Health Lecture Acupuncturist Greg Anderton demystifies Eastern medicine at Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy. 4130 E. Madison St., 206-324-0701. Free. 5:45-6:45 p.m. Tues., April 5.

Joe Follansbee The local writer talks about the schooner Wawona, which fished Alaskan waters from 1913 to 1943 and is berthed at South Lake Union Park. Sponsored in part by 4Culture. Admiral Congregational Church, 4320 S.W. Hill St., 206-932-2928. Free. 7 p.m. Tues., April 5.

Photography Exhibit Capitol Hill’s venerable Wildrose hosts “Vision & Voice,” a show featuring portraits of lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people battling illness. 1021 E. Pike St., 206-324-9210. Reception: $10 (suggested donation). 7 p.m. Tues., April 5. Exhibit runs through Thurs., April 28.

Craig Van Hoy Speaking as part of an American Lung Association–sponsored series of talks, the climber recounts his accomplishments, which include scaling some of the world’s loftiest peaks. REI, 222 Yale Ave. N., 800-732-9339. Free. 6:30 p.m. Wed., April 6.

Hot Spots in Our World The University of Washington–sponsored lecture series begins with “Iraq: What’s Next?” presented by Middle East Studies Program head Ellis Goldberg. UW campus (call 206-897-8939 for exact location and to register). $15. 7-8:30 p.m. Wed., April 6.

Iraq Forum Chat with fellow doves, and perhaps the occasional hawk, at this forum on the Iraqi resistance to U.S. occupation. Sponsored by the International Socialist Organization. Seattle Central Community College, 1701 Broadway Ave. E. (Room 3203), 206-931-2922. Free. 7-9 p.m. Wed., April 6.

Meet the Mammals The biweekly lecture series at the Burke Museum kicks off with “Remarkable Mammals: Diversity for All Environments,” an overview of mammals’ evolution since Triassic times. 17th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 45th Street, 206-543-9681. Free (preregistration required). 7-8:30 p.m. Wed., April 6.

Environmental Forum Poet and essayist Terry Tempest Williams leads a pack of earth-friendly thinkers in a panel discussion at Town Hall titled: “Where in the World Are We Going? How Nature, Cities, and Cultures Can Flourish in the 21st Century.” Sponsored by People for Puget Sound and the Society for Ecological Restoration. 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-382-7007. $15. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Wed., April 6.