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Greg Mortenson A climber of mountains and founder of schools, Mortenson will explain—through the use of slides and anecdotes—how he scaled K2 in 1993, then set about launching all-girl academies on Taliban-occupied soil. REI, 222 N. Yale St., 206-223-1944. $5. 7 p.m. Thurs., April 15.
Garry Trudeau and Molly Ivins The Pulitzer-winning creator of Doonesbury, America’s most popular, accessible, and consistently funny political cartoon, should find a kindred spirit in Ivins, whose Texas-based syndicated column has made her a beacon of lefty populism. The columnist will be interviewing the cartoonist, with a Q&A to follow. Paramount Theater, 911 Pine St., 206-467-5510. $37-$75. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., April 15.
Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival In its 29th year, this annual celebration brings performances, lectures, and children’s events to Seattle Center for an entire weekend. The festival originated as a grateful response to a gift of 1,000 cherry- blossom trees from the people of Japan. Seattle Center House (Main Floor), 206-723-2003. Free admission (selected events require a fee). Opening ceremony: 6 p.m. Fri., April 16. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., April 17–Sun., April 18.
Seattle Public Library Book Sale You never know what long-neglected treasures you might find at this massive book sale. There will be 100,000 books, CDs, videos, and other items up for grabs. A must for serious bibliophiles, and fun for pretty much anyone. Sand Point/Magnuson Park, 7400 N.E. Sand Point Way, 206-386-4098. Free admission. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., April 17. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun., April 18.
Hutch Open House Tour the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’s new Public Health Sciences building and other high-tech medical facilities. Those interested in donating blood may do so at the Puget Sound Blood Center’s on-site drive. 1100 Fairview Ave. N., 206-667-4211. Free admission. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat., April 17.
Gay Wedding Expo There simply couldn’t be a better time for a gay wedding expo; this one is sponsored by the Greater Seattle Business Association, a nonprofit consortium of LGBT–owned and –friendly establishments. Swedish Cultural Center, 1920 Dexter Ave. N., 206-383-9188. Free admission. Noon-5 p.m. Sat., April 17.
Bridging Two Cultures A multimedia exploration of Tibetan-American relations presented in conjunction with the Seattle Asian Art Museum’s “Discovering Buddhist Art” exhibit. SAAM Garden Court (Volunteer Park), 206-325-8777. $50/person, $80/couple. 7 p.m. Sat., April 17.
Holocaust Remembrance Day In commemoration, the Washington State Holocaust Education Resource Center presents author and historian Debórah Dwork, who will address the subject: “Creativity in the Midst of Catastrophe: Jewish Youth in Nazi Europe.” Jewish Community Center, 3801 E. Mercer Way (Mercer Island), 206-441-5747. Free admission. 2-4 p.m. Sun., April 18.
The Naked Truth How ads skew (and skewer) our collective self-image is the subject of tonight’s lecture by advertising expert Dr. Jean Kilbourne. The event kicks off Seattle Pacific University’s weeklong “Respect Your Body” program, which will include an art exhibit, nutrition seminars, and body-image workshops. Royal Brougham Pavilion (SPU campus), 3307 Third Ave. W., 206-281-2977. Free admission. 7 p.m. Tues., April 20.
Bev Harris and Andy Stephenson The co-authors of Black Box Voting: Ballot-Tampering in the 21st Century talk about voting-machine corruption, a subject that recently made the cover of SW. Shoreline Community College (campus theater), 16101 Greenwood Ave. N., 206-546-4717. Free admission. 12:30 p.m. Wed., April 21.
Rachel Simmons The author of Odd Girl Out elaborates on issues raised in her book, a study of female bullying. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-675-3364. In advance: $15 for adults, $7 for youth. At the door: $18/$10. 7 p.m. Wed., April 21.
Michael Parenti The noted political analyst has a bone to pick with the U.S. government and its control over major media, and he’ll discuss it tonight at a lecture: “When America Rules the World: A Dissent.” Shoreline Community College, 16101 Greenwood Ave. N., 206-546-4606. $10 for adults, $8 for students/seniors, $5 for SCC students. 7:30 p.m. Wed., April 21.
