Family calendar

Today

Author Niki Anderson – Local author who has enjoyed success with her self-published books about cats and their lovable ways scored a contract with a major publisher for her latest book, “Whiskers, Wit and Wisdom: True Cat Tales and the Lessons They Teach.” 7:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore auditorium, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Free Family Film Festival – Spokane Valley Mall Cinemas – “Space Chimps” (G) and “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” (PG). 10 a.m., Spokane Valley Mall Cinemas, 14760 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. (800) 326-3264.

Friday

“Finding Nemo” – Outdoor showing of this animated film of a father-son underwater adventure. Free snacks will be offered. 8:30 p.m., Lidgerwood Presbyterian Church, 4449 N. Nevada St. Free. (509) 487-9667.

Author Steve Oliver – Local writer/publisher and friends present their anthology of crime fiction, “Stories for a Dead Night in Spokane,” which includes stories by Barbara Curtis, Colin Conway, Dale Alling, Mark Shito, Dan Webster and Steve Oliver. 7:30 p.m., Auntie’s Bookstore auditorium, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Horse and Carriage Rides – Friday evenings in August. Travels through downtown Spokane. Guests receive a rose and a list of dining specials at downtown restaurants. Sponsored by the Spokane Teachers Credit Union and the Downtown Spokane Business Improvement District. First come, first served. 4-10 p.m., corner of Wall Street at Main Avenue. $5/person, free/age 8 and younger with a paid adult. (509) 456-0580, ext. 102.

Saturday

Auntie Violet Back to School Storytime – Calling all students and kindergarteners-to-be to listen to some fabulous stories that will be sure to get you excited about the school year. Hear great tales of daring full of pencils, erasers and friends. 11 a.m., Auntie’s Bookstore, Children’s Section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Gardeners’ Farmers Market – Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon, through August. On Sacred Grounds, 12212 E. Palouse Highway, Valleyford. (509) 747-6294.

Peach Festival – Every weekend through Sept. 7. Visit www.greenbluffgrowers.com for map of growers. Green Bluff.

South Perry Summer Theater – Saturday, “Splash”; Aug. 29, “Smokey and the Bandit.” All movies start at dusk. The Shop, 924 S. Perry St. Free. (509) 534-1647.

Sunday

Peach Festival – Every weekend through Sept. 7. Visit www.greenbluffgrowers.com for map of growers. Green Bluff.

Spokane Indians Baseball – vs. Boise Hawks. 6:30 p.m., Avista Stadium, 602 N. Havana St. (509) 535-2922.

Ongoing

“Be Creative at Your Library!” – Summer reading program presented by Spokane County Library District and Spokane Public Library. Enjoy storytimes, crafts and more. Children and teens who read or listen to 15 books or read for 15 hours throughout the summer will receive a prize. For more information, visit www.summerreadingspokane.org. Runs through Aug. 31. Free. (509) 444-5307.

MobiusLab – Preview of Mobius Science Center – A fun, interactive sneak peek of Mobius Science Center, set to break ground in Spokane in 2011. For visitors ages 8 and older. Learn about science and technology with labs that teach about energy, sound, motion, magnetics and more. Launch an object with a catapult and power a motor with your bare hands. Open August and September. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. NorthTown Mall near Barnes & Noble on the street level. Free. (509) 444-2350.

Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture – “Out of this World: Extraordinary Costumes from Film and Television”: The traveling exhibit features more than 30 costumes and related objects from science fiction films and television programs, including “Star Wars,” “Blade Runner,” “Terminator,” “Star Trek,” “Battlestar Galactica” and “Batman.” Examine how costume design incorporates color, style, scale, materials, historical traditions and cultural cues to help performers and audiences engage with the characters being portrayed. Runs through Sept. 5. 2316 W. First Ave. $7/adults, $5/seniors and students with ID, free/age 5 and younger. (509) 456-3931.