Family calendar

Thu., Oct. 4, 2012

Today

Waste-to-Energy Facility Tours - Interested in knowing what happens to our garbage? Walk-in groups of 10 or fewer are welcome at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Group tours for more than 10, individuals with special needs, and classrooms can be arranged by calling ahead. Spokane Regional Solid Waste System, 2900 S. Geiger Blvd. (across from the Washington State Patrol). Free. (509) 625-6521.

TWINE (Valley) - Teen Writers of the Inland Empire. For youth in grades six and up. Participate in creative-writing games and activities. Pen and paper will be provided. 4 p.m. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave., Spokane Valley. Free. (509) 893-8400.

Color Explosion (Moran Prairie) - Enjoy colorful crafts and activities. 4 p.m. Moran Prairie Library, 6004 S. Regal St. Free.

Power It Up! (South) - Presented in connection with the Discover Tech exhibit focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Learn more about electricity by exploring circuits and building a wind turbine model. 4-5 p.m. South Hill Library, 3324 S. Perry St. Free. (509) 444-5331.

Friday

Westie Hop Night - Part West Coast, part vintage swing. A beginner friendly environment for all ages. Short Lesson at 9 p.m.; Shim Sham at 10:15 p.m. 8 p.m. Vintage Swing Dance Studio, 7 S. Howard St. $5. (509) 714-9694.

Saturday

Apple Festival - Weekends through Oct. 28. Featuring a large variety of cooking apples, fresh-pressed cider, live music, crafts, corn and straw mazes, food and more. Visit www.greenbluffgrowers.com for map of growers. Green Bluff.

Spokane Renaissance Faire - Second annual fundraiser for Second Harvest Food Bank. Patrons are invited to be submerged into a world where chivalry comes alive with extraordinary wares and crafts, food, actors, storytellers, musicians, dancers and shows for all ages. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Cowgirl Co-op, 20424 N. Dunn Road, Green Bluff. $10/adults, $8/seniors, active-duty military with ID, $5/ages 6-17, free/age 5 and younger. Receive $1 off admission with donation of two cans of food for the food bank. (509) 879-4006.

Touch a Truck - Bring the kids to get hands-on access to a variety of equipment, which may include firetrucks, dump trucks, ambulances and helicopters. Visit booths to learn important safety and health information and participate in fun activities. This year’s special guest is Tow Mater from Disney’s “Cars.” Event runs 9 a.m.-2 p.m. with “horn-free” hours from 9-11 a.m. for sound-sensitive children and parents. Spokane Community College, 1810 N. Greene St. $5/person, free/age 1 and younger. Receive $1 off admission with a donation for the Salvation Army Food Bank. (509) 455-6060.

Oktoberfest - Mass at 4 p.m. at the school; followed by dinner from 5-10 p.m. Ticket price includes German dinner catered by Red Lion Barbecue, two beverages (beer/wine/soda) and music by Nobody Famous. Age 21 and older. St. Aloysius Gonzaga School, 611 E. Mission Ave. $30/advance, $35/at the gate. (509) 489-7825.

Liberty Lake Farmers Market - 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane, Liberty Lake. Free.

Popcorn Poppin’ Day - October is national popcorn month. Come celebrate with us by reading some mouthwatering stories and making popcorn art. 11 a.m. Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

A Celtic Harvest with Floating Crowbar - KPBX Kids Concert with traditional Celtic music. 1-2 p.m. River Park Square, Atrium, 808 W. Main Ave. Free. (509) 328-5729.

Dragon Storytime - We’ll read stories featuring those fierce, fire-breathing beasts. Then, you can learn to draw one or color a picture. 1 p.m. Auntie’s at the Square, 808 W. Main Ave. (509) 456-4775.

Hoedown for HOPE - “Kick Up Your Heels” and support HOPE School, the area’s only listening and spoken language preschool for deaf and hard-of-hearing children. The evening will include a dinner by London’s Ultimate Catering, music by the Ryan Larsen Band, dancing, and fabulous items offered through raffles and prize packages. 5 p.m. Ambassador Programs, 2001 S. Flint Road (near the airport). $55/person. (509) 863-7097.

Sunday

Spokane Renaissance Faire - Second annual fundraiser for Second Harvest Food Bank. Patrons are invited to be submerged into a world where chivalry comes alive with extraordinary wares and crafts, food, actors, storytellers, musicians, dancers and shows for all ages. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Cowgirl Co-op, 20424 N. Dunn Road, Green Bluff $10/adults, $8/seniors, active duty military with ID, $5/ages 6-17, free/age 5 and younger. Receive $1 off admission with donation of two cans of food for the food bank. (509) 879-4006.

WWE Raw World Tour - John Cena vs. Big Show Steel Cage Match. 5 p.m. Spokane Arena, 720 W. Mallon Ave. $15-$95. (800) 325-SEAT.

Monday

Color Explosion (North) - Enjoy colorful crafts and activities. 4 p.m. North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road. Free. (509) 893-8350.

If You Build It They Will Come: Think! (Downtown) - Presented in connection with the Discover Tech exhibit focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Learn the ins and outs of building a park. 4-6 p.m. Downtown Library, 906 W. Main St. Free. (509) 444-5331.

Tuesday

Anime Club (North) - For teens in grades six or above. Watch anime episodes, eat snacks and more. 3:30 p.m. North Spokane Library, 44 E. Hawthorne Road. Free. (509) 893-8350.

Color Explosion (Valley) - Enjoy colorful crafts and activities. 4 p.m. Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Free. (509) 893-8400.

Wednesday

Lost and Found Preschool Storytime and Craft - Everybody loses things sometimes. We’ll read some stories about when we find them. We will also be making name tags we can attach to our favorite toy. 10:30 a.m. Auntie’s Bookstore, children’s section, 402 W. Main Ave. (509) 838-0206.

Color Explosion (Medical Lake) - Enjoy colorful crafts and activities. 3:30 p.m. Medical Lake Library, 321 E. Herb St., Medical Lake. Free. (509) 893-8330.

College Information Night at SCC - Learn about career training, liberal arts-transfer opportunities, financial aid and how to choose a program of study. 6 p.m. Spokane Community College, Student Services Building 15, 1810 N. Greene St. Free. (509) 533-8020.