What’s happening

Heritage Day Experience the rich cultural heritage, history and contributions of the Spokane Indians to the local area and community. Event includes exhibition dancing, a live river salmon exhibit, wildlife displays, language presentations, archeology displays and a beading booth. Wednesday, 10 a.m., Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana St. Free. (509) 232-0803.

National Geographic LIVE! “Exploring Mars: The Next Generation” In 2004, the successful deployment of the Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity launched a new era of scientific investigation of our nearest planetary neighbor. For Kobie Boykins, a mechanical engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the rovers’ success was also a personal triumph: He helped design and build the solar arrays that enabled the rovers to keep going long after their planned 90-day life (indeed, Opportunity is still roaming Mars and sending back images, more than nine years later). Now, Boykins is supervisor of the mobility and remote sensing mast teams for the Mars Science Laboratory, better known as Curiosity, which has made headlines with evidence that conditions on Mars, including the presence of water, once could have supported life. Boykins last year received a NASA Exceptional Service Medal, one of the highest honors given to NASA employees and contractors. Boykins’ enthusiasm for unraveling the mysteries of outer space, and Mars in particular, is infectious. Join him for an engaging evening exploring the Red Planet – with an update on the very latest chapter in the ongoing story of Mars exploration. Tuesday, 7 p.m., INB Performing Arts Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. $41.50. (800) 325-SEAT.

Pray for Snow Party Sponsored by Out There Monthly and Mountain Gear. Classic ski movies all evening, raffle prizes, ski/boarding schwag giveaways and beer specials. Prizes for best vintage ski attire. Wednesday, 5 p.m., Perry Street Brewing, 1025 S. Perry St. (509) 279-2820.

Riverfront Park Ice Palace Hours are Tuesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., extended hours Wednesdays-Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m. and Fridays-Saturdays, 7-10 p.m. Discounts: $2 Tuesday (admission only); $1 Wild Wednesday (college ID required, admission only); $5 Lunch Bunch (Tuesdays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., includes skate rental); $5 After School special (Tuesdays-Fridays, 2-5 p.m., ages 17 and younger only, includes skate rental). Riverfront Park, 507 N. Howard St. $5/general, $3.50/ages 3-12, seniors and military with ID; $3.50/skate rental, $45/season pass (all ages). (509) 625-6600.

Get Ready for Snowshoeing! Snowshoeing is easy to learn, inexpensive, poses little risk of injury and is a great way to exercise during cold winter months. All ages and ability levels can enjoy the sport together. Join us for a presentation about types of snowshoes and what clothing to wear, plus view photos of beautiful snowshoeing locations in the Spokane area. Monday, 6:30 p.m., Shadle Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave. Free. (509) 444-5390.

Another Castle, Another Day: The Joy of Traveling in Europe Retired Spokane Public Library branch manager and seasoned traveler Dennis Bergstrom will share a slideshow travelogue of his adventures throughout Europe. Tuesday, 6 p.m., Shadle Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave. Free. (509) 444-5390.

2014 Spokane National College Fair Representatives from more than 125 colleges will be on hand to answer questions about their academic programs and more. Informational workshops will also be held. Hours are 9 a.m.-noon and 6-8 p.m. Register at www.gotomyncf.com or learn more at www.NationalCollegeFairs.org. Wednesday, Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Free. (509) 483-8511.