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

Doing It for Themselves Richard Hugo House’s Zine Archive and Publishing Project presents the opening party of the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Academy, a series of low-cost workshops during which people share their specialized skills with students, offering tools in self-publishing, social change, and independent living. The opening party includes kite making, other arts and crafts, demonstrations, and live music. Richard Hugo House in ZAPP, 1634 11th Ave., 206-322-7030, zines@hugohouse.org. All ages; there will be a cash bar. Free (donations accepted) 6–11:30 p.m. Wed., June 21.

Insider’s Take British author and peace activist Milan Rai will be the speaker at an Interfaith Network of Concern for the People of Iraq event. Rai went on four sanctions-breaking delegations to Iraq between 1998 and 2001, and after the 2003 invasion he co-founded Justice Not Vengeance. Keystone Congregational Church, 5019 Keystone Pl. N., 206-632-6021, www.concernforiraq.org. Free. 7 p.m. Thurs., June 22.

Bow Down to Huskies, et al. Celebrate National Bring Your Dog to Work Day at “Make Your Loyal Dog a Royal Dog” at Hotel Vintage Park, an event that benefits the Seattle Animal Shelter. All the pooches will be honored as lords and ladies, receive a certificate of knighthood and tasty treats from Three Dog Bakery. Professional photos of Rover in royal regalia are $30, with a portion going to the Seattle Animal Shelter. Adoptable dogs will also be on-site. Hotel Vintage Park, 1100 Fifth Ave., www.hotelvintagepark.com. RSVP to 206-624-8000 or concierge@vintagepark.com. noon–2 p.m. Fri., June 23.

Little Known Spaces Take a tour of elements in the city that are often overlooked, from open parks to tucked-away plazas to gardens, and discover the impact of landscape architecture. Among the featured areas are Freeway Park and the waterfront view from Harbor Steps. Seattle Architecture Foundation, 206-667-9184, www.seattlearchitecture.org. $10 adv./$12; advance registration recommended. Tour starts at Rainier Square Atrium, 1333 Fifth Ave. 10 a.m.–noon Sat., June 24.

What Will You Learn? Take in an afternoon of psychic readings and aura healings, a meditation workshop, and shopping for books and tapes at the CDM Psychic Institute’s psychic fair. CDM Psychic Institute, 2402 Summit Ave., Everett, 425-258-1449, www.c-d-m.org. Free admission; open donation for aura healing; $10 per reading or workshop. 1–5 p.m. Sat., June 24.

Get Inspired The Whatcom Horticultural Society’s 20th annual Tour of Private Gardens includes the gardens of a collector and a wholesale grower, two gardens set on very steep hillsides, a lush cottage garden, and a garden that has an exceptional collection of conifers. www.whatcomhortsociety.org/tour.htm. $15/$12 members, tickets available at the gardens on the days of the tour. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat., June 24–Sun., June 25.

Slime-a-Thon Earn a diploma in slugology at the annual Slug Fest at Northwest Trek. See human slug races, play games, go on slug hunts, hear slug stories, and participate in slug taste tests. Northwest Trek, 11610 Trek Dr. E., Eatonville, 360-832-6117, www.nwtrek.org. Festival free with admission. 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat., June 24–Sun., June 25.

Celebrate Writing The Washington Center for the Book at the Seattle Public Library and Jack Straw Productions will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Jack Straw Writers Program with a reception and readings by 10 writers who have participated in the program. Microsoft Auditorium, Central Library, 206-634-0919, www.jackstraw.org. Free. 2–3:30 p.m. Sun., June 25.

That’s Why You Watch William Ryerson, president of Population Media Center, will give a talk on how soap operas can be used to influence social norms and transmit information to target audiences. Population Media Center uses radio and TV serial dramas to address specific issues with the audience on a daily basis, believing that as the characters in the long-running programs evolve into positive role models, they help direct attention to the effects of overpopulation. The Mountaineers Club, 300 Third Ave. W. www.populationmedia.org. Free. 7:30 p.m. Wed., June 28.

Art Mashup Matt Jones has opened a gallery filled with what he describes as “explosive, high-energy art” and a “Passion for Mashin’.” And on the first Friday of each month, everyone is welcome to stop by for music, wine, and awareness-raising about local food banks. He asks that you bring a donation of storable food. Gasworks Park, 3815 Fourth Ave. N.E. (big blue Jones Building across from Ivars on Northlake Way). www.mashedpotatoes.org. Free. 8–11 p.m. first Fridays.

Look Mom! No Gravity! It seems impossible that they remain upright, but world-class track cyclists compete under the lights each Friday night at the Group Health Velodrome, using the banking to best effect for speed. Monday night racing is designed for juniors and new riders, and the Wednesday night series is for masters races. Marymoor Park, www.velodrome.org. $4 adults on Friday nights, other days free. 7:30 p.m. Fri., June 23; Monday and Wednesday racing is ongoing.

Calling Green Thumbs Anyone who wants to do a good turn for the environment can turn out for noxious weed removal at the Log Cabin natural area in Issaquah or help re-establish the Red Town Meadow in the Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. All of King County will be grateful. Info and signup for weed removal: Tina Miller, 206-296-2990, tina.miller@metrokc.gov. For meadow: Jenny Bauer, 425-836-3641, jenjon@seanet.com. Weeds: 10 a.m.–1 p.m., meadow: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Sat., June 24.

Tickets Series tickets are on sale for Seattle Arts & Lectures Literary Lecture Series, featuring Frank Rich, Frank McCourt, Edwidge Danticat, Suzan-Lori Parks, Art Spiegelman, and Jonathan Lethem. Tickets are also on sale for next year’s special events, A Conversation With Eric Carle, An Evening With Stephen King, Elizabeth Kolbert on Climate Change, and the Writers in the Schools Student Reading and Celebration. 206-621-2230, www.lecture.org.

Adopt Now June is the ASPCA’s Adopt-a-Shelter Cat Month, and a special cat adoption starter kit from Fresh Step (litter box, litter, scoop, Welcome Home Kitty! brochure, picture frame, and cat toy) is available free while supplies last. Adopt a cat from a shelter, fill out and send the form, and enjoy the purring. www.freshstep.com/adoption.