WEEKEND PLANNER: Birding Walk, Contra Dance and African Guitar Star

TGIF and all that! Here are some ideas for your weekend R&R&R: Rest, Relaxation and Recreation. Check these out.

• Where/When: 10-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 at .
• Why Go: With waterfowl at their most colorful and birds easy to see in the bare trees, February is the ideal time for a family birding walk at Juanita Bay Park. Eastside Audubon and the Eastside Park Rangers will guide this free, 90-minute walk starting at 10 a.m. at the information kiosk just off the parking lot at 2201 Market Street, Kirkland.
• Pricing: Free. Open to the public; no reservations required. Best suited for children 5 and older. A portable rest room is available. Eastside Audubon suggests dressing for the weather and bringing binoculars if available.

• Where/When: 7:30-11 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the .
• Why Go: Get ready for a fun evening of contra dances (social dance originally from New England) including a few circle and square dances. Live traditional folk music and dance caller. Walk-through provided for every dance. Attending with a partner is not necessary. Beginner instruction at 7:30 p.m., dance at 8 p.m.. Free ice cream provided during the break!
• Pricing: $8 at the door; $4 for students. First time is free.

• Where/When: 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Northwest Cellars in Kirkland.
• Why Go: Join Northwest Cellars this Saturday for a fun afternoon with the wonderful people from the Homeward Pet Shelter. Your furry friends will enjoy fabulous treats from Washington’s own Pupcakes and you will enjoy tasting some great award-winning wines, including 3 private labeled wines with Homeward Pet labels!
• Pricing: Your admission of $10.00 covers your wine tasting and is 100% donated to Homeward Pet, along with 40% of sales of their private-labeled wines.

• Where/When: 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the .
• Why Go: Guitarist and singer Alpha Yaya Diallo, from Guinea in West Africa, is one of the hottest acts on the world music scene. His masterful performances feature sparkling guitar music accompanied by the African marimba, bass, drums, percussions and dancers. Check out this Youtube clip of Alpha Yaya in action. Enjoy the show!
• Pricing: Tickets are $15.

• Where/When: 7-10 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10 at in Redmond.
• Why Go: Join the Old Fire House this Friday night for their annual Valentine's show! Get comfy, drink some punch, and listen to the wonderful sounds of the amazing all-ladies line up!
• Pricing: $7 or $5 with a can food donation.