Events

Auburn Tourism: For special events in the Auburn area, visit the website: www.auburntourism.com.

Closing day at Emerald Downs: 2 p.m., first post, Sept. 25, Emerald Downs, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive, Auburn. Local live Thoroughbred racing meet concludes with season’s final card. Information: www.emeralddowns.com.

Puyallup Fair: Sept. 9-25, Puyallup Fair & Events Center, 110 9th Ave. SW, Puyallup. Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Admission: $11 adults; $9 students (6-18); $9 seniors (62 and older; 5 and under) free. Parking: $10, Monday- Friday; $12 Saturday, Sunday.  Info: www.thefair.com, 253-841-5045.

Auburn International Farmers Market:  9 a.m. – 2 p.m., closing day, Sept. 25, Auburn Sound Transit Plaza, 23 A St. SW. More than 40 vendors offering a variety of fresh locally grown farm-based foods, hand-crafted items, and concession stands that are restaurant-based but feature a home-cooked taste. The market also includes free performances, guest chef demonstrations with farm-fresh ingredients, children’s activities, and classes on health, nutrition, and gardening. Information: 253-266-2726, www.auburnfarmersmarket.org.

GirlFest 2011 Celebrates Everything Cool About Being A Girl: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 24, CenturyLink Field Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave. S. Girl Scouts of Western Washington presents the annual one-day event, featuring a wide variety of attractions for girls ages 5 to 18 and their families. Event includes creative hands-on activities, live music, sports challenges and scores of exhibits. Cost is $14 early bird rate and $20 after Sept. 16. GirlFest also kicks off a yearlong celebration marking Girl Scouts of the USA’s 100th Anniversary and a century of leadership development for girls.  Open to all girls, not just Girl Scouts. For more information, call 253-798-5030 or visit www.GirlScoutsWW.org/GirlFest.

Terry Home groundbreaking: 3 p.m., Sept. 29, 727 A St. NE, Auburn. Public invited. Terry Home Inc., a nonprofit organization, celebrates the opening of its second facility. Commnity leaders to attend. Terry Home was established to provide long-term care and shelter for young adults (18-45) who have suffered a traumatic brain injury. For more information, call 253-288-0135 or visit www.terryhomeinc.org.

Autumn Wedding Show: Oct. 1-2, Emerald Downs, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive, Auburn. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Oct. 1; 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 2. Meet vendors, watch a fashion show and find everything you need to plan your perfect wedding. Free admission, free parking, free gift tote. For more information, visit weddingshow.auburntourism.org.

Auburn candidates forum: 6 p.m., Oct. 4, Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. Public is invited. Debate for City Council candidates.

S’more Than You Imagined: 6-8 p.m., Oct. 8, Game Farm Park, 3030 R St. SE, Auburn. Free to the public. A unique outdoor event that is a nod to the City’s tagline! S’mores, a big band, storytelling by a bon fire. For more information, visit www.auburnwa.gov or call Auburn Parks, Arts and Rec at 253-931-3043.

Pacific candidates forum: 7-9 p.m., Oct. 18, Pacific gym (Milwaukee entrance), 100 3rd Ave. SE, Pacific. Public invited to attend the second election candidates forum. Learn more about each candidate.  Sponsored by the Friends of the Lower White River voters information committee.  For more information, contact Jeanne Fancher at 253-833-0977.

Special events

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: The City of Auburn has scheduled a series of events to observe October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Events include: • Kickoff ceremony: Noon, Friday, Sept. 30, City Hall Plaza, 25 W. Main St. Mayor Pete Lewis to proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. “Making a Difference” awards to be given to officers and community volunteers. Scheduled speaker to be a survivor of domestic violence. • Skate to Stop Domestic Violence: 5-7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, Skate Connection, 1825 Howard Road, Auburn. Skating and skate rentals are free; rollerblades $2. Complimentary cake, coffee and lemonade. Donations accepted. Proceeds benefit survivors of domestic violence in Auburn. For more information, call 253-939-2243. • City Council meeting: 7:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 3, City Hall, 25 W. Main St. City of Auburn Domestic Violence Task Force accepts proclamation from Mayor Lewis. • Sixth annual Children’s Purple Pumpkin Fun Walk to Stop the Violence: 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22, Roegner Park, 601 Oravetz Road SE. Auburn Domestic Violence Task Force hosting. Entrance fee for 5K is $10 (or donation) for the family. Costume contest. Pets on leashes welcome. Costumes for animals is optional. Proceeds to support survivors of domestic violence. For more information, contact Kim at 253-939-2243 or Shelly at 253-931-3072.

Benefits

Auburn Rotary Earl Averill Invitational Golf Tournament: 11:30 a.m., Sept. 23, Auburn Golf Course, 29630 Green River Road SE. Cost: $125 per player (includes dinner). Shotgun scramble format.  Contests include putting, $1,000 long putt, hole-in-one, roll the dice, pick your club and the super ticket scratch game. Proceeds go to charities in Auburn and around the world.  www.auburnrotary.org.

Second annual Hops & Crops Harvest Festival: Noon-6 p.m., Sept. 24, Mary Olson Farm, 28728 Green River Road, Auburn. Benefit for the historic farm. Sample tasty local brews from Airways Brewing Company, Big Al Brewing, Georgetown Brewing Company, Harmon Brewing Co., Silver City Brewery, Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Company, Soos Creek Brewing Co. and Trade Route Brewing Co. General admission: $5 for ages 13 and over. Kids under 13 are free with an accompanying adult. Taster admission for ages 21 and over is $10 and includes a commemorative cup and three taster tokens. Tickets available at the festival.

Sleep Country USA Coat Drive for Foster Kids: Sept. 26-Oct. 30. Donations of new coats can be made at any Sleep Country store. Donations will be distributed among Sleep Country’s partner foster care organizations. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit www.sleepcountry.com or call 1-888-88-SLEEP.

Terry Home Building More Hope Dinner and Auction: 5:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Emerald Downs, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive, Auburn. Proceeds to benefit the completion of Terry Home’s second facility at at 727 A St. NE, Auburn.  Terry Home Inc., a nonprofit organization, was established to provide long-term care and shelter for young adults (18-45) who have suffered a traumatic brain injury.  Tickets are $50 before Oct. 7, $60 after. For more information, call 253-288-0135 or visit www.terryhomeinc.org.

Community Big Give: Nov. 19, Northwest Family Church, 3535 Auburn Way S., Auburn. Volunteers and organizers distribute groceries to 500 needy families in the community. Individuals and businesses representative can make an online financial donation, and are urged to host a food drives. To help or to learn more, visit communitybiggive.com or contact the Big Give team at 253-833-8252 or info@communitybiggive.com.

Health

Cascade Regional Blood Center drives:  10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Sept. 27, Green River Community College, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn; 1-4 p.m., Oct. 4, DeVry University, 3600 S. 344th Way, Federal Way; 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Oct. 8, Lakeland Hills Community, 1408 Lake Tapps Parkway E., Auburn; 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Oct. 10-11, Todd Beamer High School, 35999 16th Ave. S., Federal Way; 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 11, World Vision headquarters, 34834 Weyerhaeuser Way, Federal Way;  1-3 p.m., Oct. 12, St. Francis Hospital, 34515 9th Ave S., Federal Way; 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 15, GWTA, 1611 W. Valley Highway S. (Hinshaw’s), Auburn; 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 27,  Van Siclen, Stocks & Firkins – Attorney at Law, 721 45th St. NE, Auburn; noon-4 p.m., Oct. 31, Orion Industries Inc., 33926 9th Ave. S., Federal Way. For more information, call 1-877-242-5663 or visit www.crbs.net/home.

Puget Sound Blood Center drives:  Noon-2 p.m., 2:45-6 p.m., Sept. 22, Auburn Adventist Academy, Fireside Room, 5000 Auburn Way S. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Oct. 7, Boeing, 700 015th St. SW; 8-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Oct. 13, West Auburn High School, gym, 401 W. Main St.; 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Oct. 20, Auburn High School, The Pit, 800 4th St. NE; 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Oct. 26, Auburn Mountainview High School, auxiliary gym, 28900 124th Ave. SE; 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m., Oct. 28, Zones, Inc., 1102 15th St. SW, Auburn; 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-5 p.m., Oct. 28, Auburn Regional Medical Center, 202 N. Division St., mobile at 2nd Street entrance; 8 a.m.-2 p.m, Nov. 2, Green River Community College, Glacier Room, Lindbloom Student Center, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. For more information, call 253-945-8667  or please visit www.psbc.org.

AAC user movie and pizza night: 6:30 p.m., Sept. 30, CLASS, Inc., 1705 S. 324th Place, Federal Way. Please RSVP to David Pozolinski (253-874-9300) by Sept. 28. CLASS (Communication Language and Speech Services) is a clinic with a nationally recognized track record of success in treating speech, language, learning, motor and social communication delays and disorders. It honors individual needs and temperaments. The clinic offers many different activities for kids, teens, and adults with special needs. AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is a technique for compressing digital audio files. For more information, visit www.classinc.net.

Classes

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training courses: Open to the pubic. Class sessions: •  Thursdays, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3 and 10 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturdays, Oct. 22 and Nov. 12 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. • The third is restricted to high school students in the Auburn School District and will be offered on Monday PLC days beginning Oct. 3 and will continue through the school year (view www.auburn.wednet.edu/PLC/PLC_Calendar.html) and will be held at Auburn High School, 800 4th St. NE. This is the second all-high school course to be offered in Auburn. Presented by the City of Auburn Emergency Management Office, in conjunction with the White River Valley Citizen Corps Council and the Valley Regional Fire Authority. Class members will be required to provide some basic equipment, such as sturdy shoes or boots and work gloves. Other necessary supplies and equipment will be provided. A complete list of required equipment will be provided upon registration. Pre-registration is required for all courses and space is limited. For more information, or to register for any of these classes, please call 253-876-1925 or email emergencyprep@auburnwa.gov. Applications also may be downloaded at www.auburnwa.gov/disaster.

Disasters 101 workshop: 9 a.m.-noon, Sept. 24, Pacific City Hall, 100 3rd Ave. SE, Pacific. First in a series of classes offered by the City of Pacific to help build capacity and increase community emergency preparedness. Class will discuss how the Pacific’s volunteer plan is being implemented and how one can be an intricate part of its future. Additional classes will be offered over the next few months to provide additional skills and information. The goal is to educate and empower citizens so they can assist effectively, efficiently and safely. Participants will be entered in a drawing for a “Go Kit” filled with disaster supplies. For more information, contact Mayor Richard Hildreth at 253-929-1108 or Pacificmayor@aol.com.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA):  Train to become a volunteer advocate for abused and neglected children in court.  Help make the legal system work toward a safe, permanent home for these children.  Must be 21, have excellent references and attend 28 hours of training. For more information and training dates, call 206-296-1120 or email casa.group@kingcounty.gov.

Landscape design study: Oct. 25-27, Normandy Park Community Club, 1500 SW Shorebrook Drive, Normandy Park. The Chinook District of the Washington Federation of Garden Clubs invites the public to attend National Garden Club’s Landscape Design Study Course II. Cost is $60 for both days and $5 for those who wish to test on Oct. 27. Courses are taught by University of Washington and South Seattle Community College professors, landscape architects and designers, horticulturists, and state and King County experts. A registration brochure can be found online at www.wagardenclubs.com. Please register by Sept. 30 to avoid a $10 late fee.

Resource fairs

South King County Latino Family Health & Safety Fair: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sept. 24, Grace Community Church, 1320 Auburn Way S. Free dental, blood pressure and diabetes screenings are available, in addition to free pap tests and mammograms for women 40 to 64 years of age. The event features presentations in Spanish about worker rights, insurance options, breast cancer, nutrition and more. There also will be food, music, folkloric dance, raffles and activities for children and adults. Appointments are needed for a pap test and mammogram. To make an appointment, call 206-432-2334. Information can be found at www.latinoferia.com.

Fifth annual Disaster Preparedness Fair : 11 a.m.-4 p.m ., Sept. 24, Les Gove Community Campus in Auburn. Free to the public.Parking is available at 12th Street Southeast and J Street Southeast. The fair – sponsored by the City of Auburn and the White River Valley Citizen Corps Council – features disaster preparedness information, ideas, demonstrations and supplies. There will be events and activities for everyone, including informational booths, vendor booths, disaster response demonstrations, hands-on activities for kids and adults and preparedness information. Door prizes will be given away hourly. For more information, contact City of Auburn Emergency Management at 253-876-1992 or email emergencyprep@auburnwa.gov.

Together We Serve volunteer resource fair: 4-7 p.m., Oct. 6, Lindbloom Student Center, Green River Community College, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. GRCC’s Continuing Education offers free volunteer resource fair for the community.  Approximately 50 nonprofit and community organizations will be available to provide information on volunteering opportunities. A panel of volunteer experts will be on hand to provide key points and answer audience questions on volunteering. The Auburn Food Bank will be represented and accepting food donations. For more information or if there are organizations wanting to participate, please call Continuing Education at 253-833-9111, ext. 2535.

The 13th annual Reaching Out Fair: 6-8 p.m. Oct. 6, Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St. Co-hosted by the Auburn School District, the Cities of Auburn, Algona and Pacific, Green River Community College and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, the event is designed to put a stop to bullying and promote kindness in school communities. This year’s theme, “Chain Reaction of Kindness,” honors the 14 students and the one teacher who lost their lives in the Columbine tragedy with a message from “Rachel’s Challenge.” Rachel Joy Scott was the first student killed that day. Rachel’s Challenge was created by her family with the hopes of empowering students to influence positive change in their social community. The resource information fair kicks off the event at 6 p.m. Children and their families will have the opportunity to learn more about resources available to them from a variety of organizations like the Auburn Valley Y, Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation, Auburn King County Library System, Auburn Youth Resources and others. There also will be a drawing with the chance to win one of 12 $50 SuperMall gift certificates. Free pizza, juice and cookies are provided.  The evening performance begins at 7 p.m. and features a message presented by Rachel’s Challenge team members and student testimonials about individuals who have made a difference in their lives.

Libraries

NOTE: The main Auburn Library has closed for yearlong expansion. It reopened at its temporary location, the former Herr Cabinets building, at 1140 Auburn Way S., , behind Big Daddy’s Drive-in. For program information, call 253-931-3018. Library events include:

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Sleepy Story Times:: 7 p.m., Sept. 29. All ages welcome, ages 5 and younger with adult. Wear your pajamas and bring your teddy bear to this 30-minute bedtime story time.

Monday Morning Story Times: 10:15 a.m., Sept. 26, Ages 2 to 6 with adult. Young children explore Early Literacy through stories, songs, finger plays and action rhymes.

Tuesday’s Bouncing Baby Story Times: 10:15 a.m., Sept. 27. Ages newborn to 24 months, one adult per baby. Get ready to bounce, sing and play with your baby. Early Literacy activities will be emphasized and a short play time follows.

Wacky Wednesday Family Story Times: 10:15 a.m., Sept. 28. Ages 3 to 6. Fun stories, flannel board and songs for kids and their families.

TEENS

Teen Book Club Reads: 4:30 p.m., Sept. 20. “The Dead and Gone” by Susan Beth Pfeffer. The first eight people who sign up to attend will receive a free copy courtesy of the Friends of the Auburn Library.

Geek vs. Geek: Choose Your Side: 4 p.m., Sept. 27. Held in the Les Gove Park Multi-Purpose Building. Who would win in battle?  You decide. Twilight vs. Harry Potter. Zombies vs. Unicorns. Star Trek vs. Star Wars. Dress up as your favorite character or mythological beast and defend your position in the ultimate geek showdown. Geeky music, door prizes, and food.

ADULTS

Share your Love of Reading with Someone Who Cannot Visit the Library: Volunteer to select, deliver and return library materials to a shut-in patron at least once a month, for one year.  You must be age 18 or older and have reliable transportation. Training is provided and takes about an hour.  For more information, contact Susan LaFantasie, 425-369-3235 or 877-905-2008.

English as a Second Language (ESOL): Due to the building remodel, the Auburn Library is no longer hosting ESOL classes. Classes are now being offered at the Green River Community College Downtown Auburn Center, 110 2nd St. SW, Room 145; phone number 253-833-9111. Additional classes continue to be offered at Algona-Pacific Library, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6-8:30 p.m.

Genealogy Assistance: 1 p.m., Sept. 18; 7 p.m., Sept. 12. Volunteers from South King County Genealogical Society will be available to answer your questions.

Computer classes: Sign-up at the Information Desk or call 253-931-3018. • Microsoft Word Level 1, 10 a.m., Sept. 20. Held on the Techlab mobile classroom. Learn basic skills for entering, correcting and revising text. Prerequisite: Ability to use the mouse and keyboard. Please register.  • Computer Class: Microsoft Excel Level 1: 11:30 a.m., Sept. 20. Held on the Techlab mobile classroom. Learn how to perform calculations using formulas, copy formulas with the fill handle and use Autosum for quick addition. Prerequisite: Ability to use the mouse and keyboard. lease register.

The Friends of the Auburn Library Meeting: 7 p.m., Sept. 27. The Friends support the library and programs. Join us.

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Algona-Pacific Library, 225 Ellingson Road, Pacific. 253-833-3554. Library events include:

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Toddler Story Times: 10:15 a.m., Sept. 20, 27. Ages 2 to 3 with adult. Join us for stories, rhymes, music and fun.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m., Sept. 27. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Enjoy stories, activities and music while children develop pre-reading skills.

Baby Story Time: 10:15 a.m., Sept. 28. Newborn to 24 months with adult. Stimulate brain development with bounces, rhymes, stories and play time. One baby per lap, please.

TEENS

Teen Zone: 3 p.m., Sept. 28. Drop in and get your game on, surf the Internet or hit the books. The Teen Zone is the place where you and your friends can snack, hang-out, study, play video games and pick up a good book.

ADULTS

English classes for immigrants (ESOL): 6:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays. In partnership with Green River Community College, the Algona-Pacific library offers regular, free English classes for adult learners.

One-on-one assistance for Spanish speakers: Spanish-speaking individuals can arrange for an hour of free assistance in Spanish to help them learn and use library (computer class, help with the catalog, databases, etc.).  Interested patrons may contact Jessica McClinton-Lopez at 253-91-3018 ext. 130 or jmlopez@kcls.org.

Computer Class: Registration required. Please sign up at the Information Desk or call 253-833-3554.

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Muckleshoot Library, 39917 Auburn-Enumclaw Road SE., Auburn. 253-931-6779. Library events include:

ADULTS

COMPUTER CLASSES

Looking to sharpen your technology skills?:  If you’re interested in attending a class, please call 253-931-6779.

Network

Community Impact, an Evening with the Y: 6-8 p.m., Oct. 6, Truitt Building, Rainier Room, 102 W. Main St., Auburn. Not a fundraising event, but a chance to celebrate the Auburn Valley Y’s continued commitment to the community with its many services. Longhorn Barbecue and Oddfellas Pub and Eatery are event sponsors. Please RSVP by Sept. 30 to Rose Lambert, 253-876-7553, rlambert@seattleymca.org.

Business Networking International: 11:30 a.m., Tuesdays, meeting room, Round Table Pizza, 13036 SE, Kent-Kangley Road, Kent. Local entrepreneurs, sales-oriented small business representatives and others welcome. Information: Cheryl Richards, South Sound Business Referral Group. 206-575-4665.

Auburn Morning Toastmasters Club: 6:30-7:30 a.m. Thursdays. Learn the fine art of communication in a supportive atmosphere. Toastmasters is an international organization helping people improve their communication and pubic speaking skills. New members welcome. Rainbow Café, 112 E. Main St., Auburn.

Auburn Area Chamber “Connecting for Success” Networking Breakfast: 8-9 a.m., the first Wednesday of every month. Sponsored by the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $5, includes continental breakfast. Auburn Area Chamber Board Room, 108 S. Division, Suite B. 253-833-0700.

Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce Partnership Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the third Tuesday of every month, Emerald Downs, Emerald Room (fourth floor), 2300 Emerald Downs Drive.  Register online through the chamber.

Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce 13th Annual Holiday Auction/Dinner: 5:30-9 p.m., Nov. 4, Emerald Downs, fourth floor, Emerald Room, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive. Presented by the chamber and SuperMall. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Pegi Moll at 253-833-0700 or pegi@auburnareawa.org

Gardens

Soos Creek Botanical Garden  and History Center:  29308 132nd Ave SE, Auburn. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday. As the docent program is developed,  visitors may take self-guided tours of the 22 acres with a map  in hand. There is no charge to stroll the gardens, but donations are gladly accepted.  No pets or food are allowed on the property. Volunteers are always welcome to use their talents at the gardens. Info: 253-639-0949 or SoosCreekBotanicalGarden.org.

Seniors

Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. SE. 253-931-3016 or www.auburnwa.gov. Senior activities include:

• Community building: 5:30-8:30 p.m., Sept. 27. Senior Services hosts a community gathering to support boomers as they age.  Ideal participants are boomer aged, community orientated and interested in helping create a community that is wonderful to grow old in. Together a vision is created of a community that will support people as they age and action teams are formed to make the vision become reality.  More info is available at www.seniorservices.org. Click on Aging Your Way to register.

• Wellness Fair, “Rock n Roll Your Way to Wellness”: 9:30 a.m.-noon, Sept. 29. Health screenings, informational booths and lunch with entertainment from “Elvis” (aka Shane Cobain). Lunch will be served between 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Cost is $3. A raffle for door prizes follows lunch. Program presented by the Auburn Senior Wellness Team and Auburn Regional Medical Center.

• Senior Coffee Hours with the Mayor and Councilmembers: 10-11 a.m. the second Thursday of the month.

• Lunch: Monday-Friday, Salad bar begins at 11:30, Main meal is served at noon. Cost: $3 donation for ages 60 and over, $5.75 for those younger than 60.

• Movie Screenings: Wednesdays, 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. 50 cent suggested donation for refreshments.

• Monday Supper Club: 4:45-6 p.m. One Monday a month. Call 253-931-3016 for date and menu. Cost: $6 for all ages.

• Meals on Wheels: Senior services’ program offers home-delivered meals to home-bound seniors. For more information, call the center at 253-931-3016.

• Open Jam Session: 10-11:30 a.m., second and fourth Wednesday. All musicians are welcome.

Entertainment

Marx Brothers Film Series, “Duck Soup”: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 22, Auburn Ave Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. The Marx Brothers’ purest and most insane film. This pointed political satire contains some of the brothers’ most famous sequences. Tickets: $3. Save with the Groucho Package of film series and live performance for $20, $18. Call Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation at 253-931-3043, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or online at Brown Paper Tickets.

Avenue Kids, The Ugliest Duckling: 2 p.m., Sept. 24, Auburn Ave Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. Everyone feels like an ugly duckling once-in-a-while; but what if you were a platypus that would never turn into a beautiful swan? This re-imagined version of the Hans Christian Anderson classic is set in Australia and features an array of wonderful creatures. Our star platypus reminds us that everyone is different and unique and true beauty lies inside us all. Tickets: $6. Call Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation at 253-931-3043, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or online at Brown Paper Tickets.

Marx Brothers Film Series, “Animal Crackers”: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 24, Auburn Ave Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. A classic of screen history and as funny today as it was more than 50 years ago. Tickets: $3. Save with the Groucho Package of film series and live performance for $20, $18. Call Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation at 253-931-3043, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or online at Brown Paper Tickets.

Marx Brothers Film Series, “Copacabana”: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 29, Auburn Ave Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. Groucho Marx made his first solo film appearance away from his brothers in the musical comedy. Groucho plays two bit theatrical agent Lionel Q. Devereaux, whose favorite and only client is fireball Brazilian entertainer Carmen Novarro (Carmen Miranda). Tickets: $3. Save with the Groucho Package of film series and live performance for $20, $18. Call Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation at 253-931-3043, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or online at Brown Paper Tickets.

An Evening With Groucho: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 1, Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St., Auburn. Performing Arts Center Award-winning actor/director/playwright Frank Ferrante recreates his PBS, New York and London acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx in a fast-paced 90 minutes of hilarity. The two-act comedy consists of the best Groucho one-liners, anecdotes and songs while the audience literally becomes part of the show as Ferrante ad-libs his way throughout the performance in grand Groucho style. Accompanied by his onstage pianist, Jim Furmston, Ferrante portrays the young Groucho of stage and film. Tickets: $17, $15. Save with the Groucho Package of film series and live performance for $20, $18. Call Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation at 253-931-3043, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or online at Brown Paper Tickets.

Federal Way Symphony season premier: 2 p.m., Oct. 2, St.  Luke’s, 515 S. 312th St., Federal Way. Rhapsody on a “Theme of Paganini” by Rachmaninoff with guest pianist Geisa Dutra. Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony #1, “Czech suit, op.39” by Dvorak. Tickets: $30 adults, $25 senior (65 and older), students under 18 admitted free. Tickets available at the symphony office, 253-529-9857, online at federalwaysymphony.org or at the door.

Comedy at the Ave: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 7,  Auburn Ave Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. Presenting three comedians in one night, starring Los Angeles-based headliner Sean O’Connor. Tickets: $17, 15. Call Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation at 253-931-3043, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or online at www.auburnwa.gov

Auburn Symphony Orchestra’s Ah, Youth!: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 8; 2:30 p.m., Oct. 9, Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St., Auburn. ASO season-opening concert, featuring Rossini’s The Thieving Magpie Overture, Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto with 12-year old trumpet soloist Natalie Dungey, and Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 1. Reserved season ticket seats – $95/adults; $75/seniors; reserved single ticket seats – $34/adults; $27/seniors; $10/students. Call 253-887-7777 or purchase online at auburnsymphony.org.

“The Wizard of Oz”: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 14, 15, 21, 22; 2 p.m., Oct. 16, 22, Auburn Ave Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. The Auburn Community Players, comprised of local actors, present the charming musical based on the popular L. Frank Baum stories. Tickets:  $12, $10 ($15, $13 at the door). Call Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation at 253-931-3043, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or online at Brown Paper Tickets.

Vintage Singers: 7 p.m., Oct. 22, Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St., Auburn. The Vintage Singers perform a mix of instruments and voices to bring the best of the 1960s and ‘70s folk group “Peter, Paul and Mary.” Group performs their top hits, “Puff The Magic Dragon”, “Leaving On A Jet Plane”, “Blowin’ In The Wind” and more. Special guests, The Cowchips, perform beautiful harmonies reminiscent of the Sons of The Pioneers. Order tickets from www.brownpapertickets.com/800-838-3006. Order discounted season and group tickets directly from Great Western Concert Associaion (253-630-5296, gwconcerts.org).

S’mores n More  Family Night: 6-8 p.m., Oct. 29, Matchett Park, 402 Warde St., Algona.  S’mores, storytelling by the campfire, treat bags and more.  Families welcome. Call 253-833-2897 for more information.

Zola’s Cafe: Live music every Friday, 7-9 p.m., 402 E. Main St., Suite 120. Also looking for talented musicians, singers or comedians to perform. Please contact Sonia Kessler at the cafe at 253-333-9652.

Music

Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra: Taylor Creek Church, 21110 244th Ave. SE, Maple Valley.  Season performance highlights include masquerade concert, holiday concert, waltz gala ball, Seattle Thunderbirds hockey game and community events. MVYSO boasts a playing group for every level, from beginning strings to string ensemble. For more information, call 425-358-1640 or visit www.mvyso.org.

Rainier Youth Choirs: RYC has three leveled groups based on age and ability (grades 4 through college).  Rehearsals are held weekly in Covington.  Call 253-347-0180 to schedule an audition.  For more information, visit  www.rainieryouthchoirs.org.

Dance

Children’s Dance Theater:  Visit www.auburnchildrensdancetheater.com or call 253-887-8937 for program information. New location at 122 W. Main St.

Auburn Dance Academy:  Visit www.auburndanceccademy.com or call 253-833-1891 for program information.  The academy is located at 1811 Howard Road, Suite 100.

Museums

White River Valley Museum:  918 H St. SE, Auburn. Exhibit: “Dead: Unearthing the Shift in Funerary Practices from Home to Mortuary,” on display through Nov. 13. Related events: The following museum events are offered in conjunction with “DEAD.” Unless otherwise noted, admission is $2 adults, $1 seniors/children and includes museum admission. • A Death Denying Culture, Sept. 29, 6 p.m. Guest scholar Louise Hull will provide sociological insight into the effect of our culture’s denial of the inevitable. Gallery opens at 6 p.m.; lecture at 7 p.m. • Family Program: Great Graves!, Oct. 1, 1 to 2 p.m. Drop in for some fright-free Halloween fun as the museum examines tombstones, graves and some of the oldest residents of Auburn’s Mountain View Cemetery through stories, games and crafts. Museum hours: Noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. Admission: $2 adults, $1 seniors and children. Admission is free on Wednesdays and the fourth Sunday of the month. Call 253-288-7433 or visit www.wrvmuseum.org for event information.

Galleries

Auburn City Hall:  Sept. 7-Oct. 4 – Auburn Valley Creative Arts members display the quality artwork of diverse media and inspiration. On display: Mary Ellen Bowers (mixed media); Lela Brugger (woodblock print); and Jan Allington (graphite). 25 W. Main St.  Admission is free. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov.

Cheryl Sallee Gallery: Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Admission: Free. Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. SE. 253-931-5043 or www.auburnwa.gov/arts.