FRIDAY 7/28

WOMAD USA--Today marks the start of the three-day music, art, and dance celebration, Womad USA. Along with over 40 international artists, the festival also offers a variety of daily workshops, demonstrations, and discussions throughout the weekend. Today's highlights include an interview session with Me'shell NdegéOcello and Femi Kuti, and a Tarika Malagassy dance workshop, where the audience is invited to participate in "energetic and spirited" dances. Marymoor Park, Redmond, 6049 W Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE, $25/day or $65/three-day pass in advance (day-of-show passes are an additional $10). For more information and a complete schedule visit www.womadusa.org.

SATURDAY 7/29

FESTIVAL OF INDIA PALE ALES--Got Beer? Dad Watson's Pub and Brewery is host to this year's Festival of India Pale Ales. Participating breweries--including the Olympic Club, the Six Arms, and McMenamins--will be presenting their different brews to visitors, who will be voting on their favorite recipe of the day. Food specials will also be served. Better bring a designated driver. Dad Watson's, 3601 Fremont Ave N, 632-6505, 11 am-5 pm, free.

MONDAY 7/31

YO-YO MANIA--The Washington State History Museum presents Yo-Yo Mania, a celebration of the 2,500-year-old toy featuring hundreds of antique yo-yos with values up to $2,000 (!) and an interactive "practice pit" with demonstrations and a soundtrack where you can brush up on your "Baby in a Cradle" and "Walk the Dog" tricks. Try not to smack yourself on the head when practicing "Around the World," though--that always hurts. Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, 253-272-9747, Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm, $7 adults/$4 children.

WEDNESDAY 8/2

ORCASEARCH 2000--This season's OrcaSearch is said to be the best one yet, with sightings on every trip. So grab your camera, cross your fingers, and climb aboard the catamaran for an eight-and-a-half-hour cruise through the San Juan Islands, offered every Wednesday through August 9 and every Saturday through September 2. Operated by the Seattle Aquarium. To register (required) call 386-4353. $70 adults/$39.50 children.