THURSDAY 9/13

SALMON HOMECOMING--Down at Seattle's waterfront this weekend, schools of people will gather to celebrate this marvelous fish. The annual event (in its ninth year) is produced by the Tribal Communities of the Pacific Northwest, the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, and the Seattle Aquarium Society. As you might expect, its focus is not actually salmon itself, but the near-obliterated culture that taught us to honor the salmon. Thurs-Sun 9/13-9/16, Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Wy, 386-4353.

FRIDAY 9/14

NAMI CONVENTION--According to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, one in five families in the Puget Sound region has a member struggling with some form of mental illness, and only half of them receive any help. With the oddly titled theme "Early Intervention Saves Lives Saves $$$$," the NAMI event invites the public to listen to local and national speakers discussing ways to cope with mental illness. Fri-Sat 9/14-15, Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel, 3105 Pine St, Everett, 8 am, $98 registration fee for both days includes meals; call 425-339-3620 for more information.

NEW YORK TIMES ARTS & LEISURE WEEKEND--In the world of journalism, no one can touch this paper's critical influence. In celebration of their feats, and to mark their 150th anniversary, the NYT is offering free and discounted visits to local cultural institutions, such as the Burke Museum and Seattle Opera. Go to www.nytimes.com/artsandleisureweekend for complete details, or just buy a copy of the Times; they've been advertising it heavily.

SATURDAY 9/15

BRIDGING THE PACIFIC--The United Indians of All Tribes Foundation is staging a cross-cultural event that "bridges the Pacific" by celebrating Pacific Northwest and Hawaiian tribes. Music, dance, and food (salmon and roast Kalua pig) are the centerpieces. John F. Kennedy Memorial High School, 140 140th St, Burien, 325-0700, noon, $4.

SUNDAY 9/16

CAR-FREE FREMONT--Seattle's most self-centered and "wacky" neighborhood celebrates the idea of independence from the automobile. Festivities of alternative transportation include an old-fashioned roller disco, a bicycle decoration workshop, a screening of Breaking Away, and couples-only belly-dancing lessons (?). There will also be panel discussions featuring local residents, city officials, and activists, and hopefully this will give some political legitimacy to the event; otherwise, I'm tempted to call this a silly party dressed in political costume. Fremont, N 35th St & Phinney Ave, 9 am-9 pm, free; go to www.thinksmall.org for more information.