OUT & ABOUT For the week of Dec. 31

Events

Sococulture: For information about cultural events throughout South King County, visit www.sococulture.org.

ShoWare Center Grand Opening: 4-9 p.m. Jan. 2. Come celebrate the opening of Kent’s new events center. Cost: Free. ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. 253-856-6999 or www.showarecenter.com.

Western Washington All Breed Dog Show Cluster: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 9-11. Puyallup Fair & Events Center, 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup. 253-267-1919 or mistihil@comcast.net.

Indoor Motorcycle and Quad Flat Track Racing: 5:30 p.m. Jan. 17 and 31. Cost: $10; free for ages 5 and younger. Puyallup Fair & Events Center, 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup. 253-862-9391, 253-722-8009 or www.mickeyfaysraces.com.

Washington Sportsmen’s Show: Jan. 21–25. Cost: $5-$10; free for ages 5 and younger. Puyallup Fair & Events Center, 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup. 503-246-8291 or www.otshows.com.

Harlem Globetrotters: 7 p.m. Feb. 18. Cost: $18-$62. ShoWare Center at Kent, 625 W. James St., Kent. 253-856-6999 or www.showarecenter.com.

Music

Kent Country-Grass Jamboree: 2-8 p.m. the third Saturday of the month through May. Open to musicians in bluegrass, country, folk, and gospel music. Includes concerts and jam sessions. Food and snacks available for purchase. Cost: Free. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. 253-856-5150 or 253-951-2949.

James Cotton: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23. Blues musician Cotton to perform as part of the Kent Spotlight Series. Cost: $20-$24. Kent-Meridian High School Performing Arts Center, 10020 S.E. 256th St., Kent. 253-856-5051 or www.kentarts.com.

International Guitar Night: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7. Presented as part of the Kent Spotlight Series. Cost: $20-$24. Kent-Meridian High School Performing Arts Center, 10020 S.E. 256th St., Kent. 253-856-5051 or www.kentarts.com.

Dallas Brass—“An American Musical Journey”: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12. Presented as part of the Kent Spotlight Series. Cost: $18-$22. Kentwood High School Performing Arts Center, 25800 164th Ave. S.E., Covington. 253-856-5051 or www.kentarts.com.

Theater

Disney’s “High School Musical”: Jan. 9-11. One-act version of the popular play presented by Hi-Liners DownStage Center. Cost: $10. Carco Theater, 1717 Maple Valley Highway, Renton. 206-617-2152 or www.hi-liners.org.

“Juggle Mania’s Science Circus”: 2 p.m. Jan. 10. Learn the physics of motion and balance through the fun of juggling. Part of the Avenue Kids series, aimed at children in kindergarten through fourth grade. Cost: $6. Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov/arts.

“Prairie Heart”: Jan. 16-31. Play tells the story of Scandinavian pioneers in North Dakota. Cost: $20; includes wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres. E.B. Foote Winery, 127-B S.W. 153rd St., Burien. 206-824-9462, breederstheater@aol.com or www.breederstheater.com.

“The Wonder Bread Years”: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24. Part stand-up comedy, part theater production, show offers a hilarious salute to the baby-boomer generation. Cost: $15-$17. Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov/arts.

“Lost in Yonkers”: Feb. 20-March 7. Call for cost. Renton Civic Theatre, 507 S. Third St. 425-226-5529 or boxoffice@rentoncivictheater.org.

“Annie Jr.”: 2 p.m. Feb. 28. Auburn Parks Theater Camp kids perform short version of the Broadway show. Cost: $6. Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov/arts.

“Goldilocks and the Three Bears”: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Feb. 28; 1 and 3 p.m. March 1. Storybook Theater presents a twist on the classic folktale. Cost: $9. Carco Theater, 1717 Maple Valley Highway, Renton. 877-827-1100 or www.storybooktheater.org.

Nightlife

Baker Street Books: 7 p.m. various Fridays and Saturdays, live jazz. Baker Street Books, 32709 Railroad Ave., Black Diamond. 360-886-2131.

Cascade Lanes, Lounge and Casino: Performers: Dec. 31, Old School Dropouts New Year’s Eve Party; Jan. 3, The Jet City Players; Jan. 10, Energy; Jan. 17, Thunderhead; Jan. 24, Kickstart; Jan. 31, The Jon Casey Band. No cover. 17034 116th Ave. S.E., Renton. 425-226-2035.

Cutters Point Coffee: Live music various evenings. Times are 6:30 p.m. unless noted. Cost: Free; tips appreciated. 16739 S.E. 272nd St., Covington. 253-639-3458.

Firecreek Grill and Raw Bar: 9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, live music; 8 p.m. Mondays, open mic for all ages. No cover. 2019 W. Meeker St., Kent. 253-856-5170.

Gonzo’s Bar and Grill: Ongoing: 9 p.m. Wednesdays, karaoke. Open to ages 21 and older. 15423 S.E. 272nd St., Suite 101, Kent. www.gonzosbarandgrill.com.

Interchange Bar & Grill: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, karaoke. Open to ages 21 and older. 8429 S. 228th St., Kent. 253-854-5650 or www.interchangebar-grill.com.

Jack’s Pub and Grill: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31, live reggae music with The General. No cover. Must be 21 or older. 3901 N.E. Fourth St., Renton.

Kona Kai Coffee Company: Performances are 7-10 p.m. unless noted. 124 Fourth Ave. S., Kent. 206-931-6111 or www.konakaicoffee.net.

Pat’s Bar and Grill: All performances 8 p.m.-midnight unless otherwise noted. 114 Railroad Ave. N., Kent. 253-852-7287 or www.patsbar.com.

RC Bar and Grill: 8 p.m. Jan. 8, 3rd Degree Burn. 112 E. Main St., Auburn.

The Royal Bear Pub and Eatery: Performers: Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve with Black Dog; Jan. 3, 35731 W. Valley Highway, Algona. 253-833-6686.

Dance

Pi-R Squares New Year’s Eve Gala: 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31. Ring in the new year with square dancing, round dancing, games and music. Breakfast potluck served after midnight. Cost: $5-$15 in advance; $6-$17 at the door. Kent-Meridian Grange, 15422 S.E. 272nd St., Kent. fun-squaredancing@pi-r-squares.org or www.pi-r-squares.org.

Ongoing dance:

Ballroom dance: 2-4 p.m. the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Federal Way Senior Center, 4016 S. 352nd St., Auburn. 253-874-4270.

Boots & Laces Square Dance classes: 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Timberlane Community Center, 29300 S.E. 267th St., Covington. 253-939-9120, 425-255-5894 or www.bootsandlaces.org.

Tuesday Evening Dances: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Features music by Kings of Swing big band, Randy Litch, and Charlie and Evan Brown. Open to all ages. Cost: $4. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-856-5164.

Phils and Phillies Square Dance: 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Fridays of the month. Mainstream-level square dancing. Rounds, 7:30 p.m.; square dance, 8 p.m. Meridian Grange, 15422 S.E. 272nd St., Kent. 425-226-0311.

Pi-R Squares Square Dance Club: 7:30-10:30 p.m. the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Round dance workshop 7:30-8 p.m.; dancing 8-10:30 p.m. Kent-Meridian Grange, 15422 S.E. 272nd St., Kent. fun-squaredancing@pi-r-squares.org or www.pi-r-squares.org.

Renton Chinese Dance School: Group or individual lessons offered in Chinese dances and ballet. Call or e-mail for details. 425-638-3812 or mwoodtt@comcast.net.

Ring ’N Swing Square Dance: 1:15-3:15 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: $3. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-856-5164.

Solo Squares Square Dance and Round Dance Club: 7-9 p.m. the first and third Sundays of the month. Workshop offered at 6:30 p.m. Cedar Grange, 22531 S.E. 218th St., Maple Valley. 206-525-2189 or solosquares@hotmail.com.

Square Dance lessons: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Beginning lessons. Swing and ballroom also available. Cost: Free for first three lessons. Meridian Grange, 15422 Kent-Kangley Road, Kent. 253-735-3163, mehlhomes@aol.com or www.wagonwheelssquaredance.org.

Tuesday Afternoon Dances: 1:15-2:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Free dances feature a variety of music styles with musicians Richard Dean, Randy Litch, and Evan and Charlie Brown. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-856-5164.

Readings

Radio Theater of Thrills: 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. Radio drama listeners of all ages are welcome to enjoy the 24 broadcasts from “Radio’s Outstanding Theater of Thrills.” Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-856-5164.

Museums

Black Diamond Historical Society Museum: Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays; noon-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 32627 Railroad Ave., Black Diamond. 360-886-2142, museum@blackdiamondmuseum.org or www.blackdiamondmuseum.org.

Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum: Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for students and seniors; free for ages 4 and younger. 5917 S. 196th St., Kent. 206-764-9453.

Kent Historical Society Museum: Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays. Admission: $1. Bereiter House, 855 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-854-4330 or www.kenthistoricalmuseum.org.

Renton History Museum: Free tours: 11 a.m. the third Saturday of the month. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Closed on holidays. Admission: $3 for adults; $1 for children; free for ages 7 and younger and members. 235 Mill Ave. S. 425-255-2330 or www.rentonhistory.org.

White River Valley Museum: Closed through Jan. 6. Events: 6-7:30 p.m. Jan. 16, “Auburn: Past, Present and Future” lecture and slide show; 6:30-9:30 p.m. Feb. 6, railroad lecture and museum open house; 1-3 p.m. Feb. 21, “Auburn Our Story” film screening; noon-4 p.m. March 14, Family Day: Celebrating Places. Exhibits: Jan. 14-April 12, “Ilalko, Then Slaughter, Now Auburn: Historic Photographs of Place by Auburn Pioneer Arthur Ballard.” Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. Admission: $1-$2; free on Wednesdays. 918 H St. S.E., Auburn. 253-288-7433 or www.wrvmuseum.org.

Galleries

Auburn City Hall Gallery: Exhibits: Through Jan. 2, art by Terry DeHart and featured senior artists; Jan. 5-16, “Reflections” PTA Student Art Competition; Jan. 20-30, City of Auburn Staff Exhibition; Feb. 2-27, acrylics and mixed media by Angel F. Matamoros, and mixed media art by Susanne Werner. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Admission: Free. Auburn City Hall, 25 W. Main St. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov.

Cheryl Sallee Gallery: Exhibits: Through Jan. 2, Senior Activity Center Featured Artists exhibit; Jan. 7-Feb. 26, watercolors by Gigi Paranada. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Admission: Free. Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. S.E. 253-931-5043 or www.auburnwa.gov/arts.

Highline Community College Library Gallery: Exhibits: Jan. 1-31, “The Paintings of Jan Pollard.” Admission: Free. Call for hours. 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines. http://flightline.highline.edu/exhibits/index.php.

Kent Centennial Center Gallery: Exhibits: Through Jan. 2, photography by Blue Earth Alliance. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. 400 W. Gowe St., Kent. 253-856-5050, www.ci.kent.wa.us/arts.

Seahurst Art Gallery: Exhibits: Ongoing, rotating displays of paintings, pottery and jewelry by local artists. Hours: Noon-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays. 15210 10th Ave. S.W., Burien. 206-244-7844.

Tacoma Events

Tacoma Home and Garden Show: Jan. 28-Feb. 1. Features display gardens, garden and home renovation ideas and more. Cost: $8-$10; free for ages 12 and younger. Tacoma Dome, 2727 E. D St., Tacoma. www.otshows.com.

Seattle Events

Qwest Carousel: Through Dec. 31. Part of the KING 5 Holiday Wonderland in downtown Seattle. Cost: $2 donation. Westlake Park, 401 Pine St., Seattle.

New Year’s at the Rep: 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31. Evening kicks off with a performance of “You Can’t Take It With You,” followed by black-tie-optional New Year’s Eve party with dancing, midnight buffet and view of the Space Needle fireworks. Cost: $45-$85. Seattle Repertory Theatre, 155 Mercer St., Seattle. 206-443-2222, 877-900-9285 or www.seattlerep.org.

Xtreme Theatresports New Year’s Eve Party: 10 p.m.-midnight Dec. 31. Audience members score competing improv teams. Stay for New Year’s party afterward till 2 a.m. Cost: $25 in advance; $30 at the door. Unexpected Productions, 1428 Post Alley, Seattle. www.unexpectedproductions.org.

Sheraton Seattle’s 16th annual Gingerbread Village: Through Jan. 4. Display, themed “A Superhero Holiday,” features elaborate gingerbread structures designed by top Seattle architects. Cost: Free; donations welcome for Northwest Chapter of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Lobby of Sheraton Seattle, 1400 Sixth Ave. 206-621-9000.

Trader Joe’s Silent Movie Mondays: 7 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 5-26. Series, titled “Oh the Horror!” features a different classic silent horror film each week. Cost: $12. The Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle. 206-292-2787 or www.theparamount.com.

Blue Note Records 70th Anniversary on Tour: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8. The Blue Note 7 to perform. Cost: $28-$42. The Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle. 206-292-2787 or www.themoore.com.

“Tomás and the Library Lady”: Jan. 9-March 1. An illiterate migrant boy learns about the magic of words with the help of the Library Lady. Recommended for ages 7 and older. Cost: $13-$33. Seattle Children’s Theatre, 201 Thomas St., Seattle. 206-441-3322 or www.sct.org.

UW World Series­—Peking Acrobats: 2 and 8 p.m. Jan. 10. Cost: $20-$35. Meany Hall at the University of Washington, 4001 University Way N.E., Seattle. 206-543-4880 or www.uwworldseries.org.

UW World Series­—Takács String Quartet: 8 p.m. Jan. 14. Cost: $20-$35. Meany Hall at the University of Washington, 4001 University Way N.E., Seattle. 206-543-4880 or www.uwworldseries.org.

“The Road to Mecca”: Jan.