For Today

Thom Hartmann: Money, Politics, and Saving Our Democracy

Author Thom Hartmann will speak on the current economic and political climate. His book The Crash of 2016 discusses his idea of the next “great crash.”

Hartmann's focus? The assessment that the government has created a temporary fix for the country's housing crisis, amongst other problems, that will not last past 2016.

Thom Hartmann: Money, Politics, and Saving Our Democracy, Fri, Sept 12, 7:30–10pm, Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave, $15–$20 

For Saturday

Golden Gardens Work Party

Golden Gardens is a popular Ballard destination for families and beachgoers. Join Green Seattle Partnership in this monthly work party to keep the park in tip-top shape.

Make your own green cleaning product. 

Like many forest areas in Seattle, the park is susceptible to invasive species that take over native plants. Today's work will involve weeding these and planting native species in their place. 

Golden Gardens Work Party, Sat, Sept 13, 9am–noon, Golden Gardens Park, 8300 Golden Gardens Dr NW, free

For Sunday

Bicycle Sunday

Lake Washington Boulevard will be closed to all motorized traffic for six hours to allow citizens to bike or walk on the road. This twice monthly event is sponsored by Seattle Parks and Recreation and Cascade Bicycle Club.

Competitive cyclists and families alike can participate by biking between Mount Baker Beach and the entrance to Seward Park. The forecast for Sunday is sunny and over 80 degrees, so this may be one of the last few weekends to enjoy summer weather.

Bicycle Sunday, Sun, Sept 14, 10am–6pm, Lake Washington Blvd, free

For Monday

Ruth DeFries: Humanity’s Sustainable Future

One of the reasons for the huge population growth in the past century is technological advancement, particularly the advancements in how food is grown. Ruth DeFries will discuss her book The Big Ratchet: How Humanity Thrives in the Face of Natural Crisis, an analysis of how technology has allowed humans to thrive, but also—the downside of tech advances— how the modern diet is not sustainable.

Ruth DeFries: Humanity’s Sustainable Future, Mon, Sept 15, 7:30–8:45pm, Town Hall 1119 Eighth Ave, $5

Advance Notice for September 28

Sustainable Ballard Festival

The annual festival is in its 11th year. This year's theme: Reuse and Recycling. The day’s events include car-seat recycling, cooking demonstrations, a skateboarding clinic, a recycled material arts and crafts area, and the opportunity to make your own green cleaning product.

Enjoy food vendors like Pop Up Bike Pops, Biscuit Box, and I Love My GFF along with the fest's 75 exhibits, activities, and workshops on sustainable living.

Sustainable Ballard Festival, Sun, Sept 28, 11am–6pm, Ballard Commons Park, 5501 22nd Ave NW, free

 Want to see your nerdy event featured on the PubliCalendar?
Send the details to Kristen Farnam at [email protected]