Today's picks for civic nerds.

For Saturday

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Celebrate contemporary and tradition Mexican culture with Latino rights organization El Centro de la Raza during their 8th annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Festivities include music, traditional foods, prizes, games, kids' crafts and activities, and informational booths. Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of the day the Mexican Army defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla.

El Centro de la Raza's 8th Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Sat, May 4, 1-5pm, El Centro de la Raza, 2524 16th Ave S, free.

The Right to Health

Examine health care through the lens of human rights with Gerald Friedman,  professor of economics and University of Massachusetts (Amhurst), who has studied the economic impact of single-payer health care systems in states around the country including Massachusetts, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Colorado. Other speakers include Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA, 7)  Physicians for a National Health Program president Andy Coates, and Washington State Labor Council president Jeff Johnson.

Health Care as a Human Right: Beyond the Affordable Care Act, Sat,  May 4, 7pm, Kane Hall, Room 120, 1410 NE Campus Parkway, free.

For Tomorrow 

Seattle's Skyline Explained

Learn to put names to the buildings that shape Seattle's iconic skyline during a walking tour hosted by the Seattle Architecture Foundation. The tour will cover the construction, culture, and history of some of the most unique buildings downtown. Stops will include the Rainier Club, the Central Library, the Fifth & Madison Condos, and Seattle City Hall.

Seattle Architecture Foundation Tour: Chart Toppers & Heart-Stoppers, Fri, May 3, 10am (approx. 2 hours), SAF Gallery, 1333 5th Ave, Third Floor, Rainier Square Atrium, $15 in advance, $25 day of.

And For Today

Poverty-Wage Story Slam

Stop by Doc Maynard’s in Pioneer Square during the first Thursday Art Walk for “On the Edge,” a a chance to hear real-life stories from poverty-wage workers in industries like home health care, food service, retail, and airport service. Hosted by freelance journalist Sarah Jaffe, who has written for the Atlantic, Alternet, and many other publications. 

On the Edge: A Poverty-Wage Story Slam, Thurs, May 2nd, 6pm, Doc Maynard’s, 610 First Avenue, free.

A Bicycle Breakfast

Join business leaders, elected officials and fellow cyclists to benefit the Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation at the Ninth Annual Bike to Work Breakfast. Governor Jay Inslee, the keynote speaker, will talk about the benefits of investing in bike infrastructure. Registration for the breakfast is now closed, but day-of registrations are welcome.

Ninth Annual Bike to Work Breakfast, Thurs, May 2, 7– 9 am, Sheraton Hotel, 1400 6th Ave, $75 suggested minimum donation

North and Central Seattle Mayoral Candidates' Forum

Monday's raucous mayoral debate in South Seattle was just one of several opportunities this week to get a look, including Mayor Mike McGinn state Sen. Ed Murray, former council member Peter Steinbrueck, and relentlessly on-message socialist Mary Martin. The 46th, 43rd, 36th, and 32nd District Democrats are sponsors.

North and Central Seattle Mayoral Candidates Forum, Thurs, May 2, 6:30pm–9pm, Hamilton International Middle School, 1610 N 41st St, free

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Send the details to Carryn at [email protected].