The Must List: February

Go on the lam

Noir City at SIFF Cinema
Calling all dames and Joes—it’s time for the Seattle International Film Festival’s fourth annual Noir City series, featuring 14 hard-boiled films from the ’40s and ’50s, such as The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946). This year’s theme is “Lust and Larceny,” so even chippies and grifters won’t get the bum’s rush. 2/19–2/25. Times and prices vary. SIFF Cinema, 321 Mercer St.; 206.448.2186

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Welcome the Tiger
Lunar New Year Celebration
The International District’s big celebration promises to be even bigger this year, because the colorful lion and dragon dances, pounding Japanese taiko drummers and gorgeous cultural drill teams will be augmented with the first annual Children’s Parade Contest, wherein kids outfitted in traditional costumes will traverse the neighborhood in hopes of winning the title of best dressed. Cute alert! 2/13. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Hing Hay Park, 411 Maynard Ave. S; 206.382.1197; cidbia.org

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Groove to the Unexpected
Seattle Improvised Music Festival 
The world’s best musical improvisers flock to the city this month for the 25th annual Seattle Improvised Music Festival. For two consecutive weekends, performers—playing clarinet, percussion, synthesizers and more—join forces to create music right in the moment. Look, ma, no score! 2/11–2/14 & 2/18–2/20. 7 p.m. $10–$25. Multiple venues. seattleimprovisedmusic.com

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Bring on Spring
Ikebana Floral Classes
Defy the dreary weather by taking local floral design expert Yasuko Akamine’s classes in ikebana—the traditional Japanese flower arranging form that melds nature with philosophy—offered twice this month at Fleurish floral design studio on Capitol Hill. Spring might not seem that far off after all. 2/7 & 2/21. 4–6 p.m. $150 (includes materials). Fleurish, 1308 E Union St.; 425.770.5888; thelittle
flowerstation.com

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Hole Up in a Snow Cave
Winter Camping Class
Can’t get enough of the white stuff? The Mountaineers’ winter camping class teaches basic safety and survival skills, including a hands-on how-to on building and staying overnight in a snow shelter (either a snow cave or an igloo) while keeping nice and toasty. $65 covers the orientation meeting (2/10, 7 p.m.) at the Mountaineers Clubhouse, 7700 Sandpoint Way NE, and the field trip to Mount Baker (2/20–2/21). Pre-registration required. 206.521.6001; mountaineers.org