Must-Do Events This Week in Santa Monica

Where/When: Santa Monica College Airport Arts Campus Ceramic Arts Room 170, 2800 Airport Ave.; 3 p.m. Saturday
Why go: The award-winning cross-cultural story of how an American adventurer and a brilliant, self-taught Mexican artist transformed a dying desert village into a home for world-class art. Director Scott Petersen will be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening.
Pricing: Free

9TH ANNUAL ALTERNATIVE BUILDING MATERIALS AND DESIGN EXPO
Where/When: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday
Why go: Presented by the City of Santa Monica and co-presented by U.S. Green Building Council-Los Angeles, AltBuild is the largest green building and design expo in Southern California. Programming focuses on water efficiency, saving through green building (developing, brokering and getting rebates) and energy savings. For a schedule of events, visit altbuildexpo.com or call (310) 390-2930.
Pricing: Free (parking is $9)

Where/When: Santa Monica Public Library: Main Library 601 Santa Monica Blvd.; 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday
Why go: This month's Green Garden Academy school of sustainable gardening class is all about food you can eat. Budding gardners will learn how to use raised vegetable beds and planters and special planting tips to maximize their yields.
Pricing: Free

• MOTHER'S DAY

MOM'S DAY OUT
Where/When: , 1221 2nd St.; all day Friday
Why go: The Commons' staff are offering free baby-sitting, including games and other activities, and giving away vouochers for cocktails and spa therapy in the meantime. Other free events in celebration of Mother's Day are taking place throughout the week. For more info, visit uclacommons.com/mothersweek.
Pricing: Free

FREE FERRIS WHEEL RIDE FOR MOM
Where/When: , 380 Santa Monica Pier; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
Why go: Moms will receive a free ride on the nine-story tall Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel, which stands 130 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Moms, go to the Pacific Wheel entrance and notify the attraction’s operator and Pacific Park will provide a complimentary ride.
Pricing: Free

COSI FAN TUTTE
Where/When: , 1310 11th St ; 4 p.m. Sunday
Why go: Cosi Fan Tutte, which was considered a tad scandalous when it was first performed, is known today as an exquisite opera with a startling mix of hilarious farce and poignant drama. It tells the story of two young soldiers who disguise their identities to test their lovers’ fidelity.
Pricing: $20 to $35

• GET INVOLVED

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Where/When: , 1685 Main St.; 6:30 p.m. Tuesday
Why go: The highlight of the meeting will be a report from staffers and an independent consultant about the public feedback received about the future of Santa Monica Airport. Read the full story about the report, "Airport Visioning Phase 2 Finale Reflects Unease," .
Pricing: Free

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