• BENEFITS

Dance Fundraiser at Otto Pizza, join friends of Portland Youth Dance for a slice and drink. Portland Youth Dance cultivates personal artistic growth for youth, while striving for creative excellence in dance. 576 Congress St., Portland. portlandyouthdance.com. 5 p.m. Tuesday.

• BOOKS & AUTHORS

Paula Young Lee, author of “Deer Hunting in Paris: A Memoir of God, Guns and Game Meat,” Falmouth Memorial Library, 5 Lunt Road. falmouth.lib.me.us. 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Julia Spencer-Fleming, Jenny Milchman and Charles Salzburg in Conversation, award-winning authors share about their writing process; ask questions about their books and get your books signed. Longfellow Books, Monument Square, Portland. longfellowbooks.com. 7 p.m. Thursday.

Evelyn Rysdyk, author of “Spirit Walking: A Course in Shamanic Power,” Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square. 1 p.m. Friday.

Marilyn Moss, author of “Bill Moss; Fabric Artist & Designer,” Portland Public Library, Rines Auditorium, 5 Monument Square. portlandlibrary.com. Noon Wednesday.

Peter Korn, author of “Why We Make Things and Why It Matters,” Longfellow Books, Monument Square, Portland. longfellowbooks.com. 7 p.m. Jan. 30.

• FILM

“The Crash Reel,” documentary combines 20 years of action footage and interviews as it follows U.S. champion snowboarder Kevin Pearce and illuminates the irresistible but potentially fatal appeal of extreme sports. $8. Space Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland. space538.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday.

“Eleanor’s Secret,” co-presented with the Portland Children’s Film Festival. Sumptuously animated movie about a magic library where all the characters from classic children’s books come alive. $8, $6 for 12 and under. Space Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland. space538.org. 10 a.m. Saturday.

USM Philosophy Symposium Film Series: Noam Chomsky and Michel Foucault: Human Nature – Justice vs. Power, part one. $8. Space Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland. space538.org. 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

• FOOD AND DRINK

Robert Burns Day Celebration, readings of Burns’ work followed by the imbibing of whiskey, the presentation of the haggis and general revelry, $30. Portland & Rochester Public House, 118 Preble St. Extension, Portland. brownpapertickets.com/event/557716. 7 p.m. Saturday.

• FOR KIDS

Portland Stage’s Theater for Kids presents “Play Me a Story,” acting out the story “Snowbots,” $15. Portland Stage Company, 25A Forest Ave. portlandstage.org. 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Saturday.

• HEALTH AND FITNESS

re:mind 2014: a mindfulness meditation course, learn the basics to establishing a strong meditation practice and essential techniques for deepening your concentration. The Heart Opening. meditationinmaine.org. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Jan 30.

• OUTDOORS

Rangeley Snowmobile Snodeo, one of the largest annual gatherings of snowmobilers in western Maine with more than 150 miles of well-groomed trails to explore. Rangeley Inn, 2443 Main St., Rangeley. rangeleymaine.com/calendar/event/125. Thursday to Sunday.

Mushers Bowl Winter Carnival, snow-dog racing competitors from throughout the northeastern United States and parts of Canada take part in this annual event. Five Fields Farm, 720 South Bridgton Road, Bridgton. mainelakesmushersbowl.com. 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

• PARTICIPANT DANCE

Salsa Dancing with DJ Baulio, Latin, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, bachata and Latin hits. Dance lessons included. $5, 21-plus. The Pearl, 275 Main St., Public Landing, Rockland. thepearlrockland.com. 8 p.m. Thursday and Jan. 30.

Folk Dance Brunswick, dances taught, no partner needed. World music and dance from around the globe, $8; $5 seniors and students. People Plus, 35 Union St., Brunswick. people plusmaine.org. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday.

• PETS

Yappy Hour, animal communicator Sara Moore helps dog lovers know what their pet is thinking; snacks and treats for humans and dogs. Planet Dog Company Store, 211 Marginal Way, Portland. planetdog.com/company_store/ local_events.aspx. 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.