Mardi Gras Classics

An annual edible book festival featuring food entries with a literary theme, judged for prizes and then eaten by attendees. May 22 from 1-4 pm. Free and open to the public. Eastern Washington University JFK Library, Cheney campus. ewu.edu/library (359-2264) Read our story about this

Learn to cook several dishes using beer as an ingredient, including shepherd's pie, beer cheese soup and more with chef Steve Geving. May 22 from 10:30 am-1:30 pm. $25, reservations required. (208-437-0426)

A benefit for Communities in Schools, with 20 percent of all proceeds from the day going to the local nonprofit. May 24 from 11:30 am-10 pm. Prices vary. Ciao Mambo, 818 W. Riverside Ave. cisspokane.org (413-1436)