January 26

Halawa Xeriscape Garen, 99-1268 Iwaena St., 6-7:30 p.m., $15. Join instructor Jan Nadamoto to learn how to compost with microbacteria. Bokashi is a quick and easy way to turn food waste into compost through the use of a mix of local microbes. Pre-registration required. (748-5315, workshops@hbws.org)

1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1020, 10-11 a.m., free. If you are turning 65 or retiring, come and learn all about Medicare and how to apply. This class will make Medicare easy to understand. Park at Ala Moana Center by Macy’s. (780-7989)

The Arts at Marks Garage, 1159 Nuuanu Ave., 6 p.m., $500. This workshop is designed to help artists, performers and all public speakers overcome challenging issues in understanding how to make people laugh. (212-613-0969, artsatmarks.com)

Doubletree by Hilton Alana Hotel, 1956 Ala Moana Blvd., Jan. 26-28, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., $70-$100. This retreat will lead you into a journey of discovery through the unknown secrets and empowerment of Tao Calligraphy and Tao Source Field. You will learn about and practice this revolutionary art, which can empower you to harmonize your soul, heart, mind and body as one, and ultimately discover your true purpose and true self. (taocenterhawaii@drsha.com, 988-8090)

Downtown Community, Bishop Street, Bloodmobile, 10 a.m.-1:45 p.m., free. Donate blood and save lives. Pre-registration recommended. (848-4770, bbh.org)

Hawaiian Egg Company Inc., Bloodmobile, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., free. Donate blood and save lives. Pre-registration recommended. (848-4770, bbh.org)

Hawaii Pacific University, Paul and Vi Loo Theatre, 9 p.m. Jan. 26, 5 p.m. Jan. 27-28, free. There will be open auditions Friday and Saturday, with callbacks on Sunday. Auditioners may come in on Sunday if they are otherwise unavailable. Performances begin April 5. (384-2157, edenlee.murray@hpu.edu)

Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, 5-9 p.m. Jan. 26, 9:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Jan. 27, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Jan. 28, $2-$10. This premier home-building show boasts over 250 exhibits from Hawaii’s top builders, designers, suppliers and associates. (biahawaii.org/the-big-show)

The Laylow, Autograph Collection, Fridays and Saturdays through January, 7-10 p.m., free. (laylowwaikiki.com/event-directory)

O’Toole’s Irish Pub, Jan. 26-27 and Feb. 3, contact for time and cost. An Irish band out of Colorado will play a variety of traditional and modern Irish songs. (thecommonersmusic.com)

East-West Center, Imin Conference Center, 5-7 p.m., free. This event will focus on place-based stories, such as places that help people discover their roots and identity, as well as understand their place in the world. Pre-registration required. (aanhpi.historichawaii.org)