diversions calendar

EXPOS AND SHOWS

TWIN CITIES AUTO SHOW: More than 400 new models showcasing everything from luxury to energy efficiency. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. today. $5-$10. Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Av. S., Mpls. twincitiesautoshow.com.

A PASSAGE TO CHINA: A family-oriented event for armchair travelers. Cooking demonstrations, interactive games and entertainment. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. today. Free. Mall of America rotunda, 340 W. Market, Bloomington. 952-472-4757. www.mallofamerica.com/events.

WWE LIVE: With John Cena, Randy Orton and Luke Harper. 5 p.m. today. $22-$112. Target Center, 600 1st Av. N., Mpls. 1-888-929-7849. www.targetcenter. com.

HOME IMPROVEMENT AND DESIGN EXPO: Seminars, exhibits and advice from local vendors. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. $6. Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd., Maple Grove. 952-238-1700. www.mediamaxevents.com.

DIVERSIONS

IRISH DAY OF DANCE: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. today. $4-$6. Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul. 651-292-3225. www. landmarkcenter.org.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue. $4-$7. On 5th St. in downtown St. Paul. www.stpatsmn.org.

HISTORY

HENNEPIN OVERLAND RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY: 1-4 p.m. today, Sat.-next Sun. $7 per person, $20 per family. Hennepin Overland Railway Historical Society, 2501 E. 38th St., Mpls. 612-276-9034. www.hennepinoverland.org.

IRISH HERITAGE AT THE HILL HOUSE: Themed tours, music and needlework demonstrations. 1-3:30 p.m. today. $6-$9. James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Av., St. Paul. 651-297-2555. www.mnhs.org.

WOMEN OF MILL CITY FAMILY DAY: Celebrate Women's History Month with theatrical performances and family activities. 1-3:30 p.m. today. $6-$11. Mill City Museum, 704 S. 2nd St., Mpls. 651-259-3000. www.mnhs.org.

"SID THE SCIENCE KID: THE SUPER-DUPER EXHIBIT": Go on a scientific adventure and investigate everyday science questions around home and school with tools and simple machines. $9.95. Minnesota Children's Museum, 10 W. 7th St., St. Paul. 651-225-6000. www.mcm.org.

"SPACE: AN OUT-OF-GRAVITY EXPERIENCE": Explore the conditions of human space exploration and the science that makes it successful through this hands-on exhibit. $10-$13. Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. 651-221-9444. www.smm.org.

STAR PARTY WITH MIKE LYNCH: Get a close look at the night sky through maps, constellation diagrams and telescopes. $12 per person; $25 for family of five or fewer. 7:45-9:45 p.m. Fri. Spring Lake Park City Hall, 1301 81st Av. NE., Spring Lake Park. 763-792-7201. www.slprec.org/Star_Gazing_Party.html.

BENEFITS

WINGS & BREW FEST: Samplings of craft brews and chicken wings from various restaurants. Proceeds benefit Gillette Children's Hospital. 4-8 p.m. Sat. $37-$50. Treasure Island Casino, 5734 Sturgeon Lake Rd., Red Wing, Minn. 651-388-7151. www.wingsand brewfest.com.