photo by: Journal-World file photo

The Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St., is pictured in this Journal-World file photo.

It’s the final weekend of February, which means an opportunity to see some Final Friday art. This week’s wintry weather also coincides with National Chili Day and a number of chili suppers in area communities. Also, Lawrence’s annual Restaurant Week concludes this weekend; there’s still time to visit your favorite local eatery or check out a new one. See www.lawrencerestaurantweek.com for menus, specials and other details.

THURSDAY

• In celebration of Black History Month, “Pass Me The Mic: A Black History/Black Futures Storytelling Experience” takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Spencer Museum of Art, 1301 Mississippi St. Local artists and KU students will participate in this live performance celebrating Black liberation and creative expression. The first half will feature artists Barry Barnes, Tai Amri Spann-Ryan and Alex Kimball Williams, as well as KU student Naomi Madu; the second half will include an open-mic session. See facebook.com/blacklawrenceartscollective/ for more details.

FRIDAY

• Linwood Elementary Parent Teacher Club hosts a chili supper and raffle fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 215 Park St., Linwood. The seventh annual event will raise money for the current school year budget and savings for future purchases. Raffle drawings will start at 7 p.m.

• Final Friday in Lawrence will include new works by Marty Olson and Maria Martin at the Cider Gallery, 810 Pennsylvania St., 5 to 9 p.m., as well as an exhibition by Margaret Rose at the Phoenix Gallery, 825 Massachusetts St., 6 to 9 p.m. Live music will accompany both events.

• The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee 2022 Charity Auction takes place this evening. Guests can join virtually by registering at https://LawrenceStPat22.givesmart.com, where they can view and bid on items. If you prefer to attend in person, the doors open at Maceli’s, 1031 New Hampshire St., at 5 p.m.; a buffet dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and the live bidding commences at 7 p.m. See lawrencestpatricksdayparade.com/auction.html for details on ticket prices and COVID requirements.

• The 13th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival, a benefit for Friends of the Kaw, offers the chance to see 10 short films on environmental themes. See the program at kansasriver.org/wsff/ along with details on attending virtually or in person at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St. The screenings begin at 7 p.m. Check libertyhall.net for COVID attendance protocols.

SATURDAY

•The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee has its annual pool tournament at Empire Bar & Billiards, 925 Iowa St., Suite P. Doors open at 11 a.m. and play begins at noon; the entry fee is $20 per person. See lawrencestpatricksdayparade.com/pool.html for more information.

• The Free State Festival, Watkins Museum of History, The Equal Justice Initiative and the Douglas County Community Remembrance Project join forces to host a screening of “Just Mercy,” a 2019 film about a civil rights attorney fighting to free a wrongly condemned prisoner on death row. The screening will be preceded by remarks from Ursula Minor, president of the Lawrence NAACP chapter, and the Rev. Verdell Taylor. Admission is free, but tickets must be reserved at lawrenceartscenter.org/event/film-screening-just-mercy/. COVID requirements are also detailed at the link.

• If you missed Friday’s chili feed in Linwood, you have two more chances today. The sports organization PSA Freedom will be hosting a Corn Hole Tournament and Chili Cook Off at the Leavenworth County Fairgrounds, 405 W. Fourth St., in Tonganoxie, at 3 p.m. See facebook.com/events/453990412992588/ for more info. Later, the Crossroads Cowboy Church at 1255 Oak St., Perry, will serve up a Cinnamon Roll & Chili Feed from 5 to 8 p.m.; donations will be accepted, and there will be an opportunity to bid on your favorite pie at the pie auction.

SUNDAY

• Local couples planning their big day can visit the Lawrence Wedding Expo from noon to 3 p.m. at Venue 1235, 1235 N. Third St. Admission is free with online registration at venue1235.com/event/lawrence-wedding-expo/.