Frogs and other amphibians get their due at a Leap Day celebration Saturday at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Hop on down for this, or to see orchids, enjoy opera or take in another weekend event.

2008 is ‘Year of the frog’

Nearly one-third of the world’s amphibians are facing extinction due to pollution, climate change, habitat destruction and nasty fungus. Zoos and aquariums are taking the lead to help save them.

Enjoy fun, family frog-related activities at the Santa Barbara Zoo’s Leap Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. There’s frog origami for the kids, plus frog-themed storytimes and theater performances. Meet many of the Zoo’s amphibians at special keeper talks and find out how to “leap into action.” Free with admission.

Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Ninos Drive, 962-5339 or www.sbzoo.org.

ORCHID FEVER

Santa Barbara is a hotbed (pun intended) for orchid growers. Our southern exposure and temperate climate are perfect for these showy, exotic plants. Growers come from around the world to display their orchids at the annual Santa Barbara International Orchid Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday at Earl Warren Showgrounds.

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Seventy garden displays are on view and 50 vendors are selling plants and supplies. Local nurseries, a short drive away, are open for tours. New: a fine art and photography show.

$10 for adults; free for kids.

Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real at Las Positas Road; 969-5746, or www.sborchidshow.com.

INTIMATE EVENING

State Street Ballet hosts intimate evenings of dance beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday at its studios on, you guessed it, State Street. New works created and performed by company dancers will explore the use of head and arms (“port de bras”). Gary McKenzie’s tribute to Edith Piaf looks especially intriguing. There’s also wine and refreshments and you can meet the performers. The cost is $25.

State Street Ballet Studios, 322 State St.; 965-6066, www.statestreetballet.com.

SWEET ELIXIR

Opera Santa Barbara’s Italian Passions Festival continues Saturday night with Donizetti’s frothy comedy “Elisir d’Amore” (“Elixir of Love”) at the Lobero Theatre. Never been to an opera? This is a perfect one to start with. It’s funny with delightful music.

The tragic double-bill of Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana” and Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci” (famed for that sobbing clown) is also performed this weekend. All the operas play again next weekend.

Ever wondered what it’s like backstage at the opera? Take a free tour of the historic Lobero this and next Saturday at 10 a.m.

Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St; 963-0761; www.operasb.com.

AN EVENING WITH GLASS

Philip Glass has written operas and symphonies, been nominated for an Oscar (“Notes on a Scandal”), and collaborated with everyone from Allen Ginsberg to Woody Allen to David Bowie.

At 7 p.m. Sunday, Glass performs chamber music with cellist Wendy Sutter and percussionist Mick Rossi at UCSB Campbell Hall, presented by Arts & Lectures. Tickets are $35.

His work may be too minimal for some, but his fans (myself included) find his music deeply, mysteriously moving and oddly transparent, as fits his name.

UCSB Campbell Hall; 893-3535, artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu.

Julia McHugh can be reached at southon101column@yahoo.com.