Free & Easy: Bethesda Literary Festival, Kirkin" o" the Tartans New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman is one of the authors scheduled to appear at the Bethesda Literary Festival this weekend. (Peter Schneider/Associated Press) Free this week: Noted authors and book lovers descend on Bethesda for the Bethesda Literary Festival and the St. Andrew's Society of Washington D.C. celebrates Scottish heritage. Yamakiya Taiko Club The Taiko drum ensemble of Japan, composed of students ages 12 to 20, tries to capture the spirit of their town, which was hugely affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. A little off the top Visitors to the National Zoo can watch as the alpacas get their coats trimmed. The keepers will talk about how they take care of the animals and will provide shorn fleece for guests to touch. Trace your roots Whether you've already mapped out your family tree or are just starting it, the National Archives" Genealogy Fair will help you preserve family records, compile oral histories and teach you how to use federal records. Earth meets art Celebrate Earth Day with the Junkman, an artist who makes musical instruments out of recycled materials. The musician will discuss how art can interpret the impact of humans on the environment. Bethesda Literary Festival Book lovers will descend on downtown Bethesda for a weekend of author talks, writing contests, kids events and discussions. The list of authors scheduled to appear includes Steve Jobs biographer Walter Issacson, children's author R.L. Stine and New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman. History for the clotheshorse The Anacostia Museum's collections manager Josh Gorman will be joined by the Textile Museum's Tom Goehner and Maria Fusco to discuss their collections and how they preserve clothes and textiles. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite article of clothing and share its history. Kirkin" o" the Tartans Members of the St. Andrew's Society of Washington, D.C., will file into National Cathedral, dressed in tartan-patterened kilts and led by their pipes and drums group and color guard, for a blessing and celebration of Scottish heritage.