GOINGS ON : Folk Dance Ensemble From Mexico City to Open a Busy Weekend : Among other events are a poetry festival, choir concert, beach volleyball and a performance of Indonesian dance.

A busy week of arts and entertainment kicks off tonight with a concert by the popular Mexico City folk ensemble Los Folkloristas at Santa Barbara’s Lobero Theatre.

The seven-member group performs the traditional music of countries throughout Latin America. Performance time is 8 p.m., with the Ballet Folklorico Alma de Mexico performing outside the Lobero before the show. Tickets are $18 (adults), $16 (seniors and students). The theater is at 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Call 963-0761.

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Readings by Quincy Troupe and Diane di Prima highlight the fourth annual Santa Barbara Poetry Festival, which starts Friday and runs through May 13 at locations throughout Santa Barbara County. The festival will feature many top poets, as well as open readings, poetry workshops, art exhibits and music. Admission to many of the events is free. For a schedule of events call 897-3236.

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The endangered marine mammal known as the manatee will be the focus of a multimedia presentation by photographer Eric Martin at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. Martin will be joined by photographer Earl Richmond, who will present videos on gray whales and orphaned seal pups. Tickets at the door are $8 (general), $7 (seniors, children and students). The museum is at 2559 Puesta del Sol Road.

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Journalist Linda Ellerbee will be the keynote speaker at Santa Barbara’s eighth annual Women’s Day Conference, which runs Friday and Saturday. The program will open with a trade show Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the University Club, 1332 Santa Barbara St. Admission is $4. Saturday’s activities at Santa Barbara City College include 25 workshops and lunch with Ellerbee. Cost is $45 in advance, $60 at the door. The college is at 721 Cliff Drive. Call 689-0117.

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Rob van Haaren and his Upbeat Swing Club will present the Third Annual International Swing Dance Festival from Friday through Sunday at Santa Barbara’s Veterans Memorial Building. There will be classes, lectures, videos, celebrity guests and evening dances. For a schedule, call 687-6407. The hall is at 112 W. Cabrillo Blvd.

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Local amateur volleyball players will hit Santa Barbara’s East Beach on Saturday and Sunday for the Jose Cuervo Beach Volleyball Series. The action will begin at 9 a.m. both days. The event is free to watch. To participate, it’s a minimum of $35 in advance, $5 additional the day of the tournament. Call 967-5485.

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Tim McGraw, one of country music’s fastest-rising stars, will perform Sunday at the Santa Barbara Bowl, with the group Blackhawk opening. Show time is 7 p.m. Tickets are $33, $27 and $22. Call Ticketmaster at 583-8700. The bowl is at 1122 N. Milpas St.

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Choirs from Santa Barbara’s First United Methodist Church and Temple B’nai B’rith will provide the melodies at the “Gates of Song Interfaith Festival of Great Synagogue Music” at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu St. Admission is free. Call 963-3579.

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The 25-year-old Bagong Dance Theatre of Indonesia will visit Santa Barbara’s Arlington Theatre on Sunday as part of its first American tour. The company mixes dance, drama and music. Performance time is 7 p.m. Tickets are $33.50, $26.50 and $16.50. Call (800) 800-4408. The Arlington is at 1317 State St.

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The Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra will close out its season Tuesday with an 8 p.m. concert at the Lobero Theatre. Tickets are $27, $24, $20 and $14. Call 963-0761.