At the Weekly Volcano, the anniversary of the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens is like a national holiday.  We run around in our underwear, get loaded and sing Irish drinking songs.  Wait, that was last week.  Anyway, besides the mountain thing, the city of Tacoma is a swell place to hang May 18.  The Tacoma Farmer's Market on Broadway between Ninth and 11th kicks off the season 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  At 5 p.m., the Downtown Merchants Group begins their a "Live After Five" program to prevent folks from fleeing downtown Tacoma after work. 
Third Thursday Art Walk also lands on May 18.  Downtown Tacoma restaurants, galleries, museums and businesses hang local artistic works with the museums offering free admission.
Then, as if your panties aren't already in a bunch, the Theatre District and Opera Alley have a Merchants Night 6-9 p.m. with food and shopping at the businesses in that area.
See, it's going to be a blast!  â€" Ken Swarner