FESTIVAL
Lakewood International Festival
The coldest sight in the world is that of rain blowing in the wind. It’s spring in the South Sound, baby, and it’s wet. Which is why we all must enjoy the spring as best we can. So put on that rain slicker and prance on down to the Lakewood International Festival, a celebration of Lakewood’s international community, which is big and just gettin’ bigger. Bask in the atmosphere of an outdoor festival held indoors (i.e., market booths with exotic food, music that doesn’t suck, art that’s cool and cheap, and games, games, games) and then hug everyone who doesn’t look like you. Soak in singer Sung Jin Park, Intangible Cultural Assets and Dance from Korea, Congo productions percussive world music â€" it’s like a vacation to Japan, or Korea or the islands, only cheaper. You can even take pictures and lie to your co-workers about where you went on your vacation. â€" Suzy Stump
[Clover Park Technical College’s McGavick Student Center, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., world evening dance with DJ Cesar Quimosing is 6 to 9 p.m. ($5), free, 4500 Steilacoom Blvd., Lakewood, 253.589.6054]

EVENT
Cook’s Tour
If there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s having to drive myself around when I stalk rich people’s houses. I also cringe when I have to actually go to a restaurant and eat a full meal with a loved one.

Fortunately, The Junior League of Tacoma has solved this problem for me with A Cook’s Tour.

Saturday, May 10 you can pay $50 to have someone drive you around to five North End Tacoma houses while five chefs from various Tacoma restaurants give you a sample of their finest dishes. Be ready to taste the likes of Maxwell’s, Southern Kitchen, Pacific Grill, Pinwheel Catering, and Pour At Four â€" all while you catch a glimpse of houses you only wish you could afford.

And just because you waited until the last minute to buy a Mother’s Day gift doesn’t mean you can wait until the last minute to purchase a ticket to this event. RSVP required at 253.383.1030. â€" Steph DeRosa
[Annie Wright School, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., $50, 827 N. Tacoma Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.1030]

HIP-HOP
Common Market
Nearly two-and-a-half years after the release of their debut, Common Market, RA Scion and Sabzi of Blue Scholars are set to drop Black Patch War Tuesday, May 13. The seven-track EP pulls its name from an early 20th century farmers’ rebellion in Western Kentucky. The May release is a prelude to an upcoming full-length, Tobacco Road, due in September.

Common Market grew out of a collaborative project in 2004, when Sabzi contributed beats to RA Scion’s Live & Learn. Later, the Seattle hip-hop duo recorded an album during a marathon, week-long session in a sweltering Beacon Hill attic. Common Market was born.

This album is a quantum leap for Common Market, with heavy groove and heavy subject matter. Isht should sound amazing in HK. â€" Paul Schrag
[Hell’s Kitchen, Common Market, Jay Barz, Spaceman and Abadawn, 5 p.m., all ages, $10; Common Market, Jay Barz, Friday Knights and Life Cycle, 9 p.m., $7; 3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003]

LINK: Sickamore and others in the clubs tonight.
LINK: There’s a party in Wright Park today.
LINK: Let’s eat Mexican today.