THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND >>>

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Chance of rain 20 percent, hi 65, lo 50

Saturday: Partly cloudy, hi 65, lo 49

Sunday: Few showers, hi 63, lo 50

>>> FRIDAY, AUG. 27-SUNDAY, AUG. 29: SAND IN THE CITY

There comes a time when you realize there are a lot of things you've never had a chance to do.  You've never painted with artichokes, run with the salmon, tasted garlic ice cream or spent a little face time with a llama.  But as sure as Mel Gibson has kicked sand in many faces, you are determined not to miss this year's Sand in the City. Washington state's largest sand sculpting event with 240 tons of sand, nationally known sand sculptors, 40 different hands-on art and science activities and a live entertainment stage are all held in downtown Olympia.  Show up with a shovel, a bucket and an idea.

• Port Plaza, Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., special events here, free, Olympia waterfront, 360.956.0818

>>> SATURDAY, AUG. 28: DOCKYARD DERBY DAMES ALL STARS BOUT 2

The best jammers in town will be flying for points when Tacoma's Dockyard Derby Dames hold their second all star bout of the off season - Saturday at Pierce College. An all ages event (though young children are discouraged from sitting track side, as no one wants to see a toddler get gobbled up in a mangled pile of fishnet, spandex and girl-sweat) - the bout will be held at Pierce College, and there's no doubt it will be action packed. And there's a beer garden.

• Pierce College, 5-10 p.m., all ages, $15, 9401 Farwest Dr SW, Lakewood

>>> SATURDAY, AUG. 28-SUNDAY, AUG. 29: MARITIME FESTIVAL

The Weekly Volcano gears up for the annual Maritime Festival like the Super Bowl. We just can't get enough of celebrating Commencement Bay, and the "Working Waterfront" as it's known. This year marks 17 Maritime Fests, and they seem to get better every year. Or, at the very least the Maritime Fest seems to have gotten better THIS YEAR - by going balls out and booking a gaggle of Unlimited Light Hydroplanes, which will splash and speed through an exhibition course both days. That's right - the action runs Saturday and Sunday. That's why they call it a "Working Waterfront" - weekends are for pussies.

• Thea's Park/Foss Waterway Seaport, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free, Dock Street, Tacoma, maritimefest.org

>>> WHERE OUR STAFF IS GOING

MATT DRISCOLL Editor and Single Parent For Five More Days
Honestly, I'm not a fan of putting my real personal life in the Weekly
Volcano. I feel much more comfortable putting my fake personal life in the
Weekly Volcano. That said, as many of you know my lovely wife has been in
Germany for the entire month of August - leaving our 3-year-old daughter with me. The 3-year-old has spent much of this time wondering why I can't do things like mommy. The good news is my wife returns this coming Tuesday night. This weekend will no doubt be spent cleaning up spilled milk, arguing over bath time, and reading Dr. Seuss books I
already know by heart.

NIKKI TALOTTA Feature Writer
The Weekend Hustle for me is just that - hustlin'. I will be stirrin and shakin my way to the almighty dollar. I will also try to get in a little R & R at the Pier, where Olympia's annual Sand In The City event is going on. Lots of really cool sand sculptures and activities for the kiddies.

STEPH DEROSA Columnist
I have NOTHING going on this weekend and am goddamn happy about that.  I plan on completing some home improvements that will send me furiously back and forth to Home Depot as I forget "that one little do-hickey" because I didn't write down what I needed, or forgot a measurement, or simply want to check out the hot Home Depot vinyl-siding pro one more time.  Other than that I will be doing a whole lotta nuthin' - which may or may not include staying in my shredded 1988 Def Leppard Hysteria Tour shirt for the entire weekend.

KRIS BLONDIN Food/Wine Writer
Probably lake bound this weekend, all weekend if my boss doesn't make me go to a Rainier's game on Sunday. That would seriously bum me out.

JENNIFER JOHNSON: Lifestyle/Leisure Writer
Saturday I'll hit the Block Party in Opera Alley and squeeze in a walk-through at the Maritime Fest on Thea Foss Waterway. Sunday, I'll be attending the first meeting for T-Town's newest bicycle gang at the Parkway at 5 p.m. after church and before heading to see Danny Godinez, Vicci Martinez and more local musical talent at a private party.

REV. ADAM MCKINNEY Features Writer
Friday, I'm coming out in support of Sierra Venes, whose wallet - along with an obscene amount of money - was stolen from her at the Top of Tacoma. A benefit show is being held at The New Frontier featuring performances by Basemint, Red Hex, and a solo set from Jason Freet. Saturday, I'm heading to Hell's Kitchen for the Legend of Bigfoot's CD release party, and an amazing lineup including Valis, Bandolier, Blanco Bronco, and more.

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL: Theater Critic
I'm seeing Jekyll & Hyde at Harlequin Productions, then hosting a housewarming luau at my new place in Tumwater.  There'll be Kahlua pork, Spam fried rice, and Hawaiian punch (spiked, of course) for everyone. Hele mei hoohiwahiwa!

ALEC CLAYTON: Visual Arts Critic
 I'm going to check out the Access Denied: Chastity Belt show at Mineral.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound