MONDAY, MAY 16, 2011 >>>

1. Would it surprise anyone to learn that the better part of our childhood was spent glued to a television, watching just about every horrible film ever made? We didn't think so. But a life wasted scarfing up bad movies is not without its plusses - the chief one being the Tacoma Cult Movie Club welcomes us with open arms. The lovers of B-movies and such gather at 7 p.m. inside The Acme Grub Cage for a night of films, shorts and trailers under the theme "Tacoma Club Under Attack." We have no idea what that means, but EXCITING!

2. The Seattle International Children's Festival became Giant Magnet two years ago. It happened last week in Seattle - but today it condenses itself into a mini version and packs into the Pantages - for a day of kid-friendly fun featuring Doktor Kaboom!, Guangdong Province Puppet Troupe, and Andes Manta at 10 a.m.

3. From 5-7 p.m. The Hub hosts Bike To A Better Tacoma, a get-together with fellow bicyclists and City staff members to get happy and be updated on the Mobility Master Plan. If you bike to The Hub, you'll receive a free slice of pizza, and be entered into a drawing for a $50 Hub gift certificates. Bonus: enjoy Tacoma's only valet bike parking.

4. Broken Water, Nu Sensae, White Lung and Wet Hair rock the Dumpster Values store in downtown Olympia beginning at 7:30 p.m.

5. The Backstage Bar & Grill has given white trash a new home. Every Monday night, while DJ Lo spins Top 40, the Sixth Avenue rock club offers $5 40-ounce PBRs, $2 wells, $3 domestic pitchers, $1 Hamm's drafts, $2 mac and cheese and $5.95 steak dinners. Show your roots.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Happy hour!