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

WEATHER REPORT

Friday: Mostly sunny, possible showers hi 72, lo 50

Saturday: Sunny, hi 75, lo 55

Sunday: Showers, hi 66, lo 50

>>> FRIDAY, JULY 1: Tacoma Metal Prom

Tacoma has seen plenty of proms lately. And we're not even talking about the standard high school affairs. It seems like not long ago the "'80s Prom" was drawing folks by the half dozen to Hell's Kitchen, and that's just the start of the prom-themed events Tacoma has seen in its day. Friday, perhaps the most Tacoma-perfect prom of all, the Metal Prom, will shake Hell's Kitchen with bruising performances by C.F.A., Sleeper Cell, Yuck Fou and DJ Melodica. Warning: the punch is spiked.

• Hell's Kitchen, 9 p.m., $5, 928 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003

>>> FRIDAY, JULY 1: The Fucking Eagles

Over the years, The Fucking Eagles have worked hard to make a name for themselves, not only in the supremely ubiquitous genre of garage rock, but in a city like Tacoma - where garage rock bands seem to fall from trees. While many bands in these parts skew toward the psychedelic side of the ‘60s, the Fucking Eagles make their home in the stomping, shuddering footsteps of the Sonics, our blistering rock forefathers. It's relentless, pounding rock ‘n‘ roll - the kind that kids with crew cuts and horn-rim glasses had to find in underground clubs, far from the prying eyes of grown-ups. Friday, the Fucking Eagles willl take the stage at the New Frontier along with the Night Beats, who will be celebrating the release of their debut self-titled LP. -- Rev. AM

• The New Frontier, with the Night Beats, Basemint, The Cigarette Burns, 9 p.m., cover TBA, 301 E. 25th St, Tacoma, 253.572.4020

>>> SATURDAY, JULY 2: Proctor Farmers Market

You can find cut herbs, seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh fish and baked goods along with live entertainment, free crafts for the kids and gardening advice from master gardeners from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Proctor Farmers Market.

• Proctor District, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., North 27th and Proctor St., Tacoma

>>> SUNDAY, JULY 3: 45th Annual South Sound Center Independence Day Celebration

Really, is there a more appropriate locale to celebrate the birth of our nation, the greatest nation on earth, than in the parking lot of Lacey's South Sound Center - home to Target, Kohl's, Sears, Happy Nails, Hair Perfect and even an Applebee's? Hell no. That's exactly why they throw the South Sound Center Independence Day celebration every year. According to the Facebook hype page, this is the 45th year! That's just crazy. Did we metion the Funtastic carnies will be in the house? Do we even need to?

• South Sound Center, 6 -11 p.m., donations accepted, all ages, 711 Sleater Kinney Road SE, Lacey, 360.491.6850

>>> MONDAY, JULY 4: Freedom Fair (instead of blowing your fingers off)

Freedom Fair along the Ruston Way waterfront is a yearly tradition for many South Sound families. It's been running strong for over three decades now. This year, in addition to the usual festivities on the Fourth, the gusto behind Freedom Fair helps celebrate the Centennial of Naval Aviation by expanding things - with Military Aviation Appreciation night scheduled for Cheney Stadium on Friday and the Wings & Wheels car, plane and motorcycle show Sunday at the Tacoma Narrows airport. But the big night is still the fireworks on the Fourth.

• Ruston Way Waterfront, all day, Tacoma, freedomfair.com]

>>> WHERE OUR STAFF IS GOING

NIKKI TALOTTA Features Writer
This weekend is all about garage sales, barbeques and music - a visit to Sylvester park for OIMF is in the plans. And maybe a few fireworks with the kiddos - perhaps some worms and mini-tanks and groundflowers - the driveway classics. But most importantly, I can do all of these things without the worry of work - no more bartending weekends for this mama! Hooray! 

CHRISTIAN CARVAJAL: Theater Critic
I'll be rehearsing the crap out of Oleanna. You know: for America.

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JOE IZENMAN: Theater Critic
BACHELOR PARTY OF DOOOOOOOOOM. No doubt after an epic poker game Friday night, you'll find me and my horde roaming the bars of Sixth Ave., conning free drinks wherever we can. Then down to Portland Saturday for additional beer. Then... probably just rest on Sunday. I suspect I'll need it.

STEPH DEROSA: Features Writer
I'm out to the beach all weekend so don't try to call, don't try to write, don't try to text, email or smoke signal me.  And if you want to rob my house while I'm gone you'll be greeted by an old southern lady who's packin' heat (hi mom!)- so I wouldn't try that either.

JOANN VARNELL Theater Critic
This weekend (much like every other day this week) will be spent comforting my teething baby while trying to teach him to say "Up" instead of screaming when he wants to be held.

ALEC CLAYTON Visual Arts Critic
I'm going to the opening of the Ron Hinson and Susan Christian art exhibit at Childhood's End.

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BRETT CIHON Meat Market Correspondent
I'm back on the meat market express this weekend. Long lines for bathrooms and short skirts for the backrooms.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound