THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012 >>>

1. 1022 South, the craft cocktail lounge in Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood, will celebrate its three-year anniversary tonight with a party debuting its spring menu of 40 innovative, and, in some cases, curative handcrafted cocktails. The new menu showcases 1022 South's respect for classic cocktails, an enthusiasm for apothecary, and a few of the favorite cocktails from the original menu. In addition to craft cocktails and apothecary infusions, the menu will feature a variety of delicious small plate items. To celebrate, all menu cocktails will be specially priced at $6 the night of the party. Pro tip: Order the new drink with the mezcal and rum base. It's life changing.

2. From 4:30-6:30 p.m. the Collins Memorial Library will host an opening reception for Jessica Spring, the proprietor of Springtide Press, and her new exhibit of artists books, Circus Libris. Spring's small, finely-crafted editions consider historical topics and popular culture from a unique perspective, expanding the library's tent with new-fashioned books.

3. Lisa and Mike Hahn recently turned over their Tacoma Runners management duties to Rob McNair-Huff, community relations manager for the City of Tacoma. You might have seen McNair-Huff on the streets running a 50-miler before work. He likes to run. McNair-Huff has scheduled the Tacoma Runners' weekly Thursday night 3-miler for a 6 p.m. launch from Dirty Oscar's Annex. After a 3-mile run it's important to refuel with protein and vitamins. D.O.A. is well aware of this fact. When the Runners return to discuss the run - over food and drinks (natch!) - the Sixth Avenue restaurant will serve them the Dead Elvis Burger (bacon, fried egg, 100 percent Angus hand-formed beef patty) at a $2 discount along with Vitamin C shots or cocktails for $5. You should really be a Tacoma Runner. Join them.

4. In celebration of the Pierce County Reads program, and it's spotlight book, "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" by award-winning writer Jamie Ford, historian Michael Sullivan will relay the fascinating history of the Japanese American community in Tacoma and their contributions to the region beginning at 7 p.m. inside King's Books.

5. Sludge metal band Black Tusk joins East of the Wall, Witchburn, C.F.A. and Deathbed Confessions at Hell's Kitchen beginning at 9 p.m.

LINK: More arts and entertainment events in the South Sound

LINK: Live music and DJs in the South Sound

LINK: South Sound happy hours