WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4 2013 >>>

1. There is the sometimes perilous aspect of holding a discussion in a room full of folks who have had a couple. People feel inclined to yell weird stuff like ‘I've done Jager! I've done Jager!' But it's that kind of energy that makes the Broadway Center's Think & Drink. Part of the Center's yearlong Free For All focus, Immanuel Presbyterian Church Tacoma and Humanities Washington team up two panelists and moderator/KPLU-FM business and labor reporter Ashley Gross for a discussion on holiday shopping and the American consumer culture at 7:30 p.m. in Engine House No. 9's upstairs room. As far as audience members go, if you can handle your alcohol without being a complete asshole, we totally suggest drinking your face off. Drink, drink, drink, drink - because the amount of money you will spend this holiday season will be depressing.

2. Stretch your legs and your mind today through Dec. 8 as Columbia Bank celebrates its 20th anniversary by sponsoring free admission to the Tacoma Art Museum, Washington State History Museum and the Children's Museum of Tacoma. That's lovely of them.

3. Spark: a Burning Man Story is an engaging documentary that gives audiences a rare behind-the-scenes look at Burning Man - a week-long annual art exhibition/party/socioeconomic experiment held in the Black Rock Desert in northern Nevada. While on the surface it may appear to be nothing more than a bunch of hippies living it up in the desert, Burning Man is a monumental undertaking, requiring months of planning and the combined efforts of hundreds of people to pull off each year. The film screens at 6:45 p.m. at The Grand Cinema. Read Jared Lovrak's full review of Spark: A Burning Man Story in the Movies section.

4. You're in denial, but the signs are hard to ignore. Shops are draped in red and green; cocktail parties - your calendar, and you can't button your skinny jeans anymore. Yep, it's the holiday season. As they say, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, which is why you'll be singing at the top of your lungs at the Saint Martin's University and South Puget Sound Community College's "Ring in the Season" holiday concert at 7 p.m. in the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts. The Department of Washington American Legion Band joins the two Thurston County institutions for a lively Christmas pops concert with multiple choral groups, holiday band music and a carol sing-along. Hark you sing!

5. At The Brotherhood Lounge, aerialists are about to take flight again. The re-vamped team is ready to amaze audiences with its color brand of trapeze, beginning at 8 p.m. Creativity never ceases and performances range from naughty to funny to just plain beautiful. The shows are free and tips are encouraged. New this year is a dance party to follow, with grooves by DJ Fir$t Lady. If you've ever been to one of the Broho's impromptu dances parties at past aerialist events, then you know about the twerking, pumping and shaking that goes on. 

PLUS: Holiday Events Calendar

PLUS: South Sound Holiday Command Center

LINK: Wednesday, Dec. 4 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area

Filed under: 5 Things To Do, Community, Food & Drink, Holidays, Word, Arts, Olympia, Tacoma, Screens, DJ/Electronica,