Fun around town, for $10 or less: FRIDAY Be a Champ: Kick off the Summer Games with food and entertainment at the Evening of Champions in Chinatown (10th and Arch), 5:30PM. Free Last Chance to Help teh Aminals (by Watching Naked Ladies, That Is): Last Suicide Girls PAWS benefit of the summer at Raven Lounge (1718 Sansom), 9PM. $5 080808: Chiptune Party with No Carrier, 8GB, Nullsleep, Animal Style, Cheap Dinosaurs, Auto Da Fe, and......

If you're anything like this Phillyist, you abhor the Olive Gardens and Applebees of the world, and opt for the local "mom and pop" shops with their homemade foods and servers that know you by name. The shore is the best place to get that "mom and pop" vibe. Because, with the short four-month season and location, location, location, it's not easy for chains to justify setting up shop down the shore. Check out this......

When we go to see a band that's been around for awhile, we usually find ourselves excited to hear them play our old favorites (because the new crap they've been putting out just doesn't measure up), or we're excited to hear the new material (because it took the band a couple albums to find their stride, but now they're putting out really killer stuff). But with Counting Crows (MySpace), we're excited to hear everything,......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Open Up: Open Mic at Wooden Shoe Books (508 S 5th), 7-10PM. Free Hush Up: Outdoor screening of Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte at the International House (3701 Chestnut), 8PM. Free Quiet Down: Intro to Buddhist meditation presented by the Menlha Buddhist Center at the Ethical Humanist Society of Philadelphia (1906 S Rittenhouse Sq), 7-8:30PM. $10 Got a frugal tip? Don't be stingy! Send it here and share the......

Every Tuesday and Thursday, we'll be posting events that are going on sale during the current week. This Thursday post only collects the latest announcements, so definitely check the Tuesday post for any you may have missed. Seether and Ashes Divide Crocodile Rock, Allentown Tue, 9/30/08, 7:30PM $25 Pre-sale: Fri, 10AM-10PM, Ticketmaster On sale: Sat, 10AM, Ticketmaster Rock Band Live featuring Panic! at the Disco and Dashboard Confessional Wachovia Spectrum Sat, 11/1/08, 7PM $29.95-$39.95 On......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Knitty: Weekly knitting circle at Vagabond (37 N 3rd), 6-8PM. Free Goes Down Better with Sugar: "Consuming Culture: A Story of Have and Have Nots," a night of theater, song, shadow puppetry and assorted antics presented by local artists Anna Whitehead and Michelle Posadas at the Rotunda (4014 Walnut), 7:30PM. Free Quizzo Mania: Get your Quizzo on at 12 Steps Down (831 Christian), 9PM; The Black Sheep (247......

Fresh off a triumphant performance at last weekend’s Lollapalooza festival in Chicago, in which lead singer Kele Okereke sported a fetching Barack Obama T-shirt, English dance-rock foursome Bloc Party rolls into town tonight to play a sold-out show at the TLA, along with opening act Does It Offend You, Yeah? and its annoying, grammar-check-baffling moniker. This show should be anticipated for several reasons. First, there is the opportunity to see if Bloc Party’s sailor’s-knot-tight rhythms......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: In Honor of Girls Rocking: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi reads from her new book Know Your Power: A Message to America’s Daughters at the Central Branch of the Free Library (1901 Vine), 7PM. Free Two-Step Program: Folk dancing lessons sponsored by the Fairmount Park Commission at the Art Museum Steps (26th and the Parkway), 8-10:30PM. $3 Game Night!: Game night every Tuesday at The Dive (947......

Every Tuesday and Thursday, we'll be posting events that are going on sale during the current week. This Tuesday post only collects the early announcements, so definitely check back on Thursday for the latest ticket news. COMEDY Cheech & Chong Tower Theater, Upper Darby; Music Box at The Borgata, Atlantic City Fri, 9/12/08, 7:30PM; Sat, 12/13/08, 8PM $39.50-$59.50; $60 On sale: Fri, 4:20, Live Nation (9/12, 12/13) Bud Light Presents Carlos Mencia: At Close Range......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Doom!: DVD release/screening party for Doomsday at the Troc (1003 Arch), 7:30PM. $3 Good Cheap Comedy: The Comic vs. Audience Comedy Show at the Shubin Theatre (407 Bainbridge), 8PM. $5 (Oops! This event actually takes place next Monday, 8/11. Sorry, folks.) We Heart Iggy: Screening of Iggy and The Stooges—Escaped Maniacs featuring filmed performances from the 2005 Lokerse Festival at the Khyber (52 S 2nd), 8PM. Free Open......

Every Tuesday and Thursday, we'll be posting events that are going on sale during the current week. This Thursday post only collects the latest announcements, so definitely check the Tuesday post for any you may have missed. Rusted Root The Electric Factory Sat, 10/4/08, 8:30PM $26.50 On sale: Fri, 10AM, Ticketmaster Rise Against with Alkaline Trio, Thrice & The Gaslight Anthem The Electric Factory Thu, 10/16/08, 8:30PM $28.50 On sale: Fri, 10AM, Live Nation Jason......

Every Tuesday and Thursday, we'll be posting events that are going on sale during the current week. This Tuesday post only collects the early announcements, so definitely check back on Thursday for the latest ticket news. Lindsey Buckingham Sovereign Performing Arts Center, Reading Fri, 10/10/08, 8PM $36 to $46 On sale: Fri, 10AM, Ticketmaster Goo Goo Dolls House of Blues Atlantic City Wed, 12/31/08, 10PM $52 to $67 On sale: Fri, 10AM, Live Nation The......

Friday is for lovers. OPENING RECEPTION FOR MICHELLE SOSLAU: THREADS IN THE CURRENT Why just paint? Why just sculpt? Why just manipulate fabrics and paper to get your point across? Soslau embraces all of these and more in her attempt to engage her audience in the simple questions regarding a piece's origin. A quick look at some of her work reveals textures and palettes that drive entire conversations. Her work will be on display at......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: FRIDAY: Last Friday: Last Friday featuring author Samara O’Shea and musician Gina Kaz at the Philadelphia Art Alliance (251 S 18th), 7PM. $5 Free R&B: Sounds of R&B series finale featuring Ledisi and Lalah Hathaway at the Great Plaza on Penn’s Landing (Chestnut and Columbus Blvd), 7:30PM. Free City Hall Film Series: Showing this week: The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert in the courtyard at City......

When the clock inches towards five on a Friday, this Phillyist likes to say she'll be going down the shore. But many might say they are going "to the beach" or "to the ocean." According to Urban Dictionary, the term "down the shore" is used mostly by us Philly folks. Regardless, Phillyist believes that wherever you go this weekend—the beach, the shore, or the seaside—you should make it a great one. Mid-Summer Fest is in......

Every Tuesday and Thursday, we'll be posting events that are going on sale during the current week. This Thursday post only collects the latest announcements, so definitely check the Tuesday post for any you may have missed. Bob Dylan Electric Factory Fri, 8/8/08, 8:00PM $67.50 On sale: Fri, 10AM, Ticketmaster Lotus The TLA Fri, 10/31/08, 9:00PM $18 On sale: Fri, 12PM, LiveNation Lou Neglia's Ring of Combat XXI Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City $50–$150 On sale:......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Klezmer!: Klingon Klezmer in a free concert sponsored by the Chestnut Hill Community Association at Pastorius Park (Abington and Lincoln Drive), 7:30PM. Free Cheap Laughs: General admission to comic Tammy Pescatelli's show at Helium (2031 Sansom), 8PM. $10 Quizzo Mania: Get your Quizzo on at 12 Steps Down (831 Christian), 9PM; The Black Sheep (247 S. 17th), 8PM; Dirty Frank’s (13th and Pine), 9PM; Dr. Watson's (216 S.......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Slamming: The theme of this month’s First Person Story Slams: “caught.” At L’Etage (624 S 6th), 7:30PM. $10 Take the Ferry: Sunset Jazz Series presents Average White Band at Wiggins Park (Mickle Street and Riverside Drive in Camden), 8PM. Free Keep It Local: Local author Hakim Woods reads from his Stevy Bonneville Walace: A Philly Urban Hip Hop Black Psychological Studied Short Novel, set in West Philly, at......

Every Tuesday and Thursday, we'll be posting events that are going on sale during the current week. This Tuesday post only collects the early announcements, so definitely check back on Thursday for the latest ticket news. Lindsey Buckingham Keswick Theatre, Glenside Sat, 10/18/08, 8PM $35-$45 On sale: Wed, 10AM, Ticketmaster The Sneaky Sea Lions - CD Release Show Trocadero Sun, 8/24/08, 6PM $10 On sale: Wed, 12PM, Ticketmaster Liz Phair The TLA Wed, 8/27/08, 8PM......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Q!: Spiral Q Puppet Theater at Philadelphia City Institute branch of the Free Library (1905 Locust), 6:45PM. Free Breaking Rule One: Movie Monday hosted by Spike presents Fight Club plus some raffle prizes at the Troc (1003 Arch), 6:30PM. $3 Open Mic: Free at The Fire (412 W. Girard). Sign up at 8:30PM. (21+) Sing Your Life!: Karaoke With DJ Sara Sherr Mondays upstairs at the Khyber (56......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: FRIDAY: Wrecked: Say goodbye to uncomfortable seating at The Wrecking Ball, celebrating the impending renovations of Hopkinson Hall with a dance party, films from Secret Cinema, food and raffles at the International House (3701 Chestnut), 8PM. Free They’re Just a Bunch of Pansies: Pansy Division in concert, post-documentary screening and pre-Sex Dwarf, at the Troc (1003 Arch), 9PM. $10 SATURDAY: Go Global: Global Fusion Festival at Great Plaza......

We're not sure how you feel about it, but as far as we can tell gas prices and the horrible economy haven't deterred anyone from going down the shore. The beach is the place to be. Here’s what’s going on this weekend. Hurricane Bertha is slowly moving away, but it’s still rough out there. Watch out for those rip currents. Seriously, the ocean can be a big, scary place. Remember to use caution. Brad Garrett......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Screenings Under the Stars: Get ready for Dark Knight with a screening of Batman Begins at the Great Plaza on Penn’s Landing (Chestnut and Columbus Blvd), 6:30PM (movie at dusk). Free Laughter on the Banks Schedule: See the classic Annie Hall in the great outdoors on the Schuylkill Banks (25th and Walnut), 8PM Find Out Why You Can Watch Movies on the Banks: Screening of Free the River......

Every Tuesday and Thursday, we'll be posting events that are going on sale during the current week. This Thursday post only collects the latest announcements, so definitely check the Tuesday post for any you may have missed. Nacelle & The Go Ahead Trocadero Sat, 8/16/08, 6:30PM $10 On sale: Today, 5PM, Ticketmaster The Thrash and Burn Tour: Darkest Hour, Parkway Drive, A Life Once Lost, and more Crocodile Rock, Allentown Sun, 8/10/08, 3PM $15 On......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Night of the Sixpack: Philly's Joe Sixpack reads from his new book Joe Sixpack's Philly Beer Guide: A Reporter's Notes on the Best Beer-Drinking City in America at the Central Branch of the Free Library (1901 Vine) at 7PM, then heads to McGillin's (1310 Drury) for a giant after-party at 9PM featuring a “Joe Sixpack of Beer” samples. All free (except the beer itself) Theater in Your Backyard:......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Are You Experienced?: The Erotic Literary Salon invites you to share your original or favorite erotica at L’Etage (624 S 6th), 8:30. $10 (registration required: 215-840-5830) ARGH!: Classic pirate movie The Crimson Pirate outside at the Independence Seaport Museum (211 S Columbus Blvd), 8PM. $4 New Music Series: Shanks and Kreme, Matt Gauss Band, Tim McGlone, Charlotte Littlehales, and Jamie Pannone at North Star Bar (2639 Poplar), 8PM.......

Every Tuesday and Thursday, we'll be posting events that are going on sale during the current week. This Tuesday post only collects the early announcements, so definitely check back on Thursday for the latest ticket news. Cavalera Conspiracy The TLA Thu, 7/17/08, 8:30PM $25.50 On sale: Today, 12PM, Ticketmaster Debbie Reynolds Resorts Atlantic City Sun, 9/7/08 - Fri, 9/12/08, many dates and times $40 On sale: Today, 5PM, Ticketmaster Jordin Sparks and Jesse McCartney Boardwalk......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: We Know You Are: Pee Wee’s Big Adventure is better drunk and with raffle prizes at the Troc (1003 Arch), 7:30PM. $3 Open Mic: Free at The Fire (412 W. Girard). Sign up at 8:30PM. (21+) Sing Your Life!: Karaoke With DJ Sara Sherr Mondays upstairs at the Khyber (56 S. Second), 9PM - 2 AM. Free (21+) Got a frugal tip? Don't be stingy! Send it here......

The XPoNential Music Festival kicks off tonight at Wiggins Park on the Camden Waterfront. Featured acts will include The Blind Boys of Alabama, Beth Orton, Alejandro Escovedo, Amos Lee, Ingrid Michaelson, and Joan Osborne. (Remember her? We do, too!) Tickets are available for $25 a day ($17 for XPN Members) or $60 for a four-day pass ($40 for XPN members) online or at the door.......

Fun around town, for $10 or less: Andrew’s Video Vault: With a theme of ''Let’s not forget you-know-who was elected,'' a screening of Hans-Jurgen Syberberg’s Hitler – A Film From Germany at the Rotunda (4014 Walnut), 6PM. Free If You’d Rather Be Outside: Screenings Under the Stars featuring Spider-Man 3 at the Great Plaza on Penn's Landing (Chestnut and Columbus Blvd), 6:30PM (movie at dusk). Free Music on the Mall: Free summer concert series on......