Music-making and NASCAR are the themes of two new attractions at this weekend’s vernal version of the Puyallup Fair which swings open its gates at 2 p.m. Thursday.

While some of the action is happening only Friday through Sunday there are still plenty of reasons to head over on Thursday. First: admission is free all day to anyone 18 or younger. The Fair just asks that you bring a non-perishable food donation for the Puyallup Food Bank.

Up for a good scare? The Extreme Scream is only $7.50 on Thursday ($3 off the usual $10.50 price.) Top it all off …

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It’s monsters making music when Sesame Street Live brings “Elmo Makes Music” to Tacoma May 11-13. Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and their “Sesame Street” friends will be in town along with a new feature: the Play Zone. Tickets are now on sale.

Sesame Street itself comes alive when The Play Zone opens one hour before the shows. It allows your young “Sesame Street” fan to sit in Big Bird’s nest, hang out in Oscar’s trash can and have other “Street” experiences.

What: Sesame Street Live “Elmo Makes Music” in Tacoma
When: 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 11
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It’s going to be band versus band next month when the Boys & Girls Clubs hosts a local music competition.

Entries are now being accepted at the Cheney Family Boys & Girls Club in Gig Harbor for Battle of the Bands on January 28. The grand prize will be a three song demo CD recording session at Tacoma’s Pacific Studios.

The event is open to the public with doors at 6 p.m. Admission is $5.
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English pantomimes have an image problem. Mention the term to the average person, as I recently did, and you get two responses “What’s that?” or “You mean mimes?”

I didn’t know what one was either until Alan Bryce started producing them at Federal Way’s Centerstage Theatre several years ago.

First, let’s get that word, pantomime, out of the way. There is no miming or wild gesturing. This is a musical mash-up of fairytale, song, jokes, dancing and audience participation. You’re never quite sure if you’re watching a kids’ show or adult content. In the end, it doesn’t matter. Just check the “All of the above” box and enjoy it.

That’s what I did when I attended Centerstage’s latest pantomime, “Pinocchio,” now playing through Dec. 23. Directed by Vanessa Miller, it was a rollicking, fast paced farce centered around the Pinocchio tale.

There were plenty of kids in attendance but plenty of humor was geared for an adult audience. It’s a cliché, I know, but this is really a production the whole family can enjoy.
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Celebrate Halloween like they did in the days before scary movies: listening to ghost stories around a bonfire.

The Fort Nisqually Foundation is putting on “Bonfires, Beaver Pelts & Bogeymen,” 7-9 p.m October 28 and 29. Participants will follow a trail of glowing jack-o-lanterns to a bonfire in the meadow beyond the fort’s walls. The evening begins with gentler tales appropriate for all ages. After a break for complimentary cider and cookies the stories will get increasingly scarier.

Organizers remind you to dress accordingly and to bring chairs or blankets but not bring umbrellas. Seating begins at 6:30 …

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Local favorites Vicci Martinez and Leroy Bell are just two of the performers at this summer’s free concert series in Kent. The Summer Concert Series will range from Latin jazz and folk tunes to bluesy rock and juggling with 17 events at three outdoor locations.

Tuesday noon concerts and Thursday evening concerts will be for adults while kid events (including Recess Monkey and Caspar Babypants) are held Wednesdays at noon.

In addition to music outdoor movies will be shown at Town Square Plaza.

Click on “more” for the full schedule or view online at www.kentarts.com. To request a brochure, call 253-856-5050 or e-mail artscommission@ci.kent.wa.us.

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CinemaGig Outdoors free movie nights returns to Gig Harbor on July 8.

The movie series at Donkey Creek and Skansie Brothers parks includes Friday “date-night” films and Saturday “family-night” films every other weekend.

Click “more” for details and the full summer schedule.
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DJ Lance Rock and the rest of Yo Gabba Gabba! partied in the Tacoma Dome last year. This year they are headed to Seattle’s Paramount Theatre for two shows Nov. 12 and 13.

Hip Hop Legend Biz Markie and Razzle Dazzle Gabba!-favorite Leslie Hall join the colorful cast of characters for “Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!: It’s Time to Dance!”

Tickets go on sale May 31.