They say alcohol and politics shouldn’t mix, and while that’s probably a good rule of thumb, it’s no excuse to miss MPACT Memphis’ Debate Watch Party at the Red Rooster Bar & Music Hall at 6:30 p.m. tonight. At least we now know that both candidates will be debating.
Or you could forget America altogether and head to the Memphis Botanic Gardens for days two and three of their Japanese Festival. On Friday and Saturday, the gardens will feature cultural hands-on activities, a kimono fashion show, taiko drummers, and more.
Show off those new walking shorts in the Wet Nose 5K in Cordova Saturday morning. The annual walk/run (and dog walk) benefits the no-kill Guardian Angel Pet Rescue. Registration begins at the Bert Ferguson Community Center at 8:15 a.m. on Saturday.
If the radical politics of the religious right make you want to scream, take a break from mainstream Christianity at the Spiritual Diversity Celebration (formerly Pagan Pride Day) at Neshoba Unitarian Universalist Church on Saturday. Workshops will highlight Muslim, Native American, Buddhist, and Neo-pagan beliefs and practices. And there’ll be some belly dancers, plenty of crafty vendors, and an Autumn Equinox ritual. Events run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In these scary economic times, it can’t hurt to have more available jobs. GrowMemphis, a coalition of community gardeners in Orange Mound, will hold a call to action on Saturday as a part of the nationwide “Green Jobs Now — A Day to Build the New Economy.” Along with thousands of other across the country, GrowMemphis will be raising awareness about the need to build a green economy. The event will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at the corner of Douglas and Hamilton in Orange Mound.
Dust off your dress clothes for the annual Blues Ball on Saturday night. This legendary downtown blues bash features plenty of live music and a silent auction. And the best part — they’re roping off George W. Lee Street for this outdoor block party. Festivities begins at 7 p.m.
For more weekend fun, check out the Flyer’s searchable listings.