So, are we talking about this year's edition of the ultra-grueling P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll running fest coming up on Sunday? Not even in the slightest.
What we're referring to is the annual Marathon Pub Crawl in downtown Tempe, silly.
Serving as a perfect foil to P.F. Chang's -- and giving new meaning to the phrase "beer run" -- the event involves hardcore drinkers dressing up in comically retro running attire (think Prefontaine or Without Limits) and downing a bellyful of booze at such bars as Suite 301 and Crave Café on Saturday afternoon. Unlike the other marathon going on this weekend, its organizers promise that "there really isn't any running involved (unless you want to get to the next bar faster)."
Check out all the salient details after the jump, as well as nine other events you can participate in for less than $10.
Mia Riddle at Yucca Tap Room/Stinkweeds (Friday)
The cutie-pie Brooklyn chanteuse will be putting on not one, but two free gigs around town tonight. That means you've got few excuses not to check her out as she shows off her golden pipes, which was described by our sister publication Village Voice as a "mighty croon -- a mix of Nicks and Neko." The first is an intimate acoustic show at Stinkweeds (12 West Camelback Road) starting at 5 p.m., followed by an evening show at Yucca Tap Room that also features Dust Jacket, Soft Drink, Antarctica the Beautiful. 9 p.m. (29 West Southern Avenue, Tempe, 480-967-4447)
Friday Night Live at Hidden House (Friday)
Turntable jock and promoter Al Page has never liked being pigeonholed as just another hip-hop DJ working the Valley club circuit. So it's only appropriate that the dude is changing things up at his long-standing weekly Friday Night Live this weekend. Instead of its usual focus of hip-hop and old school, the event will feature performances by the local music scene darlings of Black Carl and What Laura Says. Meanwhile, Page will offer a mix of funk, indie, and dance tracks. 9 p.m., $5. (607 West Osborn Road, 602-266-1763)
Firestage at The Firehouse (Friday)
"Anytime we get a little skeeved out by all of the fancy lofts and upscale eateries that are sprouting downtown, we're happy about the existence of the lovingly rough-around-the-edges space The Firehouse and its monthly Firestage extravaganza. Downtown denizen Ernesto Moncada curates the alchemy of interesting oddness, and then shuffles his collected acts on stage as the debauchery-loving host Ernasty. Just about everything makes an appearance each month, ranging from burlesque and furious noise jams to bawdy poetry and offbeat comedy. More of a big-top ringleader than even-keeled moderator, Moncada's sin-tinged enthusiasm has even inspired impromptu onstage nudity." 8:30 p.m., free. (1015 North First Street, 602-300-7575). -- Jose Gonzalez
Flashy Fridays at Club DWNTWN (Friday)
One of the weekend's biggest hip-hop dance parties is making its move from Stoudemire's to a new home in downtown Phoenix. But while the location may have changed, the set-up remains the same. DJ Madd Rich from 101.5 Jamz and guests will be dropping urban and R&B hits, with $4 you-call-it drinks all night. 9 p.m., free before midnight. (702 North Central Avenue)
Marathon Pub Crawl in Downtown Tempe (Saturday)
This outrageous exercise in alcoholic excess starts off at the southern end of Mill Avenue's drinking district in the early afternoon, kicking off at Zuma Grill before heading northward. Participants will then stumble towards the Mill Cue Club, Crave Café, and Big Bang, with the final destinations being the Rula Bula and the Tavern. A special "Energy Stop Surprise" will also take place at around 7 p.m. at the Suite 301 parking lot. 3 p.m., free. (605 South Mill Avenue)
