Lawrence.com

I'm back to contributing to the good ol' Best Bets Blog, and, as my English grandmother used to say, I don't do things by halves.

So, to celebrate, here's a MASSIVE LIST of things to do in Lawrence this weekend. If you're bored at all, don't blame it on me, folks.

Weekend theater: "Into the Woods" @ Crafton-Preyer Theatre

The Stephen Sondheim extravaganza runs its final weekend with shows at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, plus a 2:30 p.m. matinee Sunday. I have seen no word on whether the audience is discouraged from singing along to "Agony". (I would.)

Tickets range from $10 to $18. For more info, John Phythyon has a full review of the "Into the Woods" performance.

Thursday lecture: Gary Mark Smith @ the Oread

Smith is a 1984 KU J-school grad and well-known street photographer. He'll be talking about his art from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in a free event. Bonus: Reportedly, anyone showing up to the event in a KJHK, Megga Keggar or Omega T-shirt gets a free drink after Smith talks.

Thursday books: Mark Bouton, special agent, @ the Raven

The author of How to Spot Lies Like the FBI will be discussing his spooky new crime thriller from 7 p.m. Come for your fill of discussion of Palo Mayombe cults.

Thurdsday frat-hop: Asher Roth @ Granada

Asher Roth & co. will be partying it up starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15. If you're curious, I interviewed Roth, a big KU basketball fan, the last time he came through Lawrence, in March.

Thursday local music: Up the Academy @ the Taproom

Never a bad time to get some good, old-fashioned punk into your life. Chance Dibben has more about Up the Academy.

Friday dance: University Dance Company @ the Lied Center

The yearly performance by students of dance, the event begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets run from $8.50 to $15.

Friday comedy: "Rocket to Awesomeness" @ the Arts Center

The folks at Card Table Productions (those who bring you Victor Continental) have another two-hour live comedy show running at 9 p.m. It's the third in a "Loaded for Bear" trilogy and is (probably quite rightly) an 18+ show. Tickets are $9.

Friday local music: Record releases for Stiff Middle Fingers @ Love Garden

It's a 5 p.m. Love Garden show — promising to be loud and inviting. Check out Jessica Sain-Baird's preview.

Friday local music: The Heavy Figs and The Mad Kings @ Frank's North Star

From what I gather, these Figs are somewhat psychedelic rock (and the kind of guys who appreciate surfing cow visuals) and the Kings are bluesy rock. Cover is $10.

Saturday geekery: Learn about insects @ the KU Natural History Museum

The family friendly (or really-big-kid-friendly, if you're like me) event runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on campus and — if you're daring — you can even eat a bug! Fun.

Saturday dance: "The Red Ribbon" @ the Arts Center

The youth theater is putting on the show, based on a story of community coming together by John Lasne. It runs at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and tickets range from $6.50 to $9.50.

Saturday art/music/community: Pass the Hat @ the Percolator

Craig Comstock's occasional pay-what-you-can-and-bring-a-potluck-dish series continues with a screening of experimental film Liquid Land, plus performances by Simon Berz, Helen Gillet and locals Horse Head. It starts at 6 p.m.

Saturday poetry: Ardys Ramberg salon @ Sixth & Tenn.

Kansas(ish) poets Julianne Buchsbaum, Xanath Caraza, Brian Daldorph, Denise Low, Silvia Kofler, James Benger, Allison Serina Hearn, and Kevin Cummings will give readings starting at 7 p.m. at Runaway Pony Bed & Breakfast, 603 Tenn.

Saturday local music: The Dead Girls @ the Jackpot

The super fun (and loud) Dead Girls will be playing with North of Grand and Shy Boys, starting at 10 p.m. Cover is $5 for 21+ and $8 for 18-21.

Sunday crafts: Holiday Bazaar @ the Community Building

The annual Parks & Rec event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 115 West 11th St.

Sunday benefit: Pickney Tunnel project concert in North Lawrence

Local music institution Truckstop Honeymoon is joining up with fellow acts L.A. Fahy and The Skirts in a benefit show for Van Go, which aims to paint the tunnel beneath Sixth Street that connects to Pickney School. The event runs from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the historic White School House, 1510 N. Third St. and entrance is $15.

Sunday poetry: Chandra Dickson and Brenda Sieczkowski @ the Taproom

The monthly open-mic and professional reading series has had some weird dates because of end-of-the-month holidays lately, but never fear — it's back. It begins with reader sign-up at 5 p.m.