Five Things To Do This Weekend

1. Finnegan’s Wake at The Bally Hotel

Where/When: The Bally Hotel, 660 Main St., Bally, has embraced this Irish Tradition for greater part of the last four decades. This year’s party starts on Thursday, March 17, and runs through Monday, March 21. Each day’s festivities start at 11 a.m. http://www.theballyhotel.com/

Why go: Beyond the requisite Irish food, music and beer, the Wake also features coffin races, games and late-night DJs.

Cost: Free admission.

 2. “Blackbird,” presented by Allentown Public Theatre

Where/When: Enjoy a night of drama in the heart of Allentown at America on Wheels, 5 N. Front St., Allentown, Friday, March 18, and Saturday, March 19, at 8 p.m. http://www.allentownpublictheatre.com/

Why go: It’s always feels good to support burgeoning theater companies, and APT is as new as they get. “Blackbird,” by David Harrower is a solid piece of literature that will have you talking long after the curtain falls.

Cost: $25 adults; $22 students/seniors

 3. Open call for comics

Where/When: Fancy yourself a funny man or lady? Try your hand at stand-up at “Tickle Me Tuesday” tryouts at the Bethlehem Brew Works, 569 Main St., Bethlehem, Sunday, March 20 at 9 p.m. Go to the fishbowl. http://www.thebrewworks.com/

Why go: You don’t have to live in New York to live the dream. You have five minutes. Go.

Cost: Free

 4. Cocktail Dinner at the Bookstore Speakeasy

Where/When: Go back in time at the South Side’s newest hot spot with one of the Bookstore’s famous food and cocktail pairings. The elegant five-course dinner begins Tuesday, March 22, at 7 p.m. at 336 Adams St., Bethlehem. http://www.thebookstorespeakeasy.com/

Why go: If you haven’t yet been to this charming institution, this is a great introduction. If you have been, you need no convincing.

Cost: $70 per person for five courses and five cocktails

 5. “Avenue Q”

Where/When: Catch this hilarious puppet show for grown-ups, Wednesday, March 23, at the State Theatre in Easton, 453 Northampton Street. Curtain rises at 8 p.m.http://www.statetheatre.org/

Why go: Hands down one of the most inventive shows to come to Broadway in years, “Avenue Q” is a show that even the most reluctant theatergoer will enjoy.

Cost: $55