ACROBATS AT THE MALL: We understand that, when the Southcenter mall opened up a couple weeks ago, there were some aerialists and acrobats there to provide some fanfare. Apparently, Pacific Place got all jealous, because they'll be welcoming aerialists, diablo artists and comediennes from Teatro ZinZanni Thursdays through Sundays for the rest of the month. Head to the mall tonight to get a free show!

6 p.m. // Pacific Place // Free

MORE CIRCUS STUFF: Author Amanda Boyden used to be a circus acrobat herself, contorting her body and swinging along on the flying trapeze. Now, with a novel called Babylon Rolling, she talks about the hometown of Circus School, New Orleans. The story takes place between the disastrous hurricanes of 2004-2005, and her reading is sure to encapsulate the ominousness of that period.

7:30 p.m. // Elliott Bay Books // Free

PICKING AT THE SCABS: As Seattlest John already divulged in greater detail, Methfest kicks off tonight at the Rendezvous' Jewelbox Theater. According to Seattle Weekly: "This Methfest, however, is not a drug binge, but a collection of bands that provide the perfect soundtrack to inhaling noxious chemicals into your lungs." Well said.

10:30 p.m. // Jewelbox Theater // $5

"ZinZanni" by Seattlest Flickr user wrightmight