One of the biggest positives Tacoma has going for it is the feeling of connectivity and community that's blossoming here. Tacoma isn't big, and with a positive (albeit uniquely T-Town) mindset it's easy to get channeled into all sorts of brilliant creativity and progressive momentum. Saturday, organized by Downtown Tacoma Neighbors and the non-profit Local Life, the Downtown Block Party will engulf Opera Alley from 5 to 10 p.m. Expect a boatload of arts activities, lots of goodness for the kids, music pouring out of every corner, the Weekly Volcano Time-Out Tent, awesome demonstrations and even a beer garden. It'll be the place to be - guaranteed.

[Opera Alley, 5-10 p.m., free, dtownttownneighbors.com]