DINING OUT FOR LIFE

Dine out and make a difference during the 17th annual Dining Out for Life event in the South Sound. When you dine out on Thursday, April 28, you join in the fight against AIDS. Eat at more than 70 local restaurants that will donate 25 percent of your bill to support HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy services in Pierce and Thurston counties. For more information, go to diningoutforlife.com.

DINING OUT FOR STEAK

As part of Dining Out For Life and the fight against AIDS Thursday, April 28, Seafarers Sports Bar (3878 S. Center St., Tacoma) will offer two full steak dinners with the trimmings for $16.50. Bring friends and help fight AIDS.

PREY FOR SUN

The Hub (203 Tacoma Ave., Tacoma) hosts its annual spring festival Pray For Sun from 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 29. The human jukebox Steve Stefonowicz and DJ Omar will entertain. Expect drink and food specials.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Maxwell's Speakeasy (454 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma) turns 3 this weekend. Drop by for live entertainment, drink specials and Chef Vivian's talents.

WIN A CRUISE

Stonegate Pizza (5421 S. Tacoma Way, Tacoma) will give away a Caribbean cruise for two May 14. To enter, all you have to do is buy the last shot out of a Captain Morgan's bottle. The contest ends Saturday night. You know what to do.

BARLEYWINE FESTIVAL

With strength similar to wine, the barleywine is one of the strongest beer styles in the world. Those of us in the Tacoma area are damn lucky. Right in our backyard we have a tavern so in love with barleywine that it will throw 40 of them on tap over two days. We, of course, refer to the Parkway Tavern's Barleywine Festival, which kicks off at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30. Sunday's 11 a.m. brunch packs early so plan accordingly. Drop in at 313 N. I St.

SUSHI FOR JAPANESE RELIEF

Normally when there's a global disaster Americans come through with the red, white, and blue and donate, donate, donate. As a fellow American, I'm urging you to follow the crowd. But, while you serve your fellow man, why not be served a succulent plate of sushi. Seriously.  Through May 17, Fujiya Japanese Restaurant is donating 20 percent of proceeds to the Red Cross to benefit Japanese earthquake and tsunami victims. So, drop by 1125 Court C in Tacoma and rid yourself of guilt by giving to others and eating a healthy and amazing meal.

THREE-MARTINI LUNCH

In honor of Administrative Professionals Week, Salty's at Redondo Beach (28201 Redondo Beach Dr. S., Des Moines) will serve a three-course lunch in martini glasses for $19.99 per person April 25-29.

WINE DINNER

Primo Grill (601 S. Pine, Tacoma) presents a five-course Mediterranean dinner paired with Abacela Vineyards wines 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 6. The cost is $75 per person. Reserve your spot at 253.383.7000.

BEER DINNER

Salty's at Redondo Beach (28201 Redondo Beach Dr. S., Des Moines) hosts a five-course Sierra Nevada beer dinner at 6 p.m. May 13. The cost is $64.99 per person. Reserve your space at 253.945.8248.

WINE DRINNER

Brix 25 (7707 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor) hosts a four-course dinner paired with five wines from Boushey Vineyards at 6 p.m. May 19. The cost is $89 per person. Reserve your spot at 253.858.6626.

WINEMAKER DINNER

Morso (9014 Peacock Hill Ave., Gig Harbor) hosts Paolo Cantele from the Italian winery Powerhouse Cantele for a winemaker dinner at 6:30 p.m. May 20. The cost is $59 per person. Reserve your spot at 253.853.9463.

WTF SUNDAYS

Harmon Tap Room ‎(204 Saint Helens Ave., Tacoma) knocks half off your entire check every Sunday. Seriously.

TIGHTWAD TUESDAY

Every Tuesday Hell's Kitchen serves $2 tacos, $2 wells and $2 beers. Get on it at 928 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma.

NOSH LEAGUE

As part of the Weekly Volcano's Nosh League, you can meet up with like-minded foodies at locally owned restaurants and businesses and take advantage of special discounts, win restaurant gift certificates, and learn tips from chefs and food producers. To join, click here.

Send restaurant and bar news and tips to dish@weeklyvolcano.com