Saul Williams
Saul Williams, the prolific spoken-word artist and poet, is coming to the Woodward Theater for a one-night-only performance as part of the Contemporary Arts Center’s “Black Box” series. He will present the Ohio premiere of “NGH WHT,” a collaboration with composer Thomas Kessler, while performing with the new-music ensemble Mivos Quartet. The program also will feature new solo and collaborative work by both Williams and Mivos.
8 p.m. Thursday. Woodward Theater, 1404 Main St. CAC members, $15; general admission, $20. www.contemporaryartscenter.org
Light Sabers, Jedis and Rollergirls
The Cincinnati Rollergirls are hosting their second annual "Star Wars Night" on Saturday at the Cincinnati Gardens. Feel free to dress in costume — there will be a contest during halftime of the first game of the Rollergirls' bout against Naptown. The event will include the Midwest R2 Builder Club — and their droids — limited-edition “Star Wars” Night T-shirts, light saber giveaways and more fun. Tailgating is encouraged and beer is $1 during happy hour. And remember: May the Force be with you.
6 p.m. Saturday. Cincinnati Gardens, 2250 Seymour Ave., Bond Hill. For tickets, visit www.cincinnatirollergirls.com/tickets and for more information, visit the event's Facebook page.
Experience ‘Lemonade’
You can’t go anywhere without hearing the buzz about Beyonce’s new visual album “Lemonade.” (Full confession: I am a huge fan.) So I was excited when I saw that there will be a screening at the Art Academy of Cincinnati of the film that accompanied the album’s release. RSVP and relive the glory all over again.
7 p.m. Saturday. Art Academy of Cincinnati, 1212 Jackson St. For details and to RSVP,visit the event’s Facebook page.
See ‘Purple Rain’ for free
If you, like the rest of the world, are still mourning the loss of Prince, here’s a free event that might offer a bit of comfort. For one night only, the Esquire Theatre, Kenwood Theatre and Eastgate Brew & View will offer free screenings of his iconic film “Purple Rain.” You will need tickets, though, and all of the Esquire’s have been claimed, but there are still some available for the Kenwood and Eastgate theaters. Pick up tickets at the respective theaters’ box offices while they last.
All screenings 10 p.m. Friday. Kenwood Theatre: 7815 Kenwood Road; Eastgate Brew & View: 4450 Eastgate Square Drive. For more information visit the event page on Facebook.
A new favorite brunch spot?
Newport is getting a new restaurant. Head to 27 Bar+Kitchen for its grand opening weekend starting at 5 p.m. Friday. The Monmouth Street restaurant has a brunch and dinner menu that boasts Southern-inspired cuisine with a local kick. Menu items include goetta gravy and biscuits, shrimp and grits, and craft cocktails from a fully stocked bar.
Opens 5 p.m. Friday. 27 Bar+Kitchen, 720 Monmouth St., Newport. www.facebook.com/27barkitchen
Project Runway
This is the best kind of homework. The DAAPworks 65th annual fashion show will feature the work of students in the fashion design program at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning. There will be a cash bar and plenty of clothing eye candy. It’s a great way to get an early look at the next wave of aspiring future designers and fashionistas.
7:30 p.m. Friday. University of Cincinnati, Campus Recreation Center, 2820 Bearcat Way, Clifton. $50. daap.uc.edu/daapworks/fashionshow
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo early
Popular Mexican restaurant Bakersfield OTR is throwing its annual Cinco de Mayo party, Buck's Badass Bash, on Saturday in the parking lot right next door. The eatery will be selling beer and its delicious tacos and margaritas, and there will be airbrush tattoo artists, circus performers and the Framester photo booth to keep guests entertained. The Eagle will be on hand selling fried chicken sandwiches, too. Scotty Bratcher Band, Shawn Spencer Band and DJs will provide the music.
3-11 p.m. Saturday. Parking lot adjacent to Bakersfield OTR, 1213 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. Free admission. For more details, visit the event's Facebook page.
50 Cent at Jungle Jim's Eastgate
If you missed 50 Cent’s appearance at the Party Source in March, here’s another chance to see the rapper. He’ll be at Jungle Jim’s in Eastgate for another bottle signing of his Effen Vodka. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like: 50 will sign bottles of the Dutch brand of vodka, for which he serves as spokesman, and take photographs with fans. Warning though: You have to buy a bottle to get a photo, and he won’t sign other items.
5-7 p.m. Saturday. Jungle Jim’s Eastgate, 4450 Eastgate South Drive. For details, visit the event’s Facebook page.
Cheer Flying Pig Runners while drinking beer
Woodburn Brewery might be months away from officially opening for business, but that’s not preventing its owners from hosting a Flying Pig watch party on Sunday. The brewery, which is conveniently located on Woodburn Avenue (near where the full and half marathon groups split), is offering VIP viewing seating, a roasted pig, commemorative pint glass, T-shirt and, yes, beer. Chef Jason Louda is doing the cooking.
7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Woodburn Brewery, 2800 Woodburn Ave. $20 for runners. $25 for everyone else. Click here for more information and to buy tickets.
Bonus: Zoo Babies
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s annual Zoo Babies exhibit opens Sunday. Yes, there are the adorable cheetah cubs, but you also can see baby gorillas, alligators, birds, penguins and more cuties throughout the month of May.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale. Free with regular zoo admission. 513-281-4700; www.cincinnatizoo.org