Picks 3/1-3/9

Your guide to do things this week in Central Oregon.

From the Muse Women's Conference to star gazing and so much music... we have the top ten things to do this week.

¡Chiringa!

Thursday 2

LATIN DANCE — A sure fire dance party of a time. This local band is ready to fire you up with its funk-rock, Latin-inspired grooves with Puerto Rican, Iranian lead singer Shireen Amini. Outfitted with congas, timbales, trumpets, bass and percussion, this will be an upbeat and lively show... and it's all ages! // 7pm. McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 NW Bond St, Bend. Free. 

Muse Women's Conference

CONNECT — Spanning the globe, this women's social movement turned conference features social activists, entrepreneurs, athletes, actors, educators and intellectuals. Not just for women, either; men are invited as allies. An atypical conference, it features interactive workshops, talks, film showings, community yoga and an art show. Be a visionary and change maker, find your muse. // Various times, Thurs-Sun. Tower Theatre, 835 Wall St, Bend. $10-375.

Arcadia

THEATRE — Several critics and other people who professionally know things consider this 1993 play to be one of the best and most important of its era. It's certainly timeless, focused on an unraveling mystery spanning centuries and encompassing the nature of time itself. Director Ben Larson tackles this time-bending thinker with gusto. // 3/3-3/5 @ 7:30pm. 3/5 @ 2pm. 3/9-3/12 @ 7:30pm. 3/12 @ 2 pm. Cascade Theatrical Company, 148 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend. $13-20.

Beatlab Radio presents Dr. Jeep

DANCE — Dr. Jeep got his start blending his own eclectic brand of techno and house in the clubs of Boston and New York. A wide range of global and underground sounds from this up-and-coming young DJ blends funk, dancehall, garage rock and other contrasting styles, keeping toes tapping. // 10pm. The Capitol, 190 NW Oregon Ave, Bend. $5.

Grin and Bear It 5k and 10k Run/Walk

Saturday 4

RUN — Support Healthy Beginnings kids' clinics in Central Oregon and get your workout in with this community fitness event. With 5k and 10k options, a paved 1-mile option for families starting at 11 am and an awards ceremony for everyone at the end, this uplifting event promises to make healthy kids the real winners. // 10am. Les Schwab Amphitheater, 344 SW Shevlin Hixon Dr., Bend. $15-$35.

Mardi Gras Masquerade

Saturday 4

PARTY — Beads, beads, beads! No this isn't your Daytona beach spring break, this is Mardi Gras. Dive into the boisterous carnival mood with the Mardi Gras to end all Mardi Gras... unless you're from New Orleans. Featuring DJs, casinos, a king and queen contest and a dedicated area just to throw beads into, this party may just get out of control. Did we mention the beads? 10,000 of 'em. // 8pm. Midtown Ballroom, 51 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend. $9 adv.

Pimps of Joytime

Saturday 4

FUNKY — Been a while since you got your dance on? Waiting for a jolly good time that lets you shake your groove thang? Look no further, Benditos. The Pimps of Joytime earn every word of their band name, with Nawlins funk, '90s club and house, '60s salsa and hip-hop grooves. Yes, we really did just mash all those genres together in one sentence. See you there. // 9pm. Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Dr., Bend. $15 adv.

The Inner Solar System

STARS — It's been a long time coming (and we've been waiting patiently!), but the "Hopservatory" at Worthy Brewing on Bend's east side is finally ready for stargazing. During this event, you'll get the chance to explore the diversity of the solar system with folks from the Sunriver Observatory while checking out Worthy's new space. // 6pm. Worthy Brewing, 495 NE Bellevue Dr., Bend. 13 and under must have an adult. Free.

Mariachi Divas

MUJERES MUSICALES — Multi-cultural and eclectic in style, the Mariachi Divas are here to show you that this brand of music doesn't have to fit into the same ol' box time after time. Go to the show and be prepared to see how music can have no boundaries... and can be led completely by ladies, too. // 7:30pm. Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend. $28-48.

Common Kings

REGGAE — Chill out and groove on with the positive vibes of the Common Kings. Born in the South Pacific and raised in Orange County, these guys understand how to have fun and squash negativity. With an impressive list of classic feel-good rockers as major influences, the Common Kings blend reggae, rock and pop into one rocking good time. 7pm. 51 NW Greenwood Ave, Bend. $15.