It's a bit of a slow weekend here around the 'Noke, so dust off the camping gear, kayak, mountain bike or whatever and take advantage of the beautiful, rugged terrain that our surroundings have to offer. Escaping into the wilderness can be quite the revitalizing experience, as long as you don't start to hear the banjo theme from "Deliverance."

I know the outdoors isn't for everyone, so no worries. I've provided you city slickers with a few events that will make your weekend more fun than a night out on the town with Paris Hilton.

TONIGHT

Salem Avalanche's $1 beer night

"Once it hits your lips ... it just taste so good."

— Will Ferrell as Frank the Tank in "Old School"

Yes, it does just taste so good. Being so, head to Salem to catch the Avalanche tonight for Friends and Family Night. The Avalanche hosts the Winston-Salem Warthogs tonight before the Wilmington Blue Rocks come for a three-game series over the weekend.

TO THE POINT: 7 tonight, Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium. Tickets: $5-$8. Visit salemavalanche.com or call 389-3333.

FRIDAY

Midnight Movie: Friday the 13th

What would a Friday the 13th be without, well, "Friday the 13th"? Put your superstitious tendencies at ease by going to the Grandin Theatre at midnight Friday to check out this '80s horror classic. If it doesn't scare you, wake up early and head back to the Grandin on Saturday for a showing of Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds."

TO THE POINT: Midnight Friday, Grandin Theatre. $5. Also, "The Birds" at 10 a.m. Saturday ($2.50). 345-6177, grandintheatre.com.

MORE STUFF

Other options this weekend include the weekly Party in the Park every Thursday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in downtown Roanoke's Elmwood Park ($5 at the gate), and the movie "Shark Tale" will be shown on the big screen at 8 p.m. Friday in Elmwood Park (the movie's free - screaming kids included at no extra charge).

Plus, this Friday's No Shame Theatre features a bonus show by stand-up comedian Jerry Rogers. He performs at 10 p.m. and the regular No Shame follows at 11 on Mill Mountain Theatre's Waldron Stage. Tickets are $5.

Got an event that you'd like previewed? Send details to io@roanoke.com.