D.L. Hughley at MOA In one of its biggest bookings to date, the Mall of America's comedy club hosts D.L. Hughley, pictured, this weekend. The comedian, known for his namesake sitcom and role in Spike Lee's "The Original Kings of Comedy," will perform six shows at the House of Comedy. In late 2008, his increased interest in political humor got him CNN's first comedy news show, "D.L. Hughley Breaks the News." After the show's end in early 2009, he returned to TV with last fall's HBO special, "Unapologetic" and as the new host of "Def Comedy Jam."

8 and 10:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m. Sun. Fourth floor, Mall of America, Bloomington. $38.95.

952-858-8558. www.houseofcomedy.net.

A frosty beer fest The roving beer-tasting festival known as the Beer Dabbler is back -- this time in connection with the St. Paul Winter Carnival. The beer will be flowing Saturday in Mears Park (with fire pits!), where more than 40 breweries will showcase their wares. Also on site: Food from Barrio, hammerschlagen, DJs and a huge 24-pound block of cheese.

3:30-7:30 p.m. Sat. Mears Park, St. Paul. $20 advance/$25 door. More info: www.thebeerdabbler.com.

Fashion dance This year's Commingle IV, held at the Fine Line, wants to mix up the traditional fashion show by adding live dancers. Designers include Ariel Simone, Elizabeth Chesney, Mary Pass and more. Music by Nik Nyc and DJs Naughty Boyy, Chris Castle and Shannon Blowtorch. Dancing by Tundra Ladies and Universal Dance Destiny.

7:30 p.m. Wed. 318 1st Av. N., Mpls. $10 advance/$15 door. 612-338-8100. www.finelinemusic.com.

Comedy at Brit's Brit's Pub and Crispin Cider Co. are starting a new comedy night called "The Crispin Comedy Club." The monthly show will be held in the pub's Clubhouse Lounge. Thursday's debut will feature Michael Thorne and Elaine Thomson (named 2002's "funniest person in the Twin Cities"). The show is another notch in the belt of comedy promoter Joe Tanner, who is working behind the scenes that night and serving as host. Tanner's other comedy promotion, "Laughter in the Loft," will feature Twin Cities original Wild Bill Bauer on Jan. 29 and 30 at Paddy Wagon's in Coon Rapids.

Brit's: 8 p.m. Thu. 1110 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. $10. 612-332-3908. Tickets: www.heyjoetanner.com.

Paddy Wagon's: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Jan. 30. 133 Coon Rapids Blvd. NW., Coon Rapids. $10-$15. 763-780-0500. Tickets: www.heyjoetanner.com.

TOM HORGEN