If upon hearing of Michael Jackson's death in June 2009, you ran to your closet, dug out your replica rhinestone glove and screamed to the world "Why?!" -- then this is the dance party for you. To mark the two-year anniversary of the legend's untimely passing, First Avenue and DJ Mike 2600 are throwing an all-MJ dance party Friday night called "Remember the Time." Even if you aren't an MJ fanatic, this night (held in the Main Room) is guaranteed to be nonstop fun. Mike 2600 and guest DJ Dan Speak will play all the hits from the King of Pop's deep catalog, including Jackson 5 anthems and maybe a little Janet. If it were up to me (and my white glove), there would be an MJ dance night every week.

'BEER FOR MY HORSES' The summer is filled with craft beer festivals (St. Paul's is Saturday), but only one has 1,000-pound thoroughbreds. "Hops and Horses" is back at Canterbury Park, where $25 gets you a ticket to watch the races, plus unlimited beer tastings in the Silks Party Area. Canterbury has upped its craft quotient this year with a good list of participating breweries, including Stone, Alaskan, Goose Island, Summit, Odell and more.

  • 6:30 p.m. Fri. 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee. $25 advance/$30 at the door. 952-445-7223. www.canterburypark.com.

LADMAN'S LEAVING Here's one last chance to check out Cathy Ladman before she moves back to Los Angeles. The comedian, known for her effortless delivery, performs Saturday at the Big Laughs Comedy Club (inside the New Hope Cinema Grill).