THIS WEEK: Neil deGrasse Tyson, outdoor flicks, Bazaar and more

We're just a week away from the official start of summer, and Spokane's kids are about to be unleashed upon the city as the school year ends. Better start making plans using our event listings and Staff Picks. 

Here are some highlights of the week ahead: 

Monday, June 13

COMEDY | A series of "Lush in Space" events kicks off with some serious laughs at The Observatory, courtesy of Hail Sagan! trivia, followed by local comedy troupe The Ditch Kids.  

Tuesday, June 14

WORDS | He's smart, he's hip, he's famous and he's here to drop some knowledge on your ass. Neil deGrasse Tyson drops by the INB for a show dubbed "An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies." If you take the science in your favorite flicks seriously, you probably want to skip this. If you want to be entertained and enlightened at the same time, read our story and check out the show. 

LIVE BANDS | A mighty fine show goes down at The Observatory, featuring Seattle rockers The Wild Lips along with locals The Smokes and Jan Francisco (two of our 2016 Bands to Watch at one show!). 

Here's a little sample of The Wild Lips: 

Wednesday, June 15

FILM | It's opening night for Outdoor Movies at Riverfront Park, and the season opens with the most excellent Guardians of the Galaxy. 

Thursday, June 16

COMMUNITY | Take a little roadie to Wallace, Idaho, for Wallace Gyro Days and Lead Creek Derby, kicking off today. 

LIVE BANDS | Helms Alee brings the sludgy rock masterworks to The Observatory for a show with Dark White Light and Lucky Chase. Read our story about the band here. 

FILM | The Magic Lantern hosts a one-night-only screening Plant This Movie, a doc about the urban-farming movement. 

LIVE BANDS | A mighty good show hits The Bartlett, with headliner Tristen joined by locals Friends of Mine and The Dancing Plague of 1518. Here's a sample of Tristen: 

Friday, June 17

THEATER | The Stage Left Theater hosts The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later, a sequel to the stirring original about Matthew Shepard's murder. 

COMEDY | Funnyman George Lopez brings his standup act to Northern Quest Resort & Casino. 

Saturday, June 18

BENEFIT | The Parade of Paws Pledge Walk raises money for the Spokane Humane Society, and you and your friends (both four-legged and bipeds) are invited to join the fun. 

FESTIVAL/ARTS | Bazaar returns to downtown Spokane, offering a killer array of local artists' work, some live tunes, beer and all sorts of reasons to just spend the day.