TODAY

DANCING ON TAP: The world’s most famous Irish dance sensation is back, as RIVERDANCE makes the rounds for what’s being billed as its farewell tour. See the show once last time at the Fox Theatre tonight through Sunday, May 18. Ticket prices range from $25 to $62. 404-817-8700. www.foxtheatre.org.

A SWELL EVENING: Probably still basking in the afterglow of their Academy Award for Best Original Song back in February, THE SWELL SEASON (aka musicians Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová) perform tonight at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Rent their utterly charming movie “Once” beforehand to acquaint yourself with some of your new favorite songs. 404-249-6400. www.cobbenergycentre.com. 

Yearning for yard sale bargains? ‘Tis the season, and CRoP has just the event.

WHO: Christian Rites of Passage (CRoP) Youth

WHAT: Community-wide Yard Sale includes food and entertainment to enhance your shopping experience

WHEN: Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Cascade United Methodist Church (UMC) Parking Lot, located at 3144 Cascade Rd. SW, Atlanta, GA 30311

WHY: Support future leaders, network and fellowship with the local community and Cascade UMC members

DONATE: your gently used items on May 14-16 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the rear entrance of Cascade UMC and receive a tax write-off form for your contribution.

**Inclement weather? Come to the back entrance of Cascade UMC Fellowship Hall.**

For more information, log onto www.christianritesofpassageinc.org or contact Shari Blalock at 678-386-5393 or Ida Crook at 770-973-1373.

He’s entertained millions with portrayals of the quirky side of Florida in books like “Tourist Season” and “Strip Tease,” but author CARL HIAASEN focuses on golf in his funny new book, “The Downhill Lie: A Hacker’s Return to a Ruinous Sport.” Catch him promoting this latest work at 7 p.m. tonight at the Cole Auditorium at Georgia Perimeter College’s Clarkston campus. Admission is free. 
404-370-8450, ext. 2225. www.georgiacenterforthebook.org.

As part of the neighborhood’s Springfest celebration, the Sweet Auburn International Film Festival honors KENNY LEON AND BILL NUNN for their achievements in film. Join a host of celebrities, VIPs and the cast of the upcoming feature film “Jury of Our Peers” at a special ceremony at 7 p.m. tonight at Freedom Hall Auditorium at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center. Advance tickets are $15 and tickets at the door are $20. VIP admission is $30 and includes reserved seating, backstage access, entrance to the VIP lounge at the ceremony and festival. www.black-cinema.tix.com.

And if anybody could, it would probably be the ATLANTA BOY CHOIR, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. For the last five decades, the choir has performed for presidents, heads of state and the Pope while visiting more than 30 states and 20 countries. The group’s anniversary concert starts at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center. Tickets are $10, $25 and $50. 404-733-5000. www.woodruffcentertickets.org.

Hundreds of motorcyclists from across Georgia will be gunning their engines on Saturday, May 10 for the 14th annual RIDE TO LIVE benefit for the American Diabetes Association, taking off from the Hooters on Gwinnett Place Drive. Get in gear for the big event tonight with a KICK-OFF PARTY at Wild Bill’s, featuring SKID ROW and ROCKETS TO RUIN. Tickets are $14 in advance, $20 at the door; VIP tickets range from $25-$100. 678-473-1000. www.wildbillsatlanta.com.

It’s hard to resist the appeal of author and food celebrity ALTON BROWN, so you might as well stop trying. Just give in and head to the Variety Playhouse at 7 p.m. tonight as Brown signs copies of his latest book, “Feasting on Asphalt.” Admission is $29.50 and includes a copy of the book. Tickets are available through A Cappella Books.  www.variety-playhouse.com.

Though a chance at the presidency has passed him by, former Senator BOB DOLE is still doing just fine, thank you. The onetime spokesperson for Pepsi and Viagra visits town today for the 2008 Doing the Most Good Luncheon, a fundraiser for the Salvation Army Metro Atlanta Command. Noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Imperial Ballroom at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. For more information, visit www.uss.salvationarmy.org.

Former U.S. Congressman NEWT GINGRICH never seems to be at a loss for words. We’re certain he has plenty to say about his new book, “Days of Infamy,” the second in his series about the U.S. and its role in World War II. He’ll be signing copies at 5:30 p.m. today at Borders East Cobb in Marietta. The event is free. 770-565-0947. www.bordersstores.com.

Whether you raise a glass or dip into an endless bowl of salsa, celebrating CINCO DE MAYO has become as American as TMZ and gas-guzzling SUVs. We’re not sure why a Mexican military victory over the French way back in 1862 has become an excuse to party hard, but whatever. We recommend joining the BLOCK PARTY in Virginia Highland, hosted by Pozole Nuevo Latino and Tequila Bar and Limerick Junction, featuring live music, a piñata-smashing contest, a hot-pepper-eating competition and more. The party starts at 4 p.m. behind the pub (enter from Greenwood Avenue west off North Highland). Admission is $5. www.atlantacincodemayo.com.

Looking for a little culinary inspiration? Stop by the 2008 METROPOLITAN COOKING & ENTERTAINING SHOW, featuring appearances by Southern hostess extraordinaire Paula Deen at 3 p.m. today and tomorrow, May 4. Paula’s sons Jamie and Bobby Deen will also be on hand at the event, which includes cooking demonstrations, food samples and wine and beer tastings. The show takes place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Cobb Galleria Centre. Admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. www.metrocooking.com.