what's going on this weekend?

Columbus-area partiers looking to beat this weekend's heat with a cool drink and a sweaty dance floor are in luck. In downtown and beyond, nightlife festivities are in full force. Here's some of the standouts:

Friday, go downtown for the First Friday Bar Crawl. For one cover charge (usually between $7 and $10), you can get into the majority of downtown party spots. The party usually starts around 11 p.m.

Or, if you want a change in scenery Friday, drive to Valley, Ala. Local party band Autumn Haze will perform at Osanippa Creek Lodge (14000 Lee Road 379). The $5 show starts at 10 p.m. Call 334-756-5644.

Saturday, Atlanta-based cover band Lixx takes the stage at Scruffy Murphy's (1037 Broadway). Female members from the band sported Catholic schoolgirl uniforms and fishnets the last time they came to town. The $5 show starts at 10 p.m. Call 706-322-3460.

Unwind Sunday at the Columbus Jazz Society's Concert and Jam Session featuring the Courtney Jones Septet and Family. It's 6-9 p.m. in Liberty Theatre (821 Eighth Ave.). Tickets are $7. Call 706-653-7566.