Because if you're like us, you're wishing it was Friday already ...

1. Fair notice. The Big Fresno Fair starts on Wednesday, meaning random deep-fried things, carnies, a chance to see Graciela Moreno in person and, of course, concerts -- you can see Chicago on Wednesday and Pepper on Thursday. Head's up: You can still win fair concert tickets at Fresno Famous and Central Valley Moms.

2. Watch the Shiny things. Shiny Toy Guns hit The Exit on Thursday with all sorts of indie/electronica goodness. The band is gearing up for its new album "Season of Poison." Hit up Shiny Toy Guns' MySpace to hear "Ricochet," which I dig very much.

3. Hop for Art: Thursday is October ArtHop. So hit your favorite HopStops, hope for good snacks and see those people you only see on the first Thursday of the month. Then finish it all off at Tokyo Garden where Rademacher is playing with Them Hills and Low Red Land. Get more info on the ArtHop site.

4. Don't forget ArcHop. As you're making that list of ArtHop stops, don't forget ArcHop, the architectural-adoring cousin to ArtHop, happening at Broadway Studios. Should you need some additional tempting, there will be yummy treats from Charlotte's Bakery.

5. See four bands for five bucks. Tonight is Indie Tuesday at Starline, as promoters Love the Captive brings San Diego rock/funk band Four Kings to the stage. Locals bands Villiano Cotti, Violet Shore and Fallen Pilot are up on the bill too.