Rock your socks off.

DROOL
Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery
What: Autumn Martin’s hotly anticipated dessert shop opens its Ballard doors just in time for holiday snacking.
Why: Her molten cakes-in-jars are baked to order, and did we mention the Blue Bird ice cream and grilled chocolate sandwiches?
When: Mon.-Thurs., 4-10 p.m.; Fri., 4-11 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun., 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: 5427 Ballard Ave. NW (206-420-3431).

MARVEL
Tutankhamun: the Golden King and the Great Pharaohs
What: More than 100 artifacts from the boy king’s tomb and ancient Egyptian sites.
Why: Get inspired by Tut’s shiny sandals, coffinettes, funerary masks, and other ornate relics.
When: Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Pacific Science Center, 200 2nd Ave. N. (206-443-2001).

LISTEN
Colum McCann
What: The award-winning Irish author discusses his last novel, Let the Great World Spin, which takes place in 1974 on the morning of Phillip Petit’s high-wire stunt between the World Trade Center towers.
Why: Stories of ordinary lives trump the balancing act.
When: Tonight, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Benaroya Hall, 200 University St. (206-621-2230).

WANDER
Northwest Folklife Festival
What: A multicultural celebration of eating, drinking, music (bluegrass, Balkan), and dance (Turkish folk, Hawaiian, Bollywood).
Why: Folk, Redefined brings together the area’s best emerging indie artists.
When: Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Mon., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St. (206-684-7200).

Photo: Absalom Shantz / Courtesy of Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery