This week’s 5 best bets in downtown Las Vegas

Writer’s Block

Listen to a reading and participate in a discussion with Parag Khanna, the author of “Connectivity: Mapping the Future of Global Civilization,” 6 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Writer’s Block. Return to the book shop, 1020 Fremont St., on Thursday for a discussion of the book “All the Pretty Horses” paired with whiskey.

Bunkhouse

Watch the Pet Tigers, Machine and The Real Ulysses for $5 at the Bunkhouse Saloon, 124 11th St., at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Backstage Bar

Vyces and Valor & Vengance take the stage Saturday at Backstage Bar & Billiards, 601 Fremont St. Doors to the free show open at 8 p.m.

Artifice

Scarlet, the longest-running classic goth event in Las Vegas, returns to Artifice, 1025 First St., at 10 p.m. Saturday. There’s no cover for the evening, which includes performances by DJ Style and Morpheus Blak.

Oddfellows

Get your karaoke on Tuesday at Oddfellows, 150 Las Vegas Blvd. North, for free. Come back Thursday, when a portion of drink sales will be contributed to the Human Rights campaign.