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Though usually broadcast from St. Paul, Minnesota, Garrison Keillor’s homespun radio show will be broadcast live from Abilene. The silly skits, the folk music, the Powdermilk Biscuit commericials, and, of course, the news from Lake Wobegone will be taped before a live audience. Oct 18 at 4:45. $25–$70. kacu.org

Oct 7–Jan 9: Apron Chronicles: A Patchwork of American Recollections—who would imagine that dusty, moth-eaten chef garments could be viewed as art? This traveling exhibit comprises two hundred vintage aprons, as well as photographs and text in story form, and looks beyond mere pieces of cloth to the women who donned them and the greater symbolism an apron represents. Thru Nov 30: Imaging Blackness, 1915–2002: Film Posters From the Indiana University Black Film Center/Archive—forty-three original film posters spanning nearly a century of independent cinema chronicle movies that both contradicted and reinforced racial stereotypes. Illustrative film clips and a lecture on black cinema by noted UCLA scholar Caroline Streeter round out the exhibit. Thru Dec 29: Sandria Hu: Smoke and Ash—Hu’s abstract collage and painting works, which she constructs from fragments of found objects, have been called “landscapes of the mind.” Open Tue & Wed 10–5, Thur 10–8, Fri & Sat 10–5. Gen adm $6; senior citizens, military & students with ID $4; children 4–12 $3, 3 & under and members free (Thur after 5 everybody free). thegracemuseum.org

Zebras and jaguars and giraffes, oh, my! More than five hundred animals—representing some two hundred species—make their home here, including two black rhinos, the newest residents. The addition of these young males is a special treat, not to mention a humbling reminder of the devastating effects of poaching, since fewer than four thousand are surviving today. Open daily 9–5. Gen adm $4, senior citizens $3, children 3–12 $2, 2 & under free. abilenetx.com

Housed in Shakelford County’s first permanent jail, the museum’s collection includes pre-Columbian and Asian art, as well as modern American and European works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, Amedeo Modigliani, and Henry Moore. Thru Jan 4: A Cell of One's Own: Denny Pickett—a Midland native, Pickett spent time in New York City before settling in the small farming community of Granger. As a painter, he has moved from total abstraction to expressionistic plein-air landscapes, which you can see here in the inaugural series in the OJAC's upper galleries; also, James Abbott McNeill Whistler: Realism in Print—assembled by a Beaumont physician, this collection of twenty etchings and three drypoint engravings represents a visual tour of several major Western European cities as seen through the eyes of the renowned nineteenth-century expatriate. Open Tue–Sat 10–5, Sun 2–5. Free. theoldjailartcenter.org

Oct 4: Liquid Skin; $8. Oct 10: Satisfaction; $15. Oct 11: Brown Betty; $6. Oct 15: Open Mike Nite; free. Oct 25: Rockland Eagles; $8. Oct 31: The Shades; $7. At 10. railroadblues.com

Named by early cowboys who happened upon a den of wildcats living under the bluff, this wilderness escape is just a few minutes from downtown Amarillo and features more than six hundred acres of rolling grasslands threaded with nature trails aplenty. Run through wildflowers popping up through tall grasses; spy on lizards, hawks, quails, and many other species of wildlife; and inspect the still-visible wagon ruts that date back to when the land was part of the historic Santa Fe Trail. Nature center open Tue–Sat 9–5. Trails open from sunrise to sunset. Gen adm $3, senior citizens & children 3–13 $2, 2 & under free. wildcatbluff.org

Annie Get Your Gun—Annie Oakley’s gun-toting, sharp-shooting skills come to life in this musical as she joins Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, falls in love, and learns the classic “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” Thru Oct 12. Thur at 7:30, Fri & Sat at 8, Sun at 2. $18–$20. theatrearlington.org

If your idea of paradise requires a rod, a reel, and a boat, then a trip to the fisheries center is a ticket to heaven. This 107-acre complex includes a visitors center; 300,000 gallons of aquaria; a freshwater fishery museum; a fishing Hall of Fame; a stocked casting pond, where visitors can fish for free with tackle and bait furnished; a wetlands trail; and a production fish hatchery. Thru Oct 22: Nikon Small World Photo Exhibit—view twenty winning microphotographs (that is, images taken with a microscope) from the Small World Photo Competition and discover a world too small to be seen with just the naked eye. Open Tue–Sat 9–4, Sun 1–4. Gen adm $5.50, senior citizens $4.50, children 4–12 $3.50, 3 & under free. tpwd.state.tx.us

Oct 3 & 4: The Music of ABBA featuring ARRVAL—oh, Mamma Mia! The only ABBA touring group with exclusive rights to the band’s original clothing and likeness is joining forces with the symphony to play all your favorite tunes, including “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “S.O.S.,” and many more. At 8. $27–$48. Oct 5: Halloween Children’s Concert—wearing costumes to this afternoon of holiday fun is strongly encouraged. Let the kids enjoy stimulating sights and musical musts such as Peter and the Wolf, Little Red Riding Hood, and the Wizard of Oz. At 2. Gen adm $12, children $8. Oct 17 & 18: Messiaen: L'Ascension. Schumann: Introduction and Allegro appassionato. Mendelssohn: Piano Concerto No 1 in G. Respighi: Vetrate di chiesa (Church Windows). Anton Nel, piano. Peter Bay, conductor. At 8. $19–$48. austinsymphony.org

Season Opener—the new season takes flight with the programming equivalent of a grand jeté: three works in one night. Take in a world premiere from artistic director Stephen Mills set to music by Philip Glass; Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs, which was made famous when Mikhail Baryshnikov danced the lead in 1984; and George Balanchine’s Episodes, a rare treat featuring the Suzanne Farrell Ballet. Oct 24–26. Fri & Sat at 8, Sun at 3. $27–$77. balletaustin.org

The Pro Arts Collective presents this performing arts festival featuring spoken word, hip-hop, theater, dance, and music. By inviting the new guard of creatives to present their latest offerings, BAM aims to be an incubator of artistic expression. Oct 3–12. Festival pass $60 ($50 adv by Oct 3); single-event tickets $20 ($15 adv). For schedule & locations call or go to bamaustin.org.

Oct 2 at 8: Jeff Dunham. Oct 3 at 8: Carlos Mencia. Oct 8 at 7: The Cheetah Girls. Oct 12 at 7:30: So You Think You Can Dance Tour 2008. Oct 15 at 8: Luis Miguel “Complices Tour 2008.” Oct 17 at 7: Gaither Homecoming “Lovin’ Life” Tour. Oct 20 at 7: Weezer with Angels & Airwaves and Tokyo Police Club. Oct 31 at 7:30: Carrie Underwood with Little Big Town. For prices call or go to uterwincenter.com.

Austin’s newest cultural gem—made up of the 2,400-seat Dell Hall and the 80- to-240-seat Rollins Studio Theater—presents its inaugural season. Oct 1: Patti Labelle—the MTV generation would do well to remember that it was Labelle, the original soulstress, who was singing the saucy hit “Lady Marmalade” long before Pink, Christina Aguilera, and Mya were even born. At 8. $69–$99. Oct 9: Revolution—a sweaty, sultry version of Riverdance, this ten-person ensemble merges Irish dance with tap dance and is backed by a rock band. The New York Daily News described the show as “one part Fred Astaire, one part Jimi Hendrix.” Beat that, Michael Flatley. At 8. $29–$49. Oct 19: 3 Mo' Divas—following in the footsteps of the acclaimed Three Mo’ Tenors, this musical journey celebrates the versatility of the female voice with some of the top performers in the world. At 7:30. $29–$49. For more performances, go to thelongcenter.org.

Oct 3: Yellowjackets with Mike Stern—the Grammy Award–winning band teams up with jazz titan Stern for an incredible collaboration that combines classic and contemporary jazz, fusion, and hints of R&B. At 7 & 9:30. $31–$71. Oct 4: James and the Giant Peach—only this contemporary classic could succeed in bringing together an orphaned boy, a giant peach, a singing centipede, and other entertaining insects to the delight of children everywhere. Relive the charming redemption tale with this stage adaptation of the popular book. At 11 & 1. $12. Oct 6: The Guess Who—they may have been the first Canadian rock group to have a number one hit in the U.S., but this quintet is best known for coining the likes of “American Woman,” “No Time,” and “These Eyes.” At 7 & 9:30. $56–$96. Oct 10: Keiko Matsui—this internationally acclaimed smooth jazz and new age composer/keyboardist has been named Billboard’s number one independent contemporary jazz artist. At 7 & 9:30. $31–$71. oneworldtheatre.org

Oct 13: The Cardinals featuring Ryan Adams—the alt-country crooner with the uncanny ability to make any hipster cry, is putting his solo-career on the back burner in support of his band, the Cardinals. At 8:30. $40.25–$45.25. Oct 14: The Magnetic Fields—led by frontman Steven Merritt, these talented musicians bring brooding power-pop, featuring banjo and cello, to new heights. At 8. $33.50–$36.50. Oct 25: Ray LaMontagne—on tour for his highly anticipated third album, Gossip in the Grain, this singer-songwriter has a truly unique voice and vision. At 8. $38.50 & $41.50. austintheatre.org.

Oct 3 at 7: Gary Allan; $28–$30. Oct 3 at 9:30: Ra Ra Riot with Walter Meego and the Morning Benders; $10–$12. Oct 4 at 7: Clutch with the Sword; $18. At 11:30: Dremnt the End; free with Clutch ticket or $8. Oct 5 at 7: Jaguares; $25. Oct 8 at 7: The President of the United States of America with the Black and White Years; $15–$17. Oct 9 at 9: Chris Collingwood of Fountains of Wayne; $12–$14. Oct 11 at 7: Cat Power with Appaloosa; $25. Oct 17 at 9: The Ars Supernova with Good Luck Academy, Naked Empire, and Under the Green; $10. Oct 18 at 7: Pepper with Supervillians and Passafire; $15–$17. Oct 24 at 6:30: Jason Mraz with Lisa Hannigan; $30–$33. Oct 25 at 7: Ben Folds with Missy Higgins; $35–$40. At 11:30: Smile Smile; free with Ben Folds ticket or $8–$10. Oct 27 at 8: Ingram Hill; $11–$13. Oct 29 at 7: Ozmatli Reunited with Chali 2na; $18–$20. Oct 29 at 10:30: Rose Hill Drive; $10–$12. Oct 30 at 7: TV on the Radio with the Dirtbombs; $20–$22. Oct 31 at 7: STS9; $22.50–$25. Oct 31 at 11:30: Murder by Death with J Roddy Walston & The Business, and William Elliott Whitmore; $13–$15. stubbsaustin.com

Oct 10 & 11 at 7: Widespread Panic; $40.50. Oct 12 at 7:30: The Roots and Gym Class Heroes with Estelle; $38. Oct 26 at 3: The Day The Music Stops—Willie Nelson, Ruthie Foster, Grupo Fantasma, Kelly Willis, the Gourds, Carolyn Wonderland, Nakia & His Southern Comfort, Lucky Tomblin Band, and Elizabeth Wills close the Backyard’s final season; $67–$357. thebackyard.net

Oct 2: Alexander McCall Smith—with more than sixty books under his belt, including short-story collections, a number of children's books, and the immensely popular No. 1 Ladies’s Detective Agency series, the author is sure to provide plenty of insight into the literary world. At 8. $31.50. Oct 4: Jungle Jack Hanna—now a household name, this animal whisperer arrives with many of his favorite four-legged friends, as well as incredible tales from his many travels. At 4 & 7:30. $19–$46.50. Oct 10: Turk Pipkin and Kinky Friedman: Two Gentlemen of Bologna—join these two local legends (and repeat outrageous offenders) as they present snippets from their satire-soaked magazine, editorial, and book excerpts. At 8. $31.50–$46.50. Oct 11: Dave Attell—with material best described as “very adult,” this caustic comedian was named one of the twenty-five funniest people in America by Entertainment Weekly. At 8. $39. Oct 12: Seussical—when chaos erupts in the whimsical Jungle of Nool, Dr. Seuss’s most lovable characters, including the Cat in the Hat and Horton the Elephant, must work together to restore harmony. Anything is possible and everything is exciting in this rhyming world. At 2 & 4:30. $15. Oct 24: Mo Rocca—just in time for the red-hot (or is that blue-hot?) elections, the comedian, known for his off-beat news reports on NPR and the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, casts a satirical eye on current events. At 8. $31.50–$67.50. austintheatre.org.

Thru Nov 2: RESET/PLAY—explore contemporary art inspired by video games. Artists such as Cory Areangel, Guthrie Lonergan, Kristin Lucas, and Eddo Stern probe the history and political and art-historical implications of electronic games. Open Tue, Wed & Fri 11–7; Thur 11–9; Sat 10–5; Sun 1–5. Free. arthousetexas.org

Thru May 30: All Systems Go—with gas prices soaring and global warming a hot-button issue, it makes sense to teach the youngest among us about public transportation. Whether it’s by bus, train, bicycle, car, or on foot, get your family to the museum to learn all about getting around. Open Tue–Sat 10–5, Sun noon–5. Gen adm $6.50, children 12–23 months $5.50, 11 months & under free (Wed 5–8 donate what you can; Sun 4–5 everybody free). austinkids.org

Oct 16: La Dolce Vita—this night of delicious decadence begs you to savor the good life as you roam the grounds of the museum’s lakeside oasis at Laguna Gloria, listen to live music, and sample fare from more than fifty of Austin’s most prestigious chefs. This year’s theme is Bacchus and the wily god would be delighted with the dozens of fine wines and the outdoor cigar/scotch lounge. At 6. $100. (Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th.) Thru Nov 2: Modern Art, Modern Lives: Then + Now—the merging of art and life is emphasized in this arrangement of paintings by some of the artists who guided modernism’s course. Reexamine the works of Paul Gauguin, Edouard Vuillard, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso, among others, and ponder where art ends and life begins; also, Where Are We Going?: Contemporary Artists Address the Issues of the 21st Century—a counterpart to Modern Art, Modern Lives, this exhibit features paintings, sculpture, photographs, prints, and videos (also culled from local collections) that probe the issues of our day. Thru Sep 27, 2009: Laguna Gloria Grounded—the twelve green acres of Laguna Gloria that overlook Lake Austin have inspired many to create art, and this exhibit has collected some of it; paintings, drawings, brass sculptures, watercolors, and photographs are on display in the villa of the recently renovated grounds (AMOA-Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th; museum open Tue–Sun 10–4; grounds open Mon–Sat 9–5, Sun 10–5; free, but $3 donation suggested). Open Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat 10–6; Thur 10–8; Sun noon–5. Gen adm $5, senior citizens & students $4 (everybody $1 on Tue), children 12 & under free; first Sat pay what you wish. amoa.org

Oct 4–Feb 22: WorkSpace: Marcelo Pombo—one of the greats to emerge from the nineties art scene in Argentina, Pombo is known for his use of industrial paint and sparkling polishes to create fantasy worlds that combine graphic design, comic culture, geometric abstraction, and surrealism. This exhibit features six new large-scale paintings. Oct 18–Mar 8: Alternate Worlds: The Visionary Artist in Texas—August 27 marked what would have been the hundreth birthday of the Reverend Johnny Swearingen (1908–1993), one of the most-lauded and inspired of Texas’s outsider artists. In celebration of his life’s work, the Blanton presents objects and works on paper from its own collection by Swearingen and other Texas artists with similar visions, including Eddie Arning, John Banks, Hector Alonzo Benevides, Carl Dixon, Peter Drgac, Mark Cole Greene, and Ike Morgan. Thru Jan 18: Reimagining Space: The Park Place Gallery Group in 1960’s New York—composed of five sculptors (Mark di Suvero, Peter Forakis, Robert Grosvenor, Anthony Magar, and Forrest Myers) and five painters (Dean Fleming, Tamara Melcher, David Novros, Edwin Ruda, and Leo Valledor), this group of artists made up a prominent cooperative gallery in sixties New York. But because they worked outside the predominant movements and philosophies of their day, they’ve rarely been acknowledged since. This exhibit serves to reacquaint viewers with their unique treatment of space and their active involvement with contemporary cultural issues; also, The New York Graphic Workshop, 1965–1970—founded by three young Latin American artists in New York with the goal of redefining printmaking, the NYGW was a crucial episode in the history of the American and Latin American Conceptual movement of the sixties and seventies. This exhibit features more than a hundred prints, drawings, and mixed-media works from the era. Open Tue–Fri 10–5, Sat 11–5, Sun 1–5 (every third Thur 10–9). Gen adm $7, senior citizens $5, students with ID & youths 13–21 $3, children 12 & under, UT staff, faculty, and students free (Thur everybody free). blantonmuseum.org

Oct 18–Jan 4: Cowboys and Presidents—with his strong accent, his swagger, and his choice phrases, President George W. Bush has honed an image not unlike that of the heroes of the American West. But presidential cowboy obsession dates all the way back to Theodore Roosevelt. This one-of-a-kind exhibit will explain the origin of the president-as-cowboy depiction and present many amusing artifacts, including Benjamin Harrison’s Longhorn chair; Theodore Roosevelt’s personal photo album of his ranch; Calvin Coolidge’s cowboy outfit and electric exercise horse; Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Roy Rogers spurs; Lyndon B. Johnson’s famed Stetson; Ronald Reagan’s cowboy boots, adorned with a map of Texas; Bill Clinton’s childhood drawings based on the film High Noon; and W’s own Saddle of Independence, given to him in memory of the 9/11 attacks. Open Mon–Sat 9–6, Sun noon–6. Gen adm $7; senior citizens, military & college students with ID $6; youths 5–18 $4; children 4 & under and museum members free. thestoryoftexas.com

Items in the permanent exhibit range from a Gutenberg Bible and the world's first photograph (taken in 1826) to Gertrude Stein's pen. The center also houses some thirty million literary manuscripts, including those by James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, and Tennessee Williams. Thru Jan 4: The Mystique of the Archive—both the archiving of our culture and the culture surrounding archives themselves are illustrated in this exhibit, which seeks to explain the aura of mystery and discovery of such treasures. Learn how collections are acquired, accounted for, catalogued, and preserved; also, A Cabinet of Drawings—in recognition of the medium used for both simple sketches and refined master works, the museum dipped deep into its extensive holdings to select these drawings created by internationally recognized artists, architects, designers, scientists, and literary greats. To highlight the versatility of this art form, the works will be presented in mini-exhibitions grouped by theme and artistic intent that will include preliminary drawings, designs, book illustration, illustrated letters, landscapes, and portraiture. Open Mon–Wed 10¬–5, Thur 10–7, Fri 10–5, Sat & Sun moon–5. Free. hrc.utexas.edu

Jul 20, 2009: To the Moon: The American Space Program in the 1960’s—as Senate majority leader, LBJ co-sponsored the legislation that created NASA. This exhibit honors the centennial of LBJ’s birth and takes a deeper look at the era of the space race. Open daily 9–5. Free. lbjlib.utexas.edu

Oct 17–Nov 5: Cryptozoology—like cryptozoology, which is the study and search of “hidden creatures” who fall outside of general zoological categories (think Sasquatch), Jeff Wilson’s photographs “subtly insinuate the existence of the mythological, mysterious, and unexplained in everyday life.” (Opening reception October 17 from 6 to 8.) Thru Oct 8: Layer by Layer: Revelation of Process—Randall Reid’s sculptural paintings and studio practice are at the center of this exhibition. Reid collaborates with designer Michelle Hays to reveal the artist’s inspiration and working process. Open Mon–Fri 9–5. Free. stedwards.edu

Screenwriters finally got a little respect from the general TV-addicted public when last year’s writers’ strike wreaked havoc on both boob-tube lineups and silver-screen offerings. But this festival has been celebrating the writers behind our favorite shows and movies for fifteen years now, and the momentum is cresting. Prepare yourself for eight days of screenings and panels with appearances from top writers, directors, producers, and other industry insiders, including Sam Shepard (this year’s Distinguished Screenwriter awardee) and Greg Daniels (winner of the Outstanding Television Writer award). With more than 190 films being shown around town, you’ll be able to more than make up for last year’s lost viewing time. Oct 16–23. Film pass $42–$95. For schedule & additional passes call or go to austinfilmfestival.com.

Let your inner geode shine at this three-day gem and mineral show as you peruse jewelry, beads, gemstones, fossils, and other goodies from more than thirty vendors. When you tire of browsing, check out the mineral collections from members of the Austin Gem and Mineral Society, a touch table of rocks and fossils, and a fluorescent display of rocks that glow in the dark. Kids can inspire their inner jeweler or geologist with a jewelry-crafting table, a wheel of fortune, and a gem mine. Oct 24–26. Fri 9–5, Sat 10–6, Sun 10–5. Gen adm $5, senior citizens $4, youths 13–18 $1, children 12 & under 50 cents. gemcapers.com

At the Texas Photographic Society's annual three-day symposium, photography enthusiasts can attend gallery shows, place their bids in an auction of high quality photographic art, and participate in workshops taught by industry insiders. Oct 17–19. Auction XIV: Fri from 6 to 8:30; Davis Gallery, 837 W. 12th; 512-477-4929. Workshop 24: Sat & Sun. Call or go to texasphoto.org for schedule, prices & locations.

This Sustainable Food Center project features fresh, locally grown produce and flowers, eco-friendly products, occasional chef demonstrations, children’s activities, and live music, now at two locations. Open Sat 9–1 (Republic Square, 4th & Guadalupe) & Wed 4–8 (Triangle Park, 46th between Guadalupe & Lamar). Free. austinfarmersmarket.org

Austin’s oldest building on its original site and the Republic of Texas’s only foreign diplomatic outpost, the legation was built in 1841 for French charge d’affaires Alphonse Dubois de Saligny. Open Tue–Sun 1–5 (last tour at 4). Gen adm $5, senior citizens $3, students & teachers $2. frenchlegationmuseum.org

The center’s expansive grounds feature courtyards and landscaped gardens showcasing native Texas plants. Oct 18 & 19: Fall Plant Sale and Gardening Festival—get your hands dirty as you check out the unparalleled selection of native wildflowers, trees, shrubs, and “chance of a lifetime” heritage seedlings from the magnificent trees at the LBJ Ranch. Expert gardeners will also be on hand to share trade secrets. (From 9 to 5.) Oct 18–Dec 14: Linda Calvert Jacobson—this Central Texas wildflower artist’s bright paintings put a splash of spring into the fall air. Oct 26: Goblins in the Garden—the gardens become a haunted land of spooky fun for Halloween. Join in the fun with a not-so-scary Scarecrow exhibit, a Punkin Patch, free treats, and prize drawings. (From 4 to 7. Gen adm $7, senior citizens $6, children 5–12 $3, 4 & under free.) Thru Oct 12: Bruce Tinch Art and Photography Exhibit—Caddo Lake, Lady Bird Johnson’s childhood playground, comes alive in the renowned artist’s brushstrokes and photographic images. Open Tue–Sat 9–5:30, Sun noon–5:30. Gen adm $7; senior citizens & students $6; children 5–12 $3; 4 & under and Wildflower Center members free. wildflower.org

The statehouse, dedicated in 1888, was completely restored in 1994. Open Mon–Fri 7 a.m. –10 p.m., Sat & Sun 9–8. Free tours Mon–Fri 8:30–4:30, Sat 9:30–3:30, Sun noon–4 (call ahead for groups of 10 or more).

The Capitol Visitors Center (11th & Brazos, 512-305-8400), located in the 1856 General Land Office Building, houses historical exhibits. Open Mon–Sat 9–5, Sun noon–5. Free.

Thru Nov 30: DinoLand—something big is coming to Austin. Visitors are invited to come face-to-face with thirty lifelike dinos of every shape and size, from the 33-foot-long Daspletosaur (a cousin to the T. rex) to a herd of tiny Compsognathus carnivores, all created by Guy Darrough, a paleontologist who runs Lost World Studios. These formidable creatures will take up temporary residence in the Hartman Prehistoric Gardens, a two-acre habitat with cretaceous plants, gar-filled streams, live reptiles, dragonflies, and butterflies that was created after dinosaur tracks were discovered on the site in 2002. Open daily from 10 to 5. Gen adm $5, children 3–13 $3, 2 & under free. zilkergarden.org

DUE TO HURRICANE IKE, THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Thru Oct 5: Things With Wings—every summer, the museum examines portions of its permanent collection by highlighting different points of view. This year’s theme explores how artists use things with wings in their works of art, which have been divided here into six categories: the bird as main subject, birds with people, the crow, winged creatures in decorative arts, birds in surrealism, and winged things as metaphors. Thru Nov 2: Out of the Darkness—ten paintings by the artist Calvin Carter make their debut at AMSET. His artworks, which largely focus on Southern symbolism, reflect on growing up with a Catholic father and a Baptist mother who raised him nondenominationally and stressed Christian morals and beliefs. Ongoing: Somethin’ Out of Nothin’: Felix “Fox” Harris—for more than twenty years, the self-taught artist from Beaumont crafted totem-like sculptures made of recycled materials that he displayed in his yard. His original homesite is recreated here with this permanent installation of 26 of his totems and two mural-size photos by renowned photographer Keith Carter. Open Mon–Fri 9–5, Sat 10–5, Sun noon–5. Free; $2 donation suggested. amset.org

PLEASE CALL AHEAD BEFORE VISITING. The oil industry is integral to the life, business, history, and myth of Texas, and this museum tells the state’s unique story of having access to ample petroleum and other energy sources through interactive exhibits and special events. Open Tue–Sat 9–5, Sun 1–5. Gen adm $2, senior citizens & children 6–12 $1, 5 & under free. texasenergymuseum.org

Thru Oct 18: Edward S. Curtis: Plains Indians—while compiling one of the most profound collections of American Indian culture ever amassed, the artist studied more than eighty Indian tribes living west of the Mississippi River. A hundred of the pieces, which depict the intricacies of American Indian life, are on view in this exhibit. Open Tue–Sat noon–5. Free. bellcountymuseum.org

Roam the trails of this hundred-acre preserve and observe four distinct ecosystems (riparian forest, live oak savannah, tall-grass prairie, and spring-fed marsh). Nature Center open Mon–Fri 9–5, Sat 9–1. Trails open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk. Free. cibolo.org

Vintage Base Ball—playing the game as it was meant to be played (wearing nineteenth-century-style knickers and using 1860’s rules), Texas teams go head-to-head. Oct 5. Call for time & prices. buffalogap.com & vbbtexas.org

The deep limestone recesses of this show cave (one of seven in the state), which were etched out by underground streams millions of years ago, aren’t too claustrophobic and are a sublime 68 degrees or so year-round. Learn all about the cavern’s natural formations on the ninety-minute daily tour, or—if you’re brave enough—reserve a spot for the more exclusive Wild Cave Tour. And don’t miss the Simple Sounds concert series, which fills the hollows with the unplugged acoustics of Texas-based musicians (Oct 18: Sharon Bousque. Oct 25: The Lonesome Heroes). For tour schedule & prices go to longhorncaverns.com.

The town’s population can swell from 3,500 to an estimated 300,000 when more than 5,000 dealers migrate to Canton to hawk their wares, which range from vintage postcards to jars of pickled figs to exquisite antique brooches. Though Monday has evolved into a misnomer over the bazaar’s 150-year history—once held on Monday, it’s now held from Thursday through Sunday—the methods of the savviest shoppers have always remained the same: Go early, wear sensible shoes, bring cash, and learn how to bargain! Free; parking $3-$5. Held the Thur–Sun preceding the first Monday of every month from 8 to 6. firstmondaycanton.com

Oct 11–Feb 15: Don Ray Retrospective—the artist, whose work has been featured in a number of publications, depicts Western landscapes, the Civil War, and historical events that happened in the Panhandle Plains region. The exhibit spans his entire career from the late fifties through 2006, and includes works in oil, watercolor, and bronze. Oct 18–Mar 1: The Santa Fe Collection—these sixty contemporary Navajo textiles, which date from 1971 to 1996 and are noted for their bold colors and intricate designs, were donated by an anonymous couple. Thru Jan 4: Studer and Johnston: Treasures of the Panhandle—both C. Stewart Johnston and Floyd Studer helped to further the field of archeology; Johnston made many significant finds in the Panhandle, and Studer, an amateur archeologist who was a charter member of the PPHM, donated his noteworthy collection to the museum. Thru Mar 29: Telling Stories, Connecting Lives: PPHM Celebrates 75 Years—this special showcase highlights past exhibits, examines how artifacts connect people to the environment around them, and honors the role the PPHM has played in providing this connection. Open Mon–Sat 9–5, Sun 1–6. Gen adm $10, senior citizens $9, children 4–12 $5, 3 & under free. panhandleplains.org

What was once a nondescript valley filled with mesquite and oak trees is now a stunning mile-and-a-half-long gorge. Carved out by a powerful surge during the 2002 flood, the insta-gorge is one of the state’s hottest ecotourism destinations and is now open to the public via weekly guided expeditions. But there’s a waiting list for the three-hour jaunt, so sign up now. Tours every Saturday; reservations required. $10. canyongorge.org

The refurbished core exhibit, which focuses on George H. W. Bush’s biography and presidential legacy, includes audio tours; a replica of the White House Situation Room with a special exhibit on the Gulf War; and a mock-up of the Oval Office, where visitors can have their photos taken while seated behind the president’s desk. Thru Aug 23: Beyond the Moon: NASA’s Continuing Mission—from mankind’s early fascination with the heavens to the first walk on the moon, the museum, in partnership with the Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston, continues the story with large-scale models of Apollo, the Skylab, a space shuttle, and the International Space Station, as well as a shuttle simulator, original shuttle equipment, and interactive programs. Open Mon–Sat 9:30–5, Sun noon–5. Gen adm $7, senior citizens & military $6, youths 6–17 & college students with ID $3, TAMU and Blinn students free with ID, children 5 & under free. bushlibrary.tamu.edu

He's no longer a Red-Headed Stranger (more like a White-Headed Comrade), but the Braided One still has a vocal trick or two up his sleeve. Oct 30 at 7:30. $24.50–$54.50. americanbankcenter.com

Real Women Have Curves—body image, self-acceptance, and exploring one’s values are the issues on tap in this play about an immigrant family’s experiences in America. (Speaking of, the 2002 film version made actress America Ferrera a familiar face.) Oct 3–26. Fri & Sat at 8 (Oct 19 & 26 at 2). Gen adm $13, senior citizens & military $11, children $6. harborplayhouse.com

The stand-up comedian/ventriloquist has an array of not-so-politically-correct puppets—a talking jalapeño on a stick, a dead terrorist—and a shtick that makes audiences squirm with laughter. Oct 17 at 8. $43. americanbankcenter.com

Thru Nov 15: Ansel Adams: The Man Who Captured the Earth’s Beauty—perhaps no other photographer is as synonymous with nature as Adams is. His images have captured the unbridled freedom and limitlessness of the wilderness, which you can see in the 25 black and white, richly detailed framed photographs assembled here. Thru Dec 31: Superficial: An Exploration of the Surface of a Painting—these eighteen paintings by local and national artists (including Benito Huerta, Frank Stella, and Sydney Yeager) utilize unexpected materials and use traditional materials in novel ways. Thru Jan 4: Focus on Photography—a complement to the Ansel Adams exhibit, this showcase of works from the AMST's permanent collection includes images by Barbra Riley, Mary Lee Edwards, Keith Carter, Kate Breakey, and Cole Weston, to name a few. Open Tue–Sat 10–5, Sun 1–5. Gen adm $6, senior citizens & active military $4, students $2, children 12 & under free. stia.org

In almost fifty years the CCM has accumulated more than 87,000 artifacts and 40,000 photographs with a unique focus on the cultural and natural history of South Texas. Open Tue–Sat 10–5, Sun noon–5. Gen adm $11.50, senior citizens & military with ID $9, children 5–12 $6, 4 & under free (Sat children 12 & under free until noon). ccmuseum.com

Thru Jun: Texas Women, Texas Waves—all too often cast aside or labeled as “bikini chicks,” female surfers are the focus of this exhibit. Open Mon–Thur 10–7, Fri & Sat 10–10, Sun 11–5. Free. texassurfmuseum.com

The 180-acre center features nine floral exhibits, plus trails, birding overlooks, and boardwalks that will take you through vast areas of protected natural wetland and native habitat. Open Mon–Sun 9–5. Gen adm $5; senior citizens, military & students with ID $4; children 5–12 $2; 4 & under and members free. stxbot.org

Visitors can view two Atlantic bottlenose dolphins housed in a 400,000-gallon lagoon, plus river otters, stingrays, and anacondas. And now you can watch as hawks, owls, falcons, and parrots swoop and soar in the newly opened Hawn Wild Flight Theater. The aquarium also presents Tortuga Cay, a brand-new, naturalistic lagoon and sanctuary for sea turtles. Watch rare species, including Kemp’s ridley, hawksbill, and green turtles, through viewing areas both above and below the water. Open daily 9–6. Gen adm $14.95, senior citizens & military $13.50, children 3–12 $9.95, 2 & under free. Parking $4 texasstateaquarium.org

Oct 11 at 5; 2008 Tour of Gymnastics Superstars. Oct 12 at 7:30: A Night of Hope with Joel and Victoria Osteen. Oct 16 at 8: Neil Diamond. Oct 19 at 8: New Kids on the Block. Oct 22 at 7:30: Janet Jackson. Oct 24 at 8: Vicente Fernandez. Oct 26 at 7: Tina Turner. For prices call or go to americanairlinescenter.com.

Oct 1 & 2: Kenny G—the curly-headed saxophonist performs his smooth jazz alongside the symphony. At 8. $35–$100. Oct 3 & 4: Michael McDonald—a former member of legendary groups Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, McDonald is also the king of easy listening. At 8. $33–$110. Oct 9–12: Sibelius: Violin Concerto. Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D. Stravinsky: Scherzo á la russe. Strauss: Ein Heldenleben. Karen Gomyo, violin. Vasily Petrenko, conductor. Thur & Sat at 8, Fri at 7:30, Sun at 2:30. $17–$110. Oct 18: Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons—catch the real Jersey Boys as they perform such indelible classics as “Big Girls Don't Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Rag Doll,” and “Can't Take My Eyes Off You.” At 8. $40–$115. Oct 23–25: Brahms: Violin Concerto. Christopher Rouse: Symphony No 2. Wagner: Siegfried Idyll. Midori, violin. Carlos Kalmar, conductor. At 8. $22–$115. Oct 26: Family Concert Series: Thrilling Halloween Adventures—don your spookiest garb as a treasure-seeking emcee narrates a thrilling journey set to music from Raiders of the Lost Ark, Phantom of the Opera, Night on Bald Mountain, El Amor Brujo, Symphonie fantastique, and other symphonic masterpieces. At 2:30. $16–$42. Oct 27 & 28: Tony Bennett—the octogenarian crooner pours out his soulful, swinging pop. At 8. $45–$196. Oct 31–Nov 2: The Magical Music of Walt Disney—tunes from some of Disney’s greatest films, including the Lion King, Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, and Tarzan, get the classical treatment as original artwork is projected on the big screen for a truly enchanting night. Fri & Sat at 8, Sun at 2:30. $35–$105. dallassymphony.com

Oct 3 at 7: New Riders of the Purple Sage and Jones. Oct 4 at 8: Roky Erickson, the Black Angels, and Dove Hunter. Oct 5 at 8: Yngwie Malmsteem and ANJ. Oct 8 at 8: Great White. Oct 9 at 7: Johnny A. Oct 10 at 8: Eleven Hundred Springs, Doug Moreland, and Mama Sweet. Oct 10 at 8: Scott McCurry and nelo. Oct 11 at 8: Dave Mason. Oct 16 at 9: Devin the Dude and Coughee Brothaz. Oct 17 at 9: Outformation and Jonathan Taylor & the Northern Lights. Oct 18 at 7: James McMurtry and Mando Saenz. Oct 22 at 7: Butthole Surfers. Oct 23 at 8: Cas Haley, the Campaign, and Dubconscious. Oct 25 at 8: Ian Moore, Salim Nourallah, and the Lifters. Oct 26 at 7: Sarah Bettens and Carrie Rodriguez. Oct 28 at 8: Horrorpops and 7 Shot Screamers. Oct 29 at 8: Railroad Earth. Oct 30 at 8: Bleu Edmondson and Adam Hood. For prices call or go to granadatheater.com.

In her one-hundred-minute “concert poem,” as she calls it, avant-garde performance artist Laurie Anderson hits on several “taboo subjects” stewing in many minds these days: the Iraq war, the corrosion of freedoms, the emptiness of consumer culture. Standing behind a keyboard on a votive-strewn stage, she presents her uncensored commentary with the backing of two singers and a chamber-rock ensemble (bass guitarist, cellist, violist, drummer). For full write-up see In the Chute. Oct 12 at 8. Call for prices. laurieanderson.com and titas.org

Oct 1: Cowboy Mouth. Oct 2: The Kooks with the Whigs. Oct 3: Super Diamond. Oct 4: Jaguares. Oct 5: The Music of Abba. Oct 7: Yelle. Oct 8: The Academy Is… with We the Kings, Carolina Liar, and Hey Monday. Oct 9: Citizen Cope Solo Acoustic Performance. Oct 10: The Presidents of the United States of America with the Black & White Years. Oct 11: Ghostland Observatory. Oct 11: The Walkmen with the Little Ones. Oct 12: Dave Attell. Oct 15: Opeth with High on Fire and Baroness. Oct 16: Hotel Café Tour with Ingrid Michaelson, Meiko, Priscilla Ahn, Erin McCarley, and Brooke Fraser. Oct 17: Pepper with Passafire and Supervillians. Oct 18: The Rocket Summer with Phantom Planet, the Secret Handshake, and the Morning Light. Oct 20: Unearth with Protest the Hero, the Acacia Strain, Gwen Stacy, and White Chapel. Oct 20: Mike Relm with the Sideshow. Oct 22: Sara Bareilles with Marc Broussard and Raining Jane. Oct 23: All Time Low with Mayday Parade and the Maine. Oct 24: Matt Nathanson with Jesse Baylin. Oct 24: MSTRKRFT with LA Riots and Felix Cartel. Oct 25: Rick Springfield. Oct 26: Thievery Corporation. Oct 28: Dar Williams with Shawn Mullins. Oct 29: Silverstein and Chiodos with Escape the Fate. Oct 30: GALACTIC feat. Shamarr Allen and Corey Henry. Oct 31: Los Lonely Boys with Alejandro Escovedo. For times & prices call or go to hob.com/dallas.

Oct 10 at 7:30: So You Think You Can Dance; $35–$54.50. Oct 11 at 8:30: The Cardinals featuring Ryan Adams; $25–$35. Oct 16 at 8: Luis Miguel; $45–$125. Oct 22 at 7:30: America’s Best Dance Crew Live; $34.50–$54.50. Oct 23 at 8: Jason Mraz with Lisa Hannigan; $29.50–$40. Oct 24 at 8: R.E.M. with Old 97’s; $69.50–$119.50. Oct 25 at 8: Alanis Morissette ; $35–$65. Oct 26 at 7:30: Randy Travis; $49.50–$69.50. Oct 29 at 7:30: Jackson Browne; $35–$66. Oct 30 at 7:30: Carrie Underwood with Little Big Town; $35–$55. nokiatheatredfw.com

Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse—the feisty and impulsive “Queen of Everything” is back with more amazing exploits. Thru Oct 26. Call for times. $12–$22. dct.org

The Color Purple—the musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel tells the story of Celie and her unforgettable and inspiring journey to triumph over adversity as set to the soothing and soulful sounds of gospel, jazz, pop, and the blues. Thru Oct 19. $25–$77. dallassummermusicals.org and colorpurple.com

Neil Young’s Greendale—following in the grand tradition of the rock opera, Neil Young released Greendale in 2003; now Undermain Theatre presents its stage adaptation, performed with a live band and sung by an ensemble cast. If you’re expecting the over-the-top psychedelic themes in Tommy, The Wall, or the infamous Kilroy Was Here, you might want to stay at home with your Netflix queue. Young refers to his most recent opus as more of a “musical novel” that follows the lives of three generations of the Green family as they explore themes ranging from mass-media consolidation to environmentalism. Thru Oct 4. Wed & Thur at 7:30, Fri & Sat at 8:15. Wed & Thur $15, Fri $20, Sat $25. undermain.org

Oct 24–Nov 29: Shadow & Light—this two-artist show features the noir paintings of Kennery Mencher and the metal sculptures of Etty Horowitz. Mencher’s tableaux of figures in enigmatic circumstances leave the viewer to continue the stories that the protagonists are playing out. Horowitz, originally from Israel, uses aluminum, wire, and other materials to create kinetic, three-dimensional images that confront the conflicts of existence. Thru Oct 18: Art As Essence—Lakewood artist Terrie Meider is featured in this exhibit that examines her hand-drawn mandalas, which she creates while seated at a portable nineteenth-century artist’s desk. Open Wed–Sat 11–4 & by appt. Free. dahliawoodsgallery.com

Oct 3–May 17: Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs—this lavish showcase of 130-plus antiquities first opened stateside in 2005, but now the boy king’s bling is back for an encore. There are some cool, older-than-Moses pieces to ogle, many plucked from the young ruler’s tomb—like his dazzling diadem and the golden dagger that lay atop his mummified body. You’ll see a trove of personal items too, such as his child-size throne (he was only nine or so when he came to power), an elaborately decorated mirror, and even a fancy dog collar (pharaohs: they’re just like us!). For full write-up see In the Chute. (Mon–Thur: gen adm $27.50, senior citizens & college students $24.50, youths 6–17 $16.50, museum members $22.50, children 5 & under free. Fri–Sun & holidays: gen adm $32.50, senior citizens & college students $29.50, youths 6–17 $16.50, museum members $22.50, children 5 & under free.) Thru May 17: Opening Tutankhamen’s Tomb: The Harry Burton Photographs—follow up the Tutankhamen exhibit with a peek at forty of Burton’s photographs, which chronicle the discovery of King Tut’s untouched tomb. Open Tue & Wed 11–5, Thur 11–9, Fri–Sun 11–5. Gen adm $10, senior citizens $7, students with ID $5, children 11 & under free (Thur 5–9 & first Tue of every month everybody free). dallasmuseumofart.org

Oct 9–Nov 11: It's a Mad, Mad World—"I've been trying to hold on to some sort of order in this crazy world of crumbling systems and changing paradigms," says artist James Gasowski. If you can relate—and really, who doesn't?—then you'll want to contemplate life while staring at his paintings, which employ a calligraphic mark-making. Thru Oct 5: Shine + Burn—inspired by each other’s work, Jennifer Chenoweth and Todd Campbell (who are a couple) have pooled their talents to present this exhibition of their collaborative works. Her paintings, which reveal hard-to-pin down concepts of the spiritual and sensual, complement his contemporary metalwork and sculpture pieces. Open Thur–Sat 11–3 & 6–9, Sun noon–4. Free. decorazongallery.com

Oct 25–Jan 31: Sarah Lucas—defiant. Playfully symbolic. Comically blatant. Bawdy. Lucas's work is all of these. She satirizes the stereotype of the macho male in Little Man Big Willy, questions what a female artist should look like in Self-Portrait with Skull, and addresses anatomical differences in Untitled (couple), which makes use of a raw chicken and a large sausage. A leading figure of the Young British Artists, Lucas is provocative, to say the least. Open Tue–Fri 10–6, Sat 11–4. Free. gossmichaelfoundation.org

Thru Oct 10: Laray Polk: Gaza Zoo—originally designed as a book, Polk’s Zoo has been ten years in the making. Forty large-scale digital prints of the original pages, which feature politically charged text and images influenced by current events, will be installed here; also, Simeen Ishaque: Words Without Voices, Forms Without Bodies—this Pakistani artist combines poems written in Urdu with female forms created with scarves and veils to reveal Westerners’ simplified perspectives of her native culture; also, Sasha Dela: Natural Commodity—using sculpture, installation, video, and digital photography, Dela draws visitors into an intimate space and challenges them to question the ecological impact of social and urban development. Open Wed–Sat 11–9. Free. the-mac.org

Thru Dec 2: From Manet to Miro—featuring 65 drawings by some of the most important artist of the last two centuries, this exhibit spans the history of modern and contemporary drawing from Francisco Goya to Lucien Freud. And it’s the first time this incredible collection has been shown in the U.S. Open Tue–Sat 10–5, Thur 10–8, Sun noon–5. Gen adm $8, SMU students, faculty & staff, and children 12 & under free (Thur 5–8 everybody free). meadowsmuseumdallas.org

The result of the 2006 merging of the Dallas Museum of Science and History (established in 1936), the Science Place (established in 1946), and the Dallas Children’s Museum (established in 1995), the MNS occupies three structures in Fair Park: the Nature Building, which houses hundreds of artifacts and mammal specimens; the Science Building, where you’ll find more than two hundred hands-on exhibits (everything from the Dental Gallery to the Little Urban Farm); and the city’s only public planetarium. The newest permanent gallery, Your Incredible Body, is an interactive exploration of why and how our body does what it does, from sneezing and sweating to digesting food and thinking. Open Mon–Sat 10–5, Sun noon–5. Gen adm $8.75; youths 12–18, students & senior citizens $7.75; children 3–11 $5.50; 2 & under free. natureandscience.org

Thru Jan 4: In Pursuit of the Masters: Stories From the Raymond and Patsy Nasher Collection—to mark the center’s fifth anniversary and to honor its late patrons, the Nasher presents this comprehensive exhibit of the couple’s collecting philosophy, which features several of their never-before-seen masterpieces. Open Tue & Wed 11–5, Thur 11–9, Fri–Sun 11–5. Gen adm $10, senior citizens $7, students $5, children 12 & under and museum members free. nashersculpturecenter.org

Thru Oct 11: Ronald Morán—the artist, who hails from El Salvador, will be creating a site-specific installation for this solo show of his paintings, which often depict domestic objects or objects of violence . Open Tue–Sat 10–5:30. Free. panamericanart.com

The museum, located in the former Texas School Book Depository, chronicles the life and death of President John F Kennedy. Cameras that recorded the events at Dealey Plaza on Nov 22, 1963, are on permanent display. Thru Oct 19: Filming Kennedy: Home Movies From Dallas—see footage from eleven amateur filmmakers—a mail carrier, a psychologist, and an air conditioning mechanic among them—who captured JFK's arrival in Dallas and his motorcade through downtown. Some of the clips have never been seen before and all serve as enduring visual accounts of that day. Also on view are silent moving images of the president, from his 1960 campaign through his funeral on November 25, 1963. Open Mon noon–6, Tue–Sun 10–6. Gen adm $13.50, senior citizens & youths 6–18 $12.50, children 5 & under free. jfk.org