Wednesday | Oct. 3

PUDDLE OF MUDD
Lowdown: Hard-rocking band that hit it big with “Control” and “Blurry” brings it to S.A. for a one-night show. Puddle of Mudd's latest single, “Famous,” basically describes the band's status about five years ago. Now? Not so much.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Lonestar Pavilion, Sunset Station, 1174 E. Commerce St.
How much: $25 advance, $28 door
Info: sunset-station.com, ticketmaster.com, (210) 224-9600

‘HELVETICA' FILM
Lowdown: You use it all the time — now learn how the font Helvetica was introduced 50 years ago and (insert maniacal laugh here) took over the world, dominating logos, signs and art. Director Gary Hustwit, who brought this 2007 feature-length independent film to the screen, will be on hand to take questions.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: McAllister Auditorium, San Antonio College, 1400 San Pedro Ave.
How much: $4 or free with San Antonio College student ID
Info: helveticafilm.com or (210) 785-6074

Thursday | Oct. 4

FIBER ARTISTS' EXHIBIT
Lowdown: Art isn't just stuff you look at on the wall — though fiber art can be that, too. Check out the fuzzy, funky, pretty, puffy, smooth and scratchy work of fiber artists at this annual juried exhibition.
When: 6-9 p.m. opening reception Thursday, Oct. 4. On view noon-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday through Oct. 31
Where: Gallery Nord, 2009 N.W. Military Hwy.
How much: Free
Info: fiberartistsofsanantonio.org or (210) 348-0088

Friday | Oct. 5

MUSIC AND WINE FEST
Lowdown: The quaint town of Gruene rolls out the welcome mat for this three-day live music, Texas wine and primo shopping extravaganza. And with every drink, you can toast to the charities that are being helped by your revelry.
When: Friday, Oct. 5, through Sunday, Oct. 9
Where: Gruene Hall and The Grapevine, Gruene
How much: Prices vary
Info: gruenemusicandwinefest.org or (830) 629-5077
 
FIRST FRIDAY READING
Lowdown: Take a break from all that shopping! Get in the AC, grab a seat, close your eyes and listen to poet David Ray Vance and journalist Joe Nick Patoski read from their works at this First Friday event.
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Gemini Ink, 513 S. Presa
How much: Free
Info: geminiink.org or (210) 734-9673

‘THE HEARTBREAK KID'
Lowdown: Ben Stiller and the Farrelly Brothers bring their unique brand of puerile potty humor to the romantic comedy genre. Think “Something About Mary” meets “Wedding Crashers.” At least we hope so.
When: Opens Friday, Oct. 5
Where: See movie listings
Info: heartbreak kidmovie.com

Saturday | Oct. 6

OKTOBERFEST
Lowdown: Pull up your lederhosen and pull out the beer stein — it's time to celebrate Oktoberfest, Southtown Style.
When: Music starts at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, and Sunday, Oct. 7; also Oct. 13-14.
Where: Beethoven's Männerchor, 422 Pereida St.
How much: $5
Info: (210) 222-1521 or beethovenmaennerchor.com/%oktoberfest.htm

ANNUAL FALL FEST
Lowdown: Local nature experts will be on hand at the Medina River Annual Fall Fest, where nature lovers can hike around the 364-acre park or get up close and personal with bugs and snakes.
When: 9 a.m.-noon
Where: Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Highway 16 South
How much: $3, individuals; $5, families suggested donation
Info: sanaturalareas.org or (210) 624-2575

ART SHOW AND FESTIVAL
Lowdown: Check out the offerings at more than 150 booths featuring local and national artists while jamming out to live music and chowing down on street food at the River Art Group Show and Festival. Like Fiesta but not as hot (or as crowded).
When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7
Where: Villita Street, La Villita Art Village
How much: Free
Info: riverartgroup.com/festival or (210) 226-8752

Sunday | Oct. 7

LARRY THE CABLE GUY
Lowdown: He's the chubby one that says “Git 'r done,” not the funny “Tater” guy, the annoying “You might be a redneck if ..... ” guy or the other one nobody can remember.
When:
7:30 p.m.
Where: AT&T Center
How much: $42.40
Info: larrythe cableguy.com, ticketmaster.com, (210) 224-9600

‘LIFE IS WILD'
Lowdown: A veterinarian uproots his blended family from New York to South Africa to run a game reserve in this new CW show. Needless to say, his kids and stepkids aren't happy. Sounds like “The Brady Bunch” meets “Survivor: Africa.”
When: 7 p.m.
Where: The CW
How much: Free
Info: cwtv.com

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
Lowdown: Give your pets a little spiritual boost and get them blessed in honor of St. Francis' Day. All pets (fish, birds, snakes, boyfriends) welcome — as long as they're either caged or leashed. Or fishbowled. A photographer will chronicle the happy occasion, and a veterinarian will be on hand to answer your questions. One for the scrapbooks!
When: 4 p.m.
Where: Episcopal Church of Reconciliation, 8900 Starcrest
How much: Free
Info: (210) 655-2731

Monday | Oct. 8

‘A ROOM WITH A CUE'
Lowdown: Ever wondered what those voodoo dolls on your girlfriend's dresser mean? Or why your cubicle mate sorts his paperclips by size? Or why the hot dude on Facebook insists on using a blue font? Learn the secret art of decoding rooms and more at “A Room With a Cue: Personality Impressions Based on Bedrooms, Offices, Web Pages, Music Collections, and Facebook Profiles.”
When: 4 p.m.
Where: Science Lecture Hall, Trinity University, 1 Trinity Place
How much: Free
Info: trinity.edu or call (210) 999-8323

Tuesday | Oct. 9

ROCK AND ROLL JESUS
Lowdown: Feeling trashy? How about white trashy? Turn it up with the latest Kid Rock album. Open a Natural Light or PBR on the back porch, mow the yard in your wife-beater and use your old toilet for yard art to commemorate the occasion.
When: Drops Tuesday, Oct. 9
How much: $10-$30
Info: kidrock.com

OXYMORONS
Lowdown: This improvisational troupe brings the laughs every Tuesday at Rivercenter Comedy Club. Nice to see some people can think on their feet this early in the week.
When: 8:30 p.m.
Where: Rivercenter Comedy Club, 849 E. Commerce St., third level in Rivercenter Mall
How much: $8
Info: rivercentercomedyclub.com, (210) 229-1420