Wednesday, Oct. 31

‘THE THING'
Lowdown: Too old for trick-or-treating, and too young to stay home and give out candy? Scare yourself spitless at a big-screen showing of John Carpenter's “The Thing.” As the tagline says, “Man is the Warmest Place to Hide.” Ewwwww.
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Bijou Theatre, 4522 Fredericksburg Road
How much: $5
Info: (210) 734-4552

STAYPUFF HALLOWEEN BASH
Lowdown: We only know Staypuff from the “Ghostbusters” films (he was the big marshmallow), but who knows? Maybe he'll make an appearance at this show, which features Attempt at Nothing and Factory Party.
When: 8 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Sam's Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St.
How much: $8
Info: (210) 223-2830 or samsburger joint.com

MECHANICAL WALKING ROBOT BOY
Lowdown: In the words of LL Cool J, “Don't call it a comeback,” they've been here for years. The MWRB lineup, image and sound, however, tend to change as the band again makes “good on it's promise to grow, twist, change, devolve and generally never stay the same for too long.” The band's last CD was a “kinda dark glammy-synth thing,” said founding robot Chris Smart. “Now I think we're heading into a more guitar-oriented groovy direction, but you can never really tell until it happens.” Los Mescaleros, Saviour Daughters, DJ Bartron and 3D video projections with free 3D glasses.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 31
Where: Limelight, 2718 N. St. Mary's St.
How much: $5
Info: myspace.com/limelightsa; myspace.com/ themechanicalwalkingrobotboy

‘VAMPIRE OF LESBIANS OF SODOM'
Lowdown: This story tells of two vampiresses who meet in Sodom, and then follows them over many centuries as they attempt to one-up each other in the art of seduction. Not only might this be the most intriguing Halloween event we can fathom, but proceeds also benefit We Are Alive, an organization dedicated to assisting those living with chronic and terminal illnesses.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Josephine Theatre, 339 W. Josephine St.
How much: $20-$30
Info: (210) 734-4646 or wearealive.org

‘SCARY FAIRY' BLOCK PARTY
Lowdown: Got a costume and no where to go? Walk the streets of Main Ave at this block party where there will be beer, food, music from DJ Livewire and a costume contest. The event is hosted by the Saint, the Heat and the Silver Dollar Saloon and benefits gay pride SA.
When: 8 p.m. - midnight
Where: 1400 block of Main Ave. between Evergreen and Laurel Streets
How much: $2 donation
Info: (210) 225-7330 or thesaint-satx.com

Thursday, Nov. 1

‘NOSFERATU'
Lowdown: Think you know Dracula? You don't know Drac. Check out the original (and still the best) bloodsucker film around, the 1922 classic “Nosferatu.” Live music by MombasaCode sets the spook.
When: 9 p.m.
Where: La Tuna Slab, 100 Probandt
How much: Free, but donations are appreciated
Info: (210) 212-9373 or slabcinema.com

ART FOR AFRICA
Lowdown: Support efforts to fight AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa, and spruce up your nasty apartment at the same time. Works by local and student artists will be showcased, and 100 percent of proceeds from this second annual charity art auction go to children in Sub-Saharan Africa.
When: 6-10 p.m.
Where: Madhatters Tea House, 320 Beauregard at South Alamo
How much: No cover
Info: studentunicef.org or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

‘METAMORPHOSES'
Lowdown: Based on the Tony Award-winning play, “Metamorphoses” features a number of Ovid's tales, including King Midas, Narcissus and Orpheus, and according to play organizers, “an emphasis on love, loss and the transforming powers of memory.” The language has also been updated, so no need to worry about “haths” and “doths” jumbling the play's meaning for you.
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Sheldon Vexler Theatre, 12500 NW Military
How much: $10-$18
Info: (210) 302-6835 or vexler.org

Friday | Nov. 2

SAY SÍ MUERTITOS FEST
Lowdown: Mark the Day of the Dead with a two-day festival of altars, live music, arts, dance and yummy food. Also check out the conclusion of the annual Dia de los Muertos procession.
When: 5-11 p.m. Nov. 2; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 3
Where: SAY Sí, 1518 S. Alamo
How much: Free
Info: (210) 212-8666 or saysi.org

‘THE ICE WOLF'
Lowdown: Using Eskimo drums and modern visuals to create a mood, this theatrical production about an Eskimo exile promises to be both thought-provoking and tear-jerking.
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2-3, 6-10, and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 4
Where: Reinbolt Theatre, St. Mary's University, One Camino Santa Maria
How much: $12 general admission; $10 faculty, senior and military; $5 students
Info: (210) 436-3545 or stmarytx.edu/calendar

SMASHING PUMPKINS
Lowdown: The Pumpkins' recent reunion was really only a half-reunion, considering founding members D'arcy Wretzky and James Iha were nowhere to be found. Even so, this is — and always has been — Billy Corgan's band, for better (any Pumpkins album pre-1998) and worse (any album post-1998).
When: 8 p.m.
Where: The Backyard, 13101 Highway 71 West, Austin
How much: $56.50
Info: (512) 263-4146 or thebackyard.net

‘AMERICAN GANGSTER'
Lowdown: Denzel Washington plays real-life heroin kingpin Frank Lucas, and Russell Crowe plays a detective hot on his trail. It's nice to see some movie studios still know how to cast a quality movie, as well as a cop film that features neither Chris Tucker nor Jackie Chan.
When: Opens Nov. 2
Where: Theaters nationwide
Info: americangangster.net

Saturday | Nov. 3

TRAVIS TRITT
Lowdown: Yes, he's still around. The Tritt-master turns it up in this San Antonio show, and he's bringing T-R-O-U-B-L-E with him.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Cowboys Dance Hall, 3030 NE Loop 410
How much: $15-$35
Info: cowboysdancehall.com, ticketmaster.com or (210) 224-9600

‘ARTESANOS DEL PUEBLOS'
Lowdown: Los Compadres sponsors this show and sale of traditional arts and crafts, some of which date back to the Spanish colonial mission era. Attendees will have the chance to purchase Mexican folk art, as well as pieces from Central America and Peru.
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Nov. 3 and 4)
Where: Mission San Jose, 3200 block of Roosevelt
How much: Free
Info: (210) 922-3218

Sunday | Nov. 4

SICK PUPPIES
Lowdown: This Australian rock trio captured some interest earlier this year when its single, “All the Same,” peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Modern Rock Singles chart. Of course, if they kick off their San Antonio gig with a “G'day mate,” the rest of the show will just be gravy anyway.
When: Doors at 7 p.m.
Where: The White Rabbit, 2410 N. St. Mary's St.
How much: $10-$12
Info: (210) 737-2221 or sawhiterabbit.com

Monday, Nov. 5

RASTA MONDAY
Lowdown: One Destiny (One Love must have been taken already) performs at this weekly showcase, which also features $2 Red Stripe. Because if anything says authentic Jamaica, it's discounted Jamaican beer that's actually bottled at the Guinness factory in Stamford, Conn.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar, 1033 Ave. B
How much: $3-$6
Info: myspace.com/rockbottomtattoobar

‘INTERVENTION' SEASON PREMIERE
Lowdown: Want to warn your children of the dangers of drugs? Check out this show, which delves into the dark side of addiction, including physical withdrawals, alienated family members and failed rehab attempts. Or as its known to most Americans, Lindsay Lohan's life story.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: A&E
Info: aetv.com/intervention

Tuesday, Nov. 6

‘SICKO' DVD
Lowdown: Michael Moore's manifesto against the health-care industry hits the DVD bins. Take it with you to watch while you wait in line at the emergency room next time. Trust us, your wait will last more than long enough to finish the film.
When: Drops Nov. 6
How much: $10-$30
Info: sicko-themovie.com

‘LA CINDERELLA'
Lowdown: Set in colonial San Antonio, this musical adaptation of the famous fairy tale is not only humorous, it also bounces back and forth between English and Spanish. The Governor of San Antonio de Bexar's son needs a wife, but will be it be La Cinderella or one of her wicked stepsisters? Sure, you know the answer, but isn't the journey more fun than the destination?
When: 9:45 and 11:30 a.m.
Where: The Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St.
How much: $2-$10
Info: (210) 227-2751 or magiktheatre.org