San Diego Reader

Thursday | 13

LORD OF THE RINGS IN CONCERT

Howard Shore’s complete award-winning score for The Fellowship of the Ring will be performed onstage by more than 200 musicians, with conductor Ludwig Wicki and soprano Kaitlyn Lusk, while the movie is projected digitally on a 60-foot screen. Plus, original movie props and costumes on display.

Friday | 14

THE ZOMBIE SHOW

“Dead attire is recommended” when Technomania Circus presents blacklight acts, circus acts, comedy, music, sideshows, shadow puppetry, “and of course zombies.”

IT’S BROADWAY, BABY!

The tenth-annual Oceanside Music Festival presents popular songs and dance numbers from Broadway performed by Carlsbad Choraleers, Damsels in Distress, and other local favorites.

Saturday | 15

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

The California Ballet Company presents a “magical dance adaptation” of Lewis Carroll’s children’s tale at Poway Center for the Performing Arts. The program includes Wayne Davis’s Souvenir set to music by Tchaikovsky.

FOODNERDZ OKTOBERFEST TASTING CHALLENGE

The Beer Company hosts a blind tasting that provides for “the seasoned beer connoisseur as well as the beer novice to test his or her skills in a fun, social setting.” You get a scorecard, souvenir tasting glass, appetizers, and a feel for what you really know about beer.

Sunday | 16

SAN DIEGO PET EXPO

Enjoy a Parade of Pooches, cutest pet contest, Sundance Dog Stunt Team performances, pet adoptions, hundreds of pet products, as well as a book signing by Victoria Stilwell of Animal Planet’s It’s Me or the Dog.

Monday | 17

(SERIOUS) SUGAR SKULL DECORATING

Prepare for Día de los Muertos by creating your own work of art with tips from pastry chef Veronica von Borstel at Vintage Religion. No experience necessary!

Tuesday | 18

LITERARY DEATH MATCH

Opium Magazine’s Todd Zuniga hosts this word-down with a cast of writers including Jincy Willett (Jenny and the Jaws of Life), Heather Fowler (Suspended Heart), Ryan Bradford (Horror Business), and creative-writing professor Karl Sherlock.

Wednesday | 19

WHAT’S UP WITH THE MAYORS?

Mayors Matt Hall (Carlsbad), Ron Morrison (National City), and Jerry Sanders (San Diego) will discuss the opportunities and challenges facing their communities during the Regional Mayors Luncheon. Gene Cubbison of NBC San Diego moderates.