31 things to do during the 31 days of Artober

1. This October marks the launch of Sacramento Theatre Company’s 2012-13 season and, with it, a correlating program of community partnerships. STC’s innovative approach pairs each play with a community organization aligning with the show’s theme. This combination of performing arts with social awareness paints theater in a different light and brings a little extra thought to each show. The first play of this pairing is The Miracle Worker, which runs October 3 through October 28, and tells the story of Helen Keller’s enlightenment under the tutelage of Annie Sullivan. Miracle Worker is matched with InAlliance, a group that advocates for people with developmental disabilities. 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; $15. Sacramento Theatre Company, 1419 H Street; (916) 443-6722; www.sactheatre.org.

2. The Sacramento Opera kicks off its season with two performances of audience favorites in great venues: the historic Crest Theatre and Three Stages at Folsom Lake College. Best of the Best is a show made up of arias, duets and ensemble pieces from works that were voted on by Sacramento Opera fans, so expect some pieces from beloved and popular favorites. Six artists from around the United States—all of whom will be featured in Sac Opera’s 2012-13 season—will perform the selections, which serves as a musical introduction to the local audience. Michael Morgan, who is both the music director for the Sacramento Philharmonic and a guest conductor at the Sacramento Opera will host, with accompaniment by John Cozza, a well-known pianist and accompanist who teaches at the University of the Pacific’s Conservatory of Music. Both of these performances sold out last year, so get tickets early. Thursday, October 4; 7:30 p.m.; Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street; Sunday, October 7; 2 p.m.; Three Stages Folsom Lake College, 10 College Parkway; $30; www.sacopera.org.

3. Inspire youth to participate in the arts at the 16th Annual North American All Youth Film and Education Day at the Crest Theatre on Friday, October 5. Showcasing films made by teens, this all-day event also features panel discussions and representatives from arts and media colleges. 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; $15 general admission, $10 for youth ages 18 and under. Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street; (916) 944-0100; www.towerofyouth.org.

4. Italian designers are so well-known around the world, they’re often known only by a single name. Hot Italian’s two-day Moderno Italiano Festival celebrates contemporary Italian designers with a side of food and film. Local home décor retailer Lumens Light and Living will showcase a furniture-design installation featuring Alessi, Kartell and Foscarini furniture and furnishings. Attendees can also test drive a Fiat 500; purchase Italian cheese, chocolate, beer, wine and olive oil; and catch a film screening at Fremont Park at 9 p.m. each evening. Friday, October 5, and Saturday, October 6; 6 to 11 p.m.; free; Fremont Park, 1627 16th Street; (916) 444-3000; www.hotitalian.net.

5. Experiment with experimental music—everyone ought to at least once in their lives—with three all-ages shows at the 16th annual NorCal NoiseFest. Friday, October 5; 7 p.m. at Luna’s Café & Juice Bar, 1414 16th Street; Saturday, October 6, 3:30 p.m. at Sol Collective, 2574 21st Street; Sunday, October 7, noon at Bows & Arrows, 1815 19th Street; $10 for individual shows, $40 for a festival pass; www.norcalnoisefest.com.

6. Traverse the globe at Sac World Fest Sunday, October 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Old Sacramento. This free, family-friendly festival features music, dance, fashion, food and cultures from around the world—and are all represented here in Sacramento. Be sure to enter the global village and partake in hands-on demonstrations and educational experiences. Get a head start with a special Saturday evening show as the band H’Sao performs at the Spotlight On: Africa! festival kick-off event at Waterfront Park, Saturday, October 6, 6 to 9 p.m.; $5. Old Sacramento, www.sacworldfest.org.

7. Shop from local designers, artists and artisans at Good: Street Food + Design Market. Every first Sunday through November, 1 to 5 p.m. 1409 Del Paso Boulevard; $3, children ages 17 and under are free; www.facebook.com/GOODstreetfooddesignmarket.

8. Torch Club takes to the streets—15th and I streets, that is—with blues bands, a pasta cook-off and a silent auction at the Blues for Life concert, all in support of the Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation. Sunday, October 7; 1 to 9 p.m. 904 15th Street; $25 in advance, $30 at the door; www.torchclub.net.

9. Local writers and producers are showcased in the 13th annual A Place Called Sacramento Film Festival, which features films that exemplify Sacramento’s greatness. Sunday, October 7; 1 p.m. Crest Theatre, 1013 K Street; $10; www.accesssacramento.org.

10. Kids will love the hands-on experience of the instrument petting zoo at Camellia Symphony Orchestra’s Free Family Concert at the West Sacramento City Hall Galleria Room. Sunday, October 7; 1 p.m.; no cover. 1951 South River Road, www.camelliasymphony.org.

11. Come face to face with artists, and get a personal feel for their work at the Delta Wine & Art Faire, held at the historic Old Sugar Mill. With a glass of wine in hand, flit from artist’s booth to crafter’s table, or stop for a book signing along the way—all set to a backdrop of live music from four local musicians. With creatives of all ilks in attendance and providing entertainment, the Delta Wine & Art Faire promises an art-filled experience for everyone. Sunday, October 7; noon to 4 p.m. Old Sugar Mill, 32265 Willow Avenue in Clarksburg; $20; www.carvalhofamilywinery.com.

12. Experience the Crocker Art Museum in a different way with Art Mix, part of the Thursdays ’til 9 series. For the price of museum admission on Thursday, October 11, from 5 to 9 p.m., Art Mix will take you on a food-themed trip through the galleries, plus give you access to hands-on art activities, live music and tasty treats. $5-$10. 216 O Street, www.crockerartmuseum.org.

13. For the 20th time, the Sacramento International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival returns to the Crest Theatre on Thursday, October 11, through Saturday, October 13, at 7:30 p.m. for three days of LGBT feature films and shorts. 1013 K Street; screenings are $10 each; festival passes are $40; www.siglff.org.

14. Many know the movie franchise, but not all know about Evil Dead: The Musical. In Sutter Street Theatre’s rendition, be prepared for a humorous-yet-horrifying trek through the cult classic. The play runs October 11 through October 28. Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter Street in Folsom; $23, $21 for seniors and SARTA members, $15 for kids age 12 and under; www.sutterstreettheatre.com.

15. Local movers and shakers in the arts scene are honored at the Arts & Business Council’s annual Prelude to the Season. Emphasizing all aspects of the arts community, awards are handed out to nominees in a variety of categories, and local arts groups perform. Friday, October 12; 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Woodlake Hotel Sacramento, 500 Leisure Lane; $65; www.sacabc.org.

16. Winners of the 21st annual Sacramento Area Music Awards, or Sammies, are announced this Friday, October 12, at 6:30 p.m. at Ace of Spades. 1417 R Street, www.sammies.com.

17. Experience traditional German music and dance (and traditional food and drink, too, of course) at the 45th annual Sacramento Turn Verein Oktoberfest on Friday, October 12, from 6 to 11 p.m., and Saturday, October 13, 3 to 11 p.m. 3349 J Street; $20 per day, $5 per day for children ages 6-12; children under 6 are free; www.sacramentoturnverein.com.

18. Afraid you won’t be scared this spooky season? Never fear: The Sacramento Horror Film Festival returns with three days of film and live music at the historic Colonial Theatre. Costumes are encouraged! Friday, October 12; 7 p.m.; Saturday, October 13; 2 p.m.; Sunday, October 14, 1 p.m.; 3522 Stockton Boulevard; festival passes $30 in advance, $50 at the door; individual tickets are also available; www.sachorrorfilmfest.com.

19. Spanning two weeks, from October 12 through October 28, the inaugural Central Valley Region Architecture Festival, produced by the American Institute of Architects Central Valley, draws attention to the design of the Sacramento region. Get to know the city from an architectural perspective, brought to light through biking and walking tours, film screenings, art shows, kid-friendly activities, panel discussions, and more. www.facebook.com/AIACVArchFest.

20. Get your dose of the Hawaiian spirit at the second annual Sacramento Aloha Festival, presented by cultural organization Hui o Hawaii of Sacramento. The inaugural event drew 6,000 people to Cal Expo last year, so expect another good showing this year. There’s certainly a little bit of something for everyone, including food competitions, a cultural village, vendors, an art exhibit, a kids’ area, a Miss Sacramento Aloha competition, and Hawaiian and Polynesian music and dancing. Saturday, October 13; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; free; Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Boulevard; www.sacalohafest.org.

21. Conductor Michael Morgan leads the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra in its Prodigies: Beethoven and Beyond concert at the Community Center Theater. Saturday, October 13; 7:30 p.m. 1400 J Street; tickets start at $18; www.sacphil.org.

22. Experience Second Saturday in a new way by participating in the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission’s free Second Saturday Costumed Scavenger Hunt. Dress as your favorite artwork or artist (or whatever tickles your fancy) and complete challenges around town on your smartphone. The hunt begins from the MARRS Building at 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 13. www.sacmetroarts.org.

23. Using music and words to illustrate photographs from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, First Person: Seeing America seeks to give viewers a new perspective on the country they live in. Actors Bill Pullman and Lily Knight enact poetry and prose from some of America’s greatest writers, and Ensemble Galilei provides a hearty soundtrack of baroque, chamber and world music. This multimedia performance brings American history and culture to life and comes to Three Stages at Folsom Lake College for one show only. Sunday, October 14; 2 p.m.; tickets begin at $25; $12 for students with ID. 10 College Parkway in Folsom; www.threestages.net.

24. Shakespeare’s tragic love story takes to the Community Center Theater stage as the Sacramento Ballet portrays Romeo and Juliet in dance form, October 18 through October 21. Thursday through Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.; tickets start at $17. 1400 J Street, www.sacballet.org.

25. Tantalize your artistic senses with CORE Dance Collective’s The Doorway, a modern dance performance inspired by the personalities of a room in a Victorian mansion. Performances run October 18 through October 27. 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; $20 advance, $25 at the door; Benvenuti Performing Arts Center, 4900 Blackrock Drive; www.coredancecollective.org.

26. Enjoy an evening of fine art, music and wine on Friday, October 19, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Developmental Disabilities Services Organization’s Uncork for the Arts benefit event at Sutter Club. $75. 1220 Ninth Street, www.ddso.org.

27. This free, family-friendly street fair celebrates the artistic tradition in the center of the grid by taking over the block in front of the MARRS building, as well as two adjoining parking lots, for a celebration of music, dance, visual arts and—craft beers? Well, beer-brewing is an art, and this year’s Midtown Arts Festival will include Untapped Midtown, a special area featuring the work of Sacramento’s craft brewers. There’s also a (separate) Kids’ Arts Area, two stages, plus vendor booths of crafts and art.Saturday, October 20; noon to 6 p.m.; 20th Street between K and J streets; free; www.exploremidtown.org/MidtownArtsFestival

28. Young musicians converge on Mondavi Center for the Performing Art’s Jackson Hall Thursday, October 25, at 8 p.m. for a live taping of From the Top, with NPR and PBS host Christopher O’Riley. $35; 9399 Old Davis Road in Davis, www.mondaviarts.org.

29. The Blackout Entertainment Show brings live poetry, music, fashion and dance to the Guild Theater on Saturday, October 27, 7 to 10 p.m. $7 in advance, $10 at the door. 2828 35th Street, www.blackoutshow.eventbrite.com.

30. Hosted by La Raza Galería Posada, the third annual Panteon de Sacramento celebrates Dia De Los Muertos with two days of hands-on activities and events. The Mexican holiday honors those who have died, not through mourning but through the creation of such things as sugar skulls, masks and altars—the latter which serve as shrines to the departed. This year’s Panteon gathering will celebrate death in a larger-than-life spirit with 50 outdoor altars on public display. Saturday, October 27; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, October 28; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; 2020 J Street; www.lrgp.org.

31. Memphis the Musical kicks off California Musical Theatre’s 2012-13 Broadway Sacramento season, October 30 through November 4, at Community Center Theater. 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 2 p.m. matinees on Thursday, Saturday, Sunday; tickets start at $19. 1400 J Street, www.broadwaysacramento.com.