The List: Last change for RenFest, and more fun

3. Oktoberfest Beer Dinner

Do you love great beer, great company and great food? Then head to the 7th Annual Oktoberfest Beer Dinner where “Beer Meister” Dan Gore teaches foodies how to make beer-laden, rib-stickin’, finger-lickin’ good meals. To start: Drunken Shrimp in Curried Ale Dip and Soft Beer Pretzels. DETAILS: 7 p.m. Friday; For the Love of Food, 20 Clarks Lane, Reisterstown; $90 or $155 per couple; 443-865-0630; ForTheLoveofFood.com.

4. Marion Winik Talk

Author and NPR commentator Marion Winik will read from her new book of lyric essays, “The Glen Rock Book of the Dead.” DETAILS: 7 p.m. Thursday, Doyle Formal Lounge, College of Notre Dame of Maryland, 4701 N. Charles St., Baltimore; Free. 410-532-5535; www.ndm.edu.

5. Bill Blackbeard Talk

Jenny Robb speaks on “Bill Blackbeard: The Collector Who Rescued the Comics.” Blackbeard, the founder of the San Francisco Academy of Comic Art, built an immense collection of materials being discarded by libraries worldwide with the goal of documenting the history of American art. 7:30 p.m. Thursday; Kelley Lecture Hall, Goucher College, 1021 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson; free. 410-337-6333; [email protected].

FAMILY

1. The Halloween Hustle 5K Family Run

Put on your costume, bring your friends and family and come on out for a morning of races and fun! Join the MOMS Club of Phoenix, Cockeysville & Parkton for the 3rd Annual Halloween Hustle. Originally organized as a way to remember Benjamin Huxtable, whose life was tragically cut short in 2005, the Hustle has turned into a celebration of the lives of countless children in and around the Baltimore area. All proceeds of the Halloween Hustle will benefit the construction of a community playground at the future Jacksonville Park in Phoenix. The 5K Run/Walk will be held on Monkton, Markoe and Old York Roads surrounding the St. James Campus. DETAILS: 7:30 a.m. Saturday (check-in); St. James Episcopal Church and Academy, 3100 Monkton Road, Monkton; $10 to $40. 410-316-9655; www.halloweenhustle.net.

2. Lecture and Treasure Hunt

Curator Sabine Albersmeier will share the genesis of the exhibition “Bedazzled: 5,000 Years of Jewelry” while exploring the jewelry collection at the Walters Art Museum. This project sheds new light on many objects, exposing the depth of this astonishing collection, ranging from 5,000-year-old Mesopotamian pendants to masterpieces by Tiffany and Lalique. DETAILS: 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Graham Auditorium, The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore; 410-547-9000, Thewalters.org.

3. Candlelight Concerts Family Series

The animated mime performance-artist Mikael Rudolph entertains for the 4-and-older crowd this weekend. DETAILS: 3 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday; Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, 10431 Twin Rivers Road, Columbia; $9. 410-997-2324; www.candlelightconcerts.org.

4. Visit From Nickelodeon’s Diego

Come see Diego the animal rescuer from the hit Nickelodeon show “Go Diego Go.” Bring the young ones for a free picture! DETAILS: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; National Aquarium in Baltimore, 501 E. Pratt St., Baltimore; free with admission. 410-576-3800; aqua.org.

5. Comcast Family Toon Day

Children of all ages get a chance to interact with their favorite Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and PBS Kids characters. Participants who arrive by noon will receive $5 off regular admission. DETAILS: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore; $10 to $14.50 (members free). 410-685-5225; Mdsci.org.

POSH DATE

1. Chef’s Wine Tasting Dinner

Tonight you can enjoy a fine four-course meal, taste wines that aren’t available yet in the U.S. and discuss the production process with Executive Chef Anthony Marini, the Owner of Ave Winery, a small estate winery in Argentina that crafts small-production malbecs and torrentes. DETAILS: 7:30 p.m. tonight, Juniors Wine Bar 1117 S. Charles St., Baltimore; $39 plus tax and gratuity; Reservations are required; 410-727-1212.

2. Sail to Cantler’s Crabfeast

Aboard a 74-foot Schooner Woodwind, sail from the Annapolis marina to Cantler’s Crabhouse, where you can feast on all-you-can-eat steamed crabs, shrimp, fries, onion rings, corn and coleslaw. Depart Annapolis at 10 a.m., arrive at Cantler’s at 11:30 a.m. Return trip departs around 1:30 p.m. to reach Annapolis by 3:30 p.m. DETAILS: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday; Annapolis City Marina, 410 Severn Ave., Annapolis; $124 per person, $72 per child without crabfeast; 410-263-7837, www.schoonerwoodwind.com.

3. Beer & Wine Dinner

Howard County’s first ever Beer & Wine dinner will tantalize your taste buds. The five-course meal, presented by Aida Bistro & Wine Bar and Clipper City Brewing Co., will pair delectable plates with wines from around the world and Clipper City’s finest brews. The second and third courses promise to please with bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin medallion and butternut squash risotto paired with Oxford Organix Amber Ale and braised beef shortrib in a bolognese sauce paired with Winter Storm Dark Ale. DETAILS: 6 p.m. tonight, Aida Bistro & Wine Bar, 7185 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia; $70 plus tax and gratuity; Reservations are required; 410-953-0500.

4. ‘Aida’

Giuseppe Verdi’s acclaimed opera set in Egypt tells the plight of Aida, an enslaved Ethiopian princess whose enduring love for an enemy commander leads to conspiracy, defeat and ultimately, death. DETAILS: Friday, Saturday and Sunday; Lyric Opera House, 110 W. Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore; $99 per ticket, minimum two tickets required; 410-727-6000, www.baltimoreopera.com.

5. ‘Lisa Williams: Life Among the Dead’

As a little girl, Lisa Williams, star of her own Lifetime Channel TV show, learned she could communicate with those who have passed. She now works with spirits and loved ones to resolve past issues and to give closure. She also works alongside medical professionals to aid the healing process. DETAILS: 7:30 p.m. Monday; The Lyric Opera House, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore; ; $32 to $72; 410-547-7328, www.lyricoperahouse.com.

CHEAP DATE

1. Free Fall Baltimore

What’s better than cheap admission? How about free? Through October more than 70 museums, galleries and organizations are opening their doors for zip, zero, zilch from your pocket. To read when and where admission is free, visit Free Fall Baltimore’s Web site. Details: Variety of dates and times throughout October; Over 70 places throughout Baltimore; Free; freefallbaltimore.com.

2. Caffé Pronto Coffee Cupping

Sniff, slurp and smile while cupping — the professional practice of tasting coffee to observe qualities such as body, acidity, balance and finish. DETAILS: 2 p.m., Friday; Caffé Pronto Coffee Roastery, 2329 Forest Drive, Suite G, Annapolis; Free; 410-626-0011.

3. Fridays After Five

From 5 to 8 p.m. on Fridays, you can see the treasures of the sea at the National Aquarium for about $12 less than you would normally pay. DETAILS: 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays; The National Aquarium in Baltimore; $8; 410-576-3800.

4. Maryland Renaissance Festival

This weekend is your last chance to see the second-largest Renaissance festival in the country. The village, 25 acres of woods and field, will transport you to 16th century England with 10 stages, a jousting arena, 42 food venues, beers stands, taverns and more than 130 craft shops. DETAILS: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Maryland Renaissance Festival Grounds, Crownsville Road, Crownsville; $8 to $18; 410-266-7304, www.rennfest.com. [image – 1016emsList-RenFest.jpg, RenFest2.jpg]

5. Sound and Motion

Area composers and choreographers partner to collaborate on new works premiered at this concert. DETAILS: 2 p.m. Saturday; The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore; 410-396-7100, www.artbma.org.

MUSIC

1. Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials

Chicago’s slide-guitar playing, house-rocking blues band Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials celebrate the release of their new album, “Full Tilt” with a live performance in Baltimore. DETAILS: 8 p.m. Monday, 8 x 10, 10 E. Cross St., Baltimore; 410-625-2000; The8x10.com.

2. ‘Mass: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players and Dancers’

In performances commemorating the 90th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein’s birth, maestra Marin Alsop will lead the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in “Bernstein’s Mass: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players and Dancers.” The BSO’s Mass will feature nearly 250 performers, led by baritone Jubilant Sykes as the Celebrant and joined by the Morgan State University Chorus, the Peabody Children’s Chorus, a 50-piece marching band a Broadway cast performing as “Street People.” DETAILS: 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday; Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore; $26 to $75. 410-783-8000 or BSOmusic.org.

3. Chris Botti

Trumpet sensation Chris Botti, a former Sting compadre, dishes out contemporary jazz on back-to-back nights. DETAILS: 6 and 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Rams Head OnStage, 33 West St., Annapolis; $52.50. Ramsheadonstage.com.

4. Organ Concert

Peabody students and faculty play “the world’s largest organ concert” this Sunday. At 2 p.m., Peabody Conservatory faculty artist John Walker will perform at the Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church in Bolton Hill. At 4 p.m., students of Walker and Donald Sutherland will perform in Peabody’s Leith Symington Griswold Hall. DETAILS: 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday; Peabody Institute, 1 E. Mount Vernon Place, Baltimore; 410-659-8100; Jhu.edu.

5. Gwar

Gory, fun, shock-rockers Gwar perform with Kingdom of Sorrow just in time for Halloween. DETAILS: 8 p.m. Saturday; Sonar, 407 E. Saratoga St., Baltimore; 410-783-7888; $20. Sonarbaltimore.com.

EXHIBITS

1. ‘Human Icons’ by Gina Pierleoni

In large, multi-paneled and smaller works, Gina Pierleoni uses mixed media, layering words, symbols and patterns. She asks questions concerning the source and searches for meaning in our lives. DETAILS: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday (reception); Stevenson Art Gallery at Stevenson University, 1525 Greenspring Valley Road, Stevenson. 443-334-2163.

2. ‘Beautiful Contemplations’

“Beautiful Contemplations,” a mesmerizing collection of thoughtful, soulful works of art by seven of the area’s foremost women artists, will be on view in the Carroll Arts Center’s Tevis Gallery through Nov. 22. DETAILS: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday (reception); gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays; Tevis Gallery at Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster. 410-848-7272.

3. Atmospheric

The exhibit featuring local artists Deborah English, Anne Marie Fleming, Amy Lamb and others, opens this month. DETAILS: Noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; Steven Scott Gallery, 9169 Reisterstown Road, Reisterstown; 410-902-9300; stevenscottgallery.com.

4. Baltimore Open Studio Tour 2008

What’s cookin’ on the local easel? Find out at School 33 Art Center’s “Baltimore Open Studio Tour 2008.” The exhibit and silent auction goes all weekend. DETAILS: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday (kickoff party); Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; School 33 Art Center, 1427 Light St., Baltimore; Free. 410-396-4641.

5. Franz West, To Build a House You Start with the Roof: Work, 1972-2008

Experience the unexpected! View the provocative world of one of Europe’s most talked-about artists. This body of work includes more than 100 pieces in this retrospective of the artist Franz West (from 1972 to 2008). Details: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore; free. 443-573-1700.

THEATER

1. ‘Cyclopedia’

This Margolis Brown Adaptors Company production is a serious examination, through physical theater, multimedia and puppetry, of everything! DETAILS: 8 p.m. Thursday (free show by reserving at www.freenightoftheater.net); 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., Baltimore; $10 to $20. 410-752-8558; Theatreproject.org.

2. ‘True West’

Sam Shepard’s tragedy-comedy tells the tale of two brothers outside of L.A. Directed by Lois Evans. DETAILS: 8 p.m. Thursday to Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday; Bay Theatre Company, West Garrett Building, 275 West St., Annapolis; $25 to $30. 410-268-1333; Baytheatre.org.

3. ‘Watch, a Haunting’

Molly Rice’s “Watch, a Haunting” centers on a young girl named Vi living with her neurotic mother and elderly grandmother. Never fitting in, Vi spends most of her time in her room or supplementing her lack of friends with food. Vi does have a special talent, a talent of seeing people that others cannot. DETAILS: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Strand Theatre, 1823 N. Charles St., Baltimore; $15. 443-874-4719; Strandtheatrecompany.org.

4. ‘Aida’

The Baltimore Opera Company presents the Verdi’s classic opera about an enslaved Ethiopian princess. DETAILS: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday; Lyric Opera House, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore; $77 and up. 410-685-5086; Lyricoperahouse.com.

5. Ignite Baltimore #1

Sixteen artists, technologists, entrepreneurs, writers, bloggers, painters and philosophers will take on the challenge of having five minutes of stage time to say something about Baltimore at Ignite Baltimore #1. Enjoy free pizza and pasta from Joe Squared. DETAILS: 6 p.m. Thursday; The Windup Space, 12 W. North Ave., Baltimore; Free. ignitebaltimore.com.

READER’S CHOICE

Rebecca Ellis, of Columbia, is marketing director and an actress with the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. She often spends her weekends in the city enjoying its restaurants, arts and nightlife.

1. Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s ‘Macbeth’

Witches, blood and walking around haunted stone ruins… Sounds like the perfect October evening to me. www.chesapeakeshakespeare.com.

2. BeDazzled at the Walters Art Museum

What girl doesn’t want to surround herself with jewels? www.thewalters.org.

3. Apple Picking at Larriland Farm

With the leaves changing, nothing is more fun than being outdoors picking apples. www.pickyourown.com.

4. Watching the new episode of ‘Mad Men’ on AMC

I am addicted to this show. Sundays at 10 p.m., all my friends know what I’m doing. www.amctv.com/originals/madmen.

5. Dining at Victoria Gastro Pub

My favorite local place for beer. I also highly recommend the Warm Frisee and Spinach Salad. www.victoriagastropub.com.