family
Tuesday 16
A PIGGY PROGRAM. Various Jefferson Parish libraries, 838-1100; www.jefferson.lib.la.us -- Jefferson Parish Library presents a pig-themed story time and craft events for children ages 3 to 7 as part of Children's Book Week. Various times, Tuesday-Thursday.
Wednesday 17
BERTHE AMOS. Louisiana Children's Museum, 420 Julia St., 523-1357 -- Special tenth anniversary reading and book signing of The Cajun Gingerbread Boy. 11 a.m.
Saturday 20
DEBORAH OUSLEY KADAIR. Louisiana Children's Museum, 420 Julia St., 523-1357 -- Story time and book signing with the author of Grandma's Gumbo. Collage art workshop afterwards. 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
DAVID VELA. Children's Castle, 501 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 469-3236 -- Vela presents a magic show of trained doves choreographed to music. Reservations encouraged. Tickets $3.50. 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Sunday 21
KIDS' PREVIEW PARTY. City Park, Hines Carousel Gardens and Storyland, 483-9415; www.neworleanscitypark.com/cito.php -- The Celebration in the Oaks preview party features kid-friendly food, amusement rides, musicians, dancers, puppeteers and more. Advance tickets only, $30. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
special events
Tuesday 16
FIRST TEE GOLF CLASSIC. City Park, Bayou Oaks Golf Course-West, 1040 Filmore Ave., 288-0928; www.thefirstteenola.org -- The First Tee of New Orleans hosts its tournament benefit for area boys and girls. Tickets $125 individual, $500 team. 10 a.m. registration, 11 a.m. tee time.
HOME DESIGN SEMINAR. Lakeside Mall, Dillard's, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 837-2665 -- Design specialists from Southern Living magazine present holiday-decorating ideas and projects. 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
CARLOS MAURICIO. Loyola Law School, Room 308, 865-2141; www.loyno.edu; www.soaw.org -- The professor gives a talk on surviving torture at the hands of Salvadoran troops trained at the U.S. Army School of the Americas. The lecture is part of Martyrs' Week events and the 'Archbishop Romero Resurrection Ride' tour from San Francisco to Fort Benning. 7 p.m.
MINISTRY MUSIC WORKSHOP. Christian Unity Baptist Church, 1700 Conti St., 522-3493 -- Fifth annual music workshop. Tickets $10 donation for adults, $5 donation for children. 7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday.
Wednesday 17
ADOLESCENT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CONFERENCE. Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, (202) 547-8814; www.noappp.org -- The National Organization on Adolescent Pregnancy, Parenting and Prevention conference focuses on pregnancy prevention, sexual education, needs of young families, and the role of state and local coalitions. $450 for members, $525 nonmembers. Various times. Wednesday-Saturday.
BUREAU OF GOVERNMENTAL RESEARCH LUNCHEON. New Orleans Mariott Hotel, Grand Ballroom, third floor, 555 Canal St., 581-1000 -- Annual BGR luncheon with guest speaker Tucker Carlson. BGR members' meeting at 11:15 a.m., lunch at noon.
INVASION OF THE PHILIPPINES LECTURE. The National D-Day Museum, 945 Magazine St., 527-6012 -- Lunchtime lecture on the battle of Leyte Gulf. Free admission. Noon to 1 p.m.
MIDDLE EAST POLITICS SYMPOSIUM. Loyola University, Danna Center, Audubon Room, 6363 St. Charles Ave., 897-6110 -- Former White House official Les Janka and a panel of experts discuss the role of Saudi Arabia in Mideast politics. Free admission. 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
IRS WORKSHOP. Loyola University, Miller Hall, Room 324, 864-7942 -- The Small Business Development Center presents a seminar for entrepreneurs on employment taxes and IRS forms. Pre-registration is encouraged. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
BUSINESS PLAN SEMINAR. Loyola University, Miller Hall, Room 324, 864-7942 -- The Small Business Development Center presents a seminar for new entrepreneurs who want to form a business plan. Pre-registration is encouraged. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
HOLIDAY SOIREE. Magnolia Mansion, 2127 Prytania St., 525-2743 -- Join Weddings With Style magazine for an evening of hors d'oeuvres, champagne and advice from experts on how to throw the perfect holiday bash. Call for reservations. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
YOUNG LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEETING. The New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, City Park, 488-2631 -- The monthly meeting explores 'Economic Development and Workforce Trends for Generation X' by featured speaker Dr. Timothy P. Ryan. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
INSTANT PIANO FOR HOPELESSLY BUSY PEOPLE. Delgado Community College, 483-4076 -- A beginning class in chord piano taught by David Haynes. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
DRIVE BY SCREENINGS. The Big Top Gallery, 1638 Clio St., 569-2700; www.3rcp.com -- This double feature presents Red Hollywood, a documentary made from clips of formerly blacklisted Hollywood films during the McCarthy era, and Johnny Guitar, one such formerly blacklisted film starring Joan Crawford and Sterling Hayden. Free admission. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
ESTATE PLANNING LECTURE. Mandeville City Hall, 3101 E. Causeway Approach, Mandeville, (985) 626-3144 -- The American Association of University Women presents a talk with Rhonda Gabb, attorney and estate planning professional. Open to the public. 7 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS. New Orleans Arena, (800) 4NBA-TIX; www.hornets.com -- Hornets host the Phoenix Suns. Tickets start at $10. 7 p.m.
Thursday 18
XAVIER UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING EVENTS. Xavier University, 1 Drexel Drive, various locations, 520-7568; www.xula.edu -- Xavier celebrates its homecoming with benefit golf tournament, basketball game, boat ride, art exhibition, alumnae meetings and academic lectures, concerts, parties and mixers, the president's brunch, campus tours, and homecoming gala. Call for registration and information. Various times, Thursday-Sunday.
MIKIMOTO TRUNK SHOW. Aucoin Hart Jewelers, 1525 Metairie Road, 834-9999 -- The store showcases the couture line of the designer's Milano Collection. Noon to 8 p.m.
HOW TO PICK A PUPPY. Jefferson SPCA, 1 Humane Way, Harahan, 733-7387 -- Seminar on how to pick the best puppy or adult dog for your family. Registration encouraged. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
TOUR GUIDES MEETING. Omni Royal New Orleans Hotel, 621 St. Louis St., 392-2180 -- Tour Guides Association of Greater New Orleans monthly continuing education meeting with featured speaker Bill Murphy on the topic of famous residences in the Garden District. Free for members, $10 general public. Cash bar. 7 p.m.
THELONIUS MONK TRIBUTE CONCERT. Loyola University, Danna Center, The Underground, 865-3492; http://music.loyno.edu -- Clarinetist Alvin Batiste and his group play a tribute to the jazz master as part of the Jazz Underground Series. Tickets $10 general admission, $5 students/faculty/staff. 7:30 p.m.
LARRY FLYNT AFTER-PARTY. Larry Flynt's Hustler Club, 225 Bourbon St. -- Larry Flynt is in town promoting his new book Sex, Lies and Politics: The Naked Truth. Catch him at his club for this after-party. Free admission. 9 p.m.
Friday 19
ZALE WRITERS CONFERENCE. Newcomb College, Woldenberg, Freeman Auditorium, 865-5238; www.nccrow.tulane.edu -- Writers Linda Hogan, Sonia Sanchez, Joanna Scott and Mab Segrest participate in 'Shake Loose My Skin,' a conference celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Zale Writer-in-Residence Program. Various times, Friday-Saturday.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY DAY. Radisson Hotel, 1500 Canal St., 620-2332 -- The Urban League of Greater New Orleans hosts its annual event and luncheon. This year's theme is 'Opportunities in Healthcare: Where Do I Fit In?' Keynote speaker is Dr. Winston Price. 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. start.
HEPATITIS C AWARENESS EVENTS. Musicians Mutual Protective Union, Local No. 174-496, 2401 Esplanade Ave., 943-6365 -- The Hepatitis C Movement for Awareness and Siren to Wail host a second line march led by Big Chief Victor Harris of the Fi Yi Yi Indian tribe and accompanied by the Corey Henry Brass Band and the community through New Orleans. The march ends in Congo Square with a Drum Circle and vigil for victims of the disease. Call for information on other Awareness Week events. 1 p.m.
DINNER WITH FATHER DONALD CALLOWAY. Landmark Hotel, 2601 Severn Ave., Metairie, 849-2570 -- The priest discusses his path to Catholic conversion. Tickets $35 adult, $25 teens, includes dinner and talk. Doors 6 p.m.
Festival de Beaujolais Nouveau. World Trade Center, Plimsoll Club, 2 Canal St., 30th floor, 561-0070 -- The French-American Chamber of Commerce hosts its benefit gala with a tasting of new Beaujolais wines, French cuisine and an auction. Tickets $65 members, $75 nonmembers for gala only. Tickets $115 members, $125 nonmembers for patron party and gala. Patron party 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Gala 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
ODYSSEY HOUSE JOURNEY HOME GALA. Generations Hall, 310 Higgins Drive, 837-2702; www.odysseyhousejourneyhome.com -- Enjoy the world's cuisines and music by Otra with open courtesy bar and eclectic silent auction, proceeds benefit Odyssey House. Separate raffle drawing to win the Journey Home in Gretna at 8 p.m. Business attire. Tickets $75 for gala. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
BELLE REVE BLACK & WHITE GALA. The Historic Carrollton, 4710 S. Carrollton Ave., 945-9455 -- Seventh annual Belle Reve gala and auction with food, open bar, live and silent auction, and music by the Neighborhood Stars. Proceeds benefit HIV/AIDS support services. Tickets $75. Star Sponsor Party 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Gala 8 p.m. to midnight.
FORE!KIDS ANNUAL GOLF BALL. Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel, 2 Poydras St., 342-3000 -- The Fore!kids Foundation's sixth annual black-tie gala includes music by the Bucktown All-Stars, seated dinner and silent auction. Proceeds go to children's charities in New Orleans. Tickets start at $150. 7 p.m.
PERRY SINGERS & FRIENDS CONCERT. St. Anthony of Padua Church, 4640 Canal St. -- The Robert and Lillian Perry Singers present a concert of works by sacred composers with special guests Eldred Marshall, Irvin Mayfield and Germaine Bazzle, with a world premiere of songs by Wallace Cheatham. Donations accepted. 7 p.m.
CELEBRATION IN THE OAKS. City Park, New Orleans Botanical Garden and Hines Carousel Gardens, 483-9485; www.neworleanscitypark.com/cito.php -- Annual preview party includes gourmet food, refreshments, fireworks and music. Adults only. Tickets $85 general admission, $125 patron admission. 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
LOYOLA BALLET PERFORMANCE. Loyola University, Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall, 865-3037; http://music.loyno.edu -- Laura Zambrano directs fall ballet concert. Tickets $12 general admission, $8 students. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHT SERIES. Main Even Sports Bar, front parking lot, 3200 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie, 885-3300 or 888-6451 -- A series that mixes boxing, martial arts, kickboxing and ultimate fighting matches every Friday through next summer. This week members of Ancona's Gym and Team Val Halla take on Brazilian-style jujitsu fighters. Tickets $15 advance, $20 door, $25 ringside, VIP $30. 9 p.m.
BAMBOULA 2000 CONCERT & GALA. Club Caribbean, 2441 Bayou Road, 949-9246 -- The band celebrates its 10th anniversary with special guests Zion Trinity and Khalil. Free buffet and door prizes. Advanced tickets $7, $10 at door. Doors 10 p.m., show 11 p.m.
MERMAID LOUNGE CAMP-OUT. 1100 Constance St., 524-4747 -- After-show camp-out in the Mermaid Lounge's garden. Spend the night and stay for breakfast.
Saturday 20
PROSTATE CANCER CONFERENCE. Earnest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., 568-2309 -- The Louisiana Education and Early Detection program invites men and their families to its second annual free health symposium. Topics include early detection, treatment options and truths and myths about prostate cancer. An expert panel will answer questions. Former Atlanta mayor and prostate cancer survivor Andrew Young will speak. Call to register. Free admission. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
YAMBOREE AT THE FARMERS MARKET. Corner of Girod and Magazine streets, 861-5898; www.CrescentCityFarmersMarket.org -- The yam holds a special place at this ninth annual festival with live bluegrass music by Pride's Crossing, a demonstration by Chef John Besh and kids' face-painting and crafts. Free admission. 8 a.m. to noon.
SANTA COMES TO TOWN. Lakeside Shopping Center, Veteran's Skylight Area, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 835-8000 -- Pre-program Santa extravaganza includes letter writing to Santa, clowns, toy preview and an opportunity to adopt a Boys Hope/Girls Hope child for the holidays. Santa's All-Star Christmas performance begins at 9:15 a.m. Photographs with Santa will follow. Free admission. 8:30 a.m.
NATIVE AMERICAN TEE-PEE ON DISPLAY. Wildlife and Fisheries Museum, Cannes Brulee American Village, 303 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 468-7231 -- A Northwestern plains tee-pee will be set up and displayed. Tickets $3 general admission, $2.50 seniors, $2 kids. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
BUSINESS PLAN SEMINAR. Loyola University, Miller Hall, Room 324, 864-7942 -- The Small Business Development Center presents a seminar for new entrepreneurs who want to form a business plan. Pre-registration is encouraged. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
BYWATER ART MARKET. Corner of Piety and Royal streets, 944-7900; www.BywaterArtMarket.com -- An art market on every third Saturday of the month featuring paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry, furniture, sculpture, live music, artist demonstrations, food and more. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
ACRYLIC PAINTING CLASS FOR ADULTS. New Orleans Museum of Art, Evelyn Burkenroad Education Center, second floor classroom, City Park, 1 Collins C. Diboll Circle, 488-2631; www.noma.org -- Adult workshop taught by Janelle Trosclair introduces students to painting on canvas with acrylics. $60 members of NOMA, $70 nonmembers. Box lunch and materials provided. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
TAX WORKSHOPS. James Singleton Head Start Center, 14441 Curran Blvd., 827-2206; www.totalcommunityaction.com -- Total Community Action is co-sponsoring a series of income tax workshops. Call for future workshop dates. Free admission. 10 a.m. to noon.
D-DAY LIVING HISTORY CORPS. The National D-Day Museum, Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, 945 Magazine St., 527-6012 -- The museum's Living History Corps presents impressions of military and civilian life using authentic uniforms, weapons and equipment. Free admission. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WOODEN LOUISIANA BOATS. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve, French Quarter Visitor Center, 419 Decatur St., 589-3882-- Wooden boats constructed by Dana Asa Wright in the Louisiana boat-building tradition are on display. Free admission. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
TROY CARTER ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DINNER. Behrman Gym, 2529 General Meyer Ave., Algiers, 229-3293 -- The 13th annual Thanksgiving dinner for the elderly and disadvantaged with food and entertainment. Free admission. Noon to 4 p.m.
SOCIAL JUSTICE LECTURE. First Unitarian-Universalist Church, 2903 Jefferson Ave., 866-9010 -- The Rev. Carlton Veazey addresses the political, cultural and religious aspects of the pro-choice movement from an African-American perspective. 5 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS. New Orleans Arena, (800) 4NBA-TIX; www.hornets.com -- Hornets host the Minnesota Timberwolves. Tickets start at $10. 7 p.m.
TENNIS BENEFIT FOR ST. JUDE'S. Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 522-5555; www.stjude.org -- Big Easy Tennis Association hosts 'Tennis for Tots' to benefit St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital featuring pros James Blake, Mardy Fish, Vince Spadea and Brian Baker. Tickets $35-$125. 7 p.m.
HEPATITIS C AWARENESS CONCERT. Tipitina's, 501 Napoleon Ave., 895-TIPS -- 'Once in a Blue Moon' benefit for hepatitis research, education and awareness. Bands include Bobby Rush, Allen Toussaint, the Dixie Cups, the Iguanas, Fredy Omar, Slewfoot & Cary B, Troy 'Trombone Shorty' Andrews, Timothea & the Blue Soul All Star Review and many more. Silent auction outside until 11 p.m. Tickets $25. 7:30 p.m.
JAPANESE MUSIC CONCERT. Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp St., 528-3800 -- As part of the Uptown/Downtown Series, Itanji blends traditional Japanese music with a contemporary style. Tickets $20 general admission, $15 for CAC members/students. 8 p.m. Saturday.
UNITED WE FUNK ALL STARS CONCERT. Municipal Auditorium, 1201 St. Peter St., 565-7470 -- Funk bands ConFunkShun, Midnight Star, the Dazz Band and the Bar-Kays join for a benefit concert. Tickets $35-40. 9 p.m.
ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. Mama Rosa's Slice of Italy, upstairs in Mama's Blues, 616 N. Rampart St., http://neworleansrocky.tripod.com -- Movie and show featuring a live performance by the Transylvanian Electric Company. All-ages show. Tickets $5. Midnight.
Sunday 21
DENTAL CHARITY WALK. University of New Orleans, Lakefront Campus; www.smilemile.org -- UNO's Pre-Dental Society hosts a charity walk to benefit the American Dental Association's Harris Fund for Children's Dental Health. 9:30 a.m.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS. Louisiana Superdome, Sugar Bowl Drive, 587-3663 -- The Saints play the Denver Broncos. Noon.
FORMAL MATTERS BRIDAL EVENT. The Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier St., 525-2743 -- Weddings With Style magazine hosts etiquette guru Peggy Post at a bridal event featuring everything from fashions to venue options. Call to register. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
NICKEL-A-DANCE. Cafe Brasil, 2100 Chartres St., 949-0851 -- Concert and dance series led this week by Walter Payton's File Gumbo with Al Carson. Free admission. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
TRINITY ARTIST SERIES. Trinity Church, 1329 Jackson Ave., 670-2520; www.trinityc.net -- D'Las Americas String Quartet and bandoneon virtuoso Gerardo Perez perform classical, jazz and folklore music of Latin America. Free admission. 5 p.m.
MISS NEW ORLEANS PAGEANT. W Hotel, 333 Poydras St. 525-9444 -- The pageant celebrates its 75th year with categories in Miss, Teen, Mrs. and Baby. 6:30 p.m.
MARCH OF DIMES GALA. Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, Grand Ballroom, 522-0865 -- Twenty-first annual gourmet gala fundraiser benefiting the March of Dimes with music by the Blue Meanies and a live and silent auction. Tickets begin at $150. 6 p.m. champagne reception, 7 p.m. gala.
SOUTHERN JEZEBELLES. One Eyed Jacks, 616 Toulouse St., 606-9903 -- Burlesque troupe presents show of international dances in 'Around the World -- Or Bust!' with MC Danny Martini and jazz from Matt Perrine and the Bumpin' Grinders. Tickets $18 advance, $20 at door. 9 p.m.
auditions
Saturday 20
AUDITION FOR TEEN ACTING CLASS. New Orleans Public Library, Main Branch, 219 Loyola Ave., www.nutrias.org -- Audition being held for teen acting classes with Greg Baber. Future class dates are Nov. 27 and Dec. 4, 11 and 18. Prospective students must come prepared with a one-minute monologue. 10 a.m. to noon.
donations
Wednesday 17
HORNETS CANNED FOOD DRIVE. New Orleans Arena, 1501 Girod St., 301-4075; www.hornets.com -- The New Orleans Hornets are asking fans to bring canned food to Wednesday's home game against the Phoenix Suns. Donated food will be distributed to social service agencies throughout the Gulf South region.
ongoing
STARBUCKS BOOKS & TOYS DRIVE. Starbucks Coffee Company, New Orleans, (704) 916-6165; www.starbucks.com or slsb.org -- Starbucks invites customers to bring toys, books, board games, puzzles, handheld games and batteries, DVDs, CDs, dolls and infant items to all area store locations. The Holiday Angels Joy Drive benefits Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation for seriously ill children. Money donations may be made online. Drive ends Dec. 24.
road trip
Tuesday 16
DARREN ROMEO. Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, Biloxi, Miss. (888) 595-2534; www.beaurivage.com -- The magician, singer and actor performs his one-man show. Tickets start at $19.95. Various times, through Dec. 5.
BEATLEMANIA REVISITED. Grand Casino Biloxi, 265 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, Miss., (800) 354-2450 -- The Mahoney Brothers' touring impersonation of the Beatles in concert. Tickets $9.95. 8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday.
Friday 19
HIGHLAND GAMES. Highland Festival Grounds, adjacent to Centenary State Historic Site, Sycamore and College streets, Jackson, (225) 927-2944; www.lahighlandgames.com -- Louisiana's celebration of Scottish culture, sports and heritage. Various times, Friday-Sunday.
BROADMOOR ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL. Broadmoor High School, 10100 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge, (225) 926-1420 -- Artists and craftsmen showcase paintings, sculpture, pottery and unusual Christmas decorations. Bring a toy donation to the show for Toys for Tots. Tickets $3 adults, free admission for children 12 and under. 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
ST. FRANCISVILLE FUN FEST. Parker Park, St. Francisville, (225) 635-7617 or (225) 635-3873 -- Bring lawn chairs and blankets to the 'Movie Under the Stars' viewing of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, concessions available. 7 p.m. Friday; silent auction of artists' depictions of St. Francisville 4 p.m. Saturday; The House Band performs at the park's gazebo 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.
CRYSTAL GAYLE. Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Miss. (800) 5-MAGIC-5 -- The country and gospel singer performs. Tickets $14.95-$24.95. 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
Saturday 20
ARTS ALIVE! STUDIO TOURS. Bay St. Louis L. & N. Train Depot, Bay St. Louis, Miss., (800) 466-9048 -- Take a self-guided tour of two dozen working studios and galleries and visit with resident artists. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
PERCY SLEDGE. Isle of Capri Casino Resort, Flamingo Bay Ballroom, Beach Boulevard, Biloxi, Miss., (800) THE-ISLE -- The singer of 'When a Man Loves a Woman' and 'Take Time to Know Her' performs. 8 p.m.
Sunday 21
RUSTON ARTIST STUDIOS. Ruston, (800) 392-9032; www.rustonlincoln.com -- Lincoln Parish art studios are open to the public for arts and crafts demonstrations. Pottery, jewelry, stained glass, woodworks, furniture, paintings, sculpture and garden art for sale. Free admission. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
ongoing
LOUISIANA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL. 46468 River Road, Hammond, (985) 429-9992; www.la-renfest.com -- Experience an English village and marketplace during the 16th century complete with jousting, merchants, food and entertainment. Tickets $10 adults, $6 kids ages 6 to 10, free for kids under 6. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
THE OPELOUSAS MUSEUM OF ART. 106 N. Union St., Opelousas, (337) 942-4991; omamuseum@aol.com -- Five of the Finest: Art of Acadiana, works by Sally Padgett, Earl Guedry, Joann Quillman, Jimmie Lafleur and Floyd Sonnier, through Dec. 18.
MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF ART. 201 E. Pascagoula St., Jackson, Miss., (866) VIEW-ART; www.msmuseumart.org -- Mississippi Watercolor Society Grand National Watercolor Exhibition, 60 works from throughout the nation, through Jan. 9, 2005.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON. 1001 Bissonnet St., Houston, (713) 639-7300; www.mfah.org -- Royal Portraits, Manwar painting from the royal collection of the Mehrangarh Museum in Jodhpur, India, through Jan. 2, 2005; Kenneth Noland: The Nature of Color, opens Sunday, through March 6, 2005.
