Going out

        Street Festival: The Main Street Entertainment District celebrates Halloween with ghosts, goblins and party animals at an outdoor street festival complete with MTV personality Carson Daly and a tasty list of bands that includes Uncle Kracker, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and more. 5-10 p.m. today, Main Street and Central Parkway, Over-the-Rhine, $5. 241-2690.

        Tom Chapin: The Rosenthal Next Generation Theatre Series at Playhouse in the Park has such a biggie they have to move out of the little theater and into the big room for it. Mr. Chapin, immensely popular children's performer, will do two shows. 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. today, Robert S. Marx Theatre, $4-$5. 421-3888.

        Art show: Find original, often one-of-a-kind clothing, giftware, decorations and more at the League of South Milford Artisans annual show. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, 150 Laurel Ave., Milford. 831-4602.

        World percussion: The energetic Miami University Steel Band hooks up with Seattle-based artist and composer Gary Gibson for a round of new works after opening acts Global Rhythms Ensemble and African Drum and Dance Ensemble. 8 p.m. today, Oxford's Hall Auditorium, $7. (513) 529-3200.

Staying in

        TV picks: TV Critic John Kiesewetter says wake up to Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles today (8 a.m., Comedy Central).

Hot Tickets

        Harry Connick Jr: The crooner/pianist brings his big band to the Aronoff Center's Procter & Gamble Hall Dec. 2. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are $62.50, $47.50 and $27.50, on sale 10 a.m. today at the Aronoff Center box office, Ticketmaster outlets, by phone (562-4949) and online (www.ticketmaster.com).

        • Natalie Merchant: The singer/songwriter, due to release her new Motherland CD in November. brings her “Motherland” tour to the Taft Theatre Dec. 12. Tickets are $39 and $35, on sale at 10 a.m. todayat the Taft box office, Ticketmaster outlets, by phone (562-4949) and online (www.ticketmaster.com).

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: Blessid Union of Souls lead singer Eliot Sloan introduces his new Christian material in a solo performance, 4:30 p.m. Sunday, 20th Century, 3021 Madison Road, Oakley, $12. 293-4175.

        48 hours out: The Women's Theater Initiative gets a new work on stage with a professional reading of Jig Saw, Dawn Powell's 1930s satire about women of leisure. 7 p.m. Monday, Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival, 719 Race St., downtown, free. 381-2273.

        72 hours 'til Tuesday: The World Wrestling Federation brings its super-sized Smackdown smash-fest to Firstar Center with The Rock, Kurt Angle, Rhyno, the Undertaker and more. 7:30 p.m., $18-$40. 562-4949.

        Contact Jim Knippenberg by phone: 768-8513; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: jknippenberg@enquirer.com.

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