Going out

        Oktoberfest: The super-sized German-themed festival continues 11 a.m.-10 p.m. today all along Fifth Street between Race and Broadway, downtown. The Lowenbrau World's Largest Chicken Dance led by Mini-Me (actor Verne Troyer) of Austin Powers' Goldmember fame begins 4 p.m. on Fountain Square. 579-3191.

        Amernet Quartet: The world-renowned chamber music group introduces two new members at its 2002-03 season opener, complete with Mozart's Quartet in G Major, K. 387, Dvorak's Quartet in A Flat Major, Op. 105 and the Cincinnati premiere of Dimitri Yanov-Yanovsky's “Chang-Music IV.” 3 p.m. today, Greaves Concert Hall, Northern Kentucky University's, free. (859) 572-6399.

        Book signing: The acclaimed and ever so whimsical children's author Eric Carle (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) is here to sign his new “Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” Said the Sloth. noon-1 p.m. today, Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, Madison and Edwards Roads, Norwood. 396-8960.

        Antiques: The Old Milford Merchants Association Antique Show and Sale hauls out a ton of goodies in the historic district's many antique shops and additional sidewalk vendors. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. today, Main Street, Milford. 831-0815.

Staying in

        TV pick: Reds fans should set the VCR for the final game at Riverfront Stadium/Cinergy Field. Pregame coverage starts at noon (Channel 9) and 12:30 (Fox Sports Net), followed by the game (1 p.m., both channels). Channel 9 will air the on-field ceremonies closing the stadium (about 4:15-6 p.m.). After the news, Channel 9 will do a Bengals pregame special (7-8:30 p.m.), then simulcast the Bengals-Falcons (8:30 p.m., Channel 9, ESPN).

The goods

        Pigs revisited: They just won't go away, these happy pigs from the Big Pig Gig in the summer of 2000. Wellsir, says Andrews McMeel Publishing, it's time to revive the swine, and it has just the thing. It's a 2003 Big Pig Gig wall calendar spiked with dozens of pictures of the pigs who graced the downtown streets. Modeled somewhat on the Big Pig Book, it's $12.99 at bookstores and probably going to be a big seller, just like the book.

Planning ahead

        24 hours out: Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati's edgy Theater of the Mind series begins with a reading of Samm Art-Williams' new comedy Conversations on a Dirt Road, 7 p.m. today, 1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. $5. 421-3555.

        48 hours out: Enjoy the Arts kicks off the 20/20 Arts Festival with “Back to Cool on Calhoun,” an evening of film, original prose and poetry, 7-10 p.m. Tuesday, Old St. George, 42 Calhoun St., Corryville. $6-$8. 621-4700.

Jim Knippenberg

        E-mail jknippenberg@enquirer.com; phone: 768- 8513; fax: 768-8330.

A new wave hits the Emmys
Few viewers heed TV guidelines
DAUGHERTY: Everyday
KENDRICK: Alive and Well
DEMALINE: The arts
Muslims still face questions, backlash
Prize possessions
CCM opera chief ends 'adventurous journey'
New half of Amernet Quartet blending in well
October provides bountiful harvest for local film fans
Columbus exhibit showcases the architecture of museums
Nielsen's 'Sixth' caps night of Nordic music
MidPoint in middle of dining choices
Serve it this week: Winter squash
Get to it