Going out

Festival of Lights: The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden flips the switch on its holiday spectacular - a supernova-like light display, strolling entertainers, roasted nuts and goodness knows what all else. Opens 5-9 p.m. today, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, $6-$11.50. 475-6199.

Panel discussion: Ray Gonyea of the famous Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis, Glenn Markoe, curator at the Cincinnati Art Museum, and others share thoughts in a panel discussion on "Native American Art in Museums." 3 p.m. today, CAM lecture hall, Eden Park, free. 721-2787.

Will Hillenbrand: The renowned children's book illustrator is at the Blue Manatee Children's Bookstore to sign and discuss his new `Twas the Fright Before Christmas. 10-11 a.m. today, 3054 Madison Road, Oakley. 731-2665.

Contemporary folk: Acoustic singer-songwriter Dan Bern drops in at Southgate House, with opening act The National. 9 p.m. today, 24 E. Third St., Newport, $12-$15. 779-9462.

Staying in

Critic's pick: Here are two of the best recent teen comedies. Clueless broadly satirizes the privileged life with Alicia Silverstone. Never Been Kissed blends comedy and warmth with Drew Barrymore. Clueless (1 and 5 p.m.), Never Been Kissed (9 p.m.), USA.

• This Bond film has a terrific star (Pierce Brosnan), impressive villains and lots of action. Everything is fine except the plot about internal sabotage in the former Soviet Union. GoldenEye, 8 p.m., Channels 5, 22.

Take a vote

Let us know: Well sure, it's festive as all get-out, but there has to be something about Thanksgiving that you don't like. Getting up early to get the bird on? Trying to eat Brussels sprouts? Tell us: Vote for your least favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal by taking our Thanksgiving poll at Cincinnati.com. Now, please. The holiday's right around the corner.

Planning ahead

24 hours out: The high-flying musical All Men Can't Be Dogs starring Deniece Williams, Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs and Carvin Winans plays 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Music Hall. $22.50-$27.50. 241-7469.

48 hours out: Maazel/Vilar International Conductors' Competition winner Zhang Xian leads the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Concert Orchestra through a batch of goodies from Mozart and Mahler. 8 p.m. Monday, Corbett Auditorium, UC, free. 556-4183.

A week away: Balluminaria brings a rosy glow from eight illuminated hot air balloons and a batch of festivities to Mirror Lake in Eden Park, 5-7 p.m. next Saturday. 352-4080.

Jim Knippenberg

E-mail jknippenberg@enquirer.com