When: Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 4 p.m.; Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
Where: , 1901 Ashby Ave, Berkeley,$17
Why go: It's pay-what-you-can all week as Obie-winner Adam Bock and Shotgun take Racine's midlife-crisis classic to Connecticut. Stuck in a stale marriage, Phaedra indulges in an obsessive passion for a younger man. Ooof! He happens to be her husband's son...
When: Friday, Sept. 23, noon
Where: , 2600 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, $45/four classes
Why go: World Beat meets Rudolf Steiner, this New Agey movement discipline is all the rage in France. Be one of the first stateside practitioners in this low-key weekly class.
When: Friday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m.
Where: , 1924 Cedar St, Berkeley, FREE
Why go: This disturbing documentary on how Ukraine's nuclear power plant went terribly wrong is available online, but you won't want to be silent afterward. UU's Conscientious Projector film series offers an opportunity for discussion.
When: Friday, Sept. 23, 5:30 p.m.
Where: , 2065 Kittredge St, Berkeley, $30
Why go: The museum -- more correctly, a series of rooms where your kids can have messy fun that someone else cleans up -- lets you drop off your 2-7-year-olds for play, fun and a cheese-pizza dinner while you enjoy a romantic evening out. Habitot now offers this popular event year round; early registration is advised.
When: Saturday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m.
Where: , 2086 Allston Way, Berkeley, $20
Why go: More than 40 varieties of your favorite caffeinated bev under one roof, along with snacks and entertainment.
When: Saturday, Sept. 24, 9 a.m.
Where: College Avenue Presbyterian Church, 5951 College Ave, Oakland, $15
Why go: Thirty locations are circled on a map. On foot or bike, how many can you visit in 90 minutes? In 3 hours? Score points by visiting checkpoints in any order and answering a question to prove you were there. For families, runners, cyclists, and anyone who likes to explore. Awards and refreshments at the finish.
When: Saturday, Sept. 24, 1:30 p.m.
Where: , 3167 College Ave, Berkeley, $20
Why go: The song and choreography for this dance workshop (no experience needed!) were created for Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" Campaign to raise awareness about the importance of exercise.Learn the moves, then perform them with Hipline at the Rockridge Out and About Festival on October 9.
When: Saturday, Sept. 24, 8 p.m.
Where: , 2020 Addison St, Berkeley, $20
Why go: Founded in 1966, this band pays tribute to the legendary pianist with some of Hines' own arrangements, his signature tunes including the Hines-Louis Armstrong classic "Weatherbird," and the exceptional piano work of special guest Tammy Hall.
When: Saturday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m.
Where: , 2700 9th St, Berkeley, FREE
Why go: Folks who expect the jobless to give up their pets should know that doing so badly strains animal shelters and rescue facilities. This pantry provides free dog and cat food for needy East Bay residents. Unopened donations of food and litter are welcome any time.
When: Sunday, Sept. 25, 10:30 am
Where: , 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley
Why go: A great place to buy regionally appropriate Mediterranean-climate plants in a gorgeous setting. Check the website for a list of what's available. All proceeds benefit the Garden; bring a box to bring the plants home.
When: Sunday, Sept. 25, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Where: Telegraph Avenue between Bancroft Way and Parker Street
Why go: Eight pop-up stages offer music ranging from the Telegraph String Quartet to rising Americana star Deborah Crooks. Love accordion? Check out Alex Yaskin's Russian-inflected pop-rock covers in front of the former Cody's at 2 p.m. The AnnapurnaLIVE.com Eclectic DJ Jam plays most of the afteroon at the storefront of the same name at 2506 Haste.
When: Sunday, Sept. 25, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: , FREE
Why go: It's a full day of free music, dance and theater from 20 artists on five stages including Jane Lynch (Glee), Sarah Cahill, AXIS Dance, the San Francisco Opera's Adler Fellows, Kitka, the CK Ladzekpo West African Music and Dance Company, Danse Lumiere and more. No tickets or registration needed, but seating is first-come, first-served. Go here for a schedule.
When: Sunday, Sept. 25, 1:30 p.m.
Where: , 2090 Kittredge St, Berkeley, FREE
Why go: Was Mrs. Tolstoy a virago, or hopelessly misunderstood? At home, read the acclaimed novel on the last year of author Leo Tolstoy's life. Watch the 2009 film adaptation starring Helen Mirren and Christopher Plummer together. Discuss the book, film and adapation as a group.
When: Sunday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m.-about 2 p.m
Where: 1911 Russell St., Berkeley, $1-$7
Why go: Check out Temple Mongkolratanaram's "food offering" and constitutionally protected religious practice before a new generation of Cal students finds it. Real hipsters bring their own bowl and cutlery.
