October 27
When the Rain Stops Falling
A Public Fit
Set in the near future but ranging widely over the years, this moody Australian drama — featuring (quoting the New York Times), “fractured marriages, accidental deaths, disappearing children, suicide and a chart-topping horror that it’s best not to give away” — is set in motion by a large fish falling from the sky. Sounds perfect for the experimental mind-set of the A Public Fit company. Through Nov. 13. 100 S. Maryland Parkway, $25, apublicfit.org
October 7
Make America Break Again
First Friday
This is the penultimate event in artist Diane Bush’s 10-month project in political art, collectively titled Dishing It Out. At this event, visitors will be able to smash plates festooned with images relating to various political candidates (the shards will help create a free-speech mosaic). Also on hand for this art carnival: poets, music and a voter-registration effort. Free, First Friday.
October 14
Jethro Tull — Written and Performed by Ian Anderson
The Smith Center
Jethro Tull frontman Anderson has apparently defied the prophecy of his band’s 1976 album Too Old to Rock ’n’ Roll, Too Young to Die — he’s still kicking it in this, his 48th year as a musician. 8p, $35-$95, thesmithcenter.com
October 21
The Skull Show
Sahara West Library
Hamlet’s interlude with the head-bone of Yorick perhaps represented peak skull, in terms of the ol’ brain bucket’s utility as a symbol of mortality — it’s been a long slide into kitsch since then. This biennial group exhibit, organized by artist Chris Bauder, aims to hoist the skull from its miasma of lame camp and back into the realm of art, while having a little fun, too. Some 30 artists join in. Through Dec. 9. The Studio at Sahara West Library, free, 702-507-3630
October 15
Vegas Valley Book Festival
Fifth Street School, Inspire Theatre
It’s a two-part book-a-palooza this year. During the day, it’s the usual book bash at the Historic Fifth Street School, highlighted by Craig Johnson, creator of the Longmire series, and historian Stacy Schiff, along with oodles of YA authors. New this year is a literature-focused evening program at the Inspire Theatre, scheduled by Black Mountain Institute and Nevada Humanities. Featured authors: Pulitzer winners Katherine Boo (Behind the Beautiful Forevers) and Adam Johnson (Fortune Smiles), and essayist Geoff Dyer. Free, vegasvalleybookfestival.org