DANCE

Oct 3–5
Axis Dance Company
Dancers aren’t solely defined by their legs. Just ask the members of Axis Dance Company. The contemporary ensemble consists of performers with and without disabilities, and their contrasting skill sets showcase the power of human movement. Wheelchair-bound dancers spin alongside their counterparts in ways that defy conventional notions of what it means to be disabled. Meany Hall, $39–$44.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Thru Oct 31
Arts Crush
Theatre Puget Sound’s Arts Crush is Seattle’s cultural buffet. Sample the comedy of Seattle SketchFest, an open hip-hop video shoot, lessons from a professional makeup artist (just in time for Halloween), Peruvian dance performances, and much more. Best of all, this buffet is comped. All of Arts Crush’s featured events are free or pay what you will. Visit website for venues, prices vary per event; featured events are free.

VISUAL ART

Thru Oct 20
Mark Mitchell: Burial
The opening of Mark Mitchell's Burial featured nine models clothed in what the wardrobe designer and artist imagined as their death ensembles. Mitchell's muses laid on the floor on top of coffin-sized mirrors in gorgeously baroque, intricate and completely biodegradeable costumes of silk, wood, cotton, and wool. The live performance was an ephemeral thing, but the garments are on display through Sunday, October 20. On Saturday, October 5 at 2 the artist will talk about his work in the galleries. Frye Art Museum, free.

BOOKS & TALKS

Oct 4
Margaret Atwood
Canadian author Margaret Atwood concludes her dystopian MaddAddam trilogy with the aptly named MaddAddam. The world of terrifying bioengineering once again showcases her mastery of prose. As the late author Elmore Leonard said in his tips for writers, “Don’t go into great detail describing places and things. Unless you’re Margaret Atwood…” Town Hall, sold out (day of standby tickets are $5).

COMEDY

Thru Oct 4
Dave Chappelle
Just when Dave Chappelle was becoming a superstar with his his megahit sketch program Chappelle's Show, the comedian went MIA. He returns from his self-imposed exile for his first stand-up tour in years. Moore Theatre, $55.

Oct 3
Martin Short
Few people can totally commit to a comedic character with as much passionate fervor as Martin Short. Whether it’s the wacky Saturday Night Live favorite Ed Grimley or the obese, aloof interviewer Jiminy Glick, Short loses himself in the role. Short’s latest family-friendly variety show features bits by both of those well-known characters, audience participation, silly songs, and other surprises. Paramount Theatre, $41–$51.

THEATER

Oct 4–Nov 3
Sugar Daddies
Lauded playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn travels across the pond to direct the American premiere of his play Sugar Daddies at ACT. The show follows a college student who comes to the aid of an older man when he is hit by a car. When the man begins lavishing her with expensive gifts, questions arise about his potentially sketchy dealings. ACT Theatre, $15–$41.

CONCERTS

Thru Nov 17
Earshot Jazz Festival
The core of jazz is freedom. For 25 years, the Earshot Jazz Festival has allowed listeners the freedom to craft their own jazz experience. This year’s fest features an opening night with top piano trio Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, and Jack DeJohnette, minimalist pioneer Phillip Glass playing solo piano in Kirkland, and multiple performances by local jazz powerhouses, guitarist Bill Frisell and trumpeter Cuong Vu. Visit website for venues and prices.

Oct 4
Josh Groban
The golden-voiced Groban is an easy-listening force that cannot be stopped. In addition to originals, his latest chart-topping album All That Echoes includes covers of the Oscar-winning “Falling Slowly” from Once and Stevie Wonder’s “I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever).” KeyArena, $30–$35.

Oct 5
Bon Jovi
At this point Bon Jovi has been filling arenas for almost 30 years. At this point Tommy and Gina from “Livin’ On a Prayer” have likely settled down in a nice New Jersey suburb with two kids, one dog, and a minivan. Basically, they would be Bon Jovi’s target demographic. Tacoma Dome, $30–$575.

Oct 6
Father John Misty: Solo
The comedic banter at Father John Misty shows might be even more enjoyable than his already wry rock songs, so the former Seattleite embarking on a variety show tour is the next logical step. Expect stripped down versions of Fear Fun songs, playful covers, and all the cheeky rambling one’s heart could desire. Moore Theatre, $25.

FOOD & DRINK

Oct 4–6
Great Pumpkin Beer Festival
Help bring in fall the right way by going to the three-day Great Pumpkin Beer Festival at Elysian Brewing Production Brewery. More than 60 pumpkin beers will be available to try from brewers near and far. And to make it better, there will be giant pumpkins filled with beer. Yes, you heard right. Donuts, ice cream, and other treats will also available. Elysian Brewing Company Georgetown, $30.

Oct 5 & 6
Northwest Tea Festival
The annual Northwest Tea Festival at the Seattle Center is a great time to brush up on your tea trivia, as well as enjoy a cup or two for yourself. A porcelain tasting cup is provided upon entry to try the arrangement of teas available. This festival offers classes and lectures on the leaves and exhibits several vendors from all over. Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center, $10.