"As You Like It," Shakespeare's lighthearted comedy, runs Nov. 1 through 29 at the Lincoln Center Mini-Theatre, produced by OpenStage Theatre. Director Judith Allen has recast the classic with a 1960s twist, including flower children and political protests. The play takes a critical look at social injustice and pokes fun at self-destructive behavior. Tickets: adults, $20; seniors and students, $15; matinees, $13; FAB Friday on Nov. 7, $12.

Friends of the Poudre will hold the Poudre River Ball on Nov. 1 to raise funds to help keep open Picnic Rock, the most used recreational site along the Poudre River. The ball will be held from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the ballroom above the Rio Grande Restaurant, 143 W. Mountain Ave., in downtown Fort Collins. The dress is black tie, blue jeans or masquerade costume. The Poudre River Irregulars will perform, and a silent auction of items and services donated by local businesses will be held. Admission: $10 at the door.

The official holiday lighting of Old Town is set for Nov. 7, 7 p.m., when Mayor Doug Hutchinson throws the switch for all the energy-conserving LED lights that will make for a truly "green" holiday season. Once the lights are on, the public may enjoy music, hot apple cider and cookies.

A kick-off celebration for Native American Awareness Month is planned at the Fort Collins Museum on Nov. 7, 5 to 7 p.m. The event will feature the CSU Ram Nation Drummers, with a special performance by native hoop dancer Kevin Locke at 5:25 p.m. A "live art" performance by Bunky Echo-Hawk is set for 6:10 p.m. The Discovery Science Center will present the "Native American Skies" planetarium show at 5:30, 6 and 6:30 p.m. Admission: free. Info: 221-6738.

Kurt Weill's opera "Street Scene" will be staged at the Griffin Concert Hall at the University Center for the Arts, Nov. 7, 8, 14 and 16. The opera tells about working-class life in New York City in 1947, spinning a tale of love, passion, greed and death. The performance blends traditional European opera style with that of Broadway musical theatre. Tickets: public, $25; CSU students, $10. Info: 491-4TIX or www.csutix.com.

The Great Christmas Hall, a holiday tradition, is set for early November at the Lincoln Center. The Hall of Trees, Nov. 7 through 12, showcases numerous local businesses with ideas for holiday decorating, from trees to mantles. Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: free. The Hall of Gifts is a large craft fair, held Nov. 7 through 9, featuring more than 50 artisans plus an espresso cart and café. Admission: adults, $3; children, $1. Info: 221-6730.

The Fort Collins Regional Library District is sponsoring a book swap for children on Nov. 9, 2 to 4 p.m., at both library locations. By Nov. 8, children must bring in gently read books to the children's desks at Harmony or Main libraries and exchange them for vouchers. Info: 221-6663 or pwatson-lakamp@fcgov.com.

The Laudamus Chamber Chorale, with new conductor Phil Barnett, opens its season with "New Beginnings," a concert featuring a potpourri of beautiful choral literature including Advent and Christmas music. Performances will be Nov. 16, 4 p.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Loveland; and Nov. 23, 3 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Collins. Composers include Byrd, Mendelssohn and Christiansen. Tickets: adults, $10; seniors and students, $7.

he Poudre High School music and theatre departments will present "Seussical the Musical" Nov. 20 through 22, 7 p.m., in the Poudre High School auditorium. The musical extravaganza brings to life all the favorite Dr. Seuss characters including Horton the Elephant, Lazy Mayzie and all the Whos of Whoville. Music styles range from Latin pop to gospel, and the subtle themes make this a musical for all ages. Tickets: adults, $10; students/seniors, $8. Opening night seats are $5. Info: 488-6006 or dulciea@psdschools.org.

Dance Express presents "Angel Dances & the Shepherds' Play" on Dec. 1 and 2 at the Lincoln Center Mini-Theatre, with performances at 1 and 7 p.m. Live music will be performed by Julie Park, Sarah Swiatek and Krista Gertig. "Angel Dances" will be accompanied by traditional music of the winter solstice. "The Shepherds' Play" retells the Christmas story from the shepherds' perspective. Dancers with and without disabilities are featured in the performance. Tickets: $10 and $7; discounts for seniors, persons with disabilities and members of the Colorado Dance Alliance. Info: 221-6730.

MOCA Holiday Art Sale: Nov. 7 and 8 at the Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art, 201 S. College Ave. Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Unique art gifts include jewelry, pottery, painting, photography and sculpture. Info: 482-2787.

Holiday Craft Fair, Peace with Christ Lutheran Church: Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1412 W. Swallow Road. Creative gifts, holiday home decor and baked goods. Also, lunch with homemade soup and pie served 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Info: 226-4721.

Holiday Bazaar at Ridgeview Classical Schools: Nov. 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1800 S. Lemay Ave. Many local crafters and small businesses, plus the Children's Secret Santa Gift Shoppe. Info: 494-4620.

Affordable Homemade Gifts and Crafts at SouthGate Church: Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to noon, College and Trilby. Sponsored by Homeschoolers Under God and SouthGate Mothers of Preschoolers. Info: kamilovesjesus@gmail.com.

The first weekend of December will see holiday kick-off events in three communities: Wellington, Red Feather Lakes and Stove Prairie.

The annual Greening of Red Feather, set for Dec. 6 and 7, includes a huge craft fair. Artists and crafters interested in participating may contact Pat Clemens at 495-0560 or mtgal@frii.com.

The Stove Prairie Winter Festival, planned for Dec. 6, is a family event with a craft fair, fresh trees and wreaths for sale, a silent auction and a drawing for a handmade quilt. The event also includes a bake sale and lots of homemade chili and burgers. Info: 484-1233.

Wellington's holiday event will be held Dec. 6. Festivities include a craft fair at Eyestone Elementary in the morning. A chili supper put on by the Wellington Fire Department will warm folks up before the annual Parade of Lights, which begins at 5:30 p.m.