"Upstairs with ROCO" are small, private, infotaining River Oaks Chamber Orchestra events during which musicians talk about the trials and tribulations of their field. Percussionist Matt McClung schlepped his drum set (amidst an endless crew of other musical instruments) from his home in Corpus Christi to speak about his adventures with the popular apparatus. We'll be talking to him at length, so be on the look-out for an in-depth look at how a musician prepares for a performance.

How close can you get to opera stars like Anna Netrebko, Ekaterina Gubanova, Ildar Abdrazakov and Stephen Costello? With The Metropolitan Opera's Live in HD screenings kicking off this weekend, it appears they are within an arm's reach. This David McVicar-helmed, historically accurate production packed movie theaters. Where else can opera be experienced with popcorn, Milk Duds and a soda?

Check out the schedule. This season is packed with new and old favorites, including Mozart's Don Giovanni, Phillip Glass' Satyagraha and the continuation of the Met's new Ring Cycle.

Alley Theatre's Dividing the Estate commented on gentrification, change in family and societal values and the friction between an old Southern way of life and urban "progress." With the right amount of comic relief — and a few yawns in the second act as the play dragged on and on — Horton Foote's Wharton-then-versus-Houston-now is a classic Texas story worthy of your time, if for no other reason, for the "period accents." Just grab a cup of coffee prior.

Houston Arts Alliance and Buffalo Bayou Partnership unveiled Mark Dion's Buffalo Bayou Invasive Plant Eradication Unit, Idina Menzel found some clothes to wear at the Houston Symphony, Divergence Vocal Theater planted a severed head in a pot of basil and Dominic Walsh Dance Theater made audiences cry.

On the menu this week is a series of very appetizing events. Hope to see you out and about!

24th Annual Día de los Muertos Gala & Silent Auction at Lawndale Art Center

The retablo exhibition is one of my favorite artsy happenings at Lawndale Art Center. Taking its cue from the tradition of retablos — a Latin American devotional painting or folk art — 300 emerging and established artists are crafting their own on 8-by-10 tin metal sheets.

The walls of Lawndale are already dotted with these festive yet thoughtful works. The exhibit opened on Monday. On Friday at 7 p.m., the highest bidders will step up to claim their favorites in the gala and silent auctions, chaired by Jessica Phifer and James Glassman. With nibbles and noshes provided by Izkali Tequila, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Catering by Culinaire, El Tiempo Cantina, Goodie Bars, Last Concert Cafe, Natachee's Supper and Punch, Tacos A Go-Go and Whole Foods, the place will be packed with art-curious personalities.

ArBOOretum Nature Family Festival at Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Having just recently enjoyed a leisurely promenade through the Arboretum's woods, into the meadow and by the turtle pond, the 155-acre nature sanctuary is the type of rural-within-urban oasis where Houstonians can reconnect with the Bayou City's original wilderness. With the weather slightly cooler, why not take the kiddos and enjoy a day of pre-Halloween activities?

It's more than just a children's costume party. ArBOOretum takes trick-or-treating to an educational level, during which guests will learn about the spooky world of predators like coyotes, bats, owls and spiders alongside treat stations, arts and crafts activities, pumpkin decorating, pony rides, face painting, a petting zoo, a train and hay rides. The boolicious festivities begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, though members have the added benefit of getting in an hour earlier.

AIA Houston 2011 Home Tour

Sometimes, size doesn't matter. The American Institute of Architects Houston Home Tour Saturday and Sunday opens the doors to nine residences from 550 to 4,300 square feet, proving that impeccable design is not determined by space. The homes on tour also showcase how sustainability weaves into aspects of floor plan flow, light and materials.

The event offers an opportunity to discover who's doing what in the city's architecture scene. The 2011 lineup will showcase the stylings of 2Scale Architects, Interloop Architecture, Intexture, Donna Kacmar, FAIA, m+a architecture studio, Natalye Appel + Associates Architecture, Stern and Bucek Architects and studioMet.

River Oaks Chamber Orchestra Season Opening Concert

Call the ensemble ROCO (rhymes with loco), as the musicians are much cooler and friendlier than its traditional name implies. It's more than a concert; ROCO events are an opportunity to get something more out of music and offer an opportunity to get to know the artists. Classical musicians aren't scary, but rather are an amicable amd quirky bunch.

The orchestra brings back Mei-Ann Chen to Houston to lead Martinu’s Toccata, Mozart's Symphony No. 40 and Finzi’s Songs, performed with baritone soloist Timothy Jones. But that's not all. There are usually a few surprises. I know what they are, but I am not telling.

The concert is set for 5 p.m. Saturday at the Church of St. John the Divine and 7 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood.

Emerging Leaders' 11th Annual "Reds, Whites & BOOS!" at Advantage BMW Midtown

Emerging Leaders knows that the next generation of influencers in Houston aren't shy to partying hard after working hard. Chairs Karen Osborn Stewart and Reda Hicks have masterminded a wicked social affair with a eerily mischievous tenor.

There will be wine, craft beers, evil spirits, light bites from local restaurants and a costume contest. Saturday at 7 p.m.

Assistant editor and nightlife expert Caroline Gallay's pick: Second Annual Girls Inc. Be Bold Margarita Competition & Silent Auction

Caroline says: "My pick this week is the Girls Inc. Be Bold Margarita showdown Wednesday at the Cadillac Bar. All the margaritas will be made with Izkali tequila — a local brand I'm super excited about and wrote about a few months ago — in support of Girls Inc., a non-profit empowering young women to reach their fullest potential. Deborah Duncan is emceeing and the ladies of the Houston Roller Derby will serve as badass judges."

Arts contributor, fun beer gal and Houston's Dancehunter's picks: The Blonde, the Brunette, and the Vengeful Redhead at Stages Repertory Theatre

Nancy says: "Don't let the title, The Blonde, the Brunette, and the Vengeful Redhead, fool you. Robert Hewitt's one-woman show is not what it seems, nor is it fluffy stuff. What it is, I cannot reveal. Just trust me; it's complicated.

"But I will tell you that Suzan Koozin delivers the performance of her life in this show, where she plays several characters transforming before our eyes. From an wise-cracking old lady to a four-year-old boy, Koozin makes us believe. It's simply a marvel to witness. Kenn McLaughlin directs with a spare hand while Kirk Markley's minimalist set and lights add to the suspense. The play runs through Oct. 30; I suggest running there to see it."

Lifestyle contributor and Houston explorer Whitney Radley's pick: A. D. Players presents Driving Miss Daisy at Miller Outdoor Theatre

Whitney says: "The weekend's weather looks perfect for anything outside. Pack a blanket and settle in on the hill at Miller Outdoor Theatre for A.D. Players' production of Driving Miss Daisy. Treat yourself to some hot chocolate from the concession stand — because it's autumn and anything below 70 degrees feels cold." Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.