Events November 2009

Begins Nov. 19
"Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor"

WASHINGTON, DC More than 2,000 years ago, Qin Shihuangdi, China's first emperor, took large armies across Asia to form a unified country - and he even had an army built from clay to guard him on his trip to the afterlife. Fifteen of the figures, along with more than 100 objects from his tomb, will be displayed at the National Geographic Museum. www.terracottawarriorexhibit.com

Nov. 13-22
Gilbert Days

PHOENIX Get in the Western spirit, starting with a reenactment of a Pony Express ride on the 13th. There will be a parade featuring horse-drawn carriages, and, of course, you can get your fill of ridin', ropin' and buckin' bronco action at the rodeo. www.gilbertpromotionalcorp.org

Nov. 10-15
Columbus International Film + Video Festival

COLUMBUS The people behind the longest continuously running juried film festival in the country consider digital video a "revolution on par with the first printing press." At the festival, now in its 57th year, you can enjoy works captured in pixels and on celluloid. www.chrisawards.org

Nov. 14-Dec 6
2009 Christmas House

ATLANTA This decked-out home celebrates its 35th anniversary by gathering 19 interior designers, landscape architects and florists to capture the spirit of the season in one luxurious home. Tours takes place Wednesday through Sunday, and the proceeds benefit the local Tony Award-winning Alliance Children's Theater. www.atlantachristmashouse.com

Nov. 19 through Jan. 3
Banana Shpeel: A New Twist on Vaudeville

CHICAGO The Marx Brothers, Buster Keaton and Judy Garland all got their start in vaudeville shows, which featured a little bit of everything: music, comedy, dance and acrobatics. This brand-new show from Cirque du Soleil offers a modern take on this once hugely popular form of entertainment. www.cirquedusoleil.com

Dec. 3-6
Art Basel Miami Beach

MIAMI See the newest cutting-edge art at the most important art show in the country. Located at the cavernous Miami Beach Convention Center, more than 250 galleries from around the world exhibit work from more than 2,000 artists. There's also an endless supply of related parties all over the city. www.artbaselmiamibeach.com

Nov. 27-29
Festival of Trees

BALTIMORE Celebrate Christmas early by getting lost among more than 500 intricately decorated trees, gingerbread towns designed by local artists and elf-sized toy train gardens. Take part in the silent auction, the proceeds of which help children with developmental disabilities, to really get into the holiday spirit. www.festivaloftrees.kennedykrieger.org

Nov. 27 through July 4
"Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World"

ST. PAUL, MN Ben Franklin, the multitalented Founding Father, did a lot more than discover electricity and sign the Constitution. He was also a printer, almanac writer and newspaper publisher. At the Minnesota History Center, see some of his possessions, many of which have been handed down in his family and rarely seen by the public. Also enjoy more than 40 interactive exhibits designed to reflect his wit, charm and curiosity. www.mnhs.org

Dance Parties

Cut a rug at this month's dance festivals.

LOS ANGELES
NOV 12-15
Los Angeles De Tango Festival
www.ladetango.com
ABOUT THE EVENT: This tango festival featuring workshops and live music is hosted by Miriam Larici, a gold medal winner on "Superstars of Dance."
BEST FOR: People with roses in their teeth, fans of the movie Take the Lead
NEW ORLEANS
NOV 20-21
Thank you, Gregory! A Tribute to the Legends of Tap
www.nobadance.com
ABOUT THE EVENT: This tap performance is a celebration of tap legends like Fred Astaire, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and, of course, Gregory Hines.
BEST FOR: Those who like the sound of metal on wood, fans of the movie Happy Feet

SAN FRANCISCO
NOV. 20-22
San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest
www.sfhiphopdancefest.com
ABOUT THE EVENT: Now in its 11th year, this was the first festival dedicated to hip-hop dance.
BEST FOR: B-boys, b-girls, fans of the movie Step Up