Nov. 1-16: Give to the Winter Backpack Challenge Collection
The Dallas Public Library is collecting winter supplies and adult backpacks as part of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Accepted items include backpacks, gloves, hats, socks and scarves. Participants can drop off supplies at library locations or at many Dallas College Student Life and Engagement Offices by Nov. 16. Hours vary. Free. Locations vary. https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/annual-backpack-challenge-collection-drive
Nov. 1-Dec. 31: Celebrate influential women
The Dallas Arboretum presents 50 statues of influential women at the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden through Dec. 31. The installation aims to highlight the benefits of a more inclusive and diverse workforce. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $12 (ages 2-12), $16 (age 65 and older), $20 (adults). 8525 Garland Road, Dallas. 214-515-6615. https://ifthenexhibit.org
Nov. 5: Get the Juicy Scoop Live With Heather McDonald
The Granada Theater hosts Heather McDonald, a comedian, author and actress, at this live event. Her early show on this date is sold out. 9:45 p.m. $39-$89. Granada Theater, 3524 Greenville Ave., Dallas. 214-824-9933. www.granadatheater.com/calendar
Nov. 11 & 24-25: Check out the Dallas Public Library online
All Dallas Public Library branches are closed for Veterans Day—Nov. 11—and the Thanksgiving holiday—Nov. 24-25. However, patrons can still use online library services. https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com
Nov. 11-13: Go on an adventure
The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden will be open to visitors for free Nov. 11-13 for guests paying general admission to the Dallas Arboretum. Timed tickets can be purchased online and are required. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $12 (ages 2-12), $16 (age 65 and older), $20 (adults). 8525 Garland Road, Dallas. 214-515-6615. www.dallasarboretum.org/visitor-information
Nov. 12: See a jazz show inspired by music legends (Worth the trip)
Tribute singers Steve Leeds and Sharon Owens will perform a set of covers from the duo of jazz legend Tony Bennett and pop star Lady Gaga, who together released two jazz albums, “Cheek To Cheek” and “Love For Sale.” Leeds and Owens will be accompanied by an ensemble of local musicians. 2 p.m. $45-$65. Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson. 972-744-4650. www.eisemanncenter.com/event/i/8484/d/cheek-to-cheek
Nov. 15: Watch a film favorite
Tom Hanks leads the cast of the movie “The Polar Express”, a computer-animated holiday adventure from director Robert Zemeckis. 8:30 p.m.
Free. Sundown at Granada, 3520 Greenville Ave., Dallas. 214-823-8305. www.granadatheater.com/calendar
Nov. 17: Learn to use DNA for ancestry testing
The Dallas Public Library hosts genealogy specialist Mic Barnette, who explains how to use DNA testing in researching one’s ancestry. 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Online. https://bit.ly/3sPzUDz
Nov. 17: Get college credit from Military Transcripts
At this session, veteran students can get college credit for completed military occupation training. 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Dallas College El Centro Campus, 801 Main St., Bldg. B, Student Center, Table 4, Dallas. https://bit.ly/3gWGAgI
Nov. 18: Rock out to Pearl Gem Unplugged
See this Pearl Jam tribute band perform the band’s “MTV Unplugged” concert from the 1990s. 10:30 p.m. $10. Sundown at Granada, 3520 Greenville Ave., Dallas. 214-823-8305. www.granadatheater.com/calendar
Nov. 18: Shop the community pantry
At Dallas College’s food pantries on certain days this fall, anyone can pick up groceries. Groceries available range from snacks to diapers. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. All Dallas College campuses. https://bit.ly/3NmdNye
Nov. 27-Dec. 23: See ‘The Happy Elf’
Dallas Children’s Theater presents this sensory-friendly jazz musical by Grammy Award winner Harry Connick Jr. and is recommended for attendees age 5 and up. Times vary. $20-$35. Rosewood Center, 5938 Skillman, Dallas. 214-978-0110. www.dct.org
Nov. 29: Catch a holiday party
The Greater East Dallas Chamber of Commerce partners with Casa Linda Plaza for the annual tree lighting and holiday party. Attendees can see live performances from local musicians and enjoy activities for children. Food and gift specials are also offered throughout the center. 5:30-8 p.m. Free (admission). 1152 N. Buckner Blvd., Dallas. www.eastdallaschamber.com
Nov. 30: Take a free STD test
Dallas College’s Brookhaven Campus hosts free testing for sexually transmitted diseases through a partnership with Dallas Health and Human Services. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 3939 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch. https://bit.ly/3DVhpUZ
Dec. 2: Bring children to the playground
Parents and children can meet with library staffers at the playground to sing, play games and read at this outreach event. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Union Coffee, 3705 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas. 214-670-1359. https://bit.ly/3SPZL9c
Dec. 2: See a tree lighting
The Lakewood Shopping Center hosts the 20th annual Light Up Lakewood, which includes the neighborhood’s annual tree lighting and holiday festival. 6-9 p.m. Free to attend. Lakewood Shopping Center 2021 Abrams Road, Dallas. www.livelylocalmarkets.com/events/light-up-lakewood-2022
