Residents in Bellaire, Meyerland and West University have a bevy of events around the community in the coming weeks. Here are 12 events to check out.

November

2-13 Attend the Jewish Books & Arts Festival

The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center will host authors, speakers and artists at the 47th annual Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Books & Arts Festival from Nov. 2-13.Over 20 authors will host talks at the festival, including fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi, feminist icon Gloria Steinem and Tablet Editor-in-Chief Alana Newhouse.Several film screenings will also be shown over the course of the event, including the Marx Brothers’ “Horse Feathers” and documentary films “Ask Dr. Ruth” and “Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles.” The Oliver Lapin Family Day to be held Nov. 10 will include children’s book readings from local authors, performance art, music, crafts and more. Tickets for the full festival are $86 for ERJCC members and $117 for the public. Students with valid student IDs can attend for free, and seniors 65 or older will receive a $10 discount. Family Day events will be free. 5601 S. Braeswood St., Houston. 713-729-3200. www.erjcchouston.org

9 Check out the arts and crafts festival

After a hiatus of about 10 years, the Arts and Crafts Festival is returning to Bellaire. The festival will take place at Evelyn’s Park with the aim of recreating the atmosphere of the old event that began in 1972 and will feature local vendors and artists. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 4400 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire. 713-662-8222. www.bellairetx.gov

13 Raise money to buy books for children

Books Between Kids will host the fourth annual Book Bash event at the Goode Company Armadillo Palace in an effort to raise money to buy books for economically disadvantaged children in the Houston area. This year, the organization was able to distribute more than 300,000 books to 40,000 children in the area. 6:30-9 p.m. $100 for an individual ticket, with group options available. 5015 Kirby Drive, Houston. 832-831-1402. www.booksbetweenkids.org

14 Listen to music inspired by the moon landing

Rice University will host a live performance of “Canti Lunatici,” composed by Bernard Rands, and “Night of the Four Moons,” composed by George Crumb, at the Moody Center for the Arts. Jerry Hou, the associate conductor for the Shepherd School of Music, will lead Shepherd School musicians in the performance inspired by the moon landing. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Free. 6100 Main St., Houston. 713-348-2787. www.moody.rice.edu

14 Listen to acoustic music at St. Andrew’s

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church will host country and blues duo Jason Eady and Courtney Patton for a live performance as a part of the church’s Coffee House Live series. Coffee and snacks will be provided at the event. 7-9 p.m. Free, but donations are welcome. 713-667-1703. www.sahouston.com

14 Experience time and science through dance

The Houston Museum of Natural Science will host “Ticktock,” a collaboration between astrophysicist Paul Sutter and the Syren Modern Dance Company that explores the concept of time through choreographed dance performed to the music of Mozart. 7-9 p.m. $65. 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 713-639-4629. www.hmns.org

15 Attend a gala to support nature discovery center

The Hana and Arthur Ginzbarg Nature Discovery Center will host its 25th Twilight Gala at The Briar Club. The fundraiser will include dinner, dancing and an auction. 6:30 p.m. $250 for an individual ticket, with underwriter options available. 2603 Timmons Lane, Houston. 713-667-6550. www.naturediscoverycenter.org

16 Listen to the National Arab Orchestra at Rice

The National Arab Orchestra will present “Building Bridges Through Music,” a live orchestral performance with Lebanese vocalist Abeer Nehme at Rice University’s Stude Concert Hall. 7-9 p.m. $50-$100. 6100 Main St., Houston. www.araborchestra.org

16 Celebrate 75 years of Congregation Emanu El

Congregation Emanu El will celebrate 75 years since its founding with its “Ever Forward” event. The celebratory event will feature live music, dancing, dinner and drinks. Cocktail attire is recommended. 7 p.m.-midnight. $175, $75 (young adults). 1500 Sunset Blvd., Houston. 713-535-6414. www.emanuelhouston.org

22 Attend a Thanksgiving-themed breakfast

The Houston branch of the American Jewish Committee will host America’s Table, a Thanksgiving-themed breakfast with talks by intellectual, governmental and spiritual leaders at Rice University’s Memorial Center Grand Hall. 8:30-10:30 a.m. Free with donation to the Houston Food Bank. 6100 Main St., Houston. 713-439-1202. www.ajc.org/houston

22 Listen to a concert celebrating Ray Charles

The Miller Outdoor Theatre will host “Georgia On my Mind: Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles,” with live performances from musicians Take 6, Clint Holmes, Nnenna Freelon, Tom Scott and more. 7-9 p.m. Free. 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 832-487-7102. www.milleroutdoortheatre.com

December

02 Attend West University’s holiday tree lighting

The West University Place Parks and Recreation Department will host the 31st annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Community Center. The event will include dance performances, ice sculptures and a visit from Santa Claus. 5:30 p.m. Free. 6104 Auden St., West University Place. 713-662-7420. www.westutx.gov