What is it, girl? Barktoberfest? Go fetch your costume! This Saturday, October 4, Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary presents its annual canine carnival and dog wash from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cooley Park in Mesa. Gilbert police demonstrate how K-9 officers catch the bad guys, and civilian pooches show off as well. Judges bestow prizes for Best Trick, Best Manners, and Best Dog/Human Look-alike Costume. Wolf down treats from the merchant bazaar, hot dogs (no relation), and free dog biscuits while they last. Take a blanket or chair to "sit!" on the lawn, and give Muffin some money for the raffle. Browse the gallery of Painted Paws art, created by rescued animals; proceeds help other homeless animal artists. Saturday is every dog's day, so "come!" And bring your camera. For more information, see Friends for Life online at www.F4L.org, or call 480-497-8296 to leave a message. Cooley Park is located behind Starbucks at the northeast corner of Gilbert and Baseline roads. - Kim Toms
Bear Necessity
A bear plays house in Dodge Theatre
10/2-10/5
Kermit's nowhere to be found, but the next generation of Muppets, seen in Jim Henson's popular kids' TV show Bear in the Big Blue House, is just as lovable. This week, see Bear and his animal pals sing and dance in the touring stage show that comes to Dodge Theatre. Contact Ticketmaster, 480-784-4444, for details. - Michele Laudig
Anything for Love
New musical opens at Stagebrush
10/3-10/19
Set in the Caribbean, Once on This Island tells the tale of a peasant girl who saves an upper-class boy's life by promising her own mortality to the God of Death. She falls in love with the boy, but eventually discovers that her destiny isn't what she thought it was. Greasepaint Scottsdale Youtheatre performs the musical for the opening of its new season starting Friday, October 3, at Stagebrush Theater in Scottsdale. Call the box office at 480-990-7405 for more information. -- Michele Laudig
Remains of the Day
Junior archeologists learn to excavate
SATURDAYS
Kids dig archaeology -- it's all dirt and buried treasure. From now until May, Pueblo Grande Museum hosts Archaeology for Kids. On the first and third Saturdays of the month, junior scientists get to the bottom of Phoenix history by excavating a simulated Hohokam pit house. They uncover genuine artifacts on the site of the ancient village, where remnants of houses, irrigation canals and a ball court remain. Classes are divided by age and last from 9 a.m. to noon. Admission is $12, and advance registration is required. Pueblo Grande has occupied what is now the southeast corner of 44th Street and Washington for 1,500 years. Unearth more information at www.pueblogrande.com, or call 602-495-0901. -- Kim Toms
