Don't Miss It!

No need to be afraid! The Creepy Classics concert from Purdue Bands and Orchestras will welcome costumes, people of all ages and a get-involved attitude on Sunday (Oct. 26). Getting involved in Purdue's cultural and intellectual life can be a real treat. Don't Miss It! has a list of exciting events that it would be just frightful to miss.

OCTOBER 20

Green Week / Discovery Lecture. "Photo Ark: Communicating Science Through the Lens." Joel Sartore, National Geographic photographer. Sartore is in a 20-year project to document endangered species and landscapes. 7 p.m. PMU, North Ballroom. Summary of events for all five days (Oct. 20-24) of Green Week; event descriptions

Andrew Yang, founder and CEO of Venture for America, will speak in a Purdue University Libraries Distinguished Lecture. His project blends interns, startup companies and locations that need jobs. 7 p.m. STEW, Fowler Hall.

OCTOBER 21

"Mamma Mia!" The Broadway smash show has proved that ABBA love abounds. 7:30 p.m. Elliott Hall of Music. $. Details

Purdue Contemporary Dance Company

OCTOBER 24

Nick Offerman, comedian, on Full Bush Tour with comedian Ahmed Bharooka. Offerman, an acting veteran, currently has facial hair for his role as Ron Swanson on "Parks and Recreation," but don't fear this beard. 8 p.m. Elliott Hall of Music. $. Details

OCTOBER 24-25

Purdue Contemporary Dance Company will present student-choreographed works in four performances, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. nightly. $. Details

Alumnus astronaut talks for the public (related to Saturday's Space Day, which is for grade schoolers and is otherwise full) will be presented by Charles Walker. One will be at 8 p.m. Friday in the Class of 1950 Lecture Hall. The other will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Elliott Hall of Music. Details

OCTOBER 25 and NOVEMBER 1

Soccer will close the regular season -- before hosting the Big Ten Tournament -- hoping to prove that Saturday night's all right for kicking. First it's Indiana in the Golden Boot battle, then it's Michigan. Both games are at 7 p.m. at the Boilermaker Soccer Complex. $. Soccer

OCTOBER 24 and 26

Mara Liasson

From honoring a jazz legend for the ages to celebrating Halloween with all ages, Purdue Bands & Orchestras can cover the range. The Purdue Jazz Band will explore "The Music of Oliver Nelson" at 8 p.m. Friday in STEW, Loeb Playhouse. The Purdue Wind Ensemble will host the family favorite "Creepy Classics" -- costumes encouraged, and a parade and treats await -- at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Long Center. Free. Details

OCTOBER 27

Mara Liasson of National Public Radio presents a Presidential Lecture Series talk, also discussing with President Mitch Daniels some of today's prominent issues. 6:30 p.m. STEW, Loeb Playhouse. URL: www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2014/Q4/nprs-mara-liasson-to-speak-as-part-of-presidential-lecture-series.html

OCTOBER 27 and 28

Purdue University Galleries will open exhibitions on consecutive days. First, Oct. 27-Dec. 6, will be "What Will You Remember When I’m Gone?" with historic photographs by Charles Pansirna from Chicago's early Lithuanian community. It is in STEW, Ringel Gallery. Second, "Quilt National '13," a biennial juried competition dedicated to the promotion of the contemporary art quilt, will run Oct. 28-Dec. 6 in the Fountain Gallery, 330 Main St., Lafayette. Receptions are planned. Details

OCTOBER  30

Dîa de los Muertos

Dîa de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). This thoughtful but celebrative commemoration of family and friends of all generations who have died is an important day in Mexico particularly. The event will have food, crafts, and music. 4-7 p.m. Córdova Recreational Sports Center, Black & Gold Gym, Courts 1-3. Details

Donald Sinta Quartet. This saxophone quartet with classic to current music is named for the musicians' teacher. That's real gratitude. 7:30 p.m. STEW, Loeb Playhouse. $. Details

OCTOBER 29-NOVEMBER 2

Sports week and weekend. "Follow the bouncing ball" this extended weekend will entail a bit of moving about. General ticket information

* Volleyball defends its high ranking in the brutal Big Ten, hosting Wisconsin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Minnesota at 8:30 p.m. Saturday (change of time for Saturday). $. Volleyball
* Women's tennis hosts the Schwartz Challenge on Friday-Sunday. Free. Women's tennis
* Soccer closes the regular season against Michigan at 7 p.m. Saturday. $. Soccer
* Men's basketball hits the court for an exhibition against California (Pennsylvania). 2 p.m. $. Men's basketball

A PEEK AHEAD 

NOVEMBER 3-16

Sports outlook. We're not promising cold weather, but winter sports will be up and running. Both basketball teams swing into action. Volleyball and football march on. Swimming and diving is making a splash. And Purdue's renovated Boilermaker Soccer Complex will host the Big Ten Women's Soccer Tournament with action Nov. 5, 7 and 9. Purdue Athletics

NOVEMBER 4

The World Film Forum opens its annual window onto global cinema. First up is "White Sun of the Desert." Professor John Hope will be presenter. The series, continuing Nov. 11 and 18, is free with free popcorn (cash bar $). 7 p.m. Lafayette Theater, 600 Main St, Lafayette. Details

Julian Bond

"An Evening with Julian Bond" brings the renowned civil rights activist, politician, professor, former NAACP chairman. 7 p.m. STEW, Loeb Playhouse. Details

NOVEMBER 6

Brian Greene, an acclaimed author and theoretical physicist, will speak in the "If/Then: Decoding our Future," which opened with the "Dawn or Doom" symposium. 7 p.m. Elliott Hall of Music. Seating pass free but required. Details

NOVEMBER 9

A PMO concert will feature Purdue Bells, University Choir, Heart & Soul and All Campus & Community Chorale concert at 4:30 p.m. in STEW, Loeb Playhouse. Free. Details

NOVEMBER 11

A traditional Veterans Day observance will have speakers, displays and music by the Purduettes. 11 a.m. PMU, Great Hall.

NOVEMBER 14-23

Purdue Theatre's "The Crucible" continues the season's exploration of shadowy places in the human mind. 2:30 or 7:30 p.m. on various days. Pao Hall, Nancy T. Hansen Theatre. $. Details

These and other events, plus other timely information, are listed in the Purdue Today calendars under "Events" at www.purdue.edu/newsroom/purduetoday.