This Weekend's Best Bets: Nov. 6-10

Now that Halloween has passed, brace yourself for the barrage of holiday events. Catch a big name concert this weekend or opt for the smaller acts. Keep the kids entertained and maybe even start your Christmas shopping at the art shows.

1. OR, “OBSCURED LUCIDNESS:” The Fogged Clarity LIVE Tour comes to Grand Rapids Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Several poets from West Michigan will join the nationally recognized singer-songwriters Strand of Oaks, Samantha Farrell and White Pines as they perform at the Wealthy Theatre; students: $10 advance/$15 door, general: $15 advance/$20 door; more info here

2. ONLY 50 SHOPPING DAYS LEFT: The 25th Annual Beneath the Wreath holiday shopping benefit takes place from Friday, Nov. 6 through Sunday, Nov. 8 at the Cultural Center at St. Nicholas. The show highlights Michigan vendors and includes gourmet foods, juried works and hand-crafted pieces. Proceeds support the Junior League of Grand Rapids; adults: $5, children 15 and under: free; more info here

3. ARTS ABOUND: Visit Frederik Meijer Gardens on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Holiday Gift Show with dozens of artists from around Michigan and even a glass blower from Germany. Perennial favorite Don Irwin will provide background music to this free event, open to the public; more info here

4. TAKE A TRIP (DOWN MEMORY LANE): If folk rock from the 70s if your thing, don’t miss Firefall, Poco and Pure Prairie League performing at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center on Friday, Nov. 6 at 7:30. Decades later, these three iconic bands are still at it; $42-$48; more info here

5. ENTER SANDMAN: Heavy-metal legend Metallica will be performing at the Van Andel Arena on Monday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. Inducted last spring into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Metallica is credited as one of the most important thrash metal bands and has received almost every award possible; $52-$72; more info here

6. CABIN FEVER?: Keep the kids busy Saturday, Nov. 7 at the GRAM’s All Day With the Arts activities. Stop by from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and learn about the Impressionist painters and how they captured light; children until 17: free, adults: $8; more info here

7. WELCOME WAGON: Whatever your opinion of the wars, don’t miss the film “The Way We Get By,” opening Friday, Nov.6 (running through Nov. 12) at 7 p.m. at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art. Following the stories of three troop greeters who thank American soldiers returning from Iraq, this film observes how our culture treats senior citizens, soldiers, aging, war and mortality; $4-$7; more info here

8. JUST DON’T SAY “TREAT:” Over 3,900 dogs will compete in the West Michigan Harvest Cluster Dog Show from Friday, Nov. 6 to Sunday, Nov. 8. The show is in the DeltaPlex and will feature obedience trials, a police K-9 demonstration, a grooming area as well as Best in Show contests; adults: $5, children 5 and under:$3; more info here

9. HERE THEY COME AGAIN: Ok Go, that treadmill-dancing rock band from Chicago, will play the Intersection Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m with special guest Princeton. Although the band hasn’t released an album since 2005, they have a new album dropping in January and put out an EP earlier this year; $12; more info here

Good bets: Head to the Cannonsburg Ski Area Friday, Saturday, or Sunday for its 39th Annual Ski and Snowboard Swap to benefit the Ski Patrol; more info here…the Red Project Benefit Concert feat. the Bangups and Spencer Mulder at Vertigo Music on Saturday helps fight HIV/AIDS; more info here…the 19-member band and choir Celtic Woman is playing Miller Auditorium on Saturday, bringing their Irish charm and “visual feast” to Kalamazoo; more info here