Weekend best bets: Fright Dome, ‘War Horse’ and The Avett Brothers

Richard Loeks plays The Stranger inside Fright Dome at Circus Circus in Las Vegas on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013.

Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013 | 6 p.m.

Time to break out the decorative gourds, October has arrived. Kick off fall — and Breast Cancer Awareness Month — with plenty of festive activities this weekend, from fundraisers to food fests and Halloween fright nights.

Here’s a look at our weekend best bets:

Brinkhoff Mogenburg

Tonight-Sunday: 'War Horse' at the Smith Center

Broadway’s rendition of the classic children’s novel and Steven Spielberg film comes to the Smith Center's Reynolds Hall this weekend to share the story of a boy’s search for his beloved horse during World War I. The drama features powerful music and songs as well as mastery puppetry developed by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company. Tickets range from $26 to $129. Showtimes and more information can be found on the Smith Center website.
Leila Navidi

Tonight-Sunday: Fright Dome 2013 at Circus Circus

Circus Circus’ infamous haunted attraction returns tonight through the end of the month, transforming the Adventuredome into a 360-degree haunted experience filled with brand new content. In addition to live performances, thrill rides and scare zones, the Fright Dome will feature six haunted houses (up from last year’s five), including one modeled after the gruesomely booby-trapped home at the center of the popular "Collector" film franchise, which guests must enter alone — if they dare. The haunting gets underway at 7 p.m. Ticket prices and more information can be found at the Fright Dome website.
Isaac Brekken/WireImage

Friday-Sunday: Food and Wine All Star Weekend

Craving gourmet burgers? Want to sample some syrah? Foodies will have plenty to indulge in this weekend at MGM Resorts’ twice-yearly dining bash held at the MGM Grand, Aria and Bellagio. Events include the All-Star Burger Bash at the MGM Grand pool, a syrah wine tasting at the Bellagio and a wine-dinner collaboration between chef Michael Mina and Far Niente. For tickets, schedules and more information, visit the MGM Resorts website.
Leila Navidi

Saturday: Grapes and Hops Festival at Springs Preserve

Kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with tasty bites and primo beverages at the Grapes and Hops fest at Springs Amphitheater in the Springs Preserve. The charity event benefits Par for the Cure, a nonprofit supporting breast cancer research, and will offer a unique selection of beers, wines and food from Las Vegas eateries, including El Segundo Sol, Stripburger and Mon Ami Gabi. The Busker Kings will provide live music, and there will also be a silent auction. The festivities run from 5 to 9 p.m. Admission includes a sampling glass and unlimited samplings of wine, beer and food. Advance tickets cost $40 or two for $70. Individual tickets cost $50 the day of the event. VIP tickets cost $100. Preserve members receive a $5 discount on each ticket.
Leila Navidi

Saturday: Blow Out Breast Cancer fundraiser at Square Colour Salon + Spa

Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month by getting a fabulous new ’do for a cause at Square Colour Salon + Spa, which is offering hair treatments Saturday afternoon to benefit Smiles for Survivors, followed by a silent auction and party from 7 to 11 p.m. All proceeds will go to Smiles for Survivors. Presale tickets cost $40 for event admission and $65 for a blowout and event admission. Entrance to the event costs $50 at the door. To purchase tickets, visit the salon’s website.
April Corbin

Sunday: The Avett Brothers at the Cosmopolitan

Grammy-nominated indie-folk trio the Avett Brothers will perform at the Boulevard Pool at the Cosmopolitan on Sunday evening, performing songs such as “Another is Waiting” from their upcoming album “Magpie and the Dandelion,” as well as fan favorites from across their 13-year career. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $40.