Jehanne Gheith and Dr. Laura Hanson — Thursday, 7pm — The second in a series of “Community Conversations” will feature a discussion of Atul Gawande’s thought-provoking, compassionate best-seller, “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End.” Dr. Hanson, Professor of Geriatric Medicine and co-director of UNC’s Palliative Care Program, and Jehanne Gheith, a Duke professor who is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working with Duke Hospice, will take a detailed look at death, dying and what really matters. The Regulator Bookshop, 720 Ninth St.; Free; 919-286-2700
Mr. Burns, a post-electric play – Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7:30pm – In the aftermath of a civilization-ending apocalypse, survivors huddled around a campfire entertain each other by remembering and re-telling a classic episode of The Simpsons. And over the following decades, that story transforms into something rich and strange – and yet strangely familiar. From visionary playwright Anne Washburn, a comically Homeric epic about the power of theater and the resilience of the human spirit. Directed by Jeff Storer. Manbites Dog Theater, 703 Foster St.; $12-$20; 919-682-3343
Wanda Sykes — Thursday, 8pm — This Emmy-winning actress and comedian knows how to bring the laughs. Sykes spent five years on the “Chris Rock Show” as a writer and actress, and has starred in CBS’s “The New Adventures of Old Christine” and many films. DPAC, 123 Vivian St.; $54+; 919-680-2787
Jeanne Robertson — Thursday and Friday, 8pm — With nationally released DVDs, books and more than 26 million hits on YouTube, the former Miss North Carolina has brought tears of laughter to audience members’ eyes for years. She’ll continue offering her witty observations of life this week in Durham. The Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St.; $27+; 919-560-3030
Sustainable Agriculture Convention — Friday, Saturday and Sunday — The Carolina Farm Stewardship Association’s 30th Anniversary Sustainable Agriculture Conference will feature food and farm workshops, farm tours by bus, hands-on intensives and locally sourced, organic meals. Sheraton Imperial Hotel & Convention Center, 4700 Emperor Blvd.; 919-941-5050
The Preservation Party — Friday, 6-9:30pm — Kick off the holiday shopping season with this annual fundraiser for Preservation Durham. In addition to the fabulous shopping, there will be a silent auction with items from local vendors, food and a cash bar. Plus, Richard and Jacqueline Morgan donate 10% of the evening’s proceeds to the organization. Morgan Imports, 113 S. Gregson St.; Free admission; 919-682-3036
Amarcord — Friday, 8pm — The all-male vocal ensemble’s program focuses on works from the nineteenth century, including music by Schumann, Mendelssohn, Grieg and Saint-Saëns. Baldwin Auditorium, 1336 Campus Dr.; $15-$38; 919-684-4444
John Prine — Friday, 8pm — The Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, a rare talent who writes the songs other songwriters would sell their souls for and who holds the distinction of being one of the few songwriters honored by the Library of Congress and US Poet Laureate, performs in his second appearance at the theater. DPAC, 123 Vivian St.; $49.50+; 919-680-2787
The Glass Menagerie — Friday and Saturday, 8pm, and Sunday, 2pm — Bartlett Theater is proud to introduce itself with this compelling production. Staged by Founding Artistic Director Jonathan Bohun Brady, Tennessee Williams’ masterpiece stars Shannon Malone as legendary Southern belle Amanda Wingfield alongside Maigan Kennedy (Laura), Adam Poole (Tom) and Chris Wright (the Gentleman Caller). PSI Theater, Durham Arts Council, 120 Morris St.; $15-$25; 919-808-2203
Lilly Pulitzer Birthday Deals — Saturday and Sunday — In honor of Lilly Pulitzer’s birthday on Nov. 10, the brand will be offering shoppers a special gift with purchase promotion in-stores and online. Exclusive gifts with purchase include: a gold key chain, limited edition candle, travel jewelry case and more. Lilly Pulitzer, The Streets at Southpoint, 6910 Fayetteville Rd.; 919-293-0746
Engineers Day — Saturday, 10am-5pm — Celebrate the world of engineering with folks from IBM and Cisco, exploring the ins and outs of robotics, circuits and simple machines. Museum of Life and Science, 433 W. Murray Ave.; Free with admission; 919-220-5429
Durham Patchwork Mini-Market — Saturday, noon-4pm — Local makers and vintage vendors come together to create a unique shopping experience with a diverse selection of high-quality and original goods. Fullsteam, 726 Rigsbee Ave.; Free admission
Bottle 501 Grand Opening — Saturday, noon-10pm — Celebrate Durham’s newest bottle shop with food from Freddy’s Steakburger, PDQ, Chipotle and Jimmy John’s; wine samples from Freedom, Empire, Mutual and Mims; and beer from Brueprint, North Coast, Gizmo, Bell’s, Deep River, New Belgium and Fullsteam. Near the end of the evening, there will be live music by Tom Bruehauser from Brueprint Brewery. Grab a raffle ticket for your chance to win prizes from breweries, Durham Bulls and more (all proceeds go to Carolina for the Kids). The first 100 people through the door get a free koozie. Bottle 501, 3219 Watkins Rd., Ste. 200; Free admission; 919-402-1501
Fall Open House — Saturday, 6-9pm — Preview new work and to chat about ongoing projects. In addition to the new collection, there will be a selection of jewelry and other handcrafted goods, just in time for the holidays. Elijah Leed Studio, 812 N. Mangum St.; Free admission
Durham Mardi Gras Crass Menagerie — Saturday, 7:30pm — Live music by Peter Lamb and the Wolves, the Bulltown Strutters and Shamu Garcon, preceded by Cajun dance lessons with Elvis Latiolais. Proceeds from the cover charge will allow Durham Mardi Gras to continue its tradition of hosting a free event on Mardi Gras Day. Motorco Music Hall, 723 Rigsbee Ave.; $10
Patti LaBelle — Saturday, 8pm — A 50-year music industry veteran, the two-time Grammy winner and “Godmother of Soul” has earned critical acclaim for both her songwriting and her vocal ability. DPAC, 123 Vivian St.; $55+; 919-680-2787
NBC’s Last Comic Standing — Saturday, 8pm — The funniest finalists from the ninth season of the Emmy-winning reality competition perform their best stand-up for the show’s live tour. The Carolina Theatre, 309 W. Morgan St.; $36+; 919-560-3030
Neighborhood Art Walk — Sunday, noon-6pm — Walk through the historical Watts Hospital-Hillandale and Old West Durham neighborhoods and admire beautiful work by 26 local artists. A variety of handcrafted art will be available for purchase.
Wild Kratts – Live! — Sunday, 1pm and 4:30pm — The wildly popular PBS KIDS TV show comes to the live stage in a classically Wild Kratts story, activating some fan favorite Creature Power Suits to confront a comic villain. DPAC, 123 Vivian St.; $25+; 919-680-2787
Open House — Sunday, 2-4pm — Celebrate 40 years of delivering meals to home-bound seniors and the milestone of serving 500 clients per day in Durham County. Meals on Wheels of Durham, 2522 Ross Rd.; Free admission; 919-667-9424
The Fork Less Traveled — Sunday, 5:30pm — This Chef Dinner series pairs Durham chef Will Pettis of Will & Pop’s with local farms and beverage purveyors to tantalize your taste buds for a dinner that supports Durham garden-based programming. SEEDS, 706 Gilbert St.; $60; 919-683-1197
