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Joe West and his company, Theater of Death, present this year's most unique and shocking stage performance, Invasion! Inspired by the Theater du Grand Guignol in late 19th century Paris, the theme for 2018 follows in its grand traditions of exposing the dark side of human behavior. The Grand Guignol entertained and horrified Parisians and international theatergoers from 1897 to 1962 in an abandoned Catholic convent, where they advertised having a “doctor on duty” to treat patrons that fainted or had heart problems during the shows. The Engine House Theater in Madrid cites an optimal setting for such a gruesome spectacle. This, the sixth year, provides a number of dates and times to cure your curiosities. For $20, buy a ticket and choose from 8pm performances on Oct. 26, 27, 31 and Nov. 1, 2 and 3. Maybe a macabre matinee is more your speed at 3pm on Oct. 27, 28, Nov. 3 and 4. This wonder of a production is best suited for an 18 and over audience. (Mayo Lua de Frenchie)

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A wealth of delightful and dazzling cultural events are cropping up for Burqueños this month, including the Dragon Lights Festival, formerly known as the Chinese Lantern Festival. And guess what! This year has all new, handcrafted lantern sculptures to marvel at. The artists from Zigong, China, have brought out their vast creativity to bring their exquisite culture to the renamed fest. Kicking off on Friday, Oct. 5 and running Tuesdays through Sundays until Dec. 2 at Expo New Mexico, see the wonders of the orient including demos in inner-bottle painting, traditional Chinese calligraphy and crystal engraving. If that's not enough, check out revolving performances in face changing, contortion and Chinese Yo-Yo as well as food choices for all in American munchies and Asian delicacies from Asian Home Cooking. The festival runs each night from 6 to 10pm and tickets range in cost from $0 to $18 with a separate charge for parking. This event is open to all ages. (Mayo Lua de Frenchie)

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'Tis the season for pumpkins and ghost stories and corn mazes and scary movies. And, in this case, pirates, too. Wagner Farmers in Corrales has all the bases covered with 2.6 miles of pirate themed trail through corn fields, a petting zoo, picnic areas, train rides and a pumpkin patch. Do ye dare? If ye do, head north to the farm any day between Thursday, Sept. 20 and Halloween from 9am and 6pm with $9 on hand for adults or $7 for kids. Check wagnersfarmlandexperience.com for more details. (Maggie Grimason)

City on the Edge is a breezy, smart podcast looking at the stories from Albuquerque history that have often been overlooked. Each episode takes a deep dive into a topic like the 1955 crash of TWA flight 260, Sandia Man or the 1918 quarantine. Worthwhile listening that will spur your curiosity about things you didn’t even know about in the city where you live. It’s free and available wherever you get your podcasts. (Clarke Condé)

Looking for a little chile? The 2020 Bosque Chile Festival, a celebration of food, art, and culture on the Rio Grande, is happening Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, with times waiting to be officially announced. But due to COVID-19 and the State of New Mexico public health order, the festival will be presented virtually! There will still be entertainment, art activities, a virtual artisan market, chile-chef demonstrations, educational workshops and more. This free, all-ages event is meant to give those stuck at home a chance to see what the state has to offer. If you are a high-quality chile-inspired and authentic New Mexican business with an e-commerce website and want to be a vendor, there is still time. Applications are being accepted until Wednesday, August 5. For more information email bosquechilefestival@bernco.gov.