Every Monday, we post The Five Best Things to enjoy in the upcoming week. These things are selected by the Plum TV staff and often times by you.

They range from humble to haute and include exciting events, festivals and performances as well as dining, shopping and playing at various treasured spots, shops and institutions.

This week we're looking forward to...

**********

PLAY

1) Not so good with a knife, but great with a brush? Then head over to the Red Brick Center for the Arts on Thursday, October 29 from 4-5:30 p.m. for Pumpkin Painting! Forget about all the mess and difficulty in carving a painting (that's so 2008!), all you need this year is some color and creativity! Call 970-429-2777 to reserve your pumpkin or just e-mail info@aspenart.org.

**********

SEE

2) If you've still got a hankering for art after you've painted a masterpiece on your pumpkin, head over to the Opening Reception for the Roaring Fork Open at the Aspen Art Museum, on Thursday, October 29. This very special exhibition features artists from the Valley, specifically between Aspen and Glenwood Springs, and is the result of an overwhelming open call for work earlier this year. The show includes works by Sam Harvey, Amy Zausmer, Chris Anderson, and many more. The reception is from 6-8 p.m., and the exhibition continues through November 29.

- Dennis Basso Freestyle 2008 (Watch Video)

- ArtCrush 2008 (Watch Video)

3) If you're not in the mood for frights & candy this Halloween, check out Julian Marley and the Uprising at the Belly Up, on Saturday, October 31. The son of the one & only Bob Marley, Julian has created his own unique sound by infusing elements of roots-reggae, hip-hop, dancehall, and R&B into one cohesive and amazing sound. This tour comes hot off the heels of the release of his latest album, Awake, and we're sure he'll be a great alternative to trick or treating! 

- Stephen Marley (Watch Video)

- Ky-Mani Marley (Watch Video)

- Map & Directions for Belly Up

**********

EXPERIENCE

4) And if you think you've got the nerves, we suggest you go to Walking with the Dead at Ute Cemetery on Halloween (Saturday, October 31) at 5:30 p.m. This hour-long guided walk, hosted by Aspen Walking Tours, goes through Aspen's oldest burial ground, and will uncover several tales from the grave...and beyond! Advanced tickets can be purchased at the Wheeler Opera House. You can also go on Friday, October 30...but we bet it's spookier on Halloween!

- Map, Directions & Video for Wheeler Opera House

5) Come see some local talent, or show off your own at Open Mic Night at the Mustang Saloon & Grill, on Wednesday, October 28 at 9 p.m. Hosted by Trenton Allen, we hear that this is one of the best open mic nights around, with tons of new performers every week giving it their all. Bring a guitar, keyboard, harpsichord, whatever you want, and knock 'em dead with your skills!

**********

If you attend any of these events or activities, please report back to Plum with your thoughts on our suggestions and photos of your adventures! We want the good & the bad!

**********

Ideas for next week? e-mail Mike @ editors@plumtv.com