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...

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EXPERIENCE

1) Start the fall off with some good reading habits as the Aspen Writers' Foundation presents the 2nd Annual Big Read. This National Endowment for the Arts initiative is designed to restore reading to the center of American culture by aiming to get as many people in one community to read and talk about the same book simultaneously. This year, the AWF is inviting everyone in the Valley to read and celebrate the classic To Kill a Mockingbird, and there's a huge roster of events and activities based on the award-winning novel, including author presentations, film screenings, book discussions, theatrical presentations, and children's story hours. Sounds like a fantastic way to bring reading back to the forefront of our lives! Visit the website for more information about dates & times of these special events.

- AWF's Winter Words Series (Watch Video)

- AWF'S Summer Words Series (Watch Video)

2) Along with some chilly weather, the fall also brings Aspen John Denver Week! Starting on Wednesday, October 7, and going until Monday, October 12, this festival, which is in its 12th year, will be celebrating and commemorating the life of John Denver. There will be several concerts at the Aspen Community Church, a worship service at the John Denver Sanctuary, and a few other events all throughout aspen. Check out the website for a full listing of events in honor of this legendary singer & songwriter.

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SEE

3) We're very excited about this one: Come see the one and only Margaret Cho performing live at the Belly Up on Tuesday, October 6 at 9 p.m. Cho has made quite a name for herself on the stand-up circuit, releasing multiple albums & DVD's of her adults-only routines, as well as starring in several films & tv shows. Her newest live show is a refreshing combination of comedy and music, and will feature songs from her forthcoming album, Guitarded. Opening will be up and comer John Roberts, who you might recognize (sans wig and huge glasses) as the star of the much-blogged about Christmas Tree video on Youtube. Sure to be a great night of comedy!