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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SEE

1) Don't feel like waiting in long lines at the movies? Not in the mood for a packed theater? Try viewing a flick at the Icon Brickell Spa's Movie Night. Screenings are in an intimate 30-seat screening area, with plush velvet couches! Every Saturday night in October, November, and December, the Spa will be hosting a monthly genre, featuring October's Horror Flicks, November's Romantic Comedies, and December's Holiday classics. The $12 admission includes a gourmet cupcake and popcorn. Champagne is also available to purchase by the glass or the bottle. On Saturday, October 10, The Shining will be the feature presentation. Sounds like a fantastic date night! For more information contact the Spa at 305.503.0369 or iconspa@viceroymiami.com.

- Step Inside the Miami Beach Cinematheque (Watch Video)

2) The 7th edition of the Italian Film Festival is officially kicking off this week on Thursday, October 8, with a screening at the Regal Cinema South Beach, followed by an opening party at Set Nightclub. Ten films will be screened through Tuesday, October 13, culminating with a closing dinner & award ceremony. For more information, visit www.cinemaitaly.com.

- 25th Annual Miami Film Festival (Watch Video)

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PLAY

3) The 25th Annual Miami Carnival will be taking place on Sunday, October 11! Known as the "Caribbean Mardi Gras" since its inception in 1984, the carnival quickly grew from a small neighborhood festival to an international event, attracting live bands and calypsonians from the islands. Get your carnival outfits together and get ready for a guaranteed good time! For more information, visit www.miamicarnival.net.

- Carnival Hits Miami (Watch Video)

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EXPERIENCE

4) On Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, come out with your family and friends to the oldest event on Biscayne Bay, the 55th Annual Columbus Day Regatta! This classic race has a range of different courses and is open to Beach Cats 14' or larger. At the end of the festivities, trophies will be awarded to the first three yachts in each class, followed by a Dockside BBQ at the Coral Reef Yacht Club. For more information, visit www.columbusdayregatta.net.

5) The Miami Homestead Speedway is making history as the first speedway to host all of North America's premier motorsports championships, including the Firestone Indy Lights Championship on Friday, October 9, and the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10. Watch Hollywood star Patrick Dempsey and Miami-resident Oswaldo Negri as they drive the Speedy Jam 2009 in a staged high-speed assault on the 2.21-mile road course. For more information, visit www.homesteadmiamispeedway.com.

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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!

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