Gasper Tringale

Susan Orlean

October 16

WRITING A DOG’S TALE

The New Yorker’s Susan Orlean will discuss her book Rin Tin Tin at the Music Hall in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, at 7 p.m. Tuesday. A $30 ticket includes a copy of the book. 603-436-2400, themusichall.org

October 19

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE . . .

Now’s your chance to dress up like Fraulein Maria or any of the Von Trapps and join in the merriment as Worcester’s Hanover Theatre screens the 1965 classic The Sound of Musicand the audience sings along; at 7 p.m. Friday. Tickets cost $14. 877-571-7469, hanovertheatre.org

October 19-21

URBAN ANTIQUING

Head to the South End’s Cyclorama from Friday afternoon through Sunday to browse, learn about, and buy antiques, fine art, jewelry, and more at the Ellis Boston Antiques Show. Some 40 dealers and galleries will display their treasures, and talks will focus on designing with antiques, what to collect now, and other topics. Tickets cost $15. 617-363-0405, ellisboston.com

October 20

AROUND THE WORLD

Founded by Berklee College of Music alum Ayumi Ueda, the Boston-based Women of the World vocal ensemble has members from five countries and performs music from around the globe. They’ll sing at the National Heritage Museum in Lexington on Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $25. 781-861-9730, worldonstage.com

Jim Davis/Globe Staff

The Charles Regatta.

October 20-21

READY TO ROW

Some 300,000 pairs of eyes will be riveted on the river Saturday and Sunday as more than 9,000 athletes compete in the annual Head of the Charles Regatta, a hallmark of fall in Boston. hocr.org

REGATTA FAST FACTS

1965

First HOCR; roughly 100 boats compete

2012

2,026 boats will compete

1969

1 woman, Gail Pierson Cromwell, races

2012

4,268 women expected to compete

2012

28 countries to compete, 37 states, 378 cities

2012

This year’s oldest rower: Mary Elizabeth Stone, 85, of Berkeley Paddling and Rowing Club