50 things to do this fall

Boston Book Fest
For one Saturday every year, our already wordy city lets its literary freak flag fly. This year’s fest features 100-plus authors, including plenty of big names in the lit world. Andre Dubus III, Jennifer Egan, Chuck Klosterman, Gregory Maguire, Michael Ondaatje, Daniel Clowes and many more will read from their works and talk process in venues throughout downtown. Even TV is getting literary—the BBF kicks off with a panel discussion with the cast and creators of HBO’s The Wire. Between readings, head to Copley Square to browse and talk shop with booksellers and literary orgs. Oct. 15. “The Art of The Wire”: $20 and up, all other events: free (617-252-3240; bostonbookfest.org)

HONK! Festival of Activist Street Bands
Only in Somerville could a massive scale, multi-day folk street band music fest consistently be one of the biggest events of the season. Now in its sixth year, HONK! is just as loud and uproarious as it sounds, with 350 crazily-attired musicians converging on Davis Square for three days of sheer, unadulterated noise. Mostly brass players, the bands come from all over the country and are called things like The Chaotic Insurrection Ensemble and The Seed & Feed Marching Abominable. Check out the website for a full schedule. (honkfest.org)

Wellfleet Oysterfest
This Cape Cod bivalves bonanza celebrates its tenth anniversary with a two-day street party. Slurp up the hometown flavor with Wellfleet's own world- (or at least regionally-) famous oysters as well as live entertainment and educational exhibits about the area’s rich shellfishing history. Once you’ve gorged yourself on the slippery stuff, check out the Oyster Shuck-Off, where area chefs and fisherman compete for $1,000 and a spot in the U.S. National Oyster Shucking Competition in Maryland. Donation suggested. Oct. 15 + 16. Main St, Wellfleet, MA (wellfleetoysterfest.org)

Lowell Celebrates Kerouac
Before the On the Road author was the booze- and drug-addled voice of the Beat Generation, the young Jack Kerouac was playing football for Lowell High and going to church with his mom downtown. This year’s festival features a walking tour of Kerouac’s favorite Lowell pubs, poetry open mics, and performances by jazz multi-instrumentalist David Amram and poet Steve Dalachinsky. Who knows, maybe you’ll have a road revelation of your own on the drive up 93-N. Free. Oct. 6–10 (lowellcelebrateskerouac.org)

Thursday Wine Bar
Thursdays between 5pm and 9pm, Central Bottle makes like an enoteca and slings glasses of the grape stuff alongside their high-quality bottles. Wannabe oenophiles shouldn’t be intimidated by the insider-y gathering and swanky surroundings. Central Bottle aims to educate noobs on locally produced vino and offer up affordable bottles. Thursdays, 5pm­–9pm. 196 Massachusetts Ave, Central Square, Cambridge (617-225-0040; centralbottle.com)

Boston Improv Fest
ImprovBoston eases us into the season with six straight days of off-the-cuff comedy. More than 100 improv, sketch and stand-up acts will invade Central Square (with hopefully precious few funny props in tow) and do what they do best: wing it. Performers hail from LA, New York, Chicago, Toronto and any other city with a black box and a sense of humor. Todd Barry—of Wonder Showzen, Aqua Teen Hunger Force and Flight of the Conchords fame—opens the fest with a stand-up show. Just when you thought vaudeville was dead. $10–$30. Sep. 6–11. ImprovBoston: 40 Prospect St; Cambridge YMCA: 820 Massachusetts Ave (617-576-1253; bostonimprovfest.com)