This monthly calendar is compiled by contributing writer Don Thrasher. This feature is published on the last Friday of each month. Event organizers are welcome to e-mail event information (for possible inclusion in the Active Dayton monthly calendar) to donaldthrasher8@aol.com. E-mails should include a publishable phone number or website address and must be sent by the 15th of each month. The message subject line should say “consider for monthly calendar.”

Nov. 1

“A Dickens of a Time”: Dayton History joins forces with the Human Race Theatre Company to presents this special holiday production at Carillon Historic Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton. 7 p.m. Free, but space is limited. RSVP by Oct. 30. Contact Elise Hafenbrack at (937) 293-2841, ext. 220, or ehafenbrack@daytonhistory.org.

Nov. 1

The Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi: The legendary percussion ensemble presents an evening of African entertainment. Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton. 8 p.m. $16, $34, $39. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Nov. 1-4

Ian Bagg: The Los Angeles based comedian returns to the Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., The Greene, Beavercreek. 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, and 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $15-$45 Thursday and Sunday and $17-$47 Friday and Saturday. (937) 429-LAFF (5233) or www.daytonfunnybone.com.

Nov. 2

Day of the Dead parade: Dayton-based artist/musician Michael Bashaw will lead a Day of the Dead parade, presented by Cityfolk’s Culture Builds Community Program. The parade begins at 6 p.m. on Wyandot Avenue, behind Hauer Music and proceeding through Fifth Street and over to Missing Peace Art Space, 234 S. Dutoit St., Dayton. Participation in the parade is open to anyone with a skeleton mask or some other Day of the Dead attire. Free. (937) 241-4353 or www.cityfolk.org.

Nov. 2

Dayton’s Day of the Dead: Cityfolk’s Culture Builds Community Program has taken work from area student artists from Stivers School for the Arts, the Hispanic Catholic Teen Group and other groups and organizations for this unique exhibition opening at Missing Peace Art Space, 234 S. Dutoit St., Dayton. 6-10 p.m. Free. Free. (937) 241-4353 or www.cityfolk.org.

Nov. 2

“A Premiere Evening: Sparkle”: This evening at Dayton Art Institute shines a spotlight on local dance sensation Sheri “Sparkle” Williams. The program includes a screening of Julie Riechert and Steve Bognar’s documentary about her life and career, plus performances by DCDC and Williams. 7 p.m. $25, $50, $75. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Nov. 2

Hawthorne Heights: The hard-touring hardcore band from Dayton returns from Europe for a hometown show at McGuffy’s House of Rock, 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton. 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. $10. ViFolly, Panic Prone and Monocle are also on the all ages bill. (937) 256-3005 or www.mcguffy’s.net.

Nov. 2-3

Ballroom With a Twist: Dancers from the hits television shows “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance” and finalists from “American Idol” have come together with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra for a unique live experience. Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $21-$76. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Nov. 2-3

Jimmy Pardo: The veteran comic returns to Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub, 101 Pine St., Dayton. 9 p.m. Friday and 8 and 10:30 p.m. Saturday. $12 Friday and $15 Saturday. (937) 224-JOKE (5653) or www.wileyscomedyclub.com.

Nov. 2-Dec. 29

“Tracking: Deborah Melton Anderson”: The work of the Columbus-based fiber artist is on display at Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N. Jefferson St., Dayton. The show kicks off with an opening reception at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2. Free. (937) 224-3822 or www.daytonvisualarts.org.

Nov. 2-Dec. 29

“ArtToBuy Holiday Gift Gallery”: Concurrent with the Deborah Melton Anderson exhibition, Dayton Visual Arts Center, will be hosting its annual gallery sale. Free. (937) 224-3822 or www.daytonvisualarts.org.

Nov. 3

Ellis Paul: The singer-songwriter, whose latest release is the family album “The Hero in You,” returns to Canal Street Tavern, 308 E. First St., Dayton. 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. $15. (937) 461-9343 or www.canalstreettavern.com.

Nov. 3

Genitorturers: The industrial metal act, the self-proclaimed sexiest rock band in the world, performs at McGuffy’s House of Rock, 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton. 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. $10. Close the Hatch will also perform. (937) 256-3005 or www.mcguffy’s.net.

Nov. 3

Neon Warship: It’s an evening of hard rock rounded out by Grand Mammoth, Sleepers Awake and Swarm. Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St., Dayton. 9 p.m. $5. (937) 938-6405 or www.blindbobs.com.

Nov. 3-4

Fred Garbo’s Inflatable Theater Co.: Prop-dancers Fred Garbo and Daielma Santos work with a wide array of inflatable items to create an otherworldly choreographed experience. Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton. 1 and 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $15. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Nov. 3-4

Dayton Train Show: The 38th annual show returns to Hara Arena, 1001 Shiloh Springs Road, Dayton. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $6 adults, free children 12 and younger. (937) 278-4776 or www.haracomplex.com.

Nov. 4

Holiday in the Heartland: Wright State University presents its annual musical celebration of Thanksgiving and Veteran’s Day. Schuster Center. 7:30 p.m. $12. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Nov. 6

“Rapunzel and Rumpelstiltskin”: The Zoot Theatre Company presents this fairy-tale mashup at Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton. 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. $5 students and adults. One free adult admission with every 10 student tickets purchased. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Nov. 8

Tasty Fundraiser: Cityfolk is still reeling financially due to this summer’s weather-tarnished Cityfolk Festival. This benefit at bd’s Mongolian Grill, 4488 Glengarry Road, at The Greene, in Beavercreek, will help defray the organization’s $100,000 loss in revenue. 5 p.m. $25 adults, $15 children under 12. (937) 496-3863 or www.cityfolk.org.

Nov. 8

Puzzle of Light: The 2012 Vectren Jazz & Beyond series presents the beloved local genre-bending act led by Michael and Sandy Bashaw at 5:30 p.m. in the Dayton Art Institute’s Shaw Gothic Cloister, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton. $8 general public, free for members. (937) 223-5277 or www.daytonartinstitute.org.

Nov. 8

Media That Matters Film Festival: DATV hosts the annual festival of short films at The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St., Dayton. 7:30 p.m. $10. Proceeds benefit DATV. (937) 222-8452 or www.datv.org.

Nov. 8-10

Miss Pat: The Atlanta native makes her debut at Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub, 101 Pine St., Dayton. 8 p.m. Thursday, 9 p.m. Friday and 8 and 10:30 p.m. Saturday. $7 Thursday, $12 Friday and $15 Saturday. (937) 224-JOKE (5653) or www.wileyscomedyclub.com.

Nov. 8-11

Guy Torry: The St. Louis native performs at the Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., The Greene, Beavercreek. 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, and 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $15-$45 Thursday and Sunday and $17-$47 Friday and Saturday. (937) 429-LAFF (5233) or www.daytonfunnybone.com.

Nov. 9-10

Divine Mother: Narrator Michael Kenwood Lippert, DPO chorus director Hank Dahlman and singers Adrienne Danrich, Scott Piper and Layna Chiankas join the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra for this special program. Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $9, $12, $23, $36, $47, $59. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Nov. 10

Bob Baldwin: The smooth-jazz pianist performs with Toni Redd. Gilly’s, 132 S. Jefferson St., Dayton. 7 and 10 p.m. $25. (937) 228-8414 or www.gillysjazz.com.

Nov. 10

Six Feet Under: The death-metal band from Tampa, Fla., performs at McGuffy’s House of Rock, 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton. 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. $15. Cattle Decapitation, Wretched, Idiedtrying and Engraved are also on the bill. (937) 256-3005 or www.mcguffy’s.net.

Nov. 10

Oxymoranatron, Team Void and Dirty/Clean: This local multiband bill features electro-punk, surf rock and dance music. Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St., Dayton. 9 p.m. $5. (937) 938-6405 or www.blindbobs.com.

Nov. 10-11

The 31st annual Artistry in Wood: Since 1981, the Dayton Carver’s Guild has presented this annual show, which now features more than 300 exhibitors from 25 states. Airport Expo Center, 3900 McCauley Dr., Vandalia. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. $7. Free for children under 12 and scouts in uniform. Proceeds benefit United Rehabilitation Services. (937) 339-2786 or www.daytoncarvers.com.

Nov. 10-11

Dayton Cat Fanciers: The annual CFA show returns to Hara Arena, 1001 Shiloh Springs Road, Dayton. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $6 adults, $5 seniors and children 6-12, free children 5 and younger. $15 family passes available. (937) 278-4776 or www.haracomplex.com.

Nov. 11

Maj Jongg Brunch: This tribute to local icon Marsh Froelich is a benefit for Clothes That Work and The Dayton Art Institute. DAI’s Shaw Gothic Cloister, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton. Noon to 2:30 p.m. $45 per person. (937) 223-5277 or www.daytonartinstitute.org.

Nov. 11

Victorian Thanksgiving Tea: Enjoy an authentic 17th century tea, with a variety of breads, tea sandwiches and desserts at Patterson Homestead, 1815 Brown St., Dayton. 2-4 p.m. $18 Dayton History members, $20 non-members. Advance reservations required. (937) 222-9724 or www.daytonhistory.org.

Nov. 13

The Wright Stuff: Develop STEM skills during Connect a Million Minds, an educational program for grades 4 through 8. Carillon Historic Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton. 3:30-5 p.m. Free. (937) 293-2841 or www.daytonhistory.org.

Nov. 13

Hatebreed: The Grammy-nominated metalcore act performs in concert at McGuffy’s House of Rock, 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton. 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. $20 in advance, $22 day of show. Amongst Villains, Devium and Architects of Doom will also perform. (937) 256-3005 or www.mcguffy’s.net.

Nov. 14

The Cuban Connection: Cityfolk presents Canadian soprano saxophonist/flautist Jane Bunnett with a pair of Cuban musicians, pianist Hilario Duran and percussionist Candido Camero. University of Dayton, Sears Recital Hall, 300 College Park Ave., Dayton. 8 p.m. $25. (937) 496-3863 or www.cityfolk.org.

Nov. 15

“Take Us Home”: Dayton Art Institute has partnered with FilmDayton, WYSO-FM (91.3), the Cultural Arts and Book Festival and the Jewish Community Relations Council to present the Dayton premiere of local filmmaker Aileen LeBlanc’s documentary about the quest of Ethiopian Jews for the Promised Land. DAI, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton. 7 p.m. $5 in advance, $7 at the door. (937) 223-5277 or www.daytonartinstitute.org.

Nov. 15-17

Sean Morey: The “Bob & Tom Show” favorite returns to Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub, 101 Pine St., Dayton. 8 p.m. Thursday, 9 p.m. Friday and 8 and 10:30 p.m. Saturday. $7 Thursday, $12 Friday and $15 Saturday. (937) 224-JOKE (5653) or www.wileyscomedyclub.com.

Nov. 16-18

Jon Reep: The actor-comedian returns to the Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., The Greene, Beavercreek. 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. $20-$50. (937) 429-LAFF (5233) or www.daytonfunnybone.com.

Nov. 17

Monthly sports card show: Dan’s Sports Card Promotions presents these ongoing collectibles show. Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Fairborn. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. (937) 434-7265.

Nov. 17

Ringing in the Holidays: Hors d’oeuvres, Dayton’s most delightful dessert contest, live music from the Lizz and Rex Jazz Duo are just some of the enticing features at this annual celebration. Carillon Historic Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton. 6:30 to 10 p.m. $60 for Dayton History members, $75 non-members. $200 Jingle Bell Patron includes two tickets, a commemorative ornament and recognition in the program. (937) 293-2841 or www.daytonhistory.org.

Nov. 17

The Music of Michael Jackson: Singer James Delisco pays homage to the King of Pop backed by the Windborne ensemble. Schuster Center. 8 p.m. $27-$79. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Nov. 17

Hurt: The hard-rock band performs with special guests Smile Empty Soul. McGuffy’s House of Rock, 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton. 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. $10. Critical Bill and Saint Cycle are also on the bill. (937) 256-3005 or www.mcguffy’s.net.

Nov. 17

Key & Peele: The stars of the Comedy Central sketch comedy series of the same name perform at the Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Fairborn. 9 p.m. $13, $23 for general public, $5, $10 students. (937) 775-4789 or www.nuttercenter.com.

Nov. 17

Ticket to Ride: The popular Beatles tribute band returns to Gilly’s, 132 S. Jefferson St., Dayton. 9 p.m. $7. (937) 228-8414 or www.gillysjazz.com.

Nov. 17

Night Beast: The local rap-rock crew headlines a bill with Andy D, Meghna and Those Crosstown Rivals. Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St., Dayton. 9 p.m. $5. (937) 938-6405 or www.blindbobs.com.

Nov. 17-18

Bill Goodman’s Gun & Knife Show: The popular sale returns to Hara Arena, 1001 Shiloh Springs Road, Dayton. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. $8 adults, $1 children 12 and younger. (937) 278-4776 or www.haracomplex.com.

Nov. 18

The Romantic Violin: Pieces by Schubert, Mendelssohn and Schumann comprise this concert by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and featured violinist Virgil Boutellis-Taft. Dayton Masonic Center, 525 W. Riverview Ave., Dayton. 3 p.m. $12, $19, $24. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Nov. 18

Anthony Bourdain: Guts and Glory: The television star and best-selling author, who earned a reputation as the bad boy of cuisine, shares his candid insights into his work and travels, including a Q&A session with the audience. Schuster Center. 7 p.m. $52, $58, $66. VIP passes are $122 and include premiere seating, a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with Bourdain and more. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Nov. 19

WWE presents Monday Night Raw: It’s another night of televised professional wrestling featuring superstars John Cena, CM Punk, Sheamus and Randy Orton. Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Fairborn. 7:30 p.m. $18-$98. (937) 775-4789 or www.nuttercenter.com.

Nov. 20

Boonshoft free admission day: A handful of days each year, the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Parkway, Dayton, sets aside several hours in the evening and waves the admission fees to give the uninitiated a chance to visit the museum. 4-8 p.m. Free. All ages. (937) 275-7431 or www.boonshoftmuseum.org.

Nov. 20

Mid-Day Arts Cafe: Learn the latest on Dayton Ballet during this monthly arts program, which features a performance and Q&A. Mathile Theatre of the Schuster Center. Noon. Sign-in at 11:30 a.m. $12. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Nov. 21

Psychodots: Cincinnati’s most enduring power-pop band returns for its annual Thanksgiving show at Canal Street Tavern, 308 E. First St., Dayton. 9 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m. $15. (937) 461-9343 or www.canalstreettavern.com.

Nov. 21, 23, 24, 25

The Chinaman: The Asian-American comic brings his distinctive act back to the Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., The Greene, Beavercreek. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday, and 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $12 Wednesday and Sunday and $15 Friday and Saturday. (937) 429-LAFF (5233) or www.daytonfunnybone.com.

Nov. 22

Thanksgiving: Eat turkey then snooze.

Nov. 23

Grande Illumination tree-lighting: Dayton kicks off the downtown’s holiday season of events with a Christmas tree-lighting on Courthouse Square downtown. Free. (937) 224-1518, ext. 227.

Nov. 23

The Story Changes: The local punk rock act takes a break from the studio for a local show with Shadyside, When Sparks Fly and Spit Spat Boys. Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St., Dayton. 9 p.m. $5. (937) 938-6405 or www.blindbobs.com.

Nov. 23-25

Todd Yohn: The veteran comic returns to Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub, 101 Pine St., Dayton9 p.m. Friday, 8 and 10:30 p.m. Saturday, and. 8 p.m. Sunday. $12 Friday, $15 Saturday and $7 Sunday. (937) 224-JOKE (5653) or www.wileyscomedyclub.com.

Nov. 23-Dec. 9

“A Tuna Christmas”: Dayton Theatre Guild, 40 Wayne Ave., Dayton presents this seasonal comedy by Ed Howard, Joe Sears and Jaston Williams. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday 3 p.m. Sunday opening weekend, and 8 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday the following weekends. $18 adults, $16 seniors and $11 students. (937) 278-5993 or www.daytontheatreguild.org.

Nov. 24

Artists Playlist: The local tribute band with a different spotlight artist for each show pays homage to classic Dayton punk band The Oxymorons at Canal Street Tavern, 308 E. First St., Dayton. 9 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m. $5. Shrug also performs. (937) 461-9343 or www.canalstreettavern.com.

Nov. 24

Psychostick: The goofy rockers from Tempe, Ariz., perform at McGuffy’s House of Rock, 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton. 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. $10 in advance, $12 day of show. (937) 256-3005 or www.mcguffy’s.net.

Nov. 27-Dec. 2

“Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”: This brand new Broadway musical, based on the classic film, hits town just in time for the holidays. Schuster Center. Show times are 8 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on Dec. 1 and 2, and a special 7:30 p.m. show on Dec. 2. Weeknight tickets are $15-$92 and weekend tickets are $15-$96. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Nov. 29

Angel Night at Calvary and Carillon: This holiday event begins at Carillon Historic Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, with a visit to the Museum Store, followed by carriage rides at Calvary Cemetery complete with hot chocolate, holiday choirs and lighted angel decorations. 6-9 p.m. $5 parking, free admission. (937) 293-2841 or www.daytonhistory.org.

Nov. 29-Dec. 1

Mark Sweeney: The actor-comedian brings his stand-up act to Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub, 101 Pine St., Dayton. 8 p.m. Thursday, 9 p.m. Friday and 8 and 10:30 p.m. Saturday. $7 Thursday, $12 Friday and $15 Saturday. (937) 224-JOKE (5653) or www.wileyscomedyclub.com.

Nov. 29-Dec. 2

Tom Wilson: The actor-comedian still best known for his role as Biff in the “Back to the Future” trilogy returns to the Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., The Greene, Beavercreek. 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, and 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $15 Thursday and Sunday and $17 Friday and Saturday. (937) 429-LAFF (5233) or www.daytonfunnybone.com.

Nov. 29-Dec. 16

“Oliver”: Human Race Theatre Company presents the Tony Award-winning musical. Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton. Most performances begin at 8 p.m., except for 2 p.m. Sunday matinees Dec. 2, 9 and 16, and special 7 p.m. shows on Sunday and Tuesday, Dec. 2 and 4. $36 for the Nov. 29 preview, $41 weeknights, $45 weekends. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Nov. 30

“Frindle”: This production for grades 2-6 focuses on creative thought and the power of words. Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton. 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. $5 students and adults. One free adult admission with every 10 student tickets purchased. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Nov. 30

Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival: Some of the most beloved songs in the Disney catalog get the remix treatment in this traveling show. The Nutter Center. 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. $17-$50. (937) 775-4789 or www.nuttercenter.com.

Nov. 30-Dec. 16:

“Scrooge”: Ring in the holiday season with Leslie Bricusse’s stage adaptation of this classic tale being presented at Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Craig Smith directs. Cost: $15 seniors and students, $17 adults. Season ticket packages are available for $75 seniors and students, $85 adults for the six-show package, and $55 seniors and students, $60 adults for a four-show package. (937) 424-8477 or www.daytonplayhouse.org.