Opening Night Philadelphia
Friday, Sept. 30, 8 p.m.
Independence Mall
Free admission
The Opera Company of Philadelphia opens its season with Bizet's Carmen, which runs through Oct. 14 at the Academy of Music. For opening night, opera buffs or novices can check it out for free via simulcast on Independence Mall.

Cabin Dogs CD Release
Friday, Sept. 30 -- 7 p.m.
Puck (Printers Alley, Doylestown)
$10
They've perfected their brand of 70s cosmic Americana largely in the local underground the last 10 years, but Cabin Dogs is coming up for air with its latest record, Midnight Trail. The first of a trio of shows is this week, with proceeds for all the performances going to Alex's Lemonade Stand. Other upcoming shows include the Wooden Ship Festival at the Independence Seaport Museum and the new Center City Milkboy.

Fishtown RiverCity Festival
Saturday, Oct. 1 -- 12-5 p.m.
Penn Treaty Park
Free admission
It's Fishtown's finest -- live music, arts and crafts vendors, kids activities, and beverages from Philadelphia Brewing Company and SixPoints are all on tap for the fourth annual version of this festival. For runners, there's also a 5K at 10 a.m.