1 Contra Costa Jewish Book and Arts Festival: The festival, running Nov. 7-Dec. 5, offers a headspinning array of speakers, performers and events, ranging from NBC News Tel Aviv bureau chief Martin Fletcher to comedians Brian Copeland and Betsy Salkind and even Charles Darwin (or at least an actor who plays him). And at 1 p.m. Nov. 15 at Rakestraw Books in Danville, Hollywood screenwriters will read from such kids-book classics as "The Town of Zack," "Seamus McNamus" and "Carl the Frog."

Details: Most events are at Contra Costa JCC in Walnut Creek, Rakestraw Books in Danville and Congregation Beth Emek in Pleasanton; prices vary; contact 510-318-6453 or www.jfed.org/book09 for schedule, tickets and more information.

2 "Love's Labour's Lost": London's acclaimed Globe Theatre Company is in UC Berkeley this weekend to perform Shakespeare's raucous comedy.

Details: Presented by Cal Performances; 8 p.m. Nov. 6, 2 and 8 p.