Sept. 21-Oct. 2: 'Cavalia: A Magic Encounter Between Human and Horse' at the Shops at West End, St. Louis Park

The hooves of majestic stallions will thunder under the big top in this fairy-tale-like blend of equestrian and performing arts, created by a founder of Cirque du Soleil. The relationship between a person and a horse will be expressed through riding feats, aerial stunts, acrobatics, dance and multimedia effects.

  • 8 p.m. Sept. 21-23, Sept. 27-30; 3 & 8 p.m. Sept. 24 & Oct. 1; 2 p.m. Sept. 25 & Oct. 2
  • The Shops at West End, Interstate Hwy. 394 & Hwy. 100, St. Louis Park
  • $34.50-$199.50
  • www.cavalia.net

"The 1968 Exhibit"

Everyone remembers a special moment from their youth, and for Americans who came of age in the 1960s, the watershed year was 1968. The nation's social fabric was torn asunder by the Vietnam War, the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, urban riots, war protests, racial turmoil and rising feminism. The Minnesota History Center revisits that pivotal year month-by-month in a new multimedia exhibit that includes a helicopter flown in Vietnam; the fab music and styles of the times (bell bottoms and tie-dye, Twiggy and Jimi Hendrix); video and audio clips, including the "Mountaintop" speech King gave the day before his death, and a replica of the Apollo 8 command module. Visitors also can share their own 1968 experiences.

  • Oct. 14-Feb. 20
  • $5-$10
  • Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul
  • 651-259-3000 or www.the1968exhibit.org

"Phineas and Ferb: Live"

Phineas and Ferb are up to their usual shenanigans in this live production, and guests can be assured that sister Candace will tattle every step of the way. Follow the adventurous duo as they create their biggest invention yet. And where's Perry? Why, foiling yet another one of Dr. Doofenshmirtz's evil plans.

  • 1 & 4 p.m. Oct. 23
  • $18-$56
  • Xcel Energy Center, W. 7th St. and Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul
  • 1-800-982-2787.

"Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters"

Many Minnesotans know tornadoes from personal encounters, but most are probably less familiar with earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes and other natural forces. This interactive exhibit explains what triggers a volcanic eruption, demonstrates hurricane-force winds, surrounds visitors with tornado sounds and allows them to monitor quakes around the world. And it demonstrates how new scientific advances help people predict, prepare for and recover from natural disasters.

  • Oct. 7-Jan. 8
  • $10-$13
  • Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul
  • 651-221-9444 or info@smm.org

Festa Italiana

Imagine you're in Venice as you cruise down the Mississippi in a gondola. The aromas of Italian food will waft from various vendors. Also, authentic music and cultural exhibits and a bocce ball tournament. Music by I Cantatori, Russ Loniello, Hank Thunander and others.

  • 3-9 p.m. Sept. 23; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 24
  • Free
  • Harriet Island, Plato and Justice Ohage Blvd., St. Paul
  • www.festaitalianamn.com

Sever's Corn Maze

Outer space is the theme this year. Try not to get lost in the field as you maneuver through the twists and turns. Feed hundreds of colorful birds in a canary tent. Bounce away on a jumping pillow area. The quick and nimble are challenged to catch scurrying pigs in a pig race. Other attractions include a corn pool, giant slide, pumpkin slinger and barnyard tours.

  • 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Oct. 17-30
  • $13
  • Sever's Corn Maze, 1101 Canterbury Rd., Shakopee.
  • 952-974-5000
  • www.severscornmaze.com

Frightmares at Buck Hill

Hector Cromarty and his deceased wife, Mary, hosts of the Orchard Manor Dead and Breakfast, are just dying for guests. Thrill seekers can also visit the Fright Factory or the Haunted Hollow, where the burial grounds are accessed via "magic carpet." Kevin Hall puts on a magic show and the Scream Scene features all-ages fun and entertainment.

  • Oct. 7-30 from 7 to midnight Wed.-Sat., 7-10 p.m. Sun
  • $20
  • Buck Hill, 15400 Buck Hill Rd., Burnsville
  • www.frightmares.com