Are you one of those people who like to be out on the leading edge of what’s happening? Know Theatre of Cincinnati offers a chance to do that with its world premiere of Sean Christopher Lewis’ Iraq war drama, Militant Language. The show looks at how war affects soldiers and their relationships. The show runs through mid-November at the Know Theatre.

If you like alcohol and dogs and want to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis, this is the event for you. Canine Happy Hour wants dogs, dog owners and dog lovers to come out for an afternoon of drinking, live music, furry friends and a great cause. 3-6 p.m. at Anderson Park District Dog Field.

You might think of Arthur Miller’s 1949 play Death of a Salesman as some dusty old classic, but it speaks to today’s world when people’s dreams are being dashed by economic forces beyond their control. This one should be on your list, just to remind you what powerful playwriting is all about. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday through Oct. 25.

Gather your lil’ peanuts together this weekend for Hamilton County Park Districts, Walnut Weekend. The sixth annual event will be fun for all ages, and will include nut, tree and leaf identifications as you hike along the trails. Noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Following its successful inaugural year in 2007, the World Music Fest returns to the Southgate House Saturday for its second installment. The fest showcases Greater Cincinnati’s rich “World Music” scene, but doesn’t stop there, including artists that play everything from Latin music, Blues, Bossa Nova and Jazz to Reggae, Native American, Chinese, Celtic and Cajun music. The event also spotlights visual artists, with an exhibit featuring artwork with an “international theme.” 8 p.m.

Some see Jake Speed as a bit of a novelty act, his aw-shucks shtick and throwback duds making him seem like a costumed strolling troubadour at some Renaissance Fair-like Pioneer Days festival. But those people aren’t listening or paying close enough attention. Speed's latest album, World Come Clean, should go a long way in dispelling such surface observations. The Northside Tavern hosts a free CD release show.

Bats are the classic harbingers of Halloween, well, along with spiders, skeletons, witches and pumpkins. But bats are pretty much at the top of the list. They're scary, screechy, nocturnal and sometimes rabid. They also happen to be the world's only flying mammal. So even if you think they're freaky, come pay them some respect at the third annual Bat Fest at the Cincinnati Museum Center. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. $12; $11 seniors; $8 children.

The word "saltimbanco" comes from the Italian meaning "to jump on a bench." Well, these acrobats will be doing more than jumping on benches. They will be taking you on an allegorical journey through urban life, touching on the people who live in the city, the hustle and bustle of the streets and the heights of skyscrapers. Through Oct. 12 at the Bank of Kentucky Center on Northern Kentucky University's campus.