OK, we are ready for summer to be over. Really, we’ve had it. From record-setting heat waves, ecological disasters, new episodes of “Jersey Shore,” floods, horrible movies, power outages, near-nonexistent theater offerings, over-hyped concert tours, untethered school children and the non-stop parade of celebrities getting themselves into trouble, we are done with the three hottest months of the year.
Fortunately, we can look forward to an abundance of events and other entertainment curiosities this fall. If you can’t find something to get excited about on this list of upcoming theater, musical and other artistic offerings, you might as well call it a season and hibernate until spring.
THEATER Curtains The Walnut Street Theatre presents the murder whodunit set against the backdrop of a musical-theater production circa 1959, Sept. 7-Oct. 24, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550.
Ghost-Writer Arden Theatre Company presents the story of a dead novelist and his secretary — who is still taking dictation from him, Sept. 9-Nov. 7, 40 N. Second St.; (215) 922-1122.
Philly Fan The Kimmel Center’s Broadway series presents the award-winning one-man show that takes the audience on a journey through Philadelphia sports history of the last 50 years, Sept. 23-Oct. 31 at the Innovation Studio, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Bristol Riverside Theatre presents the classic horror tale adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, Sept. 28-Oct. 17, 120 Radcliffe St., Bristol; (215) 785-1000.
The Threepenny Opera Arden Theatre Company presents the outrageous musical where whores and thieves prowl the streets of London, Sept. 30-Nov. 7, 40 N. Second St.; (215) 922-1122.
Carrie Brat Productions presents out actor Erik Ranson playing the titular role in the stage version of this horror classic, Oct. 2-Nov. 7 at Underground Arts at the Wolf Building, 340 N. 12th St.; (215) 627-2577.
Jersey Boys The Kimmel Center’s Broadway series presents the award-winning musical about Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons — Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi, Oct. 5-10 at The Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut St.; (215) 790-5847.
Why I’m Scared of Dance 1812 Productions presents a self-effacing comedy written and performed by Jen Childs, Oct. 7-31 at Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St.; (215) 592-9560.
Casa Cushman Philadelphia Theatre Company hosts a reading of an ensemble play that tells the story of the life and times of 19th-century American actress Charlotte Cushman, who challenged Victorian notions of gender in her stage portrayals of male characters and of strong, androgynous female ones, 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at Suzanne Roberts Theater, 480 S. Broad St.; (215) 985-0420.
Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom Azuka Theatre presents the story of parents who discover their teenagers are addicted to an online horror video game that becomes too realistic for comfort, Oct. 14-31 at The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theater, 2111 Sansom St.; (215) 733-0255.
Je’Caryous Johnson’s Cheaper to Keep Her Vivica A. Fox and Brian McKnight star in this drama about a married couple facing a messy divorce, Nov. 9-14 at Merriam Theatre, 250 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Girls Night: The Musical Five gal pals hit a karaoke bar, 8 p.m. Nov. 6 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; (215) 572-7650.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Walnut Street Theatre presents an all-new production of the holiday Broadway musical, Nov. 9-Jan. 9, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550.
The Laramie Residency The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents “The Laramie Project” and “The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later,” Nov. 11-13 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; (215) 898-3900.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Philadelphia Theatre Company presents the award-winning tale of six kids in the throes of puberty vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime, Nov. 12-Dec. 5 at Suzanne Roberts Theater, 480 S. Broad St.; (215) 985-0420.
Caesar’s Palace O’ Fun The Walnut Street Theatre presents a musical variety show centered around an outrageous lounge lothario, Nov. 23-Jan. 2 at Independence Studio on 3, 825 Walnut St.; (215) 574-3550.
South Pacific The Kimmel Center’s Broadway series presents the classic musical, Nov. 23-28 at the Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
This Is the Week That Is 1812 Productions presents the smash news comedy returning for its fifth year, Dec. 2-31 at Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St.; (215) 592-9560.
Blue Man Group The wildly popular musical and visual show returns, Dec. 22-Jan. 2 at Merriam Theatre, 250 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Annie Out comedian Wanda Sykes stars as Miss Hannigan in Media Theatre’s production of the popular musical, Nov. 23-Dec. 12, 7 E. Baltimore Ave., Media; (610) 891-0100.
MUSIC Donna Summer The disco queen performs at 8 p.m. Sept. 4 at Mark G. Etess Arena, 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City; (609) 449-1000.
Antigone Rising The all-female rock band performs at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at Tin Angel, 20 N. Second St.; (215) 928-0770.
Lady Gaga The pop superstar performs at 8 p.m. Sept. 14-15 at the Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; (800) 298-4200.
Cake The alternative-rock band performs at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 5201 Parkside Ave.; (215) 546-7900.
Shakira The international pop star performs at 8 p.m. Sept. 18 at Mark G. Etess Arena, 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City; (609) 449-1000.
Shunda K The out rapper performs as part of the Philadelphia Film Festival, 8 p.m. Sept. 25 at The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave.; (267) 671-9298.
Elaine Paige The English actress and singer performs at 9 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City; (609) 317-1000.
Marc Anthony The Latin pop star performs at 8 p.m. Oct. 1 at Mark G. Etess Arena, 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City; (609) 449-1000.
James The alternative-rock band performs at 8 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 922-6888.
Dutoit and Bell The Philadelphia Orchestra opens its new season with Maestro Dutoit and violinist Joshua Bell, 2 p.m. Sept. 24 and 8 p.m. Sept. 25 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Watts Plays Grieg The Philadelphia Orchestra performs with pianist André Watts at 8 p.m. Sept. 30 and Oct. 2 and 5 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Teenage Fanclub The alternative-rock group performs at 9 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 922-6888.
PVOP: Broadway Bound Philadelphia Voices of Pride performs a cabaret show at 9 p.m. Oct. 2 at Voyeur, 1221 St. James St.; (215) 735-5772.
Broadway Rocks! Peter Nero and the Philly Pops perform Broadway musical hits, Oct. 6-10 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Starry Night of Romeo & Juliet The Philadelphia Orchestra presents a program highlighting music’s connection to other art forms, Oct. 7-9 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Aretha Franklin The queen of soul performs at 9 p.m. Oct. 8 at Caesars Atlantic City, 2100 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City; (800) 745-3000.
Gorillaz The alternative-rock group with the cartoon personas performs at 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Susquehanna Bank Center, 1 Harbour Blvd., Camden, N.J.; (856) 365-1300.
Jimmy Eat World The rock band performs at 8 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; (610) 784-5400.
Dohnányi Conducts All Brahms The Philadelphia Orchestra presents an evening of works by the famed classical composer, Oct. 15-17 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Mary J. Blige The R&B singer performs at 8 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa Music Box, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City; (609) 317-1000.
Indigo Girls The out acoustic duo performs at 8 p.m. Oct. 20 at The Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; (302) 652-5577.
Dvorák Symphony No. 8 The Philadelphia Orchestra presents Russian-born conductor Semyon Bychkov and French violinist Renaud Capuçon celebrating the music of the great French composer Henri Dutilleux, Oct. 21-23 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Gary Numan The new-wave/goth icon performs at 8 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 922-6888.
Catie Curtis The singer-songwriter performs at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Tin Angel, 20 N. Second St.; (215) 928-0770.
Christine Havrilla The out singer-songwriter performs at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at Tin Angel, 20 N. Second St.; (215) 928-0770.
Janis Ian The out singer-songwriter performs at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1400.
Joan Baez The Kimmel Center presents the folk-music star, 8 p.m. Oct. 29 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Michael Franti The eclectic R&B and rock artist performs at 8 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Electric Factory, 421 N. Seventh St.; (610) 784-5400.
Pink Martini The lounge jazz group performs at 9 p.m. Nov. 5 at Caesars Circus Maximus, 2100 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City; (800) 745-3000.
Roger Waters The Pink Floyd mastermind performs at 8 p.m. Nov. 8, 9 and 11 at the Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; (800) 298-4200.
La Roux The synthpop group performs at 8 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 922-6888.
Ani DiFranco The singer-songwriter performs at 8 p.m. Nov. 13 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; (215) 572-7650.
Justin Bieber The pop singer performs at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; (800) 298-4200.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra The holiday-themed rock band performs at 8 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Wells Fargo Center, 3601 S. Broad St.; (800) 298-4200.
Holiday Pops! Peter Nero and the Philly Pops perform a holiday-themed selection of songs, Dec. 4-22 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
EXHIBITIONS Eakins on Paper: Drawings and Watercolors from the Collection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of 10 rarely seen drawings and watercolors that survey the early work of Thomas Eakins, through December, 26th Street and the Parkway; (215) 763-8100.
Pardon Me Painted Bride Arts Center presents an installation of paintings by Mary Dewitt, Sept. 3-Oct. 16, 230 Vine St.; (215) 925-9914.
I Bet You ArtStar Gallery presents an exhibition of solo works from Baltimore artist Rachel Bone, Sept. 3-Oct. 10, 623 N. Second St.; (215) 238-1557.
Desert Jewels: North African Jewelry and Photography from the Xavier Guerrand-Hermes Collection Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition of jewelry and historic photographs from Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia, Sept. 4-Dec. 5, 26th Street and the Parkway; (215) 763-8100.
Legacy Embraced AxD Gallery presents an exhibition of works by Maria Nevelson and Val Bertoia, Sept. 10-Oct. 2, 265 S. 10th St.; (215) 627-6250.
Andre Gisson BOI’s of New Hope Art Gallery presents an exhibition of works by the French-American impressionist, Sept. 11-Oct. 31, 9 W. Mechanic St., New Hope; (215) 862-8292.
Art of the American Soldier The National Constitution Center presents the world-debut exhibition of some 15,000 paintings and sketches created by more than 1,300 American soldiers in the line of duty, Sept. 24-Jan. 10, 525 Arch St.; (215) 409-6895.
Passing Evidence AxD Gallery presents an exhibition of works by Christine Stoughton and Nancy Sophy, Oct. 8-Nov. 6, 265 S. 10th St.; (215) 627-6250.
A Glimpse of Paradise: Gold in Islamic Art Philadelphia Museum of Art presents an exhibition exploring the unique status of gold in Islam through a small group of objects drawn from the museum’s collection, Oct. 9-April 2011, 26th Street and the Parkway; (215) 763-8100.
DANCE Danco on Danco Painted Bride Arts Center presents a performance by Philadanco, Sept. 10-11, 230 Vine St.; (215) 925-9914.
Lucinda Childs The Kimmel Center presents a performance featuring the talents of choreographer Lucinda Childs, composer Philip Glass and conceptual artist Sol LeWitt, Sept. 10-12 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Carmen Triple Bill The Pennsylvania Ballet presents a world-premiere work based on the classic story, Oct. 21-24 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Paul Taylor Dance Company The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents Taylor’s views on the human condition using his dancers to illuminate spirituality, sexuality, morality and mortality, Oct. 21-23 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; (215) 898-3900.
FLY: Five First Ladies of Dance Painted Bride Arts Center presents a performance by Bebe Miller, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, Germaine Acogny, Dianne McIntyre and Carmen de Lavallade, Oct. 28-30, 230 Vine St.; (215) 925-9914.
Burn the Floor The Kimmel Center presents the international Broadway dance sensation, Nov. 12-14 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Mazowsze The Kimmel Center presents a performance celebrating the culture of Poland, 3 p.m. Nov. 14 at Kimmel’s Verizon Hall, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
World Headquarters Painted Bride Arts Center presents a performance by dance theater X, Dec. 3-4, 230 Vine St.; (215) 925-9914.
Xmas Philes The Kimmel Center presents a holiday-themed performance by Philadanco, Dec. 10-12 at Kimmel’s Perelman Theater, 260 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Mummenschanz The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the inventive and acclaimed performance group, Dec. 16-18 at Zellerbach Theatre, 3680 Walnut St.; (215) 898-3900.
OPERA Othello The Opera Company of Philadelphia presents the opera by Giuseppe Verdi, Oct. 1-15 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
CABARET Dwayne Dunlevey The cabaret singer performs at 9 p.m. Sept. 11 at Harlans at The Nevermore, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; (215) 862-5225.
Andy Kahn The singer and producer performs at 8:30 p.m. Oct. 2 at Harlans at The Nevermore, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; (215) 862-5225.
Steve Kolbo The cabaret singer performs at 8:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Harlans at The Nevermore, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; (215) 862-5225.
Nancy Harms The cabaret singer performs at 8:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Harlans at The Nevermore, 6426 Lower York Road, New Hope; (215) 862-5225.
Peek-A-Boo Revue The award-winning neo-burlesque cabaret takes the stage at 7 and 10:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St.; (215) 222-1400.
BOOKS Terry McMillan The best-selling author of “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” hosts a reading at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.
Dr. Wendy Moffat The author of “A Great Unrecorded History: A New Life of E. M. Forster” hosts a reading at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960.
Justin Spring The author of “Secret Historian: The Life and Times of Samuel Steward, Professor, Tattoo Artist and Sexual Renegade” hosts a reading at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 16 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960.
William Gibson The acclaimed sci-fi author of “Neuromancer” hosts a reading of his new book “Zero History” at 2 p.m. Sept. 25 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.
Daniel R. Biddle and Murray Dubin The authors of “Tasting Freedom: Octavius Catto and the Battle for Equality in Civil War America” host a reading at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.
Lesbian Lust, Love and Sex Sacchi Green, Kathleen Warnock and DL King discuss their contributions to “Lesbian Lust: Erotic Stories” at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960.
Thomas Buergenthal The author of “A Lucky Child: A Memoir of Surviving Auschwitz as a Young Boy” hosts a discussion at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.
Zane The bestselling author of “The Hot Box: A Novel” hosts a reading at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at Central Library, 1901 Vine St.; (215) 686-5322.
A Reading with CAConrad, Frank Sherlock and Danbert Nobacon The three authors talk up their new book “The City Real and Imagined” at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Giovanni’s Room, 345 S. 12th St.; (215) 923-2960.
FILM The Barrel of a Gun The Kimmel Center presents the world-premiere film about the 1981 shooting of police officer Daniel Faulkner, 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.
Philadelphia Film Festival The Philadelphia Film Society presents the 19th-annual celebration of film from Oct. 14-24 at various locations throughout the city; www.filmadelphia.org.
ETC. GreenFest Philly The festival features more than 200 exhibitors, vegetarian food, live music, an eco-fashion show and a clothing swap, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 12 at the South Street/Headhouse Square District; www.greenfestphilly.org.
Brian Posehn The comedian from “The Sarah Silverman Program” performs Sept. 16-18 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; (215) 496-9001.
Dave Attell The comedian performs Sept. 24-26 at Helium Comedy Club, 2031 Sansom St.; (215) 496-9001.
Gay Days Six Flags The amusement park opens for the LGBT event featuring DJ Corey Craig and Seth Gold from 6 p.m.-midnight Sept. 24 at Six Flags Great Adventure, 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, N.J.; www.outinevents.com.
The Scene: “So You Think You Can Dance” edition The monthly LGBTQ dance party invites attendees to dance for prizes, from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Sept. 25 at Voyeur Nightclub, 1221 St. James St.; www.tlbtproductions.com.
Zombie Prom 2010 The undead party all night long, wearing tuxes and corsages, 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St.; (215) 922-6888.
Mike Birbiglia The comedian performs at 8 p.m. Oct. 14 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; (215) 572-7650.
“Last Comic Standing” Tour Comedians from the latest season of the reality competition perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 16 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; (215) 572-7650.
David Cassidy and Danny Bonaduce Come on, get happy at 8 p.m. Oct. 23 at Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside; (215) 572-7650.
Margaret Cho The comedian performs at 9 p.m. Oct. 30 at Caesars Circus Maximus, 2100 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City; (800) 745-3000.
Louis CK The Kimmel Center presents the outrageously funny stand-up comic, 8 p.m. Nov. 5 at Kimmel’s Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.; (215) 790-5847.