"PRINT BY PRINT" AT THE BMA: More than five centuries of printmaking will be the focus of a major exhibit drawn from the Baltimore Museum of Art's extensive collections.

"LA CAGE AUX FOLLES" AT THE HIPPODROME: Actor George Hamilton is known for his bronzed skin, breezy charisma and impeccable tailoring. He might seem a shoo-in to portray Albin, the more flamboyant of the two gay men at the center of "La Cage Aux Folles." Guess again.

WATCH THE THRONE AT 1ST MARINER ARENA, VERIZON CENTER: Two-for-one bills have been ubiquitous this year. But the splashiest pairing of all is that of Kanye West and Jay-Z.

LA TRAVIATA AT THE LYRIC OPERA HOUSE: The Lyric Opera of Baltimore has emerged from the ashes of the Baltimore Opera Company, which shut down in 2009. The new company opens its first season with Verdi's tuneful tragedy "La Traviata" in the freshly renovated Lyric Opera House.

REVIVAL SERIES AT CHARLES THEATRE: Forget the summer's eye-popping color spectacles -- come autumn, the real cinematic action arrives in glittering black-and-white with the Charles Theatre's sensational 35mm revival series.

BEIJING DANCE THEATER AT KENNEDY CENTER: Even though the Beijing Dance Theater was founded just about three years ago, China's first professional modern troupe already is being hailed as a bright new light of the international performing scene.

RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL AT CROWNSVILLE FAIRGROUNDS: Lords and ladies, it's time for the Maryland Renaissance Festival, a celebration that for more than two decades has made its home in Anne Arundel County.

Whether you're looking for the comfort of the old or the thrill of the new, Baltimore's 2011 fall arts scene has plenty to offer. Check out the season's best bets.

Get information for almost 900 of this season's biggest events.