Bibliophiles take note: Author ALICE HOFFMAN discusses her latest novel “The Third Angel,” about three women and their connections to a haunted London hotel, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 15 at the Alpharetta Barnes & Noble. Admission is free. 770-993-8340. www.barnesandnoble.com.

Then catch the author again the next night, Wednesday, April 16, at the Literary Center at the Margaret Mitchell House at 7 p.m., following a 6 p.m. reception. Admission is $10. www.gwtw.org.

If you’re a fan of the online literary hub McSweeney’s, there’s nowhere else to be on Moday, April 14 except Wordsmiths Books in Decatur as contributor JOHN BRANDON reads from and discusses his novel “Arkansas,” which has been described as a “hallucinogenic, compelling and half-cocked hipster thriller.” Admission is free, and so are the drinks. 7:30 p.m. 404-378-7166. www.wordsmithsbooks.com.

Got a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious kid who can sing, dance and act? Then hustle them over to the Studio Dionne School of Dance and Music on Sunday, April 23 for a MARY POPPINS CASTING CALL. Disney on Broadway is seeking children 8-12, no taller than 58 inches, to play Jane Banks (11) and Michael Banks (9). Sign in at 2 p.m.; auditions start at 3 p.m. Must bring sheet music, a current head shot and résumé. www.disneyonbroadway.com. www.studiodionne.com.

Jousting knights and ravishing wenches, along with a host of other performers, have returned to our fair city. That’s right—the GEORGIA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL opens Saturday, April 12 and continues every weekend and Memorial Day through June 1. Admission is $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for senior citizens, $ 8.50 for ages 6 to 12 and free for those 5 and under. For directions and other information, call 770-964-8575 or visit www.garenfest.com.

You’ve been meaning to check out JCT Bar on the Westside for ages, but it’s hard to see past its neighbors like Star Provisions and Taqueria del Sol. But you’ll find it impossible to say no to THURSDAYS ON THE TERRACE, which features $5 drink specials and $1 oysters, deviled eggs and open-faced grilled cheeses starting at 6 p.m Thursday, April 10. There’s even live music from Ben Deignan. 404-355-2252. www.jctkitchen.com.

Big Break Hollywood isn't your only chance to break into show business this week; there's also THE LION KING OPEN CASTING CALL FOR SINGERS AND DANCERS. Singing auditions start at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 11. Children ages 8 to 12 (no taller than 58 inches) who can dance, sing and act are needed to play lion cubs Simba and Nala. Auditions start at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 12. Dance auditions begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday, April 14. All auditions are being held at Studio Dionne School of Dance and Music. For more info, visit www.studiodionne.com or www.lionkingcasting.com.

Looking to learn more about the acting craft and network with industry professionals? BIG BREAK HOLLYWOOD may be your chance. The event features agents, managers, casting directors and audition coaches from Los Angeles offering information and advice. Admission is $250 for a standard package or a “premiere” package for $595. Hey—breaking into show biz ain’t cheap. April.11-13 at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead. 404-432-7905. www.bigbreakhollywood.com. 

Join hundreds of your fellow animal lovers and their four-legged friends Saturday morning, April 12, at the 18th annual PET PARADE. Take part in the one-mile walk through Candler Park or just partake in the festivities and demonstrations; either way, you’re helping the Atlanta Humane Society raise more than $200,000 for homeless pets.

For more information, call 404-974-2875 or visit www.atlantahumane.org.

Curious about your neighbors’ homes but not willing to break the law to satisfy your curiosity? Grab a sneak peek at some fine residences at the 2008 MIDTOWN TOUR OF HOMES, including houses on Piedmont and Argonne avenues and Myrtle and 9th Streets, as well as some condos in the Metropolis building on Peachtree. April 5-6. Tickets are $available at the Post Parkside offices at 250 10th St. www.midtowntourofhomes.com.

Yes, you can help our canine friends with some leftovers, but the buffet dinner at the SOUTHEAST PUG RESCUE AND ADOPTION fundraiser at Petite Auberge is really meant for humans. There’s also an auction. 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person. 770-887-9741. www.rescuepug.com.