Nightmare on Normal: The Center’s annual Halloween street party has grown so popular it has moved to Normal Street this year to accommodate the crowds. The event takes place from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. A $2 donation at the gate supports The Center’s programs. With the biggest cash prizes for costumes in Hillcrest and her majesty Nicole, the event is always a treat. Beer garden opens at 6:00 p.m. Kid’s competition is free; adult competition starts at 9:00 p.m., and the entry fee is $5. Located on Normal St between University and Blaine. Call (619) 692-2077 for more information.

Funny scary: The National Comedy Theatre, San Diego’s acclaimed improvisational comedy group, presents its annual “Comedy Spooktacular” tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. and again at 9:45 p.m. The Spooktacular features comic sketches with creepy themes, special games and additional surprises. Don’t miss the weirdest show they do all year. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students, seniors and military. The theatre is located at 3717 India St. For additional information, call (619) 295-4999.

What a release: Burn — A Candle Store is hosting a CD release party for Nate Coleman, with special guest Craig Gaines, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Both will be performing live, and admission is free. Burn — A Candle Store is located at 2800 University Ave. in North Park. Call (619) 298-7113 for more information.

Phair play: Indie-rocker Liz Phair brings her acoustic guitar-rock sound and bitingly witty lyrics to 4th and B tonight, with special guests Wheat and Katy Rose. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., show starts at 8:00 p.m., 21 and over. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the show. Call (619) 220-TIXS for tickets, or purchase them at the 4th & B box office.

National Dances: Brahms and Co.’s season of national dances begins right here in America with Four Dance Episodes from Copland’s famous cowboy ballet, Rodeo. Percussionist Steven Schick joins the party for Tan Dun’s Concerto for Water Percussion and Orchestra, and Maestro Sollberger concludes with one of the masterpieces of literature, Brahm’s Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Opus 98. Today at 3:00 p.m. at UCSD’s Mandeville Auditorium. Call (858) 534-4637 for tickets: $25 general, $20 senior, $15 youth. Call (858) 822-3774 for more information.

Words to live by: The Casbah hosts “The Greatest Spoken Word Show Since Sliced Bread” tonight at 8:30 p.m. The show features six of the best performing writers in the country in one place: Lydia Lunch, Daphne Gottlieb, Hal Sirowitz, Jimmy Jazz, Michael Klam and Angela Boyce. Cover charge is $10. Call (619) 232-HELL for more information.

Dr. Seuss on Broadway: Broadway San Diego continues their 2002-2003 season with the production of Seussical the Musical at the Civic Theatre in downtown San Diego. It’s Dr. Seuss like you’ve never seen him. Call (619) 570-1100 for further information.

Open mic at Lestat’s: Chill in the spacious, chic/goth comfort zone of Lestat’s Coffee House in North Park. Monday is open-mic night, but there is live music every night and an eclectic collection of overstuffed chairs, chaise lounges and Victorian sofas to watch it on. If you’re hungry, there is good food at the bakery towards the back. There is also a furnished reading room and Internet access for the less socially inclined. Call (619) 282-0437 to learn about upcoming comedy nights and concerts.

Art!: The San Diego Art Institute and the Museum of the Living Artist, a nonprofit group, present the Annual Southern California Regional Artists Award Exhibition. The visual art show runs through Nov. 23 at the Charm House of the Prado in Balboa Park. The exhibition is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. Call (619) 236-0011.

Fun with puppets: The Icarus Puppet Company presents an original play with puppets, Rumpelstiltskin vs. Millersdaugher.com, a retelling of a classic Grimm Brothers tale with a 21st century spin. Icarus Puppet Company was formed in 1990 to support the artistic and educational needs of San Diego by providing exciting, theatrical plays with puppets. Tickets are $6. The show plays through Nov. 9 at the Kensington Community Church, 4773 Marlborough Dr. Call (619) 563-5252 for further information.

Visions of tragedy: Eleven different directors from eleven different cultural backgrounds offer their visions of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001 in September 11. With complete freedom of expression, each filmmaker explores the resonance of the event throughout the world. Directors include Sean Penn, Alejandro Gonzalez, Inarritu, Mira Nair and Ken Loach. Film plays at Landmark’s Ken Cinema in Kensington. Call (619) 819-0236 for show times.

The bad boys of abridgement: The San Diego Repertory Theatre presents All the Great Books (abridged), performed by the Reduced Shakespeare Company. The comedy troupe takes you on a 98-minute roller-coaster ride through the world’s great books. All the Great Books (abridged) will run through Nov. 23 at the Lyceum Space in Horton Plaza. Tickets range from $25.50 to $45.50. Call (619) 231-3586, ext. 619 or 613, for more information.

GSDBA golfs: The Greater San Diego Business Association presents Golf Tourney III at the Cottonwood Golf Course in Rancho San Diego today at 12:00 noon. The tournament is open to members and guests of all skill levels. The cost is $50 per person, and includes green fees, range balls, electric carts and boxed lunches. Prizes and an awards ceremony follow the event. The Cottonwood golf course is located at 3121 Willow Glen Dr. in El Cajon. Call (619) 379-2886 for further information.