(FORTUNE Small Business) – --Nov. 1-3: Sitka Whalefest An international lineup of biologists and researchers descends on Sitka, Alaska, a coastal town in the state's panhandle and a great place to see humpbacks up close. In addition to whale watching tours, you can sign up for seminars or take a class in marine glass sculpture. The ultimate attraction? Concerts by Gordon Bok--dubbed "poet laureate of seafarers" by Time--and Don Sineti, "sea chanteyman extraordinaire." 907-747-7964; sitkawhalefest.org

--Nov. 6-10: Motionfest Coulrophobics, beware! Those who fear clowns might want to avoid Baltimore as several dozen Volkswagen loads of them--plus jugglers, magicians, ventriloquists, and mimes--convene for a long weekend of study in the "manipulative arts." Pros and amateurs alike can get instruction from teachers like Rene Bazinet, former lead clown of the Cirque du Soleil. Some of the bigger-name talent will perform for the public, and organizer Michael Rosman, a comedic juggler, has vowed that no participant will leave without a greater understanding of how to "move silly." 410-833-6763; motionfest.com

--Nov. 22-24: Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza San Antonio will be filled with sombreros as the Menudo of mariachi music--supergroup Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan--arrives for the eighth installment of this growing festival. Formed in 1897, Mariachi Vargas now features its fifth generation of musicians. The weekend includes performances and competitions and ends with a special mariachi-ized mass. Adios and amen. 210-225-3353; mariachimusic.com --BRIAN O'KEEFE