This Week's Day-by-Day Picks

Tuesday, November 15
Alluring red satin meets the land of white picket fences -- all under a blanketing midnight-blue sky -- when a carnival comes to the quiet town of Wamego, Kansas, in the film Firecracker. But that's where the fun ends. In this tale of suffering, abuse and murder, emotionally tormented Jimmy forges an unlikely friendship with carnival sideshow act Sandra, while the disappearance of Jimmy's brother, David, unleashes the secrets buried within the sleepy hamlet. Firecracker, which also stars a host of real-life carnival freaks such as Lobster Girl and George the Giant, has been generating serious buzz among the indie crowd. Dare we say it's been blowing up? 7 p.m. Landmark River Oaks Theatre, 2009 West Gray. For tickets, call 713-866-8881 or visit www.dikenga.com/films. $10.

Wednesday, November 16
Even if you only grudgingly acknowledge soccer as "the other football," there'll be lots of other things to do at the Mexico vs. Bulgaria soccer match. Before the game, catch live music from Pablo Montero, the "Tu Música, Tu Cerveza" artists and the True Music Roadhouse. The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the Bud Dance Team and the Bud Percussion Group also will be appearing. (Man, add some other "bud," and this'll be a real party.) Kick-off is at 8 p.m. Reliant Stadium, 1 Reliant Park. For tickets and information, call 866-468-3926 or visit www.texasinternationalsoccerseries.com. $20 to $50.