LEISURE
ARCHAEOLOGY LECTURE — Chapel of Lynn Wood Hall, Southern Adventist University. Institute of Archaeology presents second of three lectures, 7 p.m. Thursday, with dialogue between Michael Hasel, Ph.D., professor in the School of Religion, and William Dever, Ph.D., University of Arizona, emeritus, on “Uncovering the Past: 50 Years of Biblical Archaeology.” Dever also will answer questions on the history and future of Near Eastern archaeology. Free. 236-2027.
COLUMBUS’ SHIPS — Ross’s Landing. Replicas of Nina and Pinta open for self-guided tours, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through Nov. 2. $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 students. 787-672-2152, www.thenina.com.
DELTA QUEEN — Coolidge Park. Dinner served on historic, 1920s-era steamboat permanently docked as a floating hotel and lounge, 5-9 p.m. today and Saturday. Reservations not required. 423-468-4500. www.deltaqueenhotel.com.
FANTASY MAZE — Tennessee Riverpark, 4301 Amnicola Highway. No-scares Halloween activity features classic and cartoon characters hidden within a straw maze, 6-9 p.m. Oct. 29-30. Wear costumes and bring treat bags. $3 per child. 842-6748.
HISTORY TALK — LaFayette/Walker County Library, 305 S. Duke St., LaFayette. Walker County Historical Society meets 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The Rev. Qeon Smith will speak on the history of the Methodist Church in Walker County, including congregations established before the Cherokee removal. Free. dboyle@daltonstate.edu.
HURRICANE PARTY — Car Barn, 6721 Heritage Business Court, East Brainerd. Ticket purchases due today for fourth annual event featuring silent auction, food, and cash bar, 6:30 p.m.-midnight Nov. 6. Proceeds benefit CaneRaisers of East Hamilton, an independent parent organization raising funds for East Hamilton Middle/High School. $60, $75 and $100 tickets include casino chips and drink tokens. Tickets limited to 200 and sold only in advance. Purchase through PayPal at www.caneraisers.org.
MIDNIGHT MAYHEM — Southern Belle Riverboat, 201 Riverfront Parkway. Halloween party with music, dancing, raffle and costume contest, 10:30 p.m.-1 a.m. today. $15. Call 266-4488 for space availability.
ORCHID SHOW — Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St., in Coolidge Park. Regional exhibition presented by Tennessee Valley Orchid Society features hundreds of blooming orchids, vendors and expert advice, noon-6 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. 886-2950 or theorchidgallery@aol.com.
PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST — Museum Center at Five Points, 200 Inman St., E, Cleveland, Tenn. Bring in a carved pumpkin for chance to win cash prizes, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 29 or 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 30. Judging at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 30. 423-339-5745.
ROCKTOBERFEST — Rock City Gardens, 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain. Fifth annual celebration of German culture includes authentic food and specialty beer, noon-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in October. Live music at 12:30, 2, 3:15 and 4:15 p.m. (Alpine Mountain Band this weekend, Laurentz und die Katven on Oct. 30-31); polka lessons at noon and 1:30 p.m. each day. Most activities free with regular admission: $17.95 adults, $9.95 children 3-12. 706-820-2531, www.seerockcity.com.
ZOMBIES IN THE AFTERNOON — Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library, 1001 Broad St. Create your own zombie, keepsake coffin and stained-glass lantern at this creepy craft party for ages 10 and up, 2:30 p.m. Oct. 30. Costumes welcome. Free. Contact: Della Phipps, 757-5310.
BOOKS/AUTHORS
CLASSIC LITERATURE BOOK CLUB — The Camphouse, 1427 Williams St. Reading “The Age of Innocence” by Edith Wharton; meeting 6 p.m. Tuesday. Contact: Joel Swanson, 432-8579, bookclub.classics@gmail.com.