Up for the adventure of a lifetime? Brave the challenges of the wild outdoors, indoors at the Northampton Athletic Club's Climbing Wall. Join the Amherst Outing Club as they rappel from handhold to handhold, conquering the Athletic Club's climbing wall and, possibly, acrophobia. While it may not be Everest, it's guaranteed to get your blood pumping. No equipment is necessary; just e-mail Naomi at neross@amherst.edu if interested. Capture the springtime of youth! (Wed., Sept. 27, 6 p.m., Pond Basement. No admission charge.)

Got the blues? Bring your spirits to an all-time high with Jazz@Schwemm's as it returns with an inaugural performance by Prof. Dominic Poccia and his quartet, EJQ. So sit back and relax with a cup of joe as Poccia and EJQ smooth your frazzled nerves and energizes your soul with standards, fusion and Latin jazz. (Thurs., Sept. 28, 9:30 p.m. Schwemm's Coffee House, Keefe Campus Center. No admission charge.)

Though not quite the Star Wars Cantina, one event worth checking out is Mt. Holyoke College's "Cosmic Cabaret: Starship Earth," a performance of original science media and musicals. Hosted and led by Physics Chanteuse, Lynda Williams, audiences will explore science, life and meaning in the universe. (Fri., Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m., Great Room, Blanchard Campus Center, Mt. Holyoke College. No admission charge.)

Welcome the clowns into town as the World Insurrection Circus rolls into Hampshire College's Red Barn. The circus features puppeteers from the world renowned Bread & Puppet Theater as well as stilt-walkers, choreographed blue horses, singing turkeys and Pinky the FEMA elephant. The circus presents a distillation of political issues and more, all to the accompaniment of the B&P Circus Band. (Fri., Sept. 29, 6 p.m., Lawn behind Hampshire College's Red Barn. No admission charge.)