Best bets for Thursday:

1. SAUSAGE, ANYONE? The Addison Oktoberfest is one of the most laid-back, enjoyable celebrations of the year in North Texas. At its heart, it's about good food and better beer. The four-day fest starts this afternoon, and today's the only day you can get in for free. 5 to 11 p.m. at Addison Circle Park, 15650 Addison Road. addisontexas.net.

2. BAREFOOT IN THE MALL Do sun-dried tomato dip, curried couscous and salmon with fennel make your mouth water? You might need to make the trek to Frisco tonight for a class that teaches recipes from the Barefoot Contessa. You can always stop by Ikea afterward. 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Williams-Sonoma in Stonebriar Centre, 2601 Preston Road, Frisco. $35. 972-712-9455.

3. A NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Veteran Dallas musicians Matt and Bubba Kadane are back on the national indie scene with a new self-titled CD from their band the New Year. Head to the Granada tonight for the CD-release show at 9. 3524 Greenville Ave. With A Weather and Transona 5. $13 to $16. tickets. granadatheater.com.

4. FALL IS UPON US The Dallas Arboretum kicks off the new season of its Cool Thursdays concert series, with music from the Hunter Sullivan Big Band. 7:30 p.m. 8525 Garland Road. $16. dallasarboretum.org.

5. WHAT'S ON THE TUBE? Smallville begins its new season without Lex Luthor. Hard to believe, right Michael Rosenbaum left the show. See how Clark Kent and Co. (including cousin Kara Kent played by Laura Vandervoort) handle it at 7 p.m. on Channel 33.