Fifteen outstanding comedians vying for cash and glory will offer up their very best five-to-seven minute routine. Hosted by former comedy competition winner Johnny Steele.

8pm. 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. $30. 372-3800, http://www.goldenstatetheatre.com.

Monterey’s only Burlesque troupe shocks and delights audiences with its liberal use of raw humor, corsets, fishnets, singing and hula-hooping. An unconventional mixture, perhaps, but this eclectic style of sexual energy recalls the gothic Middle Ages while retaining a modern twist.

8pm. 320 Hoffman Ave., Monterey. $5. 521-7167.

Hundreds of international short films flew in; 50 were screened over 10 weeks. Stories spanned existential Belgium mystery, a train chase from Spain, Iranians faking homosexuality and a pop-culture vigilante named Bitch. Our favorite title: I F***ing Hate You. Seven of this year’s best films compete in this grand finale night of viewing, dining, listening and critiquing pleasure.

7pm. 1/4 mile south of Nepenthe Restaurant, Highway 1, Big Sur. Free; donations appreciated. 667-2574, http://www.henrymiller.org.

It’s the last year to do the Time Warp again around here. In other words, it’s the last year to see men in corsets and dark make-up at a place you would never dream of taking Grandma Bertha (unless you aren’t so into inheritance anyway). After years of packed houses and rabid sing-alongs, Paperwing is dropping the curtain on this production. The Halloween timing isn’t a coincidence. [NC]

8pm/Wed-Sat; midnight/Fri-Sat. 320 Hoffman Ave., Monterey. $22. 521-4512, http://www.paperwingtheatreco.com.

Big Sur residents spend months putting together elaborate– and sometimes very revealing– costumes for this wild Halloween party that benefits the Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade. As always, there will be live music and all-you-can-eat Ambrosia burgers.

8pm. 29 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, Big Sur. Price to be determined. 667-2345.