‘Curious’ encounters

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7 Stages presents the world premiere of Curious Queer Encounters this Thurs., May 4. Curated by Michael Haverty, Curious Queer Encounters features seven local ensembles and artists’ original works meant to represent and redefine queer culture. The interactive performances will be performed in and around the space, and audience members are free to roam throughout the space. Participating artists include Jared Dawson, Rebecca Makus, Jed Drummond, Jim Grimsley, Heidi S. Howard, Matthew Terrell, Jason Livingston, Jessica Unker and Corian Ellisor. $15-$22.50. Thurs.-Sun., May 4-14. 7 Stages Theatre, 1105 Euclid Ave. N.E. 404-523-7647. www.7stages.org.

Atlanta Ballet presents OFFStage: Party in the Garden at Whitespace this Thurs., May 4. The event will feature Women in the Arts Talk, a conversation between choreographer Helen Pickett and Whitespace artist Bojana Ginn, moderated by Lee Foster, managing director of Theatrical Outfit; an art installation by Bojana Ginn; and beer and wine. Free; RSVP to lwilson at atlantaballet.com. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thurs., May 4. Whitespace, 814 Edgewood Ave. N.E. 404-688-1892. www.atlantaballet.com.

SOAR: be bold. be brave. believe. is a dance performance inspired by artists whose boldness have movements. SOAR is created and performed in collaboration with Moving in the Spirit, a youth development program in Atlanta that creates compassionate leaders through the art of dance. DJ Santiago Paramo will provide a live soundtrack for the performance. $10-$20. 7-8 p.m. Thurs., May 4. Rialto Center for the Arts, 88 Forsyth St. N.W. 404-413-9849. rialto.gsu.edu.

SCAD FASH presents Project Diaspora, a series of short documentaries and music videos that “explore the relationships between Africa, global fashion and pop culture” as part of its REEL to REAL film series. The series is in conjunction with Omar Victor Diopbs exhibition Project Diaspora, which features 18 works that explore the historical relationships between Africa and the rest of the world through trade, early diplomatic encounters and the legacy of slavery (on view through Aug. 20). 7-8 p.m. Thurs., May 4. SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion and Film, 1600 Peachtree St. 404-253-3132. www.scadfash.org.

Jeremy McCleary’s solo show, Cosmic Year, spans works created during the last two years. McCleary’s ink on paper and canvas works illustrate complex relationships manifested through miniature worlds, including spiderwebs, cosmos, plants and more. Opening reception: 7-11 p.m. Fri., May 5. On view through June 30. Hi-Lo Press, 696 Charles Allen Drive N.E. 678-632-3346. www.facebook.com/hilopress.

Blondie and her beloved crew are back: The Clermont Lounge, Poncey-Highland’s notorious strip club that’s been closed since January for renovations, has rescheduled its grand re-opening for Wed., May 10. Dry Gulch is scheduled to perform. 9 p.m. Wed., May 10. Clermont Lounge, 789 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E. 404-874-4783. www.clermontlounge.net.

Has the recent influx of rain and heat b and resulting humidity b got you and your little ones hiding out indoors with the AC blasting? Time to brave a visit to Mother Nature with Atlanta History Center’s Magic Mondays, a monthly themed event designed for toddlers and preschoolers with guided explorations through the center’s exhibitions. This month, kids can explore the historic gardens, help out with the Smith Family Farm and learn about the importance of recycling. $5.50-$6.50. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mon., May 8. Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Road N.W. 404-814-4000. www.atlantahistorycenter.com.

Dad’s Garage’s Story Spot invites local personalities to the stage to share personal stories. A group of improvisors then creates a scene inspired by each of the stories. This Friday’s Story Spot will feature one of Atlanta’s most recognizable radio voices, Lois Reitzes. $16.50-$23.50. 8 p.m. Fri., May 5. Dad’s Garage Theatre Company, 569 Ezzard St. 404-523-3141. www.dadsgarage.com.

The sharp-tongued contestants from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” take the stage for Haters Roast: The Shady Tour to talk about everything from politics and love to social media b and are sure to spill the tea all night long. $38-$82. 8 p.m. Center Stage, 1374 W. Peachtree St. 404-885-1365. www.centerstage-atlanta.com.

May the fourth be with you: Venkman’s hosts a free screening of Mel Brooks’ classic farceB Spaceballs. Featuring the comedic talents of John Candy, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman and Joan Rivers, among others, For the uninitiated,B Spaceballs takes on Star Wars and isn’t afraid to poke fun at itself.B 9 p.m. Thurs., May 4. Venkman’s, 740 Ralph McGill Blvd. N.E. 404-225-6162. www.venkmans.com.

The comedians of “Wild ‘N Out” take the stage at Uptown Comedy Corner for the Freestyle Funny Comedy Show. Chico Bean, BDaht, Darren Brand and OsamaBinDrankin tailor each show to the audience with a mix of improv, stand-up and crowd-participation games. $15-$25. Fri., May 5, 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.; Sat., May 6, 7 p.m., 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.; Sun., May 7, 8 p.m. Atlanta’s Original Uptown Comedy Corner, 800 Marietta St. N.W. 404-881-0200. B www.uptowncomedy.net.