A s a new school year begins at local colleges and city schools, blasts from the past come in drinkable, danceable, watchable and edible forms.

Monday, August 27

Oak Haven Table & Bar (932 State St, New Haven; 203-915-9413) is hosting one of its many mixology competitions from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Taking inspiration from the Prohibition-era rum-runner Bill McCoy, “some of the area’s best bartenders” vie for cocktail and theme costume supremacy while spectators enjoy $5 drink specials made from The Real McCoy rum. Free to attend.

Tuesday, August 28

Leitner Observatory’s weekly planetarium shows at 7 and 8 p.m. feature Faster Than Light: The Dream of Interstellar Flight (2017). Narrated by famed actor Sean Bean, the film examines current ideas about the technology that might someday allow us to explore other solar systems, “dazzl[ing] audiences with virtual rides aboard spacecraft of the future.” After each screening (weather permitting), visitors can directly observe outer space via some of the observatory’s telescopes. $5 admission. 355 Prospect Street, New Haven. (203) 432-3000.

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Wednesday, August 29

An eight-hour “Michael Jackson marathon” at Stetson Branch Library (200 Dixwell Ave, New Haven; 203-946-8119) celebrates what would have been the late pop star’s 60th birthday. Featuring Jackson’s music as well as films and documentaries in which he appeared, the marathon starts at noon. Free.

Thursday, August 30

The second occasion of Bread Breakers, “a project from Chabaso [Bakery] that creates opportunities for people with diverse viewpoints on divisive issues to break bread together,” happens from noon to 3 p.m. at Atticus Bookstore Cafe (1082 Chapel St, New Haven). Inviting perspectives and experiences regarding “coming to Connecticut, immigration and being a good neighbor,” there will be a recording booth to archive conversations for the Library of Congress (sign up here), a special menu featuring food from CitySeed’s Sanctuary Kitchen program and free samples of Chabaso bread.

Elm Shakespeare Company’s annual fundraising gala, held in conjunction with its annual summer outdoor production in Edgerton Park (75 Cliff St, New Haven), is called Put on the Ritz: An Evening in Edgerton, which pings this year’s 1920s take on Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost. Regular tickets cost $125, and there’s an auction to go with some presumably nice food and drink, plus reserved seating for that evening’s production. 5 to 8 p.m.

Elm City Social (266 College St, New Haven; 475-441-7436) hosts a ’90s-themed rooftop party starting at 6 p.m. Organizers hope you’ll wear your “best ’90s gear” to go with theme-worthy songs and drink specials. Free to attend.

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Friday, August 31

Two Roads Brewing Company (1700 Stratford Ave, Stratford; 203-335-2010) hosts the next installment of its Hoppywood Outdoor Movie Series. With gates opening at 6:30 p.m., the movie, cult comedy classic Office Space (1999, screencapped above), starts at 8. Tickets cost $15, with a complimentary first pint included and chairs and blankets encouraged.

Saturday, September 1

The 38th annual Odyssey: A Greek Festival celebrates Greek tradition at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church (480 Racebrook Rd, Orange; 203-795-1347). Held yesterday, today and tomorrow from noon to 10, plus Monday from noon to 7, the festival promises classic and gourmet food, live cooking demos, a marketplace, a “giant tag sale,” cultural presentations, traditional dance performances and lessons, live music, kids’ activities and a raffle. Free to attend.

Sunday, September 2

New England Brewing Company (175 Amity Rd, Woodbridge; 203-387-2222) hosts “the ultimate rare and vintage beer tasting,” “a one-time-only tasting event featuring over 350 bottles from a massive private collection.” Admission, which costs $45 and includes food, is “limited and so is the beer.” 6 to 9 p.m.

Written by Dan Mims. Readers are encouraged to verify times, locations and prices before attending events.