Going out

        Fireworks: The Third Federal Riverfest celebration begins at noon today with music, carnival games, vendors, food and way too many people in tube tops who shouldn't be. It's all leading up to the hardest working half hour in show business, namely the Toyota/WEBN Fireworks at 9:05 p.m. Riverfront Cincinnati, Newport and Covington. Also, Channel 12, 8-10 p.m. 749-3764.

        Antiques: More than 300 dealers packing a huge selection of vintage furnishings, collectors' items and memorabilia — true, some is junk, but some great stuff there too — assemble for the super-sized Tri-State Antique Market. 7 a.m.-3 p.m. today, Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds, U.S. 50 and Argosy Parkway. 738-7256.

        Nature: Live birds of prey, trotted out by a local bird rehab group, star in a raptors program, noon-4 p.m. today, Shawnee Lookout, Miamiview Road, Miami Township. 521-7275.

        Last call: One more chance, then it's curtains for Treasures for a Queen, the exhibit full of Cincinnati Art Museum's greatest hits. Open noon-6 p.m. today, CAM, Eden Park, free summer admission. 721-2787.

Staying In

       TV picks: Written and directed with both simplicity and brilliance, this edgy film follows what happens to decent small-towners when a plane crash brings what may be an illegal fortune. Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, Bridget Fonda. A Simple Plan, 8 p.m., Fx; repeats at 10:30 p.m.

        • In the first of three documentaries on theater — sorry, we meant theataaah — Sir Richard Eyre looks at naturalistic playwrights Eugene O'Neill, Clifford Odets, Arthur Miller and Lorraine Hansberry. Changing Stages, 9 p.m., Channels 48 and 54.

What's in stores today

        Back to drool: Designer Erin Minton is out to make your pooch just a bit more stylish with a “back to obedience school” collection — trendy dog wear that includes canvas vests with extra pockets, parkas in shiny metallic foils, bright sweaters with chenille collars, ski sweaters, fleece jackets, rainwear, boots and caps, mostly running $7.99-$29.99. Available at leading pet stores and from Ethical Products, Newark (800) 223-7768.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: The Blue Ash Symphony Orchestra celebrates the holiday with a freebie full of Verdi and Rossini, Mozart's Sinfonia for Winds and other favorites. 6 p.m. Monday, Blue Ash Towne Square, Hunt and Cooper roads. 474-1584.

        48 hours out: Playhouse in the Park sharpens the serpent's tooth with previews of its sizzling season opener, the theater's first ever production of Shakespeare's grandly manic King Lear. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Robert S. Marx Theatre, $27. 421-3888.

        72 hours 'til Wednesday: Noreen Palmer and Faye Childs sign and discuss their new book, the hot-selling Going Off: A Guide for Black Women Who've Just About Had Enough. 7 p.m., Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion, Norwood. 396-8960.

        Contact Jim Knippenberg by phone: 768-8513; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: knipenquirer@yahoo.com.

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