Things to do in and around Atlanta for Thursday, Nov. 8

The festival runs through Nov. 18. On Thursday, beginning at 10 a.m., Laura Stachler and her daughter Susan will discuss “The Cookie Cure,” a book about building dreams and surviving cancer, with the help of homemade ginger snaps. Sally Mundell and her book “Packaging Good,” and her grade-school daughter Ruby’s book, “Kindness Come In,” are about surviving grief and facing life’s challenges.

In lieu of tickets, guests are asked to bring travel-size toiletries, candy canes, or individual packets of hot chocolate for donation to Creating Connected Communities and The Packaged Good. 10 a.m., MJCCA-Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody; www.atlantajcc.org/.

‘LYSISTRATA’ AT GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY

Aristophanes, writing in the 5th century BCE, had his bawdy female protagonist Lysistrata come up with a unique solution to war: Women went on strike. No sex until the men lay down their arms.

Georgia State University has updated the play with modern language and risque humor and added acrobats, singers, dancers and other action before the 45-minute performance. Through Nov. 11. $10-$15; University Theatre at Dahlberg Hall, 30 Courtland St., Atlanta; www.gsuplayers.com/lysistrata/

DESIGN WORKSHOP AT WEST ELM STORES

How do you set a holiday table? A free interactive workshop at West Elm stores around the city will help customers study modern styling and entertaining tips from West Elm design experts, including how to host a sit-down dinner, set a "Friendsgiving" buffet, or throw a cocktail party. 6-7:30 p.m.; WestElm.com/locations.

Check the traffic before you go out.

For other entertainment ideas, go to our weekly podcast about the arts and entertainment, accessAtlanta. You can download it from iTunes, Google Play or wherever you get your podcasts.