OK, so maybe you can't turn back time

The Colosseum at Caesars Palace bears witness to the return of Cher, who is scheduled for 200 shows over three years. (ETHAN MILLER/GETTY IMAGES)

THROUGH 2010

LAS VEGAS

Cher: Celine Dion may have had the theater built at Caesars Palace to hold her titanic voice and narcissistic stage show, but it's a pleasure to see that her Cirque de Self Celebration has left town after five long years of "Because You Loved Me" night after night. Some real showgirls are now occupying the Colosseum at the casino - namely Bette Midler, Elton John, and Cher. The former Mrs. Bono is custom-made for Las Vegas. She loves big, campy Bob Mackie costumes; her well-maintained appearance appeals to everyone from frumpy Midwestern hausfraus to well-coiffed gay men; and she has hits that span more than 30 years. Some may find $250 a bit steep to hear Cher sing "Dark Lady" and "If I Could Turn Back Time" in the flesh, but what fine, leather-clad flesh it is. $95 to $250. Colosseum at Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 866-227-5938, harrahs.com.

OCT. 21-25

NEW YORK

CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival: It is intended to be a showcase for industry insiders and journalists to hear the latest in popular music, but this event is also a prime week for everyday music nerds to hit as many shows as their festival passes will allow. Hundreds of bands play clubs throughout the city. So far, the lineup includes Beach House, Lykke Li, Minus the Bear, Roisin Murphy, Gang Gang Dance, the Dears, Crystal Castles, Broken Social Scene, and Yo Majesty. Register before Sept. 23 and the all-access pass for the marathon and film festival is $450, $275 for students. cmj.com/marathon.

OCT. 24-26

NEW ORLEANS

Voodoo Music Festival: These three days deftly blend local Louisiana musicians with top-notch international acts in City Park behind the New Orleans Museum of Art. Acts you probably know include R.E.M., Nine Inch Nails, Death Cab For Cutie, Dashboard Confessional, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Thievery Corporation, Wyclef Jean, and Panic at the Disco. Local New Orleans bands you probably don't know include Tin Men, New Orleans Jazz Vipers, and Crimes Against Nature. $115 for all three days, thetenthritual.com.

OCT. 17-31

MARSEILLE

Fiesta des Suds: World music festivals tend to group like-minded musicians, or favor one region of the world over another in their programming. All of which makes the Fiesta des Suds stand out from the usual international gatherings. This year's concerts, which take place in a former dockyard, feature unique pairings such as Herbie Hancock on the same bill as Buena Vista Social Club singer Omara Portuondo, and Rokia Traore of Mali alongside Brazilian pop singer Vanessa da Mata. Tickets to shows range from $38 to $70 and are sold individually. 12 rue Urbain,dock-des-suds.org.

PLAN AHEAD

NOV. 5-9

NEW YORK

New York Comedy Festival: Tickets have yet to go on sale, but they are likely to disappear quickly for stand-up shows by Sarah Silverman, Craig Ferguson, B.J. Novak, and Tracy Morgan. There's also a panel discussion with writers from "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart." nycomedyfestival.com.

CHRISTOPHER MUTHER

Events are sometimes canceled, rescheduled, or sold out; call or check online to confirm. Christopher Muther can be reached at muther@globe.com.