Labor Day weekend is typically thin on the events calendar, but that doesn't mean you can squeeze everything into one print issue of City Weekly. It's time to go beyond Essentials.

In just four years, the Princess in Black series by local writers Shannon and Dean Hale and illustrator LeUyen Pham has already spun out several adventures reminding us that girls can be princesses and adventuring heroes. The fifth story in the series, The Princess in Black and the Mysterious Playdate, finds intrepid Princess Magnolia's get-together with a friend interrupted by a monster attack. The authors visit The King's English Bookshop (1511 S. 1500 East, 801-484-9100, kingsenglish.com) for a reading and signing Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m.

Aeris Aerial Arts showcases high-flying acrobatic talents and colorful production for the story of the daughter of the Sun and Moon in Asteria: A Cirque Style Show  at Rose Wagner Center (138 W. 300 South, 801-355-2787, artsaltlake.org), Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. daily.

Downtown Artist Collective (258 E. 100 South) presents a unique workshop mix of visual art and modern dance as participants join artist David Habben and dancers in an act of interpreting and creating for Being Somewhere, Friday, Sept. 1, 7-8 p.m., $50 per person.

Comedian Orny Adams' career highlight might have been his not-entirely-flattering appearance in the 2002 Jerry Seinfeld documentary Comedian, but the then-rising performer has carved out his own place in the ranks of "observational comics." Adams visits Wiseguys Gateway (194 S. 400 West, 801-532-5233, wiseguyscomedy.com) Sept. 1-2, 7 & 9:30 p.m. nightly, $15.