Books: Author Jonathan Ames is back — this time with a racy, randy, raucous new graphic novel, “The Alcoholic.” Is it about him? What do you think? Comment.

1,500 bottles of beer on the wall

By Ben Muessig

The Brooklyn Paper / Kristen Joy Watts

Shopping: A Fifth Avenue grocery is uncapping a new strategy to tap into Greenwood Heights’ shifting demographics — widening its already expansive beer selection. Comments (1).

Where to GO: Editors’ Picks

Obamafest

Saturday, September 27: Don’t despair, Democrats — get partying. All day at Rustik restaurant in Clinton Hill, the faithful will be rallying, merrymaking and raising money for the now seemingly longshot presidential hopes of Sen. Barack Obama (who once lived in Brooklyn Heights!).

Noon-6 pm. Rustik [471 DeKalb Ave., between Franklin and Kent avenues in Clinton Hill, (646) 796-8624].

Too many options!

Sunday, September 28: This Sunday is insane, what with the Chile Pepper Festival at the Botanic Garden (with Pete Seeger!), the Coney Island Film Festival and the last day of DUMBO’s “Art under the Bridge” festival. Today, it’s your call.

Pepper Festival: Noon-6 pm. Brooklyn Botanic Garden [1000 Washington Ave. at Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, (718) 623-7220]; Coney Island Film Fest has films all day. Visit www.coneyislandfilmfestival.com for schedule; “Art under the Bridge” event: All day. Visit www.dumboartscenter.org/festival.html

Blinded by ‘Science’

Tuesday, September 30: Williamsburg’s own TV on the Radio has a new album out called “Dear Science” and this is the perfect day to go to Sound Fix and buy the latest classic from these barbershop quartet-influenced indie rockers (for $1 off the $13.99 list price, by the way!).

Sound Fix Records [110 Bedford Ave., at North 11th Street in Williamsburg, (718) 388-8090].

Art punch

Thursday, October 2: You know it’s a weird neighborhood when artists and boxers share the same bill. But tonight in DUMBO, you can watch fighters from Bruce Silverglade’s Gleason’s Gym and performances by local bands. The winner takes on David Walentas.

6 pm. St. Ann’s Warehouse [88 Water St. at Main Street in DUMBO, (718) 237-8700]. $75.

Freakin’ awesome

Friday, October 3: The Coney Island Circus Sideshow will host an all-you-can-drink/all-you-can-hear/all-you-can-see beer, music and freak show to celebrate the new “Freaktoberfest” brew from Shmaltz Brewing Company, most beloved for its Coney Island Lager (pictured).

5 pm. Coney Island Circus Sideshow (1208 Surf Ave., at West 12th Street in Coney Island). Tickets are $50 at www.smarttix.com.

View the full nightlife and events calendars.

Pour it on

By Elyssa Pachico

Dining: Anyone who’s seen “Sideways” knows the basics of wine tasting — swirl glass, stick in nose, inhale — but how do you go about tasting a Jim Beam? Or a Basil Hayden’s, for that matter? Comment.

Blooming good! ‘Underpants’ is a hit

By Sarah Portlock

Theater: What should you do this weekend? You should see “The Underpants” at the Gallery Players in Park Slope, says our reviewer. Comment.

Arty development

By Gersh Kuntzman

Waiting in the Wings: Our weekly roundup of upcoming theatrical productions. Comment.

A regular Joe’s

By Mike McLaughlin

Shopping: By the time you read this, Trader Joe’s will be open at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Court Street. Yes, that sound was your stomach grumbling. Comment.