Classical Encounters for Singles Ouisie's Table and the Houston Symphony have joined their formidably rarefied forces to create a evening for those single Houstonians who'd turn up their noses at a radio midnight grocery store event or, even worse, the bar scene. Swankly sophisticated singles can nibble hors d'oeuvres and lounge about ever so coolly unattached as they listen to live jazz and sip wine they've purchased at the cash bar. Reservations are de rigueur, of course. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Ouisie's Table, 3939 San Felipe, 238-1475. Free.

Carnival of Animals To perform this tale of self-discovery, Texas Mime Theatre combines the childlike magic of puppets, masks, music and that weird whiteface mimes always wear. Anyone who reads the paper can tell that the world's monarchs are having a hard time figuring out what they want to be when (and if) they ever grow up. Even King Lion, ruler of the jungle, is having a sort of midlife crisis. To escape the tired responsibilities of jungle-ruling, he runs off to (where else?) the circus. On his way, he meets a series of animal friends -- including a cancan-dancing tortoise and a tightrope-walking elephant -- who eventually lead him where he was always meant to be. 10:30 a.m. Through July 25. Heinen Theatre, 3517 Austin, 520-6463. $5.

Stars and Stripes Dance Here's a strange, albeit sweetly romantic, image: ballroom dancers all dressed in red, white and blue, sweeping across the floor of a neighborhood community center on a warm and lazy July Wednesday afternoon. And all to the loopy sound of a live three-piece band. If you can see yourself in this picture, scrounge your closet for the right color clothes, bring a casserole, a side dish or dessert and don't forget your dancing shoes. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Spring Branch Community Center, 1721 Pech Road, 932-9573. $3 donation.