The ancient Mayan calendar ends on Dec. 21, 2012. And because it’s safe to assume that the ancient Mayans were all-knowing, that can only mean one thing: The world as we know it will end that day. So why not go out with a bang? The ArtsCenter will mark the big event with “Apocalesque!,” a cabaret and variety show based on transformation and the end of the world, at 8 p.m. Dec. 21.

Performances will include cabaret acts, live music, hoop dance, aerial dance, belly dance, burlesque performance, comedy and more. Proceedings will be hosted by Madame Onca, the producer of the Americana Burlesque & Sideshow Festival. A limited number of cabaret seats are available.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Hidden Voices, a Triangle-based nonprofit that empowers under-represented populations to effectively tell their stories. 919-929-2787, artscenterlive.org.