Chicago International Film Festival, October 6-20. Times vary.
Chi-town's favorite film fest kicks off this weekend, and we want our readers to be the first to get the good water cooler fodder. Get access to films that typically only run in those two other cities, which shall remain nameless.
Cinema/Chicago, 30 East Adams, Suite 800; 312-683-0121.
Chicagoween, October 7, 11 a.m.
We love Halloween in Chicago, so much so that we celebrate it for an entire month. Whether you have little ones of your own, or just feel like borrowing one for an evening, indulge in pumpkin carving, farmers market shopping, and spooky entertainment of all sorts. The fun starts this Saturday!
Daley Plaza, 118 North Clark Street (at Washington Street).
Blackhawks Home Opener, October 8, 7:30 p.m.
We have more hockey pride than most people have for all those other sports combined. Show your love this Saturday night at the United Center, where the Blackhawks kick off the best thing on ice.
United Center, 1901 West Madison Street (at Damen Avenue); 312-455-4500.
First Fridays At MCA, October 7, 6-10 p.m.
This is way better than your average singles scene, because it's like, cultured and stuff. Come mingle at the worst-kept happy hour secret in Chicago, and meet others who think it's time to move things out of the bar, and up a few notches.
MCA, 220 East Chicago Ave; 312-280-2660.
Fashion Mash, October 8, 8 p.m.
Local designers, artists, and DJs are about to throw one hell of a bash, and they'd like you to be there, with friends. Thrown by Collaboraction, a collective of motivated, creative Chicagoans, Fashion Mash is back for its second year, promising a massive runway show, visual art, and music.
The Flat Iron Building, 1579 N Milwaukee Avenue (at Damen Avenue); 312-335-3000.
Weezer at Riot Fest, October 9, 5:30 p.m.
This year's Riot Fest boasts a pretty impressive lineup, but if we're being honest, we're going for Weezer. Try and tell us that a giant Weezer logo and every song you've belted out of your car windows for the last 15 years doesn't sound appealing. Just try.
The Congress Theater, 2135 North Milwaukee Avenue (at Rockwell Street); 773-276-1235.
Bangers & Lace One Year Anniversary Party, October 9, 12 p.m.
Any time a Chicago gastropub throws a party, there's going to be some kind of pulled pork situation — this we know. Bangers & Lace certainly isn't letting us down, celebrating a year in business with a $20 all-you-can eat fiesta worth looking into.
Bangers & Lace, 1670 West Division Street (at Paulina Street); 773- 252-6499.
Kiz Chicago's One-Year Anniversary, October 9, 12 to 5 p.m.
Kiz is celebrating one year in business with a sale event that wraps up this Sunday. What's in it for you? Purchase any full price item and receive 25% off a second item; purchase any sale item and receive a second sale item for $10. And because you can always use another pair, all shoppers receive a complimentary pair of Kiz sunglasses with purchase, while supplies last.
Kiz Chicago, 2035 West Division Street; 773-278-9800.