Windy City Events

“Disturbed” at Oracle Theater (Sat. 10/10 – Sun. 11/1)

On October 10^th, the Oracle Theater will officially kick off its season with a production of “Disturbed,” an avant garde, inverted haunted house show in its third season. The 15- minute performance, which Time Out magazine has called “crap-your-pants scary,” is based on Dante’s “Inferno.” The short horror play, filled with grotesque, trance-like performances and “pop out” monsters plays out in a 40-person black box theater. However, in order to accommodate all of you Halloween thrill seekers, up to 375 audience members at a time are invited to soil themselves silly. Video projections and special effects are in place to enhance the tour of terror. Get your tickets now, or wait for the half price special on Wednesday October 21^st with password “Dante!”

October 10 – November 1

8 p.m. and running every 30 minutes

Oracle Theater
3809 N. Broadway
773-244-2980

Clay and Cocktails! (Fri. 10/9)

If you’ve ever seen the movie Ghost, then you’ve probably fantasized about getting naughty while molding some shapely clay accoutrements. Now if you can just substitute the Moore-Swayze foreplay for some good old-fashioned cocktails, you can make those dreams come true! Every second Friday of the month, The Hyde Park Art center encourages you to sip while you sculpt during 45-minute group sessions taught throughout the night. A cash bar in on site to make the event more “adult” friendly, and perhaps to help grease the wheels of inspiration! The event also features a DJ dance party, guest performers and a tour of the center’s various art installments. Get your hands dirty while you’re getting’ down!

Every 2^nd Friday of the Month
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
5020 S. Cornell Ave. [google map]
773-324-5520

45th Annual Chicago International Film Festival (Thurs. 10/8 – Thurs. 10/22)

From October 8^th through October 22^nd, the International Film Festival will be taking the windy city by storm! In its 45^th year, the event will feature 150 films from 45 different countries ranging from suspense shorts to GLBT themed documentaries. Katherine Dieckmann’s Motherhood starring Uma Thurman will kick off opening night at AMC River East 21, and expect the Kill Bill heroine to make a red carpet appearance as her career is celebrated on the same night. Other celebs, including actors Willem Dafoe  and Martin Landau are expected to make appearances throughout the festival at various free panel discussions and post parties etc. The schedule of screenings is now available, and here are some that are getting buzz: An Education, The Messenger, Red Cliff and The Antichrist. And if you still can’t bite the bullet, each year the CIFF closes the festival with a bang by bringing back winning films from a number of competitive categories as well as a selection of crowd favorites. Buy tickets in advance for the “Best of the Festival” on Monday, October 19^th.

The Chicago International Film Festival

October 8^th – October 22^nd
AMC River East 21
322 E. Illinois St. [google map]

Bears, Beers, Bus (Sun. 10/4)

If you’ve got Bears tickets and want to get your drink on, consider hopping on a beer bus at one of Lincoln Park’s Bar 1 watering holes! That’s right. McGee’s, Duffy’s and Redmond’s offer round trip transportation to all home games for $5 which is a fraction of the price of your alternatives. As long as you’re still standing an hour before game time when the bus departs (and this deadline is firm) hop on board the booze cruise and keep the tailgate going! Drink and food specials will bookend the event, so let’s go, Bears fans – GET ON THE BUS!
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Patio Pig Roast (Sat. 10/3)

Celebrate football season and temper the cooler weather with a taste of everything but the pig’s skin at a Logan Square Pig Roast! Football…pigskin, get it? Ya, not very tasteful. However, if you still have an appetite and fancy a good old-fashioned roast, head to Dunlays on the Square from 2 p.m. -6 p.m.! The all-you-can-eat-feast will include pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, homemade potato chips, corn bread and cole slaw for $16, and $2 Shiner Bock bottles. Space is limited and this neighborhood hang out spot packs up quickly, so start your pig-out promptly, and repeat after me: Go Steelers!

October 3: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

3137 W. Logan Blvd.

773-227-2400

Dunlays on the Square

First Friday at the MCA (Fri. 10/2)

The Museum of Contemporary Art is not only home to some incredible modern art exhibits, but also hosts one of the hottest singles event in the city. Every first Friday of the month, the MCA opens its doors from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. to hundreds of Chicago’s most eligible singles for a night of signature cocktails, Wolfgang Puck appetizers, live music and electronic dating? That’s right. The event features the world’s only iMac G5 digital dating bar designed to help you find your own personal muse for the evening. In fact, First Friday has been so successful in its romantic endeavors that it’s often referred to as the “Meet Market.” In case you’re interested in more inspired eye candy, the event also features a new up-and-coming Chicago artist each month in a preview of the latest UBS 12 x 12 New Artists/New Work exhibition, a “creation station” within the galleries, and various dance and musical exhibits.

Museum of Contemporary Art

220 E. Chicago Ave

Tickets $10-15

Cash Bar

Camino A Casa: Coming Home on Day of the Dead (Fri. 9/25 – Sun. 12/13)

The National Museum of Mexican Art hosts its 23rd annual Día de Muertos exhibition, Camino a Casa: Coming Home on Day of the Dead. During Day of the Dead celebrations, families honor their loved ones by creating ofrendas (alters with offerings) This year’s exhibition honors the memory and the legacy of Arturo Velasquez Sr. (1915-2009) the patriarch of Chicago’s Mexican community. In addition, a special ofrenda will be created by award-winning, literary icon Sandra Cisneros in honor of her mother. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Cisneros’ book The House on Mango Street.
This is the largest annual Day of the Dead exhibition in the United States that will include works of art from throughout Mexico and the United States. Local artists include: Salvador Jimenez, Immy Melin, Jesus “Chucho” Rodríguez, John Salhus, Pablo Serrano, and Roberto Valadez.

Free Opening Reception: Friday, September 25, 2008 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Sundays – Saturdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sept. 26 – Dec. 13)

National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W. 19^th St. [google map]
312-738-1503

Pretty in Pink Fundraiser (Thurs. Oct. 1 – Sat. Oct. 31)

October is national breast cancer awareness month and in honor of the event, Bright Pink, a non-profit organization providing education and support to young women at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer, is offering $31 spa services to raise awareness and funds for its cause. The 5^th annual Pretty in Pink Fundraiser features specials at participating spas and salons across the Chicago area every day of the month, including Salon 0 Sixty-Five, K. Paige salon, The Hair Loft, Ltd. and Flirty Girl Fitness. (Other packages are offered at local dental clinics, anti-aging facilities, and dermatology consultations.) The highlight of the month long event, however, could be the Power of Pink party at the Hard Rock Hotel’s Fender Ballroom on Friday, October 9^th.  The private cocktail reception includes champagne, vodka, wine and decadent desserts. Guests are encouraged to wear pink, so be savvy, cause conscious, and fashion forward in the name of girl power!

Pretty in Pink

Dirty Bingo at Victory Liquors – (Every 1st and 3rd Thursday)

This is NOT the Mom and Pop version of the popular board game that you remember.

It’s far dirtier, a lot funnier and not suitable for younger audiences. Doesn’t it seem like a little booze can reinvent every childhood favorite into a new, more fun X-rated version? Ahem, Twister. Victory Liquors hosts the series, and all proceeds from the naughty contest go toward various local charities, so you can feel good about yourself while you completely shatter your dignity. The $10 cover buys players 10 Bingo cards and one drink. There will be prizes and drink specials abound, so take one for the team, and let the whole bar know just how bad you’ve been.

Every 1^st and 3rd Thursday of the month 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Victory Liquors

2610 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60614
773-348-5600

Top Chef Viewing Party (Wed. 9/30)

This is a dream come true for all you foodies out there! Two for one entrees, cocktail demonstrations and Q&A sessions with professional chefs, and screenings of one of the most popular and successful culinary programs in television history! Join Top Chef contestant Radhika Desai from the 2008 Chicago season as she hosts weekly viewing parties for the cooking competition at Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club in Boystown.  Whether you’re a Tom Colicchio fan, or happen to think he’s a bigger, grumpier version of Verne Troyer (Mini-me), you will no doubt enjoy yourself after a couple half priced martinis. And with 5 big screen TV’s, you won’t miss a hot second of the quickfire challenge! So bring your appetite, and join a Top Chef alum at a slightly less disparaging judges table.

Wednesdays 8:15 p.m.

3700 N. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60657
773-525-1111