Have you fallen behind in your celebrations of autumn-only festivities? This weekend, Chicago offers a slew of spot-on fall fun with all the fixings that blow in with the blusters: seasonal ales, indulgent treats safe for post-summer snacking, and the occasional pre-Halloween bloodbath. Sweater up and voyage out into your perfect fall weekend.
ALL WEEKEND
Women’s Voices Weekend
Celebrate the voices of acclaimed women writers with a weekend-long series of readings, conversations, cocktail parties and signings, sponsored by the nation’s largest feminist bookstore, Women & Children First. Featured authors include Achy Obejas, Nami Mun, Staceyann Chin and Esther Hershenhorn, who will be speaking and leading workshops.
Where: Varies
When: Varies, Saturday and Sunday
Price: Varies by event
Chicago Comedy Film Festival
Overdue for a giggle in the aisles? Check out the first national, Chicago-based film festival devoted to comedy at the Chicago Comedy Film Festival. Local and national short and full-length films will be showcased during the three-day festival.”Unicorn City,” “Bear Force One” and “How To Eat Bacon” are among a host of titles screening throughout the weekend, with an after-party Sunday at the Annoyance Theater.
Where: ShowPlace ICON, 150 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago Friday and Saturday
Annoyance Theater, 4830 N. Broadway, Chicago Sunday
When: Varies, see full schedule
Price: $10
FRIDAY
Black Ensemble Theater Gala
Celebrate thirty-five years of “plays with a purpose” at The Black Ensemble Theater’s anniversary benefit gala. Co-chaired by Gov. Pat Quinn, the evening will include dinner, a live auction and a performance. Proceeds will support the theater’s mission to eradicate racism and its damaging effects on society through the utilization of theater arts.
Where: InterContinental Chicago, 505 North Michigan Ave, Chicago
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Price: $200
Beer Dinner
Sample New Belgium Brewery’s finest paired with a four-course meal by Chef Tom Van Lente. Fat Tire, Kick, Abbey and Hoptober are just a few of the locally-brewed flavors being served alongside high-end autumnal fare.
Where: 1326 W Madison St, Chicago
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday
Price: $35
SATURDAY
Music Box Massacre
Can’t get enough horror flicks? Put your spine to the tingly test at the Music Box Theater’s 24-hour marathon, the Music Box Massacre, now in its seventh year. “We wanted to show that horror films could be beautiful and full of amazing concepts and ideas--whether they were terrifying or hilarious--and we wanted people to feel like part of a community,” organizer Mary Wolfe told HuffPost Chicago about the event.
Where: 3733 N. Southport Ave., Chicago
When: 12 p.m. Saturday - 12 p.m. Sunday
Price: $38
Bye Bye Liver
Drinking during performances is not uncommon in Chicago theater--but being commanded to do so might be. "Bye Bye Liver: The Chicago Drinking Play" is a series of outrageous sketches, all “centered around the bottle.” Interactive social games engage the audience in this weekly 21+ showcase.
Where: The Pub Theater at Fizz Bar, 3220 N. Lincoln, Chicago
When: 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday
Price: $20
SUNDAY
Bucktown Apple Pie Contest
Think you’ve got what it bakes? Throw your pie tin into the ring at the seventh annual Bucktown Apple Pie Contest. Separate amateur and professional divisions will be evaluated on the basis of pre- and post-slice appearance, crust consistency and flavor and filling quality.
Where: Holstein Park, 2200 N. Oakley, Chicago,
When: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday
Price: Free
Wisconsin Cheese and Beverage Pairing
Have you made it midway through the first annual American Cheese Month without a proper celebration? Get festive at Pastoral’s pairing experience, where some of the finest Wisconsin cheeses will be matched with locally-brewed beers from Goose Island Brewery and spirits from Death’s Door Spirits.
Where: Kendall College, 900 N. Branch St., Chicago
When: 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sunday
Price: $20
WEEK AHEAD
ALL WEEK
Rise of the Stripping Dead
When could diversions be more welcome than during the throes of a zombie apocalypse? The Admiral Theatre offers a sneak peek into the undead nightlife with “Rise of the Stripping Dead,” a week-long showcase of hot zombie dancers. Pack some singles and be prepared to hide your brain.
Where: Admiral Theatre, 3940 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago
When: Various times, Thursday 18 - Friday 21
Price: $35 general, $50 VIP