Friday | October 5
The 10th Annual Andersonville Arts Weekend kicks off with its “Night of 100 pARTies,” an evening of theater, gallery hopping, music, and more, at least for those who are very good at time management. Stop by Anderson Galleria for their First Friday event, sprint over to the Edgewater Historical Society to ogle the masterful work of Plan Air Painters, and make a mad dash to the Neo-Futrarium to watch the Neo-Futurists perform 44 Plays for 44 Presidents, with any luck, in 44 seconds so you have enough time to attend the other 97 parties. But in all seriousness, there are actually 13 events, and you are going to have a fabulous time attending them. 6–10 p.m., free, Clark St. b/w Olive and Winnemac Aves. (note: tickets must be purchased for some theater events).
While shopping around for courses that satisfy (as best they can) your highly attuned intellectual tastes, perhaps you missed out on a few other classes that were sure to get you hammered. “Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Whiskey,” for example, was offered at the Columbia Yacht Club, and The Savoy hosted “Red, White & Green: Two Hours of American Absinthe.” The fact is that Chicago Craft Spirit Week has been getting its drink on under the radar since Monday and the only way to make this okay is by going to the dozen or so tastings taking place throughout the city this weekend, including those at 2 Sparrows, Printer’s Row Wine Shop, and In Fine Spirits on Friday. 6-10 p.m., free-$50, various locations.
Saturday | October 6
If you know anything about the pug life, then you must have heard of Ben Friedman and his canine companion Knuckles, who are hosting the Fall 2012 Pug Party today. This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill pet bonanza, as there will be karaoke, food trucks, and a caricaturist. Bring your scrunch-faced pooch, your chew toys and your kids, but, please, for the love of dogs, don’t bring your cat. However, since it’s likely that you have none of these things, maybe just go with an open mind. 12–5 p.m., adults $8, kids $4, pugs $0, 1133 West Fulton Market.
Dean Boyer knows that there is no more beautiful way to see Hyde Park than by bike. Apparently sociologist Terry Clark and political scientist Mark Henson are of similar minds, as the three academics are leading the 2012 South Side History Bike Tour, sponsored jointly by the Office of Sustainability reCYCLES Bike Share Program and the Office of the Reynolds Club and Student Activities (ORCSA). The 15-mile route hits important sites such the Stephen A Douglas Tomb and Memorial, Hull House, and the DuSable Museum. You must bring your own bike and helmet. 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., free, leaves from Bartlett Quad. To register visit chicagostudies.uchicago.edu.
Witness the birth of tragedy, comedy, and possibly something about zombies at the round-the-clock UT/TAPS event “24-Hour Play Festival.” Anyone who says they know what will happen is absolutely lying to you because student participants will write, direct, rehearse and do tech for their caffeine-fueled dramas between the hours of Friday 8 p.m. and Saturday 8 p.m. Be prepared to laugh and to cry, but don’t expect any particular plot points. Performance starts at 8 p.m., $3, Third Floor Theater at Reynolds Club.
Sunday | October 7
For just a fraction of the price of a ticket to Munich, you can take a couple of trains and maybe a bus or two to “Bachtoberfest” at the Music Institute of Chicago in Evanston. Here you will listen to “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor” and “BWV 811” on harpsichord rather than to the sound of beer bottles smashing against pavement. There will be a buffet stocked with German food and drink and proceeds go towards a wonderful cause—supporting the 40th annual Bach Week Festival, slated for spring 2013. 5:30 p.m., $50, 1490 Chicago Ave, Evanston.
