Friday | October 18
Relieve some stress tonight by kicking back with Brad Pitt and Edward Norton at Doc Films’ screening of Fight Club. Join the fight, laugh it off, and play it cool as you watch the story of an average Joe escaping from the monotony of his life into a new, dangerously exciting world involving (you guessed it) fight clubs. Liberal humor, action-packed fight scenes, a touch of romance, and 1999 graphics: What combination could be better? Max Palevsky Cinema. 7 p.m., 9:30 p.m., and 12 a.m., $5.
If you’re of the artsy variety (or want to be), head up to the Bridgeport Art Center for its 3rd Friday Open Studios. In a relaxed but hip atmosphere, you can browse thought-provoking artwork while chatting up artists and getting inspired. This month’s feature, organized by Urban Threads Studio, is titled “The Greatness in Textiles” and focuses on the material arts. Light refreshments will be served. 1200 West 35th Street, 6–10 p.m., free.
Saturday | October 19
Once in a while, we all feel a twinge of nostalgia for the not-so-distant past. Satisfy this innate desire for simpler times by heading over to Hyde Park Records for its All Vinyl In-Store DJ Series. As you browse through used and new vinyl, CDs, and records, feel free to strut your best moves. Four live DJs, led by head honcho Mr. Jaytoo, will be dropping the beats, dishing out disco, hip-hop, jazz, fusion, and soul. Revel in this old-school-meets-ultra-hip atmosphere, and don’t forget to ask at the register for a discount on the vinyl. 1377 East 53rd Street, 3–8 p.m.
It’s that time of year again: when the campus swells with hordes of parents, alumni, and, yes, free stuff. Show some school spirit and come out to the UChicago Homecoming Block Party and Football Game, where you’ll find a bounce house, music, games, and plenty of giveaways. Check out 56th Street’s delicious lineup of fan favorites, including candy apples and corn dogs, and stick around for the football game against Macalester. Be among the first 600 to arrive and snag a free T-shirt. 56th and Ellis, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., kickoff 1:30 p.m.
Sunday | October 20
So you think you know Chicago? Answer that question after checking out more than 150 historic, glamorous, or just plain interesting sites around town through Open House Chicago, an event hosted by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Roam the Palmer House or City Hall downtown, head over to the renowned Chicago History Museum in Lincoln Park, or behold the original Sears Tower in all its glory up in North Lawndale, all for free. UChicago’s own Oriental Institute and Bond Chapel are featured venues. You’ll come away feeling more cultured and knowing Chicago just a little bit better. Various locations and neighborhoods, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., free.
