Friday | October 9
Every second Friday of the month, galleries in the Chicago Art District stay open late for an evening of gallery walks. The 30 participating galleries showcase the art of up-and-coming local and international artists, ranging from traditional Sub-Saharan art to intricately detailed graffiti. (South Halsted and 18th Streets, 6 p.m., free)
Saturday | October 10
If those PETA ads have finally convinced you to give veganism a try, there’s no better place to start than at the Vegan Mania festival. Apart from talks on the benefits of spurning animal products, there will also be vegan food vendors from around the country selling their surprisingly convincing meat imitations. The buffalo bites and barbeque sauce at the Soul Vegetarian stand are a must-eat. (1419 West Blackhawk, 10 a.m., free)
For those of you who have ever wanted to see Dean of the College John Boyer zip around on a bike, be sure to take part in the South Side History Bike Tour. Boyer, along with faculty members Terry Nichols Clark of the Sociology Department and Dean of Social Sciences Mark Hansen will be leading the annual bike ride. The tour will include stops at nearby Chicago landmarks, such as the Obama residence, Hull House, and the historical Bronzeville neighborhood. Email dhays@uchicago.edu to register. (Bartlett Quad, 10 a.m., free)
Sunday | October 11
The Chicago Ensemble opens its 2009–10 season with a concert featuring piano, violin, viola, and cello. The diverse program features music from many different eras, including Mozart’s “Piano Quartet No. 1” and contemporary composer Jan Swafford’s “They Who Hunger.” Light refreshments will be served 30 minutes before the performance. (International House, 3 p.m., $10)
Monday | October 12
Although the Blackhawks started off the regular NHL season in Finland, they’re coming back to Chicago with the hopes of winning this year’s Stanley Cup. Despite a rocky summer (It isn’t assault if the cab driver is a big fan of Patrick Kane), the team has acquired new vigor with Marian Hossa and the scrappy John Madden. The Hawks will be playing Western Division leader, the Calgary Flames. (United Center, 7 p.m., $25)
Tuesday | October 13
Chicago Friends of Israel and University Republicans have joined together to invite John Bolton, former quasi-ambassador to the UN, to give a talk on U.S. foreign policy prospects and modern conflicts. The controversial politician will also speak on nuclear proliferation, the political conflict in Iran, and his crusade to reform the UN. (Mandel Hall, 7 p.m., free)
While The Onion may be famous for its satire, its über-hip entertainment section, the A.V. Club, is quickly gaining popularity. For recent fans and die-hards alike, the Club’s new book Inventory: 16 Films Featuring Manic Pixie Dream Girls, 10 Great Songs Nearly Ruined By Saxophone, And 100 More Obsessively Specific Pop-Culture Lists will feature nearly all new content and celebrity-compiled inventory lists. Staff writers will be at the Borders for a book reading and signing, and if you’re 21 or older, The Onion will be covering drinks. (2817 North Clark Street, 7 p.m., free)
Wednesday | October 14
Learn about the rich Persian culture of Uzbekistan’s Bukhara province at Bukhara cultural night. Celebrating the region’s historical Silk Road outpost, the event will feature a performance by Maqam, a Jewish ensemble that plays traditional shashmaqam music. A Bukharan dinner will also be provided. (International House, 6 p.m., free)
Thursday | October 15
Columbus, OH-based lo-fi indie band Times New Viking will be performing at the Empty Bottle to promote its new album Born Again Revisited. The band will be appearing with Bird Names and Tyler John Tyler, which is a band, not an unfortunately named individual. (1305 North Western, 9:30 p.m., $8)
