It’s starting to feel a lot like Fall in Chicago. (or Autumn if you call it that) The leaves aren’t all turning just yet, but in a week they should be in peak colors. This weekend there is plenty to do in Chicago and the Suburbs. Hey, why not get a jump on your Christmas Shopping? Ok, maybe not just yet. But definitely get to it before the weather gets bad. Or maybe you are attending the Chicago International Film Festival and getting to see films from all over the world that may not otherwise be released here. Then after a few films you can cheer on the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon Runners as they run their 26 mile course throughout the city.
———————–
Friday October 5th:
———————–
New Releases at the Movie Theaters in Chicago this week:
The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising - Dragons, fantasy, action stuff here. Not my cup of tea, but some who are into this genre like this one.
Heartbreak Kid- Who really wants to see Ben Stiller go to the most awkward worst painful places in a relationship in the 15th film he has done this year. They’re all the same. Not funny. Overacted, overly awkward, trying to heighten the not funny to an even not funnier level. Here’s a tip, people laugh when they identify with the comedy, no one identifies with these ridiculous cringe-tastic tales.
My Kid Could Paint That – Don’t most people say that when they see some modern art? See the movie that shows a 4 year old doing just that. Lucky for her, the dad was an artist, so it comes in the family.
Feel The Noise- A party rapping hip hop rave-tastic film about the music lifestyle brought to you by Jennifer Lopez. We wonder where J.Lo is these days? None of her projects have done well since she got married.
The Good Night- Lots of big Oscar names here. Why haven’t we seen any ads yet for this film? Gwyneth Paltrow, Morgan Feeman and Penelope Cruz. Lucid dreaming is one of my favorite things to do on a Sunday afternoon, why not see the movie about it?
Not into any of these movies? Check out what’s still playing from last week and the weekend before:
The Game Plan: Beat estimates to be #1 at the box office last weekend, even though it was a completely saccharine predictable Disney movie. The Kingdom didn’t do as well as I would have liked and was #2 at the Box office last week. It’s still playing also.
Pretty In Pink: This event is all about pampering and grooming. Manicures, facials, masagges and more are offered all for one price of $31.00. You do have to travel between participating salons in Chicago though. Proceeds do go to Breast Cancer Research. There is too much to list here about the services and salons participating in this special event. Go to PrettyCity.com/Pink for the full list of details. This runs all weekend.
Metromix Best Bartender Bash: This is an annual competition where the best voted Bartenders in Chicago from Metromix get to battle it out in person. And of course the night is all about the drinks and the DJ’s music. There are complimentary samples of new drinks to try and specials on lots of others. It’s at the EVIL OLIVE in West Town @ 1551 W. Division St. Chicago, IL 60622 Phone: 773-235-9100 The event goes from 8-11 m and there is no cover charge, it’s free to get in for over 21.
————————
Saturday October 6th:
————————
Bow Wow Bash: A party for the pooches. A full dog party including contests for best costumes and all kinds of doggie entertainment. It’s October 6th from 11 am to 3 pm and it’s free. Phone Number: 312-498-0845 @ Hoyne Avenue between Barry and Wellington Avenues in Lakeview. Address: 3100 N. Hoyne Ave. Chicago, IL 60618.
Roscoe Village ShopWalk
Shop Roscoe Village boutiques to benefit The Children’s Place Association (providing funds for families with sick kids), then hit Bucktown’s local designer trunk shows to benefit Nest (fighting global poverty). Roscoe, Thursday, 6-9 p.m.; ShopWalk, Saturday, 3-7 p.m. @ Roscoe, shops on Roscoe & Belmont Sreets., between Damen & Oakley Aves. Info at 773-281-6577. ShopWalk, tours begin at Hot Chocolate, 1747 N. Damen Avenue, between St. Paul Avenue. & Willow Street. Call for Tickets: 773-255-7866 or buy online at chicagoshopwalk.com
————————
Sunday October 7th:
————————
You can either participate, cheer or avoid the Chicago Marathon this weekend. If you’re not running or supporting, stay off the roads. Every street you use will most likley be affected by the course map and closed due to the race. Reminder: Move your car the night before to avoid being towed. Make some french toast and stay in with some netflix, or venture out only on foot or by bike before 2pm. Today in the office they were betting on where on the course the runners start to pee or poop themselves because they can’t bear to stop running and use the bathroom and loose time. This is yet another reason to avoid the course map for a while. If you are running, ignore that last statement, and good luck in the race!
————————
BONUS: Monday is Columbus Day! And if you are one of those lucky people who has the day off from work or school, check out the parade and the sales! Or go to the Chicago Improv Rebellion Show at IO Theater on Clark and Addison.
————————