Chicago Wine & Food Festival
Wine + food = good times. Sample vino from around the world while munching on nibbles courtesy of local chefs–including Oprah’s personal cook, Art Smith. This second annual fest will feature lectures, cooking demos and guest speakers. More importantly, there’ll be wine, and lots of it. 11:30 a.m.-
5 p.m. Sunday. $60. Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch St. 312-752-2092.
Chicagoween Pumpkin Plaza
The annual Halloween extravaganza is under way. Test out your carving skills and hack into pumpkins. Or just catch high-flying aerial entertainers, Midnight Circus (surprisingly not at midnight–daily shows at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.; evening shows at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Thursday-Sunday). 5-8 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Sunday; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Free. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. 312-744-3315.
Morrissey
The pope of mope is back in town, crooning tunes from his new album “You Are the Quarry” as well as old faves and maybe, just maybe, some Smiths tunes. His protege, Irishman Damien Dempsey, will open. 7:30 p.m. Friday. $37.50. Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. 312-559-1212.
Andersonville Arts Weekend
What could be more fun than chasing a white bunny around while looking at art? Nothing! The Neo-Futurists host an art walk around the ‘hood, led by a furry bunny (OK, someone in rabbit ears) as part of this weekend-long fete. Visual and performance artists, bands (from country to an accordion duo) will do their shtick at local spots. Stop by the booth at Clark Street and Berwyn Avenue for maps and performance schedules. Balloons mark participating venues. 6-9 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Visual art displays are free, performance prices vary. 773-728-2995.
Haitian Hurricane Victims Relief Party
Party guilt-free by bringing donations of canned food, clothing, school supplies or other helpful items to Reunion for this benefit bash. DJs Lanky, Wayne, Boombastic, Bertram and Rufus spin. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday. $5-$10. 811 W. Lake St. 312-491-9600.
Royster with the Oyster
Just how many oysters do people suck down during this fest? 62,000. That’s a lot of oysters. Sample the slippery treats, drink wine and beer and enter a slurping contest at Friday’s opening bash at Goose Island (1800 N. Clybourn Ave. 312-915-0071). Let’s see if we can get it to 70,000 this year. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday. Free. The fest continues all week–check metromix.com for details.
“The Bachelor” open call
Get rich and famous while looking for love. That’s right, “The Bachelor” is searching for a new dude to take on 25 lovely ladies. And yes, they’re looking for the women too. Casting producers will interview wannabes at Excalibur. Dress up, grab a rose and cross your fingers. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Free. 632 N. Dearborn St. 866-739-3150.
Casino Swing XIII
Put your money where your cards are at this Vegas-style gaming benefit. That’s right, we’re talking ’bout blackjack, baby! Down cocktails, eat appetizers and listen to music by the Rich Daniels Trio and The Business. Don’t forget to bid in the silent auction and enter the raffle. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday. $95-$150, proceeds support four children’s charities. Union Station, 210 S. Canal St. 866-462-2838.
