TUE 10/17
Open season
October air is laced with the scents of candy, apples and other unsweetened stuff. But thanks to Chicago Artists Month, there’s also lots of creativity in the mix. Take in a big, full breath at the Ninth Annual Chicago Art Open, featuring works by nearly 300 emerging and established artists. Drawings, paintings, photographs, prints, sculptures, textiles and more make up the collection. Sorry, no scratch ‘n’ sniffs. 11 a.m. Through Nov. 4. $5 suggested donation. Zhou B. Art Center, 1029 W. 35th St. 312-781-0040.
Peep show
Prefer to sit back and watch while the artists do the heavy lifting? Do your best weekend cartoon-watching impression at Cartune Xprez, a multimedia showcase of live music and performance art by Slow Dance Recyttal, Hooliganship and Andres Laracuente, plus experimental animation works by 14 artists. 9 p.m. $7. South Union Arts Gallery, 1352 S. Union St. 773-235-0936. Second performance 8 p.m. Wednesday at Green Lantern Gallery (1511 N Milwaukee Ave.).
Carb your hunger
With your busy schedule, you can’t help but eat and run. The Park Grill has your racy attitude in mind when it serves a special carb-loaded dinner in prep for Sunday’s LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. Dive into a spaghetti-and-meatball dinner for two ($26.20) and gulp down a Goose Island beer flight ($10). 11 a.m. Dinner deal through Sunday. Reservations recommended. 11 N. Michigan Ave. 312-521-7275.
The write stuff
Aside from forwarding e-mails and keying in your username on eBay, you’re rarely inspired to tap out a meaningful tome on the keyboard. See what topics get others’ words flowing at the Neighborhood Writing Alliance: Borders and Boundaries event. Hear poems and readings about race, gender, immigration and culture, plus live jazz by the Ways & Means Trio. 8 p.m. No cover. Muse Cafe, 817 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-684-2742.
WED
10/18
100-yard dash
Life in the fast lane has you dodging bad dates left and right? Your quick pace should be an advantage at the DateandDash Singles Speed Dating Party. The mixer for singles age 21 to 37 includes a margarita or tequila shot. Go ahead, kick up your heels–at least for a second. 8 p.m. $32. Registration required: dateanddash.com. Salud Tequila Lounge, 1471 N. Milwaukee Ave. 800-957-3274.
THU
10/19
Match point
First dates aren’t a problem for you, good looking; the challenge is securing a second. You’re even starting to question your open-book policy when it comes to revealing personal information. Score tips from Matchmaker Elsa Malinsky and wardrobe consultant Robin Walker at What Not to Say or Wear on Your First Date, an interactive workshop for single professionals. 6 p.m. $25. Registration required: meaningfulmatches.com. The Cliff Dwellers, 200 S. Michigan Ave. 847-256-7800.
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RKPALMORE@TRIBUNE.COM
