School daze
Leaves are on the ground, football season’s in full swing, and you’re starting to miss the days of sleeping ’til noon and reading obscure 17th Century British poetry like it was your job. You can’t turn back the clock, but you can catch some school spirit at Back to School Bash VI. The annual gala features live music from the Underwater People, an open bar, food, live and silent auctions, and a raffle to win an Aspen vacation ($10 per ticket). 7 p.m. Friday. $90-$100. Proceeds benefit PEAK. Tickets: peakchicago.org. Germania Place, 108 W. Germania Pl. 773-975-6540.
Reel life
Experiencing big-screen withdrawal since the Chicago International Film Festival wrapped Thursday? Catch the American Black Film Festival On Tour when it swings through town this weekend. The two-day fest features four independent, urban-themed movies: “Doomstown,” “Miles from Home,” “My Brother” and “Traci Townsend.” Directors lead discussions after select screenings. 1 p.m. Saturday, noon Sunday. $6.50 per screening. AMC River East 21 Theater, 322 E. Illinois St. 847-765-7262.
Shake it if you got it
Vivica Fox may have looked good in the spotlight, but when it comes to fancy footwork, the booted “Dancing With the Stars” contender has nothing on Edie “The Salsa FREAK!!” See for yourself when Edie leads a pair of salsa workshops this weekend. Or, check out some of best local talent at a Saturday night salsa and mambo contest. Beginner workshop 9 a.m. Saturday. Intermediate-advanced workshop 1 p.m. Sunday. Contest 9 p.m. Saturday. Workshops $80 each; contest $15-$20; all three $140. Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie Ave. 847-757-7763.
Boo who?
This year, you won’t be outdone. You’ve scared up your most glamorous costume yet, and you’re ready to show it off. We’ve got just the place: Boo Ball 2006. The annual benefit includes a costume contest with prizes for top getups, a silent auction, a raffle, music, beer, wine, appetizers and more. 6 p.m. Saturday. $75. Proceeds benefit the Fairygodmother Foundation. The Buzz, 308 W. Erie St. 773-388-1160 ext. 10.
Send ’em right over
At a loss for words? You won’t be after an installment of the Red Rover Series, an evening of themed reading experiments featuring writers across a variety of genres. The interactive sessions incorporate various media and art forms, from computer art to dance to music. 7 p.m. Saturday. $3 suggested donation. Locus, 2114 W. Grand Ave. 773-645-1853.
The harder they fall
This is it. No, really. It’s time to let go. The fall equinox passed nearly a month ago, and there’s no getting it back. But every dreary season has a silver lining, even if it’s just another excuse for a party. Ring in cool days and longer nights at the Fall Equinox Masquerade with performances by drag artist Titania Divine and sketch comedy troupe The Cool Table, as well as previews from MidTangent Productions’ upcoming season. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. $15 suggested donation. Proceeds benefit MidTangent Productions. Atmosphere, 5355 N. Clark St. 773-835-0420.
Runnin’ on empty
Supportive friends get up at 7 a.m. on raceday, no matter where they were the night before. But there’s nothing that says they have to suffer along with the runners. Park yourself at Avenue Tavern for Breakfast & Bloodys. While competitors in the Lasalle Bank Chicago Marathon pant past, you’ll feast on a complimentary buffet, and sip free coffee and juice. Drink specials include $3.50 bloody marys and $10 Miller Lite buckets. 8 a.m. Sunday. No cover. Avenue Tavern, 2916 N. Broadway. 773-975-7000. Find more spots to eat and watch the marathon at metromix.com.
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KPRATT@TRIBUNE.COM
