MON 10/23
Terror with a twist
Tired of straight-as-an-arrow Halloween activities? Let the Twisted House of Horrors throw you a curve. The darkened “maze of terror” ties your heart in knots with custom-made special effects, costumed characters and 13 gruesome scenes, including a murderous doorman and a psychotic plastic surgeon. Drink specials at two cash bars ease your chattering teeth. 21+. 6 p.m. $20. Twisted Headquarters, 966 W. Wolfram St. 773-636-5463.
Vino, please!
Stress got you as bottled up as aging wine? Get Uncorked at Carnivale as Alpana Singh of “Check, Please!” signs copies of her book, “Alpana Pours: About Being a Woman, Loving Wine and Having Great Relationships.” Nosh appetizers, sip Markham wines and bid on silent auction items. 6 p.m. $60-$70. Proceeds benefit Chicago Lighthouse and the Illinois Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments. Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market. 312-997-3679.
Taste testing
If your idea of a gourmet dinner comes with instructions (nuke two minutes, turn), chew on this: At the March of Dimes Chefs of Chicago Fundraiser, you can sample signature dishes from 25 chefs, including Gabriel Viti (Miramar Bistro) and Didier Durand (Cyrano’s Bistrot). Between bites, sip cocktails and bid on travel, dining and entertainment packages in live and silent auctions. 5 p.m. $150. Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, 301 E. North Water St. 312-596-4721.
Veuve groove
Think champagne should be saved for special occasions? At Marche’s Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Dinner, the champagne is the occasion. A four-course meal with appetizers features bubbly such as Veuve Yellow Label. Finish with brandy-soaked sour cherry Napoleon and a demi sec. Executive chef Paul Wildermuth and sommelier Tom Powers host. 6 p.m. $100. Marche, 833 W. Randolph St. 312-226-8399.
TUE 10/24
Mind games
You’ve spent years seeking love at “Star Trek” conventions, but the only match you found was the one you’ve been using to light your Bunsen burner. Rekindle the flame at Dating for Nerds, where you’ll go head to head with other smart singles in trivia contests and work your mental magic over board games. Prizes include Princess Leia Pez dispensers and librarian action figures–and maybe a little action of your own. 7 p.m. $15-$20. Registration: nerdsatheart.com. Guthries Tavern, 1300 W. Addison St. 312-351-3285.
Shocking signing
You’re known for being unflappable, but even you’ll be surprised at the Erik Larson Reading and Signing. The “Devil in the White City” author reads from his new non-fiction book, “Thunderstruck,” a story of murder and invention in which Larson interweaves the stories of unlikely murderer Hawley Crippen and inventor Guglielmo Marconi, whose lives cross unexpectedly. 6 p.m. Free. Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St. 312-255-3700.
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metromix@tribune.com
