TUE
11/7
Darn it
Between your nasty boss and your pesky neighbors, you’ve got ample fodder for complaints these days. Grab your latest knitting project and make yourself at home at Stitch-n-Bitch, where you’ll yarn about needlepoint with other thread-minded folks, share patterns and sip cocktails from the cash bar. 5:30 p.m. Free. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. 312-280-2660.
Wine and dine
Who says you have to accompany your burger with a beer? Go upscale at R.J. Grunt’s Burgers & Bordeaux. The multicourse benefit dinner for Common Threads features everyday American grub such as chicken fingers, burgers and peach cobbler, plus first-growth pairings from master sommeliers Guy Stout and Alpana Singh. With special guest chef Art Smith. 7 p.m. $40. 2056 Lincoln Park West. 312-752-2692.
Traveling lit
If your familiarity with foreign authors ends at J.K. Rowling, it’s time to broaden your scope. Grab your compass and find your way to international book club Globiblio, featuring a different foreign author each month. Globiblio too much of a tongue twister? You’ll have an easier time pronouncing November’s pick, “The House of the Spirits” by Chilean author Isabel Allende. Feel free to bring a Chilean-inspired dish to share. BYO alcohol. Reservations recommended. 7 p.m. Free. 826CHI, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-772-8108.
Aiding the arts
You’ve been stuck in the country so long you’ve got hay coming out of your ears. Find your way back to civilization at the Urban Gateways Junior Board Fall Kick-Off Party. The benefit for kids’ arts education includes one hour of cocktails and appetizers (6 to 7 p.m.), plus a raffle of theater tickets, dining gift certificates and more. Proceeds benefit Urban Gateways Center for Arts Education. 6 p.m. $25-$30. Avenue M, 695 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-922-0440.
WED
11/8
Primo players
Fed up with mediocre entertainment? The Spectacular Show promises to be, well, utterly spectacular. The variety show features a rotating cast, including sword-balancer Spike McGuire, musicians, and stand-up, sketch and improv acts. Free cupcakes sweeten the deal. Cameron Esposito hosts. $10. 10 p.m. Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-598-4549. Through Dec. 20.
Manly makeover
If your new pants are so long you can barely walk in them, it’s time to get a leg up on your style sense. Bring those pants–and anything else you might need tailored–to Men’s Night Out: The Perfect Fit, where master tailor Frank Harris helps with alterations and style consultant Robin Walker revamps your look. Includes light beer and appetizers, plus a 20 percent discount on alterations or your first custom shirt order. 4 p.m. Free. Frank’s Alterations & Tailoring, 605 W. Roosevelt Rd. 312-431-9662.
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