THU 10/18
On a high note
Throw any ideas you have about opera being for stuffy society folks out the window. Opera Cabal’s intimate performance of “Ursularia,” which riffs on the high operatic tradition and wavers between extreme comedy and tragedy, will shatter them anyway. The performance is part of anything-but-average art festival Delusions: Chicago (2007). 7 p.m. Through Sunday. $7.50-$15. Zhou B. Art Center, 1029 W. 35th St. 773-771-8803. Tickets online: goldstar.com.
Runway style
Think the red carpet is just for A-list celebs? Strut your stuff at the Fall into Winter Designer Fashion Show presented by Consciousness and Allezom magazines. The event showcases cool-weather ensembles by nine designers, including Soledad Designs’ classically tailored pieces and Che Woo cartoony-cool tees. Also features a cocktail reception and R&B and hip-hop performances by Merchant Boyz, Nicqui Free and Meeks. 6 p.m. $35. Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie St. 773-225-5601.
Night moves
Any mention of ghosts reminds of us our favorite ’80s movie (Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!), but the Ghost Hunting Tour is more serious than satire. With the Chicago Ghost Investigators at the helm, explore allegedly haunted sites and watch as tour guides use equipment to gauge supposed paranormal activity. 8 p.m. and midnight. Through Sunday. $45-$55. Open end. 773-935-6332. Meeting site disclosed with registration: ghostofchicago.com.
FRI 10/19
Think pink
If you haven’t noticed yet that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, crawl out from under your rock and grab a pink martini at The BIG Night Out, benefiting breast cancer awareness organization Y-ME Illinois. Listen to blues crooner Shemekia Copeland, nosh on chocolate-covered strawberries and cheese fondue, and indulge in spa services ranging from chair massages to polish changes. Includes a silent auction and raffle for a 2007 Mini Cooper. 6:30 p.m. $125. Union Station, 210 S. Canal St. 312-364-9071. Tickets: y-me.org/illinois.
Mambo magic
Spice up your weekend routine with Luna Negra Dance Theater’s lively Latin-inflected choreography in world premiere work “CUGAT!”, a tribute to mambo-king musician Xavier Cugat. The company also performs three other works. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $25-$55. Tickets: harristheaterchicago.org. Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph Drive 312-334-7777.
SAT 10/20
Zombie love
Do haunted houses and hayrides seem too cliche? Get into the Halloween spirit (or just boost your obscure film cred) with zombie love flick “Fido” at Midnight Movies. Wacky kidnapping comedy “Raising Arizona,” starring Holly Hunter and Nicolas Cage circa 1987, screens simultaneously. Midnight Friday and Saturday. $9.25. Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave. 773-871-6604.
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lmarnett@tribune.com
