Wine and dine
Treat yourself to a hearty meal and fine wine this weekend.
SATURDAY
Pinot Days
STREETERVILLE
More than 50 producers offer samples of at least 150 pinots from California, Oregon, New Zealand, Australia and Burgundy at this inaugural celebration. Includes small bites and a pinot production demonstration. 1 p.m., Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. 312-595-7437; pinotdays.com. $50.
REDEYE/MMX PICK
Holiday Hootenanny
LINCOLN SQUARE
Create and taste unique finger foods, such as sweet potato blinis with cured salmon and creme fraiche and artichoke- and goat cheese-stuffed mushrooms. Reservations required. 7 p.m., The Chopping Block, 4747 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-472-6700. $75.
Sixth Annual Beggar’s Banquet
LINCOLN PARK
Includes dinner, drinks and interactive performances (6:30 p.m., $175). Or, come later for dessert, drinks, music and dancing (10 p.m., $100). Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. 312-226-9633.
Fall wine tasting and sale
LINCOLN PARK
Features more than 65 wines from California, Spain, Italy, France and New Zealand. 3 p.m., Four Farthings Tavern and Grill, 2060 N. Cleveland Ave. 773-935-2060. $25.
ALL WEEKeND
Diwali at Vermilion
RIVER NORTH
Candlelight, floral scents, colorful decor, specialty cocktails and a special three-course menu set the mood during festivities honoring India’s Festival of Lights. A DJ spins Bollywood, bhangra and Indian fusion on Saturday (9 p.m.-3 a.m.). The dinner menu also is offered Sunday. Reservations recommended for dining. Vermilion, 10 W. Hubbard St. 312-527-4060.
Saturday
Ninth Annual Bearcat Ball
RIVER NORTH
Black-tie bash features live music, dinner and cocktails, casino gaming and a silent auction. 8 p.m., Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza. 312-238-1253. $125-$250.
Sister Helen Prejean
HYDE PARK
A talk by the activist and author of “Dead Man Walking.” 7 p.m., Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, University of Chicago, 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave. 773-955-4841. Free. $5 suggested donation.
Screenwriting workshop
WICKER PARK
An introductory workshop, taught by Paul Peditto, covers the basics and business of screenwriting. 9 a.m.; reservations recommended. Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. 773-278-1500. $15.
Intro to Yoga
LINCOLN SQUARE
Learn about the benefits of yoga, basic poses and how to practice safely with instructor Kerry Maiorca. 3 p.m.; registration recommended. Bloom Yoga Studio, 4663 N. Rockwell St. 773-463-9642. Free.
Sunday
Old Town School Songbook Volume 4 CD Release Concert
LINCOLN SQUARE
The Astronomer, Steve Dawson, Emily Hurd, Kathy Cowan and others. 7 p.m., Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-728-6000. $12.
‘How Lake View Looks 3’ Runway Fashion Show
LAKEVIEW
See styles from local boutiques and salons as models walk the catwalk. Includes appetizers and two cocktails. 6 p.m., Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison St. 773-665-2100. $10.
‘Project Sunday’ film series
LINCOLN PARK
A monthly film series screens “In the Realms of the Unreal,” an account of reclusive janitor/artist Henry Darger. 1:30 p.m., Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. 312-642-4600. Free with general admission, $10-$12.
All weekend
REDEYE/MMX PICK
Reeling 2007: The 26th Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival
The event showcases GLBT-themed features, shorts, documentaries and more from around the globe. See films at the Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark St.), Landmark Century Centre Cinema (2828 N. Clark St.), Film Row Cinema (1104 S. Wabash Ave.), Center On Halsted (3656 N. Halsted St.), Lakeshore Theater (3175 N. Broadway), Leather Archives and Museum (6418 N. Greenview St.) and Chicago Filmmakers (5243 N. Clark St.). Through Nov. 18. Tickets and showtimes: reelingfilmfestival.org. 773-293-1447. Regular screenings: $8-$10; special events prices vary.
Eighth Annual Pastinha-Zumbi Memorial Weekend
HUMBOLDT PARK
The International Capoeira Angola Foundation of Chicago celebrates the lives and work of two pioneers of the Afro-Brazilian combat dance art form of capoeira. Includes instruction, lectures and a dance party Saturday night featuring live samba music. Begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. Sunday. Quilombo Cultural Center, 1757 N. Kimball Ave. 773-227-8879. $20-$90; free lectures.
What the Butler Saw
HYDE PARK
The Hypocrites’ Sean Graney directs Joe Orton’s farce about a scheming psychiatrist who tries to cover up his attempts to seduce his young secretary. Tickets and showtimes: courttheatre.org. Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave. 773-753-4472. $32-$54.
THE GAMER
WHO’S PLAYING AT HOME
Bulls vs. Toronto
7:30 p.m. Saturday, United Center
Blackhawks vs. Detroit
6 p.m. Sunday, United Center
