Chicago Publishers Gallery at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St., 312-744-6630; chicagopublishersgallery.com
Check it out if you … like the idea of a gallery where touching is encouraged, are interested in knowing more about books made in Chicago, want a very chill cultural experience.
The details: Contrary to its name, the Chicago Publishers Gallery is more reminiscent of a Borders than any of the other art galleries you’ll find in the Chicago Cultural Center. Open since Oct. 11, it contains a collection of more than 1,500 books from 100 Chicago-area publishers, along with magazines, newspapers, journals and comics published in Chicago.
Visitors are welcome to flip through any of the books, taking a seat on one of the exhibit’s comfy couches. A lamp-lit Internet terminal lets you browse periodicals and blogs. Selections run the gamut from religious and philosophical texts from indie publishers to the latest copies of RedEye.
If you find something you like, you can jot down the information on a free bookmark or head over to the Shop at the Cultural Center, which has a rack of books from the gallery available for purchase. The payoff: Becoming better-read while learning more about Chicago’s literary scene.
Saturday
Bailiwick’s Halloween Costume Sale
LAKEVIEW
Browse vintage clothing and costumes from recent productions including “Jerry Springer: The Opera,” and “Animal Farm.” 10 a.m. Bailiwick Arts Center, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. 773-883-1090. $1 entry fee; items priced individually.
An Evening at the Aragon
UPTOWN
Benefit bash includes dinner, cocktails, art, a silent auction and music by the Stanley Paul Orchestra. 6 p.m. Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. 773-388-8998. $300-$400.
Bags Tournament and Bar Olympics
UPTOWN
Vie for a $200 cash prize during a pairs baggo match or compete in six bar games for a chance to advance to the Bar Olympics finals in December. Registration begins at noon. The Spot, 4437 N. Broadway. 773-728-8934. $10 for Bar Olympics; $30-$40 per team for bags tourney.
Dog Costume Contest
UPTOWN
Outfit your pup in ghastly gear for Howl-oween in Margate Park, which gives out prizes for best homemade and best store-bought costume. 2 p.m. 4921 N. Marine Drive. 312-742-7522. Free; $5 for dog costume contest entry.
Sunday
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
LAKEFRONT
Walk 5 miles to raise funds for medical research. Registration begins at 8 a.m., walk at 9 a.m. Lawrence Avenue and Lake Michigan. 312-279-7376. Donations encouraged.
Wines of Alsace
RIVER NORTH
Michael Corso, owner of Michael Corso Selections, leads a tasting of 2007 vintages from the French region. 2 p.m. Alliance Francaise de Chicago, 810 N. Dearborn St. 312-337-1070. $45-$55.
Bucktown Apple Pie Contest
BUCKTOWN
Sample entries from 90 amateur bakers ($2 per taste). Local celebs and chefs such as Gale Gand (Tru) and “Top Chef: Chicago” champ Stephanie Izard judge. 2 p.m. Holstein Park Fieldhouse, 2200 N. Oakley Ave. No admission fee.
Around the Coyote Fall Arts Festival
WEST LOOP
The art extravaganza moves to the West Loop in 2008. See works by hundreds of visual, film, video and performance artists. Noon Saturday and Sunday. Journeymen Plumber’s Hall, 1340 W. Washington Blvd. 773-342-6777. Tickets: going.com/aroundthecoyote. Admission prices vary.
Chicago International Film Festival
DOWNTOWN
Features screenings of more than 175 feature films, shorts and documentaries from 45 countries. New this year: an environmental film series, and a festival village in Streeterville and River North. 312-902-1500. Times and tickets: chicagofilmfestival.com.
Fall French Market
UPTOWN
Vendors from Chicago and beyond sell art, antiques, fabrics, jewelry and more at this traditional French bazaar. 10 a.m. Saturday, noon Sunday. Lycee Francais de Chicago, 613 W. Bittersweet Pl. 773-665-0066. $5-$10.
Spa Week Chicago
CITYWIDE
Get select treatments for $50 at more than 25 area spas and salons, including Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon and Spa. Reservations required. Complete list of spas: spaweek.org. 212-352-8098.
