Elizabeth Brackett:
The author reads from her book “Pay to Play: How Rod Blagojevich Turned Political Corruption Into a National Sideshow,” based on interviews with 30 people involved in the scandal. 7:30 p.m. Fri.; free. Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St.; 773-769-9299.
Chicago Model City:
A large-scale, 400-block representation of the Chicago Loop includes 1,000 highly detailed buildings. City photographs, maps and videos complement the display; through Nov. 20. 9:30 a.m. daily; free. Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave.; 312-922-3432.
Cirque Shanghai: Bright Spirit:
The Chinese spectacle features dance, martial arts, aerial feats, plate-spinning, contortion, balancing acts, hoop diving and more; through Sept. 6. 2 p.m., 8 p.m. Thu.-Fri.; 2 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. Sat.; 2 p.m., 4 p.m. Sun.; 2 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. Wed.; $12.50-$29.50, free for children under 3. Navy Pier Skyline Stage, 600 E. Grand Ave.; 312-902-1500, 312-595-7437.
Cokie Roberts discussion:
The political commentator and author discusses the 10th anniversary edition of her book “We Are Our Mothers’ Daughters.” A signing follows the discussion. Noon Mon.; free, reserve seats at freedommuseum.us. Harold Washington Library, Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S. State St., lower level; 312-747-4300.
Contemporary Sculptures From China:
Four large-scale works take up temporary residence in the park’s Boeing Galleries. Participating artists include Sui Jianguo, Zhan Wang, Shen Shaomin and Chen Wenling; through Oct. 31. 6 a.m. daily; free. Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St.; 312-742-1168.
Ernest Borgnine signing:
The character actor of stage and screen introduces his memoir, “Ernie: The Autobiography.” 7 p.m. Mon.; free. Borders Books & Music, 830 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-573-0564.
The Flatts and Sharpe music open mic:
Perform three songs or up to 15 minutes of material onstage, or just watch. Micki Croisant hosts. Includes a raffle for performers. Sign-up begins at 8 p.m.; open end. 9 p.m. Thu.; no cover. Red Line Tap, 7006 N. Glenwood Ave.; 773-274-5463.
Fourth annual Texas Hold ‘Em tournament:
A charity casino event features a chance to win a seat at the 2010 World Series of Poker Tournament. Tickets for players include $5,000 in chips. In addition to Texas Hold ‘Em poker, guests can also play roulette, craps and blackjack. Includes an appetizer buffet, soft drinks, beer, wine and cocktails. 5:30 p.m. Wed.; $150 for players, $25 for spectators. Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie St.; 312-540-9930.
Jazzin’ at the Shedd:
Explore “Wild Reef,” “Amazon Rising” and other exhibits at this after-hours mixer featuring live music on the north terrace and at the “Caribbean Reef” exhibit. Food and drinks will be sold. “Wild Reef” and the Oceanarium close at 8 p.m.; the aquarium stays open until 10 p.m.; through Aug. 27. 5 p.m. Thu.: Soulio; Alejandro Urzagaste; $12-$18. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive; 312-692-3373.
L.A.T.E. Ride 2009:
Expect plenty of revelry during the first half of this 25-mile “Long After Twilight Ends” ride through downtown and the North Side. Organizers say the ride calms down during the lakefront cruise back to Grant Park for breakfast. Includes snacks along the route and a T-shirt for preregistrants. Helmet required. Registration and entertainment begin at 11 p.m.; ride officially begins at 1:30 a.m.; through Sun. 11 p.m. Sat.; midnight Sun.; $40, registration and route information: lateride.org. Buckingham Fountain, 500 S. Lake Shore Drive; 773-918-7433.
Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America:
The outdoor model train exhibit includes miniature representations of American landmarks and gardens; through Oct. 25. 10 a.m. daily; $4-$5, $3 for children 3-12. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe; 847-835-5440.
Play Nine With No. 9:
Play 18 holes of mini-golf and get the chance to play the ninth hole with Chicago Bear Robbie Gould. Includes a buffet dinner, cocktails and a silent auction. Auction items include a foursome of golf with Gould at Olympia Fields Country Club. 6 p.m. Thu.; $75, $40 for children. The Green at Grant Park, 352 E. Monroe St.; 630-315-2964.
SHELebration: A Tribute to Shel Silverstein:
Local and national musicians and storytellers perform songs and tales by the acclaimed author (“Where the Sidewalk Ends”). 6:30 p.m. Mon.; free. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St.
Summer Tropical Flower Show:
Features begonias, hibiscus and other flowering plants; through Sept. 27. 9 a.m. daily; free. Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave.; 312-746-5100. Through Sept. 20. 9 a.m. daily; free. Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N. Stockton Drive; 312-742-7736.
Taste of the Glen:
Features fare from area restaurants, wine and microbrew tastings, cooking demonstrations, activities for children and music; through Sun. Sat.-Sun.; free. Glen Town Center, 1951 Tower Drive, Glenview; 847-724-2025.
Volleywood Beach Bash:
Vie for prizes in a sand volleyball tournament or just sit back and watch the action. A daylong party begins at noon and features live music by MC Hammer and others, plus bikini blackjack, a boxing ring, mechanical surfboard and more. 8 a.m.: tournament check-in; 9 a.m.: play begins. 9 a.m. Sat.; $80-$160 per team, party is free, RSVP required for all: chicagosocial.com. North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive; 312-850-8196.
Weekly fireworks show:
Lots of cruise lines and tours make special trips to coincide with this festive 10-minute display; through Sept. 5. 10:15 p.m. Sat.; 9:30 p.m. Wed.; free. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.; 312-595-7437.
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For complete listings, go to metromix.com.
