SNEAK IT
A peek at Akira’s fall fashions
‘Hood: River West
Local shoe-and-clothing chain Akira shakes up its fall line with a Victorian theme during its sixth annual Garden of Eden benefit fashion show. Head to Galleria Marchetti (825 W. Erie St. 312-274-5529) to scope tailored “costumes” and ready-to-wear denim on the Globe Theater-inspired runway, plus footwear by PF Flyers and Michael Antonio. Before the show, receive complimentary mini-spa services by Zazu Salon & Day Spa and peruse the silent auction, proceeds from which benefit Imerman Angels, a local cancer support service that pairs people fighting cancer with those who’ve fought it. Don’t miss musical sets from Lee England Jr. (MTV’s “Making the Band”) and a mid-fashion show performance by Joffrey Ballet principal dancer Fabrice Calmels. Tickets also include Belvedere cocktails and entry to the after-party at Lumen (839 W. Fulton Market).
When: 4:30 p.m. Sunday; fashion show starts at 6:30 p.m.
Cash: $15; $100 VIP tickets include separate entrance into the show, special fashion-show seating, a gift from Akira and exclusive silent auction items.
EAT IT
Shish kebabs, lamb and spanakopita
‘Hood: Greektown
Broaden your palate for Greek cuisine beyond pita bread and cucumber sauce at Taste of Greece 2009 (Halsted Street between Van Buren and Monroe Streets). Greektown’s iconic row of ethnic restaurants takes to the streets with well-known offerings from Artopolis (306 S. Halsted St.), Pegasus (130 S. Halsted St.), Venus Greek-Cypriot Cuisine (820 W. Jackson Blvd.) and others. Work off all those rich flavors while learning Greek dances as taught by roving performers and belly dancers, and rocking out over a brew to traditional tunes from the Hellenic 5 and Hellas 2000.
When: Noon-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Cash: Free
HEAR IT
Free Latin tunes
‘Hood: Grant Park
Embrace threatening weekend raindrops with hip-swiveling Latin tunes by 20-plus bands and performers at Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival (300 S. Columbus Drive. 312-744-3315). Pack a picnic, grab a patch of grass and settle in, or get your dancing shoes on: Aguzate and El Caobo Salsa Dance Party (6 p.m. Sunday on the Salon de Baile Stage) encourages just what the name implies. We’re especially excited to hear tunes by Latin Grammy Award-winning Colombian rock duo Aterciopelados (8:10 p.m. Saturday at Petrillo Music Shell) and reggae-minded festival headliner Javier Garcia (7:10 p.m. Sunday at the Petrillo Music Shell), taking over for “Burn it Blue” singer Lila Downs, who canceled her August tour after suffering appendicitis. For the full fest lineup, check out metromix.com.
When: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Cash: Free
FLAUNT IT
Your model prowess
‘Hood: Near South Side
The 13th season of “America’s Next Top Model” doesn’t hit the tube until Sept. 9, but casting for the CW reality show’s 14th season already has begun — and it hits Chi this weekend. Ladies, if you’re 18-27 years old and are at least 5 foot 7 inches, hightail it to Hyatt Regency McCormick Place (2233 S. Martin L. King Drive) on Saturday to strut your stuff during Chicago’s only open casting call for this cycle, estimated to debut in 2010. Be sure to bring along your audition tape and application; for full rules and application directions, head to cwtv.com. You likely won’t meet Tyra this time around, but you never know, that fab physique of yours could get you one step closer.
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
Cash: Free
SHOP IT
Bucktown Arts Fest
‘Hood: Bucktown
Getting antsy for the indie-art explosion that is Renegade Craft Fair (Damen Avenue and Division Street, Sept 12-13)? Tide yourself over with a comparable 200 artists and crafters flooding this weekend’s 24th annual Bucktown Arts Fest (Senior Citizens Memorial Park, 2238 N. Oakley Ave.). National and local artists selling posters, jewelry, homemade knickknacks, photography and accessories converge along park sidewalks, but like any good summer festival, beer tents and food vendors also abound. For those in need of a break after all the browsing and spending, take in a show by local experimental rockers — and Pitchfork Festival alums — Michael Columbia (5 p.m. Saturday).
When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Cash: No cover
