Sit politely at the South Asian Film Festival or dance wildly at the closing night of the Upside Down. Either way, there are plenty of events for you to do this weekend. Here’s some of what we recommend:
Fri 9/29: Presented by the Chicago South Asian Arts Council, the four-day South Asian Film Festival includes screenings (like one of recently reviewed Signature Move), panel discussions, musical performances, and industry workshops. For a full schedule and list of venues, visit csaff.org. Various times, various prices
Fri 9/29: Claire Zulkey’s regular reading and stand-up series at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia), Funny Ha-Ha, carries a Halloween theme this time around: “The Witching Hour.” Guests include Sarah Hollenbeck, co-owner of Women & Children First; proceeds go to child literacy program Sit! Stay! Read! 6:30-8 PM, $10
Fri 9/29: Cookbook author Naomi Duguid, winner of two James Beard awards, signs books at this multicourse feast prepared by Income Tax 5959 N. Broadway) chef Ryan Henderson, who’ll draw on recipes and wine recommendations from Duguid’s Taste of Persia. 5 PM, $45
Sat 9/30: The Stranger Things-themed pop-up the Upside Down shutters after tonight at the behest of Netflix lawyers. DJ Heaven Malone returns to Emporium Popups (2367 N. Milwaukee) for one last trip into the sensory deprivation tank. Avoid lines by coming out at noon, when the club opens. 9 PM-3 AM, free
Sat 9/30: Guatemalan-born Nestor Gomez hosts the lit series 80 Minutes Around the World, where audiences can hear stories from immigrants and policy advocates. The monthly event takes place at the Edge Theater (5451 N. Broadway). 2 PM, free
Sun 10/1: As part of the Chicago Book Expo, poet and sociologist Eve Ewing reads from her first book of poetry, Electric Arches, and discusses her work in relation to race and politics. Nate Marshall joins the chat at Columbia College Chicago Theater Center (72 E. 11th). 3-4 PM, free
Sun 10/1: Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline invites people who stock Instagram feeds with dogs in sweaters to score poochie some costumes and motorboat around the lake for its Halloween Canine Cruise. Meet at 112 E. Upper Wacker. 10:15 AM, mercurycruises.com, $35 for adults; $14 for kids five-15; $8 for dogs; children under five ride free
For more of the best things to do in Chicago this weekend—and every day—visit our Agenda page.