October 30 - November 2, 2008

The chill is in the air, but then so are witches, goblins and perhaps someones legs - if you're lucky. The weekend that we've all been waiting for is finally here. But don't put all of your eggs in one basket, this weekend is chock full of fun things to do. And if you're at the Parade (and you'd better be) look for me and say "Hello" I'd love to meet you. I'll be easy to find, I'll be one of the three Pandas.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30

The 15th Annual Chicago Underground Film Festival is in full swing at the Viaduct Theater - 3111 N Western Ave. Check the site for a full list of films and locations.

Author Marti Kheel will read from Nature Ethics: An Ecofeminist Perspective at Women And Children First Books - 5233 N Clark at 7:30PM

If you've been waiting to go see Carpenter's Halloween at Mary's Attic - 5400 N Clark, you'd better hurry up. But, due to popular demand, Carpenter's Halloween has been extended for two special shows on Election Night - November 4 and Wednesday November 5. Reserve your tickets online to guarantee a seat.

Stop by Northend - 3733 N Halsted this evening for TPAN's PULSE - a weekly social event for HIV positive people to have an opportunity to meet, greet and interact with other positive people. 6PM-10PM

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31

You had better get dressed up in your best costume and head down to Halsted for the ever popular Northalsted Halloween Parade emceed by our very own Miss Foozie . Sign up for the contest starts at 5:30 at Spin and the parade steps off at 7PM. Look for me and the boys from the Feast of Fools - we'll be the giant Pandas!

Stay in the neighborhood and catch some costume contests at Sidetrack, Charlies, Circuit, Hydrate and a ton more. Check the calendar for full details.

Catch a viewing of The Bride of Frankenstein starring Boris Karloff at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. You will also have the opportunity to hear the world-premiere live performance of Franz Waxman's famous score. Then at 10PM catch a screening of Young Frankenstein .

Enjoy a fabulous midnight screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show tonight at the Music Box Theater. You can dress up as Brad, Janet or even your favorite Transsexual from Transylvania. Double Feature is the Blair Witch Project - make sure you take your Dramamine.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1

Still keeping up with the horror of the season, catch a screening of the first scary movie ever - Nosferatu at the Music Box Theater - 3733 N Southport Ave. Catch this historic screening with a live organ accompaniment. I can tell you, watching a silent movie with live accompaniment is something you will not want to miss.

Lily Tomlin is performing at the Rosemont Theater at 8PM

If you're looking for a great volunteer opportunity, join forces with Season of Concern to collect donations from patrons at this evenings performance of Wicked . You'll have the chance to mingle with the cast from Wicked as they collect donations to benefit Season of Concern. Check HERE for full details.

If you didn't see it last night because you were having so much fun on Halsted you can still catch the midnight screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show tonight at the Music Box Theater - 3733 N Sourthport Ave.. Pull out your costume from last night and dress up as Brad, Janet or even your favorite Transexual from Transylvania. Double Feature is the Blair Witch Project - make sure you take your Dramamine.

If you've still got your costume on from last night, keep it on and head back out to Boystown where there are even more Halloween Parties taking palce at Spin, Crobar and Northend. Check the calendar for full details

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Today is the last day of the 15th Annual Chicago Underground Film Festival at the Viaduct Theater - 3111 N Western Ave. Check the site for a full list of films and locations.

Thank goodness for the weekend, you can still catch Nosferatu with live organ accompaniment at the Music Box Theater - 3733 N Sourthport

For something a bit different, catch a reading by queer authors Mark Doty and Achy Obejas as part of Chicago Humanities Festival at Harold Washington Library Center, 3:30PM-4:30PM

The Windy City Cowboys will be premiering their original "Stompede Exhibition Routine" before taking it on the road to the San Francisco for Sundance Stompede. They will also perform "Ain't Got Nothin' Better To Do!" at the River Park Auditorium - 5100 N Francisco at 3PM.