1. Die of laughter at iO, where the sketch troupe Damn, Gina! provides the perfect escape in the theater’s latest revue. (iO Theater, Chris Farley Cabaret, 1501 N Kingsbury St, Fri 8:30pm. $14)
2. Binge on smart-er treats that have nothing to do with Halloween at “Expressionist Impulses,” featuring the work of German and Central European artists in an excellent collection of 80 pieces. (Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S Greenwood Ave, Fri-Sun. Free)
3. See a monster(less) mash-up of dance and storytelling when our favorite radio personality Ira Glass teams up with Anna Bass and Monica Bill Barnes & Company in “WBEZ Presents Three Acts, Two Dancers and One Radio Host.” (Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N Southport Ave, Fri 7pm, Sat 7 & 10pm. $12–$57)
4. Witness a vile act that won’t give you nightmares. Former guitarist in Kurt Vile's band, Steve Gunn brings his signature blend of acoustic Americana, bluesy boogie-down and deep, nomadic jams to Constellation for the perfect excuse to go MIA this Halloween. (Constellation, 3111 N Western Ave, Sat 8:30pm. $13–$16)
5. See The Birds, the kind that won’t peck your eyes out, at Subterranean when the Futurebirds perform their little bit country, little bit indie rock-and-roll sound with Nashville’s Blank Range opening. (Subterranean, 2011 W North Ave, Sat 8pm. $14)
6. Attend a carnival of soul at Empty Bottle when groove DJ ensemble Windy City Soul Club takes the stage. (Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western Ave, Sat 9pm. $5)
7. Become possessed by Steppenwolf’s Charm. Based on the true story of Mama Darleena’s foundation of a charm school for LGBTQ youths, this play exudes pain, soul and laughter. (Steppenwolf Garage, 1624 N Halsted St, Fri 8pm, Sat & Sun 3 & 8pm. $20–$40)
8. Get goosebumps, the good kind, at the Architecture Biennial, offering a series of incredible exhibitions and installations throughout the city. The ongoing event features designs and architects that will leave you inspired, rather than spooked. See the website for more detail. (Various venues throughout Chicago, hours vary per venue. Free)
9. Feast on brains at the Chicago Humanities Festival with incredible programs featuring top speakers all weekend centered around the theme of citizenship. (Various times and locations. Free–$38 per event)
10. Let your bones get rattled, but only by laughter, this weekend when Bill Burr (a.k.a. one of the best working stand-ups around), brings his Boston brand of killer comedy to the Chicago Theatre. (Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St, Fri & Sat 8pm. $45–$55)
11. Have a dark and stormy night without all the cobwebs at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s magical production of The Tempest. The electric and imaginative reincarnation of the Bard’s stormy play is so good, it’s scary. (Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E Grand Ave, Fri 7:30pm, Sat 3 & 8pm, Sun 2 & 6:30pm. $48–$78)
12. Fall under the spell of favorite Brooklyn art-rockers Here We Go Magic, as they perform at the Empty Bottle on Friday. (Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western Ave, Fri 9pm. $16, advanced $14)
13. Treat yourself at one of Old Town’s eateries, offering special deals, menus and cooking classes as part of Old Town Restaurant Week. (Various venues, Fri & Sat. Hours and prices vary per venue)