1. Attend the ultimate movie marathon
The Chicago International Film Festival kicked off their huge lineup of foreign, indie and Oscar-contending films Thursday night with Mia Madre, and will be offering more screenings than anyone could ever see through October 29. This weekend, catch an acclaimed festival favorite like Palme D'or winner Dheepan (Fri 8:30pm) or the Chicago-focused culinary documentary, For Grace (Sun 8:15pm) and discover your new foreign love affair at screenings of The Thin Yellow Line (Fri 5:30pm, Sun 11:30am) and The Infinite Happiness (Sat 2:15pm). (AMC River East 21, 322 E Illinois St, Fri–Sun various show times, passes and packages $100–$250)
2. Have an architecture free-for-all
Get into more than 200 marvels of Chicago architecture all across the city at Open House Chicago. The Chicago Architectural Foundation hands us the keys to gorgeous churches, soaring skyscrapers and innovative modern spaces for exclusive behind-the-scenes access and the entire event is free of charge. Make sure to check out the ten best new additions to this year’s roster and swing by our site on Sunday to enjoy our photo coverage from Open House Chicago. (Various venues across Chicago, Sat & Sun, hours vary by location. Free)
3. Be a poser
The delightfully unique, often angry-geek Brian Posehn brings his weirdly wonderful stand up to Beat Kitchen. The comedy vet praised for contributions to Mr. Show, his writing on The Sarah Silverman Program and Hollywood Said No! (co-written with David Cross and Bob Odenkirk) knows how to write comedy. And his oddball persona only gets better over time. (Beat Kitchen, 2100 W Belmont Ave, Sat 7:30pm. $23–$25)
4. Beef up your weekend tailgate
Now that there is a chill in the air and football season is here, Chili Fest is throwing a hearty tailgate with beef and bean filled samples, games streaming and plenty of beer to go around. Chow down on offerings from local eateries like Kuma’s Too, Lindy’s Chili and DonerMen to keep you full and warm through the Michigan State vs. University of Michigan game on Saturday and NFL action all day long Sunday. (Parking Lot at 218 W Ohio St, Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 11am–7pm. Chili sampling package $10, tailgate drink package $30, ultimate combo package $40 per day)
5. Get trashed
20 years after Madison, Wisconsin alt-rock institution Garbage released their self-titled album, the band celebrates with a deluxe reissue and tour to match. The Riviera Theatre is the place to be to hear the album performed in its entirety. Nashville singer-songwriter Torres (nee Mackenzie Scott) opens the show. (Riviera Theatre, 4746 N Racine Ave, Sat 8pm. $42.50)