Chicago weekend: Ditka lookalikes, circus acts and film fest
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Pui Tak Center. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
If the extra chill in the air has you longing to be inside, film, football and the circus should keep you busy.
- Yes, but: Street fest season isn't over just yet.
Carrie's picks:
🎞️ The Chicago International Film Festival is such a gift to film lovers, bringing international movies, indies and studio hits to Chicago. Some titles I'm interested in include "Elsinore," "Clementine Orange," and, after listening to this mesmerizing interview with Sylvester Stallone, "I Play Rocky." | Various venues | $18+ | Through Oct. 25
🇸🇪 How have I never heard of Geneva's Swedish cottages?! The history is pretty fascinating. This weekend you can see the cottages, do some arts and crafts and nibble on Swedish baked goods. | $10 | Good Templar Park at 528 East Side Drive in Geneva | Saturday and Sunday, 10am-4pm
🏈 If ever there was a weekend to showcase your best Ditka, it's this weekend. Ahead of Sunday's Bears/Falcons game, Pippin's Tavern is hosting a Mike Ditka Lookalike Contest with drink deals like $10 build-your-own Bloody Mikes. | Pippin's Tavern | Sunday, 11am-2pm
Monica's Picks:
🍽️ I thought I knew Ever chef Curtis Duffy's dramatic life story through the "For Grace" documentary and his autobiography "Fireproof," but the new documentary "Ever After," which premieres Monday at the Music Box Theatre, promises to reveal a more complete picture, like what happened after Grace closed and he had to start anew. | $26 | Music Box Theatre | Monday, 6pm
- If you can't make Monday's premiere, the Chicago International Film Festival will screen it again on Oct. 22.
🇨🇳 My grandpa Harry Eng joined the On Leong Merchants Association for protection after a 1930's attempt on his life (it's a long story), leaving me fascinated with the On Leong headquarters (now called the Pui Tak Center) at Wentworth and Cermak. So I'm thrilled it's open for tours during Open House Chicago this weekend. Various locations | Free | Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm
🐶 I'm a big sucker for a dog in a costume and looking forward to the many Halloween pet parades unfolding this month, including one that starts at the Cicero Public Library. | Free | Saturday, noon
Justin's picks:
🎪 It was sad to see Teatro ZinZanni close up shop this year, but have no fear, circus-and-dinner fans: The new "Kermess" is taking over the space starting this weekend. Sure, watching circus performers while eating prime rib can feel a little touristy, but I'm all for welcoming a new troupe to town. | $89+ | Cambria Hotel | Friday–Saturday, 7:30pm
🎨 Need one more street fest before you put away your walking shoes for the winter? Hit up the inaugural Loop Arts Fest along State Street. The free festival comes from the organizers of the popular Sundays on State series. | Free | State Street, Jackson to Madison | Saturday, noon–6pm
🎤 Former "Saturday Night Live" cast member Luke Null returns to the Zanies stage this weekend with his stand-up and musical comedy. Null got his start in Chicago's comedy scene before landing on SNL, and he's back teaching at iO. I recently saw him perform and he was hilarious. | $37+ | Zanies Chicago | Thursday–Saturday, 7pm and 9:15pm