CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Bucktown and Wicker Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, River North, Logan Square, Evanston

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Already planning for Halloween? Look no further than the Macabre Masquerade at Violet Hour! On Wednesday, October 31 at 8 pm, put on your mask and stop by the gorgeous, candlelit lounge for an evening of cocktails, herb lore, and mystery. Your ticket includes unlimited pours of a specialty Halloween punch and access to an herb lore and infusions station. Here, you can pick up your own bitters making kit, enjoy tarot and palm readings, and enjoy amaro tastings. A specialty menu of appropriately spooky cocktails will also be available, starting at $10. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here.

Lakeview: Do you need a little comedy in your life? How about mystery? Well, at the Annoyance Theatre, you can get both- at Clued In: An Improvised Murder Mystery! After a single suggestion from the audience, a cast of six professional comedians will choose a detective- and then invent a tale of crime, secrets, and scandals! During the show, they’ll employ tropes and characters such as Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Sherlock Holmes, Encyclopedia Brown, and more. The show runs every Thursday from at 8 pm, from now until November 1. Tickets are $12, $8 for students. Find more information and purchase your tickets here.

Lincoln Park: On Saturday, October 13 and Sunday, October 14, the Chicago Architecture Center presents the 7th Annual Open-House Chicago. This free public event offers behind the scenes access to over 250 buildings all across the city, in more than 30 neighborhoods. You’ll tour repurposed mansions, stunning skyscrapers, beautiful theatres, exclusive private clubs, modern offices, and gorgeous sacred spaces. No tickets are required! Simply go to openhousechicago.org to plan your itinerary and sign up for email updates.

River North: Fall is here- and so is homecoming season! Join your fellow college alumni from the Chicago area, the Midwest, and the nation to celebrate homecoming! Meet People Chicago presents the Young Alumni Network Mixer on Friday, October 12 at 8 pm. Get your school spirit on and wear your favorite hat, tank top, shorts, sweatshirt, or other logo-apparel. At this exciting event, you can network, chat, mingle, and sing your school fight song- all while meeting new people and forming friendships. Tickets include a free drink and drink specials. Early bird tickets are just $10 and regular tickets are $15. Register now!

Logan Square: Are you a movie buff? Then you’ve got to check out Movie Trivia Night at The Logan Theatre! Every Tuesday night at 8 pm, gather a team of up to five people and show off your cinematic smarts. The categories change weekly, so you’ll be kept on your toes! Each member of the winning team will receive a Logan Theatre gift card! Space is limited, so make sure to arrive early. For more information, visit the Logan Theatre website.

Evanston: Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Evanston Oktoberfest! Bring your friends and family for an afternoon of beer tasting, tasty local food, live music, and gorgeous fall weather! This event will be held at the Evanston Farmer’s Market (at the intersection of Oak Avenue and University Place) on Sunday, October 14 from 1 to 6 pm. This festival features 40 different craft beers and hard ciders from your favorite local and regional breweries. This event supports a fantastic non-profit organization: Downtown Evanston, working year-round to keep downtown vibrant, fun, and thriving! Featured breweries include Sketchbook Brewing Company, Right Bee Cider, Hopewell Brewing Company, Revolution Brewing, and more. Food is available for purchase with cash or credit (vendor specific). Children under 12 are free, general admission tickets are $15. Purchase tickets in advance here!

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO