Friday 10/25 – Thursday 10/31
The events surrounding this year’s two political conventions that didn’t make the news are documented in two videos: Breaking Conventions, produced by the Los Angeles Alternative Media Network, looks at Republican National Convention protests at the Mexican border and such interest groups as Bikers for Gingrich. CounterMedia Chicago’s Off the Record chronicles community dissent and police response during the DNC. The two videos will be screened tonight at 7 at the New World Resource Center, 1476 W. Irving Park, followed by an informal discussion of media strategies and the Chicago Police Department. It’s free; call 773-348-3370.
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At least one person will undoubtedly arrive dressed as the Deep Tunnel at this year’s Friends of the Chicago River Halloween Boat Float. The fund-raiser features food, drink, and dancing as well as a contest for best river-themed costume and a silent auction (items include tickets to see Show Boat). The four-hour cruise starts tonight at 8:30; meet at Wacker Drive on the south bank of the Chicago River, between Wells and Orleans. It’s $60 to ride the Jamaica (heated), or $35 for the Buccaneer (unheated). Reservations are required; call 312-939-0490.
Though the prize money doesn’t come close to the loot at the Miss America contest, the dresses at this year’s Miss Gay Universe Masquerade Pageant are sure to be better. The winner of the drag contest will walk away with $200 in cash and prizes, and audience members who arrive in costume (drag or otherwise) can also win prizes. It’s from 5 to 9 at the Preston Bradley Center, 941 W. Lawrence. Admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the door; proceeds benefit the Asian American AIDS Foundation. Call 773-989-7220.
31 THURSDAY The public is encouraged to wear costumes to Redmoon Theater’s Halloween Lantern Parade and Spectacle. The parade starts tonight at 6 at the Logan Square Monument (at the intersection of Milwaukee, Kedzie, and Logan) and returns to the park a half hour later, when the festivities continue with skeleton dances, fire breathers, jugglers, and live music. It’s free; call 773-388-9031.
