Monday, September 21

Pig out at Pork Fest in Lincoln Square, a collaborative effort between five businesses on Lincoln Avenue to celebrate all things porcine running from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight. The participants include Bistro Campagne, the Grafton, Miku Sushi, Due Lire, and decor store Homesoul, and the $50 ticket (pick one up here) includes six drink tickets and lots of eats.

Wednesday, September 23

Giant pretzels, beer steins, and grilled sausages aplenty—it could only mean Oktoberfest, celebrated tonight at Miss Ricky’s (Virgin Hotels Chicago, 203 N. Wabash St., Loop, 312-940-4777). They’re pouring $15 steins of Revolution beers to wash down wursts made by chef Rick Gresh as the punk-polka Bolzen Beer Band jams for the crowd. The party starts at 4 p.m.

Shift from summer into fall with a farmers' market dinner at Summer House Santa Monica (1954 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park, 773-634-4100), which will put the spotlight on area producers such as Catalpa Grove and NorthStar Bison for a family-style meal. Call the restaurant to reserve your spot for the $65 dinner.

Friday, September 25

The main event at Chicago Gourmet is all sold out, but some of the auxiliary shindigs tonight and on Saturday still have tickets available, including tonight’s Late Night Gourmet (the Hamburger Hop after-party). See what else is available here.

Saturday, September 26

Buy a Batman costume now—not only could you use it come Halloween, if you’re one of the first 100 people to arrive at Sprinkles (50 E. Walton St., Gold Coast, 312-573-1600) wearing one, you’ll be handed a free cupcake.