Chicago Underground Film Festival

The 10th Annual Chicago Underground Film Festival runs August 27 through September 2 at the Landmark Century Center Cinema, 2828 N. Clark. This year's highlights include "Scrabylon" (about -- no shit -- the "cutthroat world of tournament Scrabble"); documentaries on Rockets Redglare, Tribe 8, and feminist porn; "Value-Added Cinema," a 45-minute montage of product placement shots from 70 films; NewCity film critic Ray Pride's piece on the antiwar protest that shut down Lake Shore Drive; plus all the odd, experimental, and non-commercial stuff you just won't see anywhere else.

Tickets are $9.25 for evening screenings, or buy a five-show pass through ticketweb for $30. Metromix has the full schedule.

International Toy and Game Fair

The Chicago International Toy and Game Fair gives everyone a chance to check out, try and buy the next generation of, well, toys and games. Pick up that hot new toy for Christmas before anyone even knows what it is! In the Navy Pier Festival Hall and other locations throughout the Pier, August 30 through September 1. Admission is $5 per person or $10 per family; double those prices for a weekend pass. Copious additional information at the official site.