Osaka Garden Festival

Celebration of Japanese culture and the sister city relationship between Chicago and Osaka, Japan. Includes food booths, arts and crafts, live music, dance and martial arts. Osaka Garden: 5800 S. Lake Shore Drive; at the Wooded Island, just south of the Museum of Science and Industry. SEPTEMBER 13+14 2003, Free to Public 10AM to 5PM each day

Wells Street Wine Festival

In conjunction with the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization - Illinois Affiliate, The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association, will extend their well-known hospitality as they create the inaugural The Crush in Old Town. Wells Street will become a European-style open market featuring wine pavilions representing more than 50-different wines. The Crush will also feature special wine tastings and demonstrations. Sept. 13, 11 am-10 pm. $5 donation, additional $10 for wine tasting. On Wells between North and Schiller. (773) 868-3010.

Knit-Along for Peace

The American Friends Service Committee is meeting today at the Chicago Temple (77 W. Washington at Clark St.) to knit baby blankets which will be included in Infant Care Kits being sent to Iraq as part of a larger humanitarian effort. The knitters will be meeting from 1-4 pm. They will also be accetping donations of cash to defer shipping , soap, hairbrushes, and washcloths for babies to complete the care kits.The AFSC office is collecting all these donations through October at their office located at 637 S. Dearborn Ave.

Taste of Romania

Little Bucharest hosts the 13th annual Taste of Romania Sept. 13 and 14 at 3100 N. Ashland, from 10 am to 10 pm both days. Free fresh-squeezed grape juice, live music, and a variety of Romanian delicacies await you! Call 773/929-8640 for more info.

Elvis Under The Stars

Frankly, I can't think of a more unholy combination than an Elvis impersonator and really heavy, traditional German food. But that wouldn't stop me from going to see Elvis Under The Stars at the Black Forest Restaurant. Well-known Elvis impersonator Rick Saucedo, aka The King Of Blue Suede Soul, will be performing and you can munch on some Thuringer or Brats while enjoying Elvis tunes. Sept 13 - dinner at 6:30, show's at 8.

War Resistance Documentary

On March 20th 750 protesters were arrested during an anti-war protest. Jon Groot, Seth Skundrick, and Linda and Blake Beckstrom created a documentary which encompasses thirty different personal stories in Where We Stood: Chicago's Resistance to the U.S. War on Iraq. It will be showing today at the Vittum Theater (1012 N. Noble, between Milwaukee and Augusta) at 2 pm. Reserved tickets are $8 (and are highly recommended) admission will cost you $10 without a reservation. You can call 312-494-5840 for more info and to place a reservation. All proceeds will benefit the Chicago Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild and Peace Pledge-Chicago.