The Vanishing @ Film Center

The 1988 Dutch film Spoorloos (The Vanishing) screens tonight at the Siskel Film Center. Re-made as an American film (by the same director!), the original has much more tension and a perfect ending that ranks right up there with some of the classic films of all time. A great psychological thriller, and highly recommended. The film shows tonight at 8:30, and will also screen on Monday the 12th at 6:00. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Lip @ Neo-Futurarium

Performance poet Lisa Buscani, a former Neo-Futurist, returns to her old stomping grounds this month and presents Lip, a weekly spoken-word extravaganza. Every Friday and Saturday night in July will feature a different lineup of writers and performers, each one delivering 15 minutes of scintillating verbiage. This week's Lip lineup: Dave Awl, Lisa Buscani, Mary Fons, Nicole Garneau, Jenny Magnus, and Marc Smith. Fans of the spoken word will definitely want to listen to Lip. Show starts at 8:00, doors open at 7:30. The Neo-Futurarium: 5153 N. Ashland (at Foster). More information and reservations: (773) 275-5255.

St. Andrew's 43rd Annual Greek Festival

This annual festival of Greek culture includes traditional food, folk music and dancing, stuff for the kids, a raffle, and a silent auction. On Friday night, get $1 beers from 5-7 p.m. and hear live performances from Jon Allmett and Scott Besaw and The Business. The fun all happens at St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church at 5649 N. Sheridan Road July 9: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m., July 10: 4 p.m. - 11 p.m., and July 11: noon - 11 p.m. Admission is $2.

Magnificent Mile Art Festival

This free art festival will feature more than 200 local and national artists exhibiting their stuff at the Chicago Tribune Pioneer Court located at 435 N. Michigan Avenue. Hours are July 9: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., July 10: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and July 11: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Did I mention that it's free?