Dollar Store @ The Hideout

The Dollar Store returns to The Hideout and more writers will be on hand to read stories inspired by Dollar Store items. Hosted by Jonathan Messinger and featuring Jeff Parker and Joel Chmara. 7pm. $1. 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. Call 773-227-4433 for more information.

Opening: Andersonville Arts Weekend

Part of Chicago Artists Month, this neighborhood festival opens today with parties, workshops, and performances. Festivities begin around 3:30 PM and run until 10 PM. For more information, call 773-728-2995 or visit the website.

Open House @ Bloomingdale Arts Building

As part of Chicago Artists Month 2007, wander around this Bucktown building, where artists live as well as work. 6 PM to 10 PM, 2418 W Bloomingdale. For more information, call 773-486-0485.

The Grocer Street Art Show

Have you taken note of those briliantly colored fruits and veggies decorating our city streets? That work, friends, is courtesy of The Grocer. Come check out several dozen of his new paintings at Foursided Gallery in Andersonville. The opening reception is tonight from from 7-10pm. Snacks and drinks will be served. Foursided is located at 5061 N. Clark St.

Appetite Theatre's Bruschetta 2007 Short Play Fest @ Act One Studios

This year's Bruschetta: Comedy and controversy in bite-sized pieces, features 6 new short plays chosen from over 460 submissions. The 2007 production challenges ideas on religion, public education, political campaigns, intimacy, and celebrity through dark comedy and a little snack.

Act One Studios 640 N LaSalle St. Suite 535.
Friday and Saturday at 8pm.
Reservations: 312-787-9384. $15.

FREE bruschetta from Fox and Obel and FREE wine from H2Vino at intermission.

Blogger's Art Show @ Happy Dog Gallery

Tonight FLIST: Chicago celebrates the opening of the first art show featuring international artist-bloggers. There will be 2-D art, listening stations, jewelry, crafts and film, as well as a special opening night mashup from DJ Freddy, King of Pants. 7pm-2am at Happy Dog Gallery, 1542 N. Milwaukee, 2nd floor. Email info[at]flist-art[dot]com for more information. The show runs through October 12.

DEPART-ment @ AV-aerie

It's not your regular department store. These accessories, clothing and numerous other items are all made by hand, by actual people who put their heart and soul into the goods they sell. This season's DEPART-ment is open this Friday 7-11pm, Saturday 11am-5pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. Located at AV-aerie, 2000 W. Fulton #310, cash only (an ATM will be on site). Email info[at]depart-ment[dot]com for more information.

Harvest Dinner @ Kendall College

Slow Food Chicago presents "An Intimate Evening With Alice Waters:
A Harvest Dinner Celebrating Midwest Artisanal Foods" October 5 at Kendall College.
The five-course dinner is $150 per ticket.

Click here for more information.