LaSalle Bank Marathon

Well, maybe you trained for several months, existing on energy bars and bananas as you ran over the city's sidewalks and trails in preparation for this moment. You also may have bought the high-performance running shoes just because they made your feet look thinner. Whatever your story, the LaSalle Bank Marathon is the place to be today, as a participant or screaming audience member. The race begins and ends in Grant Park; click here for the route.

Achy Obejas @ Centuries & Sleuths

Local author Achy Obejas will be at Centuries & Sleuths in Forest Park to talk about Havana Noir: Mystery Tales of Havana, Cuba, which she edited. The Gapers Block Book Club read her novel Memory Mambo last year. Free. 2pm. 7419 W. Madison St. in Forest Park. Call 708-771-7243 for more information.

Sisters in Crime @ Women & Children First

Local bestselling crime authors Sara Paretsky, Barbara D'Amato and Libby Fischer Hellman come together at Women & Children First to celebrate the release of their new anthology, Sisters on the Case: Celebrating Twenty Years of Sisters in Crime. Free at 5pm at 5233 N. Clark St. Call 773-769-9299 for more information.

Myopic Fiction Series @ Myopic Books

In this installment of the Myopic Fiction Series, writers Jeff Parker, Elizabeth Ellen and Deb Olin Unferth are scheduled to read from their works. Free. 7pm. Myopic Books at 1564 N. Milwaukee Ave. Call 773-862-4882 for more information.

Andersonville Arts Weekend

Part of Chicago Artists Month, this neighborhood festival includes a self-guided tour of neighborhood galleries and studios, live music, workshops, and more. 11 AM till 5 PM. For more information, call 773-728-2995 or visit the website.

Midwest Literary Festival

The Midwest Literary Festival returns this weekend in Aurora. Dozens of authors are scheduled to appear at the 2-day event, including Karen Abbott, Sean Chercover, Gina Frangello, Gail Lukasik, comedian Jackie Mason (yes, really), Bayo Ojikutu and Daniel Wallace. There also promises to be lots of vendors, booksellers, children's programs and much more. View the full schedule online. The festival is free, but Friday's writers' workshop requires paid registration. Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 12pm-5pm. Downtown Aurora, along the Fox River. Call 630-844-4731 or visit the website for more information.

Musicircus @ Cultural Center

Musicircus features hundreds of musicians of different genres playing at the same time per the philosophy of composer John Cage who started the event at the University of Illinois in 1967. The Chicago Cultural Center: 78 E. Washington St. 12-4PM Free and open to the public. Information at http://musicircus.chicagocomposers.org/

Fulton Arts Walk

In conjunction with Chicago Artists Month, take a walk through the Fulton Market district, visiting galleries and artist studios. 12 N to 5 PM. Visit the website for more information.

Intonation/MCA-Rock/Art @ MCA

In conjunction with its Sympathy for the Devil exhibit--which opened last week--and commemorating its 40th anniversary (also being celebrated by 40 days of free admission, starting this weekend) MCA presents this free afternoon of live music performances by Chicago-based bands, co-sponsored by Intonation. The show runs from 1 PM to 6 PM, 220 E Chicago. For more information, visit the website.

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.

Brighton, MA At Lakeshore Theater

Brighton, MA. takes the stage in support of Elvis Perkins. This is an all ages show for a decent $14. Lakeshore Theater near Broadway and Belmont. Show time is 9 p.m.

Curry Chef Collaborative Dinner

Vong's Thai Kitchen will host a five-course "Curry Chef Collaborative Dinner" Thursday, October 4th at 7 p.m. All-inclusive tickets can be purchased for $75 by calling 312-644-8664.

Other restaurants participating in the event are Big Bowl, Wow Bao, Ben Pao, and Red Light.