World Kitchen: Goin' South @ Gallery 37

Today's class (11am-1pm) will teach you how to cook South American the right way. "Goin' South" is offered as part of the World Kitchen learning series offered by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and will be held at the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph Street. Admission is $30 and preregistration is required. Please wear non-skid shoes and bring your apron!

Eugene Mirman @ Lakeshore Theater

3175 N. Broadway
10pm
$15.00
W/ Larry Murphy & Kumail Nanjiani
Eugene Mirman has made stand-up appearances on Late Nite with Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central's Premium Blend and Jump Cuts, VH1, Third Watch, Cartoon Network's Home Movies, and more. Help provide the laugh track as he records a brand, spankin' new CD/DVD at the Lakeshore on November 7th and 8th. His last album, The Absurd Nightclub Comedy of Eugene Mirman, was voted one of the Best Albums of 2004 by both The Onion and Time Out New York.

Candlelight Ball Black Tie Gala

The Candlelight Ball is Heartland Alliance's signature black-tie gala. For more than 68 years, the Women's Board has hosted this elegant party, raising thousands of dollars to support Heartland Alliance's services and solutions focused around housing, health care, legal protections, and economic security.

Master of Ceremonies Ron Magers will lead the spectacular event, beginning tonight at 6:30pm. It will include cocktails, a silent auction, cash raffle, dinner and music by Rhythm City. Taking place at the Palmer House (17 E. Monroe St), tickets are on sale for $225. For more information, please call 312-660-1339 or click here.

Muppet History 101 @ Film Center

The Gene Siskel Film Center kicks off today what is undoubtedly going to be a hugely entertaining retrospective of Jim Henson's Muppets. This afternoon they present Muppet History 101, a 90-minute compilation of early Muppet footage (including the Muppet Show pilot, "the Muppets: Sex and Violence"). David Rudman, producer and puppeteer, will host the event( and will be signing Muppet memorabilia after the show!). Muppet History 101 screens tonight at 7:30 PM. Tickets: $9, $7 for students, $5 for Film Center members, and $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Umbrella Music Festival @ The Hideout

Umbrella Music Festival of Jazz and Improvisation continues at The Hideout. Read more in Transmission. 1354 W. Wabansia. 773-227-4433. $15 cover.

9pm: Trzaska/o'Reilly/Weber/Fujiwara
10pm: Tchicai/Drake Duo
11pm: Douglas Ewart And Inventions

Handmade Market

The Handmade Market returns to the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., today from noon to 4:30pm. Come shop for cool art and clever crafts from local folks. Free to get in, but only for those 21 and over (unless you're a kid accompanied by an adult).

Festival of Wood and Barrel-aged Beer

The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild's sixth annual festival celebrates wood-aged beer from around the country. The drinking will take place in separate sessions, from 1-5pm and 6-10pm, with only 500 tickets available per session. It's located at the Chicago Journeyman Plumbers' Local Union,130 Stephen M. Bailey Auditorium, 1340 W. Washington Blvd. Tickets are $35 and can be ordered online at Brown Paper Tickets.

Girl Talk @ Congress Theater

Mashup mix master (try saying that three times fast) Gregg Gillis (aka Girl Talk) comes to the Congress tonight in support of his fourth album, Feed the Animals. Expect dancing. Lots of dancing. 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave. 7:30pm. 773-276-3600. Sold Out.

Chicago Filipino American Film Festival @ Portage Theater

The Chicago Filipino American Film Festival continues today. Programming begins at 1pm with documentary That Asian Thing, a look at the challenges and opportunities for Chicago-based Asian-American folks in film, entertainment, and the media. Tickets for each movie are $10. A Saturday daily pass is $20. Students and seniors can request free day passes here. 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60641

Sadie Hawkins Day Race

The annual Sadie Hawkins Day Race happens today at 5pm, starting at the Humboldt Park Boathouse, near Humboldt Boulevard between North and Division. Registration starts at 4pm; fees are $5 for women, $10 for men racing with a female partner, and $20 for everyone else. There's an afterparty at the Weiser House, 2106 S. Kedzie, starting at 9pm and featuring $1 PBR and Sparks.

Holding Mercury @ Reggie's Rock Club (CD Release Party)

Reggie's Rock Club
2109 South State St
9:00 PM • Ages 17+ $6

Holding Mercury
Melismatics
The Glide
The Moves