Frida @ the Chicago Cultural Center

Cinema/Chicago, presenter of the Chicago International Film Festival, once again is teaming up with Chicago's various consulates and cultural organizations to present the sixth annual International Summer Screening Program at the Chicago Cultural Center (77 E. Randolph Street).

Tonight's screening of Frida is presented by the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago and the Mexico Tourism Board. As famed Mexican painter Frida Kahlo lays in pain in her bedroom, she recalls the memories of her life that lead her to the places that she is. Director Paul Deluc's 1986 film about her life touches on some her toughest moments, from the accident in her childhood that would haunt her the rest of her life to her tumultuous yet passionate time with muralist Diego Rivera. Throughout her bed-ridden time Kahlo sees the leaps and bounds she took for female painters everywhere through her courageous and inventive paintings.

Admission is free and seating is on a first come, first served basis. Screening starts at 6:30pm.

Desperate @ Gorilla Tango

Actor-comedian Lucy Bauer brings her one-woman sketch show, DESPERATE, to Gorilla Tango Theatre. DESPERATE performs Saturdays at 6pm, September 12 - October 3, 2009, at Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago 60647. Tickets are $10; to purchase tickets call 773-598-4549 or visit www.gorillatango.com.

Chaperone @ Beat Kitchen

Local alt-country influenced band Chaperone (a new venture for two of the former members of Blueblood) headlines tonight at the Beat Kitchen along with Any Day Parade and All Rattle and Dust. Doors 8pm, $8, 21+. Beat Kitchen is located at 2100 W. Belmont Ave. Chicago.

Chefs Collaborative National Summit @ Kendall College

Chefs from all over the country meet today for the Chefs Collaborative National Summit at Kendall College (900 North Branch) to talk about the future of food beyond dinner specials--lectures about using sustainable ingredients and learning more eco-friendly practices in the kitchen, along with programs on pork and wine are on the bill. Registration $50-250.

Local Author Night @ Book Cellar

This month, the Book Cellar welcomes four local authors to their monthly reading series: Tasha Alexander, author of Tears of Pearl, Claire Zulkey, author of An Off Year, Scott Blackwood, author of We Agreed to Meet Just Here, and Joan Naper, author of Beautiful Dreamer. Free at 7pm at 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave. Call 773-293-2665 for more information.

Veggie Bingo @ Hideout

If you liked the wildly successful Soup and Bread series at the Hideout from earlier this year, then you'll love Veggie Bingo, which brings together bingo and food--a weekly event where participants play the venerable old-school game and win locally made or grown prizes such as a jar of honey, a bar of soap...and the grand prize, a box of produce from Irv and Shelley's. The event is tonight from 6-8pm at the Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia; cards are $1 each (six for $5) and can be purchased on-site. Hot dogs and tofu pups will be served, so all your early evening needs will be met. All proceeds benefit NeighborSpace.

An Evening of Jazz w/Granta @ Hideout

Come celebrate Granta Magazine's all-Chicago issue with an evening of jazz and improvised music at the Hideout. Featured musicians include Nicole Miller, Artur Majewski, Nate McBride, Wojciech Romanowski and DJ Jeb Bishop. Free at 9:30pm at 1354 W. Wabansia. Call 773-227-4433 for more information.

Granta: Camilo Vergara @ Hull House

Camilo Vergara, a MacArthur fellow photographer whose photo essay on Chicago's public housing projects appears in Granta's all Chicago issue, will be at Hull House to discuss his work along with Tim Samuelson and Peter Hales. Free at 6pm in the Dining Hall, 800 S. Halsted.

Berghoff Oktoberfest

Berghoff's Oktoberfest runs today through Friday, Sept. 18, in Federal Plaza, Adams and Dearborn streets, from 11am to 9pm daily. Enjoy classic German food, Berghoff’s private-label beer and root beer, and Bavarian polka by the Johnny Wagner Band. Maggie Speaks also performs today at 5pm. Free.

Buen Provecho! Pilsen

Enjoy 25 Pilsen restaurants on this second annual neighborhood restaurant tour. The event takes place today, Mexican Independence Day, from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the festival. See Drive-Thru for more information.

Savor the Seasons "Melon Fest" @ Green City Market

Loving melon just got easier today at the Green City Market, 9am at Stockton and LaSalle Drives.

Lisa Santos @ Green City Market

Lisa Santos of Southport Grocery and Cafe will give a cooking demonstration today at 10:30am at the Green City Market, Stockton and LaSalle Drives.