Today’s featured shot from the TOC Flickr photo group comes to us from Chicago Man.

Here are some things to do this weekend (besides silently praying for the Sox to get their shit together).

FRIDAY

ART & DESIGN - 38th Annual Pilsen East Artists’ Open House
More than 30 galleries—as well as private artist residences and studios—open their doors to the public. This year’s event includes the juried exhibition “CS: 38” and performances by EP Theater. 6–10pm. Chicago Arts District, Halsted and 18th Sts (chicagoartsdistrict.org). Bus: 8 Halsted. FREE! (Continues Saturday and Sunday, noon–7pm.)

DANCE - Inaside Chicago Dance: 3rd Annual For the Cause benefit
This concert serves as a benefit for the cancer support group Gilda’s Club, as well as a fifth-anniversary birthday party for the Inaside company. The program features a retrospective of choreographies by Kelly Ann Vitacca, Autumn Eckman, Amanda Farrar and Lizzie Mackenzie. Members of Inaside’s Youth Trainee Program perform a piece choreographed by Cecilia Ferguson-Bell. 8pm. Vittum Theater, 1012 N Noble St between Milwaukee Ave and Augusta Blvd (773-281-1825, box office 773-342-4141, vittumtheater.org). El: Blue to Division. Bus: 9 (24hrs), 56, 70. $20, students, dancers and seniors $15.

FILM - Vampyr
Carl Dreyer’s Vampyr isn’t a conventional horror movie, but for weird atmosphere, it stands in a category of its own. 6:15pm. Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N State St at Randolph St (312-846-2600). El: Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to State/Lake; Red to Lake; Blue to Clark/Lake. $9, students $7, members $5.

GAY & LESBIAN - Think Pink Fridays
DJ Stinky Pinky has a bona fide hit on his hands with this low-key but busy night of cocktailing and cruising. 9pm. Wang’s, 3317 N Broadway at Buckingham Pl (773-296-6800). Bus: 36 Broadway, 77 Belmont (24hrs).

MUSEUMS & CULTURE - Debate Watch I: Domestic Policy 
Get more out of the next Obama-McCain showdown with the CHM’s debate-viewing party. The program features a discussion with Sun-Times journalist Laura Washington, Chicago Public Radio political correspondent Ben Calhoun, Loyola University professor of political science Alan Gitelson and DePaul professor of marketing Bruce Newman. Panelists will discuss the candidates’ platforms in relation to domestic policy. Reservations are recommended. 7pm. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N Clark St at North Ave (312-642-4600). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Sedgwick. Bus: 22 (24hrs), 36, 72. Donation $5.

SPORTS & REC - The Chicago Huddle taping 
Join ABC 7’s Ryan Chiaverini as well as a rotating cast of Bears players (including tight end Desmond Clark, defensive end Adewale Ogunleye and fullback Jason McKie) as they rehash the Xs and Os from the previous week and preview Sunday’s game. Then tune in Sunday mornings at 10:30am to see your mug or hear your cheers on ABC 7. 4pm. ESPN Zone, 43 E Ohio St at Wabash Ave (312-644-3776). El: Red to Grand. Bus: 2, 3, 10, 26, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 151 (24hrs), 157. FREE!

SPORTS & REC - White Sox vs. Cleveland
With the Sox now in 2nd in the AL Central, their chances for a playoff spot will come down to this final weekend (and a possible Tuesday game between the Sox and Twinkies). So, in addition to rooting for a sweep against the Tribe for this regular-season finale, South Siders most likely will have an eye on the scoreboard, hoping (gulp) the Royals can muster a win or three against Minnesota. Check the TOC blog for playoff updates for both the Cubs and Pale Hose. 7:11pm. U.S. Cellular Field, 333 W 35th St at Wentworth Ave (312-674-1000, whitesox.com). El: Red to Sox/35th St. Bus: 24 Wentworth, 35 35th. Prime $21–$55. Through Sunday.

THEATER - With or Without Wings
Not long after writer-performer Mierka Girten learned she had multiple sclerosis, her mother was diagnosed with the condition as well. Girten’s acclaimed 2001 solo show, remounted at A Red Orchid, wryly chronicles her experience with the disease. 8pm. A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N Wells St between Schiller St and North Ave (312-943-8722). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Sedgwick. Bus: 72 North, 156 LaSalle. $20–$25.

SATURDAY

ART & DESIGN - “Edra Soto: The Greatest Companions”
Soto examines Latino culture and its representation in the media through this multimedia homage to Puerto Rican TV icon Iris Chacon. The show also includes works by Maria Gaspar, Harold Mendez, Albert Stabler and Ramiro Trejo. 7–10pm. Mutherland, 1125 W 31st St, #1F, at Loomis St (312-924-3602, motherlandpresents.blogspot.com). Bus: 62 Archer (24 hrs). FREE!

DANCE - Dance and Music from the Roof of the World
Expatriate Tibetans have formed dance and music groups to keep their traditions from gathering dust and withering. Groups from Minneapolis, Minnesota; Madison, Wisconsin; and Chicago perform a range of dances to live accompaniment, representing styles from many regions of Tibet. 7pm. Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Dr, Evanston (847-491-5441, box office 847-467-4000, pickstaiger.com). El: Purple to Davis. Bus: 201 Centra/Ridge. $20.

FILM - Last Year at Marienbad
Last Year at Marienbad: Brain-teasing meditation on the unknowable or annoying arthouse masturbatory bullshit? Discuss. Whichever side you come down on, the post-film argument is going to be fun. 3, 7pm. Facets Cinematheque, 1517 W Fullerton Ave between Greenview and Bosworth Aves (773-281-4114). El: Red, Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Fullerton. Bus: 9 Ashland (24hrs), 74 Fullerton. $9, members $5.

GAY & LESBIAN - History Project and Community Book Launch
The creators behind "Out and Proud in Chicago" read and sign copies of this new historical compilation of queer Chicago. Noon. Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted St at Addison St (773-472-6469). El: Red to Addison. Bus: 8 Halsted, 152 Addison. FREE!

MUSEUMS & CULTURE - Read Out
The dog-eared “dirty” pages of Judy Blume’s Forever have made their way among circles of preteens for generations, likely with little harm. In honor of the American Library Association’s Banned Books Week, the iconic children’s author reads excerpts from the book—a popular title on banned lists—at this free event. Other appearing authors who’ve had their hands slapped include Stephen Chobsky, author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Lois Lowry, author of The Giver. Noon–4pm. Pioneer Court, 401 N Michigan Ave between Tribune Tower and the Chicago River (312-280-4223). Bus: 3, X3, 4 (24hrs), X4, 10, 26, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 151 (24hrs), 157. FREE!

SHOPPING & STYLE - p.45 trunk shows
Double the trunk shows equal double the fun at this Bucktown boutique all weekend long. Stop in Sat 27 to check out the latest architectural silhouettes from Abigail Glaum-Lathbury, and then return the following day to view the elegant and sustainable designs by Lara Miller. It looks as if two trunk shows are better than one. 11am–5pm. p.45, 1643 N Damen Ave between North and Wabansia Aves (773-862-4523, p45.com). El: Blue to Damen. Bus: 50, 56, 72.

SPORTS & REC - Race for the Cure
This lakefront 5K run and 1- or 3-mile walk raises money for the Chicagoland affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October). There is no minimum fund-raising requirement, although runners are encouraged to put together teams and raise pledge donations. Show up early for the survivors’ breakfast at 7am to power up for the run or walk. Afterward, stick around for a performance from American Idol finalist Kimberley Locke. 8:30am. Hutchinson Field, Grant Park, 300 E Balbo Dr just south of Buckingham Fountain (773-444-0061, komenchicago.org). El: Red to Jackson; Brown, Green, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to Adams. Bus: 6 Jackson Park Exp, 146 Inner Drive/Michigan Exp. With preregistration $25–$35, day of race $25–$40.

SUNDAY

ART & DESIGN - African American Fine Art Show
Contemporary black artists are the focus of this fair, which benefits the South Side Community Art Center. 11am–6pm. Chicago Parkway Ballroom, 4455 S King Dr between 44th and 45th Sts (africanamericanfineartshowchicago.org). El: Green to 43rd. Bus: 3, X3, 43. $8.

DANCE - Dance Expo
Leading ballroom-dance school Chicago Dance invites enthusiasts for an afternoon of dancing, food and socializing. Professionals and students will perform hot Latin dances, showbizzy numbers and more. 1–6pm. Ballroom on Erie, 12 E Erie St at State St. El: Red to Chicago. Bus: 22 (24hrs), 29, 36, 125, 145, 147. $75.

MUSEUMS & CULTURE - YG Games: A Field Day for Grown-ups
Join in on classic picnic and summer-camp games such as an egg relay, three-legged races and more. The games help raise funds for Youth Guidance, a local org that provides inner-city and at-risk kids with after-school programs. An on-site beer tent is available for those old enough to imbibe. 1pm. Lincoln Park at Grove Nine, near Sheridan Rd and Diversey Pkwy. (312-253-4900, youth-guidance.org). Bus: 76, 151 (24hrs), 156. $250 per team of six, $40 for additional team members (up to ten people per team).

SHOPPING & STYLE - Randolph Street Market Festival
It’s your second-to-last chance to check out the Chicago Antique Market this year. A few contemporary booths—selling global goods and vinyl—along with the returning Indie Designer Market (a showcase of local designers) join more than 200 antique and vintage dealers. You’ll also find “Do-It-Yourself Estate Sale” tables, where families can rent a table and sell their own heirlooms, and the Fancy Food Market, a culinary component teeming with local food purveyors selling gourmet treats such as infused olive oils, ice cream, pies, handmade caramels and more. 9am–4pm. Randolph St between Peoria St and Racine Ave. Bus: 8 Halsted, 20 Madison (24hrs). $10.

SPORTS & REC - Run for Their Lives
Rex has got to hang back, as pooches aren’t allowed to participate in the 8K portion of this lakefront run that raises money for animal shelter PAWS Chicago, but your furry friends are more than welcome for the accompanying 4K walk. And afterward, everyone’s invited to the Canine Carnival. 9am. Montrose Harbor, 4400 N Lake Shore Dr at Montrose Ave (773-843-4884, pawschicago.org). El: Red to Wilson. Bus: 78, 136, 144. $35–$40; kids 12 and under $25–$30.

SPORTS & REC - YG Games: A Field Day for Grown-ups
The kid in you will be duly rewarded with childhood games like the egg relay, three-legged races and more at Oz Park this afternoon. It’s all an effort to raise funds for Youth Guidance, a local org that helps inner-city and at-risk kids with some much-needed after-school programs. Per usual, the best part about these regressive sporty outings: There’s a beer tent for those old enough to imbibe. 1pm. Lincoln Park, Grove 9, Sheridan Rd and Diversey Ave (312-253-4900, youth-guidance.org). El: Brown, Purple to Diversey. Bus: 76, 77, 156, 151 (24hrs), 156. 1pm. $600 per corporate team of six, $250 per team of six, $50 for individuals, $20 for cheerleaders.

THEATER - The Further Adventures of Hedda Gabler
Unsatisfied with Ibsen and tired of going out with a bang, Hedda sets out to rewrite her ending. Devon de Mayo and Daniel Stermer direct the metacomedy by Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q). 8pm. Dog & Pony Theatre Company at Viaduct Theater, 3111 N Western Ave at Barry Ave (773-296-6024). Bus: 49 (24hrs), X49, 77 (24hrs). $20, students and seniors $15.