This week’s featured shot from the TOC Flickr photo group comes to us from find a city to live in. I know this was a short week, but holy hell did it seem long. So if I don’t end up going here during lunch, it’ll be a miracle.

Here are some things to do this weekend.

FRIDAY

ART & DESIGN - RedBall Project Chicago
Sculptor Kurt Perschke’s globetrotting, 15-foot inflatable vinyl ball tours Chicago through Sept 25. You’re allowed to poke and prod it; just don’t forget to observe its interactions with the city’s public spaces. 11am–6pm. Spertus Museum, 610 S Michigan Ave at Harrison St (312-744-6630, redballproject.com). El: Red to Harrison. Bus: 1, 3, 4 (24hrs), 145. FREE!

CLUBS - Tom Novy
We don’t mind if German house sensation and Ibiza superstar Tom Novy rides his soulful smash hit “Your Body” for the rest of the decade. It’s been out a few years, but it’s a true club jam. We can only hope the crowd is half as blessed in the booty department as the folks in the Saturday Night Fever style video. 10pm. Spy Bar, 646 N Franklin St. (312-587-8779, spybarchicago.com). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Chicago. Bus: 11, 22 (24hrs), 65, 66 (24hrs). $20, $10 advance through wantickets.com.

DANCE - Contact Improvisation Class
Tonight is the first session in a new Friday evening series in Contact Improvisation, a duet-based dance form that might be described as extreme partner dancing. Expect lots of rolling, leaning on each other, lifting and being lifted. If you’re comfortable with a large amount of touching and contact, this is a great form to experience your body in a new way. Instructors are members of the Chicago Contact Improvisation Jam, which meets Sundays at Links Hall. 6:30–8:30pm. Yoga Now Edgewater, 5852 N Broadway between Ardmore and Rosedale Aves  (773-561-9642, yoganowchicago.com). El: Red to Thorndale. Bus: 36 Broadway. $10–$16 sliding scale.

GAY & LESBIAN - The Times of Harvey Milk
This stunning documentary about slain out supervisor Harvey Milk will be screened in anticipation of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival in November. Read more about the upcoming biopic Milk, starring Sean Penn in "Milk man delivers." 7pm. Chicago FIlmmakers, 5243 N Clark St between Foster and Berwyn Aves (773-293-1447). El: Red to Berwyn. Bus: 22 Clark (24hrs), 92 Foster. $10, Chicago Filmmakers members $8, Reeling members free.

MUSIC - The Juan MacLean + Woodhands 
Truly the most synthy of the DFA-associated acts, the Juan MacLean actually has a background in rock. John MacLean played with Six Finger Satellite before going underground for a while. Though the band is no longer on Astralwerks, it’s far from giving up the fight. The band’s “Every Little Thing” is something of a dance classic in our book, after all. Toronto electro-rockers Woodhands are a forceful live act as well—but you’d be stupid not to wear your comfortable party shoes for this one. 10pm. Empty Bottle 1035 N Western Ave, at Cortez St, Ukrainian Village/West Town, Chicago (773-276-3600) $14.

SHOPPING & STYLE - The Art of Shaving
Don’t let anyone tell you there isn’t an art to shaving. Buy two items on a Friday from the men’s skin-care line the Art of Shaving (packed with 100% pure essential oils and botanical ingredients) and you’ll be treated to a complimentary straight-razor shave on site. 10am–8pm. Macy’s, 111 N State St at Washington St (312-781-1000, macys.com). El: Red to Lake; Blue to Washington; Brown, Orange, Purple (rush hrs) to State/Lake.

SPORTS & REC -  Bob Calhoun and Floyd Webb
When Bob Calhoun wrestled in the ISW (Incredibly Strange Wrestling) league, he adopted the moniker of the infamous kung-fu huckster/legend Count Dante. Tonight Calhoun reads from his new book on the ISW, Beer, Blood & Cornmeal, and director Floyd Webb discusses his in-progress film, The Search for Count Dante. Read more about Webb’s movie in our previous blog posts here. 7pm. Quimby’s, 1854 W North Ave at Wolcott Ave (773-342-0910). El: Blue to Damen. Bus: 50, 56, 72. FREE!

SATURDAY

ART & DESIGN - LovelySoReal
The Renaissance Society’s annual benefit gala features a silent auction of art, luxury trips and other experiences. 6:30pm. Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza between Wells and Orleans Sts (773-702-8670, renaissancesociety.org). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Merchandise Mart. Bus: 11 Lincoln, 125 Water Tower Exp. $350.

BOOKS - Gerber/Hart Annual Benefit
Mystery novelist Rita Mae Brown will speak about her legendary career in queer lit at Gerber/Hart’s annual benefit dinner. The event also features an open bar, live musical entertainment and silent auction. 7pm. Swedish American Museum Center, 5211 N Clark St between Foster and Farragut Aves (773-728-8111). Bus: 22 (24hrs), 50, 92. $85-$135.

CLUBS - Grizzled
The Sound Republic DJs have fondness for the Francophone side of dance music. Tonight, Belgium’s Massimo DaCosta, who’s been kicking out some killer disco and boogie edits with Vernon & DaCosta comes to town. The five dollar cover is just plain absurdly low for one of western Europe’s hottest hands. 9pm. Lava, 1270 N Milwaukee Ave. (773-342-5282, lavachicago.com). El: Blue to Damen. Bus: 50 Damen, 66 Chicago (24hrs). $5.

DANCE - Workshop: Side Support with Jonathan Meyer 
Choreographer, dancer and artistic director of Khecari Dance Theatre, Jonathan Meyer draws on his training in capoeira, gymnastics and Body-Mind Centering to teach skills that will help you with your sideways arm balances. Fun! 3–5pm. Yoga Now Edgewater, 5852 N Broadway between Ardmore and Rosedale Aves  (773-561-9642, yoganowchicago.com). El: Red to Thorndale. Bus: 36 Broadway. $20.

FILM - Godard double feature
“What I need is a double-dose of Godard.” If that sounds like something you might say, get thee to the Siskel for a Saturday afternoon in cineaste hog-heaven. First up is 1963’s Contempt, with great performances from Jack Palance and Fritz Lang in a movie about movie-making. Then catch Two or Three Things I Know About Her…, another of Godard’s attempt s to understand les femmes. Contempt: 3pm. Two or Three Things…: 5pm. 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.

FILM - Dancing Lady
Joan Crawford hoofs her way into your heart in Dancing Lady. What’s that? You didn’t know she danced? You thought she was that wire-hanger-hating harridan with the big shoulder pads in her dresses? Well, check her out. In the early 1930s, she was a dancer. And she’s good. 8pm. Bank of America Cinema, 4901 W Irving Park Rd between Lavergne and Lamon Aves (312-904-9442). Bus: 54, 54A, 80, X80. $5, seniors and kids under 10 $3.

GAY & LESBIAN - SPIKE’D
Boys will be girls at this drag beach volleyball contest to benefit Chicago House. 10am. 1200 W Sherwin Ave at Sheridan Rd. El: Red to Jarvis. Bus: 147 Outer Drive Express, 151 Sheridan Rd (24hrs). $50, tickets must be purchased in advance at chicagohouse.org.

MUSEUMS & CULTURE - Zoppé Family Circus
Go back in time at this old-fashioned, single-ring family circus. The Zoppés have been running their show in the Italian-circus tradition since 1842, so expect Nino the clown to propel the narrative from act to act while acrobatics, equestrian showmanship, canine capers and audience participation round out the entertainment. After Friday’s show, ticket holders are treated to a backstage BBQ and meet-and-greet with the circus members. 7:30pm. Dvorak Park, 1119 W Cullerton St between Carpenter and May Sts (312-243-6066). El: Pink to 18th. Bus: 18 18th, 60 Blue Island/26th (24hrs). $12, advance $10.

MUSIC - Wombats + Telenovela + Kid, You’ll Move Mountains 
Liverpool’s the Wombats couldn’t have picked a name any twee-er if they were paid their weight in stuffed animals. Not that they need any more—the band tours with a stuffed wombat mascot named Cherub Mincey (who’s even got his own MySpace page!). Fortunately, the music is a lot tougher—full of agitated, angular post-punk guitars and dare-you-to-stand-still hooks. 10pm. Empty Bottle 1035 N Western Ave, at Cortez St, Ukrainian Village/West Town, Chicago (773-276-3600) $10.

SPAS, GYMS & HEALTH - Self-defense workshop
Whether you live in Pleasantville or Scary City, brushing up on some self-defense skills is never a bad idea. Black belt Kim Lloyd teaches students basics in self-protection during this one-time workshop at a Bucktown yoga studio. 2–3:30pm. Frog Temple, 1749 N Damen Ave at Willow St (773-489-0890, frogtemple.com). El: Blue to Damen. Bus: 50, 56, 72. $20.

SPORTS & REC - Red Bull Flugtag Chicago
Surely you’ve seen the commercials for these flights of fancy (meet two of the competing teams,The Flying Ditkas and The Perfect Gateway, courtesy of The Windy Citizen) . Your favorite mixer for Jägermeister shots sponsors this day of delusional amateur pilots attempting to soar close to the sun. These folks visited Chicago in 2003, and more than 70,000 stared skyward. Expect funny skits and even funnier human-powered, homemade flying machines from teams like the Flying Ditkas, Cactus Smurfs or Who Wants a Mustache Ride? 11am. North Avenue Beach, 1600 N Lake Shore Dr at North Ave (redbullflugtagusa.com/chicago2008). Bus: 72 North, 151 Sheridan (24hrs). FREE!

SUNDAY

ART & DESIGN - RedBall Project Chicago
Sculptor Kurt Perschke’s globetrotting, 15-foot inflatable vinyl ball tours Chicago through Sept 25. You’re allowed to poke and prod it; just don’t forget to observe its interactions with the city’s public spaces. 11am–6pm. Grant Park, Museum Campus pedestrian viaduct, under Lake Shore Dr at Roosevelt Rd (312-744-6630, redballproject.com). El: Green, Orange to Roosevelt/Wabash; Red to Roosevelt/State. Bus: 2, 6, 10, 14, 26, X28, 130, 146. Metra: Elec and South Shore to Roosevelt Rd. FREE!

BOOKS - Josh Barkan
Barkan reads from his debut satirical novel, Blind Speed, in which a man gets thrown astray by a new-age healer, loses his fiancée when she’s shot during a Revolutionary War reenactment, and get kidnapped by an eco-terrorist cell. For starters. 2pm. The Book Cellar, 4736–38 N Lincoln Ave between Leland and Lawrence Aves (773-293-2665). El: Brown to Western. Bus: 11, 49 (24hrs), X49, 81 (24hrs). FREE!

BOOKS - Myopic Poetry Series: Fiction night
The first Sunday of the month means fiction at Myopic, curated by local writer Adam Levin. This month brings Elizabeth Ellen (A Peculiar Feeling of Restlessness) and Geoffrey Forsyth (In the Land of the Free). 7pm. Myopic Bookstore, 1564 N Milwaukee Ave at Damen Ave (773-862-4882). El: Blue to Damen. Bus: 50, 56, 72. FREE!

DANCE - Open Community Class with Jump Rhythm Jazz Project
Chicago artist Billy Siegenfeld is nationally known and respected for creating and teaching Jump Rhythm Jazz Technique, a style of jazz dancing that puts an emphasis on expressive percussive rhythm and musical syncopation rather than gymnastic form. 3-5pm. Galaxie, 2603 W Barry St at Rockwell St  (773-267-6010, galaxiechicago.com). Bus: CX49, 76, 77 (24hrs). $150 for ten sessions, drop-in $18 per class.

MUSIC - Kidz in the Hall + Hollywood Holt + Million $ Mano + The Hood Internet + Sammy Bananas & Willy Joy
Kidz staple “Drivin Down the Block” might be the template for all the Chicago throwback club rappers to come. Tonight, there’s a strong showing from up-and-comers Hollywood Holt and Million $ Mano in the fashionable hip-hop department and po-mo mash-up makers the Hood Internet. This is a benefit for the Chicago Art Partnerships in Education (CAPE). 5:30pm. Metro 3730 N Clark St, between Waveland and Racine Aves, Lakeview/Roscoe Village/Wrigleyville, Chicago (773-549-0203) $15, day of show $18. VIP $50.

SPAS, GYMS & HEALTH - Continuum Studio
When you’re in the middle of a really good treatment, you never want it to end, right? Well, Continuum makes sure you stick around its studio for an extra half hour during the month of September. All you have to do is book any hour-long (or longer) massage or skin-care service any weekday and you’ll get an extra 30 minutes when you mention this listing. The add-ons include multivitamin hand and foot treatments and a micro-buff body polish. The only catches are that both services must be booked on the same day and can’t be combined with any other discount. 10am–6pm. Continuum Studio, 5671 N Clark St at Hollywood Ave (773-728-7883, continuumstudio.com). El: Red to Bryn Mawr. Bus: 22 Clark (24hrs), 50 Ashland.

SPORTS & REC - Boulevard Lakefront Tour
With three separate routes of varying distances, this ride sponsored by the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation is ideal for cyclists of all skill levels. Tour Hyde Park, Kenwood, Bronzeville and Chinatown on a quick 15-mile jaunt, explore South Side parks and historic boulevards on the 35-mile Boulevard Tour, or hoof it all the way to the Northwest Side on the Chicago Cycling Club–led Metric Century. The cost is the same for all three routes, and all riders are welcome to attend the Goose Island–catered picnic lunch and postrace festival on the sunken lawns of Midway Plaisance. New this year, test your Chicago trivia with a scavenger hunt. 7am. Meet at Midway Plaisance, 59th St and Woodlawn Ave (312-427-3325 ext 238, boulevardtour.org). Bus: 4 (24hrs), 6, 15, 28, 55 (24hrs), 59. $30, CBF members $25, kids 17 and under $10.