Your Chicago Curated Weekend: 10/13 – 10/16

It's mid-October and the Cubs are still playing. I've been a fan of these lovable perennial losers since my friend's dad, a firefighter with an injured shoulder, caught a ball and handed it to me at my first Cubs game. He strained and reached out for it just to make that day memorable, knowing that I would then have no choice but to follow this team year in and year out. A casual fan at best, I can't help but feel good this month see the Cubbies get this far. They'll be playing this Saturday and Sunday here at Wrigley Field against either the Nationals or the Dodgers. Whether or not you're a baseball fan, or an in-betweener like me, I'd say make a little time and root for this team. Now let's get on with your curated weekend! THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13th ACTIVATE: SENSES @ Sullivan Center Alley, 16 E Monroe St., 5:00PM WHAT: Chicago Loop Alliance’s fourth ACTIVATE event of the year SO WHAT: This year’s ACTIVATE series explores the five senses—touch, hear, smell, see and taste— through the scope of dynamic art, music and lights. This edition of ACTIVATE will touch upon all the senses to have attendees rethink how they see the world around them as the ordinary spaces that fill the Loop are transformed into extraordinary works of art. Plenty of new surprises will be curated by Lindsey Meyers and Simone Garcia of Sinergia and Beauty & Brawn. Your senses will take a walk on the wild side with a live animal exhibition from Chicago Zoological Society I Brookfield Zoo (5:30 - 6:30 p.m.), light Installations by School of the Art Institute of Chicago students, and live music. NOW WHAT: The event is free and attendees who RSVP in advance  will receive a complimentary drink ticket for beer or wine at the event. 'murika Opening Reception @ Mars Gallery, 1139 W Fulton Market, 6:00PM - 8:00PM WHAT: New work by Sioban Lombardi & Tararchy SO WHAT: Mars Gallery will be hosting an opening reception for their latest gallery exhibition ‘murica, featuring new work by representational painter Sioban Lombardi and multimedia artist Tararchy. The gallery will focus on their unique iconic imagery that plays with perception and individuality. NOW WHAT:This is a free event, so go and enjoy some wonderful art! Phebe Starr/Post Animal/Shah Jahan @ Virgin Hotels Chicago, 203 N Wabash Ave., 8:30PM WHAT: Night of indie sounds at the Virgin Hotel Chicago SO WHAT: Shah Jahan will be DJing throughout the night while Chicago psychedelic band Post Animal and Phebe Starr will be performing. NOW WHAT: The show is free, so get there early and hang with some cool people. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14th The Flat Five @ Val's Halla Records, 239 Harrison St., Oak Park, 5:30PM - 7:00PM WHAT: A verifiable Chicago supergroup SO WHAT: The Flat Five are made up of Scott Ligon, Casey McDonough, Kelly Hogan, Nora O’Connor and Alex Hall. These are some of the most talented and prolific Chicago musicians who have performed with the likes of Neko Case, NRBQ, The Decemberists, Andrew Bird, Mavis Staples, Iron and Wine, Jakob Dylan, Robbie Fulks, Alejandro Escovedo, The New Pornographers, and plenty more amazing artists. They have have joined forces and will be celebrating the release of their debut album It’s a World of Love & Hope in the best place imaginable, a record store! NOW WHAT: Drive, walk, bike, get on the train, or do whatever you can to get to this free and sure to be amazing show. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15th Wild Spirits @ Lincoln Park Zoo, Stockton Drive at Webster Street, 6:00PM - 10:00PM WHAT: Have a few mixed drinks at Lincoln Park before the weather gets a little too cool. SO WHAT: The second annual spirits tasting event at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo features sampling stations at the zoo's animal houses where tasting ticket holders can check out a variety of liquors. There will be food and liquor pairings to get the most out of the expedience and a DJ providing the music throughout. You'll also have a look inside the world of cocktails at the Mixology Stage where bartenders will share their cocktail-making secrets. NOW WHAT: Tickets are $49 for general admission, $20 for designated drivers, and $6 for VIP which includes tasting tickets and a souvenir glass. RSVP with Do312 for a complimentary Wild Spirits tasting sample to be used with your purchased ticket! SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15th and 16th Open House Chicago @ Various Locations Throughout Chicago, 9:00AM - 5:00PM WHAT: A chance to see some of the beautiful buildings Chicago has to offer. SO WHAT: The Chicago Architecture Foundation will be opening doors to the city's most interesting places, with more than 200 buildings offering a chance to experience behind the scenes access. You'll be able to explore the culture and diversity of our amazing city through its impressive architecture. All the tours are free and are first-come, first-served. Visit the Open House Chicago website for a full list of locations. NOW WHAT: It's all free, so plan these 48 hours accordingly. Logan Square Food Truck Social Presented by The A.V. Club @ Logan Square, W Armitage Ave & N Humboldt Blvd., 11:00AM - 10:00PM WHAT: Some amazing food from some local food trucks. SO WHAT: The A.V. Club, which just launched a new food section Supper Club, will be presenting the Logan Square Food Truck Social on Humboldt Blvd. between Armitage and Bloomingdale in Logan Square. The event will feature up to 26 food trucks with live music curated by the Empty Bottle, beer from Revolution Brewing, and lots of delicious Hormel Black Label Bacon. Live music will be provided by Steve Gunn and Jim Elkington of alt-rock band Eleventh Day Dream, Chicago producer and musician RP Boo, Open Mike Eagle,  Doug McComb’s. Dave Davison of Maps and Atlases, and many more. Keep an eye on the Empty Bottle event page for updates on participating food trucks, additional musicians and set times. NOW WHAT: There is a $5 suggested donation, which will benefit Yates Elementary School, La Casa Norte/Northwest Food Partners Network, and Illinois Food Truck Owners Association. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16th