EAT
Sweet Samples
Vanille Patisserie
131 N. Clinton St. 312-575-9963
The pastry shop celebrates its grand re-opening at the Chicago French Market by offering samples of pumpkin, apple and pecan pie plus a holiday tart demonstration (11 a.m.) and a free cup of coffee with any purchase. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.
Gobble Gobble
Socca
3301 N. Clark St. 773-248-1155
Learn how to brine turkey, cook roasted sausage stuffing and mix holiday cocktails at the hands-on Thanksgiving Delights cooking class. Bonus: You'll get to eat and drink everything you make. $30. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. RSVP required.
Hot Stuff
Moonshine
1824 W. Division St. 773-862-8686
Sample chili made by 16 professional and amateur chefs and vote for your favorite at the fourth annual Warm Up & Bear Down Chili Cook-Off. Bring a coat to donate and score $5 off your ticket. $10-$15. 2-6 p.m. Sunday.
DRINK
Pantry Party
State Restaurant & Cafe
935 W. Webster Ave. 773-975-8030
Support the Lakeview Pantry at the second annual Eliminate Hunger Social, which includes appetizers, beer, cocktails and a raffle. $45-$50. 7-10 p.m. Friday.
Hop to it
Riverfront Theater
650 W. Chicago Ave.
Sip beer samples to your heart's content at the second annual Beer Hoptacular, which showcases dozens of craft breweries from around the country, from Colorado-based Left Hand and Louisana's Abita to local favorites such as 5 Rabbit, Piece and Half Acre. Take advantage of the chance to try brews from Illinois breweries outside Chicago, such as Tighthead from Mundelein and Destihl from Normal. Sessions run 6-9:30 p.m. Friday, 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday and 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday. $45. Tickets: beerhoptacular.com
Case Closed
Smart Bar
3730 N. Clark St. 773-549-4140
Watch teams decorate bookcases that will be filled with books and donated to nonprofits across the city at the Make the Case contest hosted by literacy program Open Books. Tickets include appetizers, drinks, a raffle ticket and coupon for the Open Books store. $40. 7-9 p.m. Friday.
Slam Dunk
The Pony
1638 W. Belmont Ave. 773-828-5055
Celebrate the start of college basketball season with $4 stadium cups and $5 select cocktails at the University of Kentucky vs. Maryland Tip-Off Party. Fill up before the game starts with a free pizza buffet (5-6 p.m.). No cover. 7:30 p.m.
DO
A Dose of Shopping
River East Art Center
435 E. Illinois St. 312-321-1001
Get an early start on buying your holiday gifts by shopping for chocolates, clothing, accessories, jewelry, perfume and more at Dose Market. Brews from 5 Rabbit Brewery and spiked punch courtesy of Femme du Coupe mixology will make the experience way more relaxing than tourist-packed Michigan Avenue. $8-$10. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: dosemarket.com.
Live TV
The Hideout
1354 W. Wabansia Ave. 773-227-4433
Watch a live performance of Studs Terkel's 1950s TV show "Studs' Place," updated for 2012 by Pocket Guide To Hell. Then stick around to hear about efforts to restore original episodes. $7-$10 suggested donation. 7 p.m. Sunday.
REDEYE TIP OF THE DAY
River North restaurant Slurping Turtle (116 W. Hubbard St.) launches its Bento Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.