Things to do this weekend - Jul 18 - 20

This week's featured shot - of recently reunited Chicago band Mantis - from the TOC Flickr photo group comes to us from liz_noise.

In addition to the below, there's a music festival going on this weekend. Perhaps you've heard of it: Pitchfork?

Here's what else is going on in the city:

FRIDAY

BOOKS - Miles Harvey
Chicago author Harvey (Island of Lost Maps) reads from his new book, Painter in a Savage Land, the story of a French painter sent to America to document the New World. Harvey discovered the painter when his work adorned the cover of Harvey’s best-seller, The Island of Lost Maps. 7:30pm. Women and Children First, 5233 N Clark St between Foster and Berwyn Aves (773-769-9299). El: Red to Berwyn. Bus: 22 Clark (24hrs), 92 Foster. FREE!

COMEDY - Baby Wants Candy 
BWC is one of those shows you need to check out every few months. They're an outstanding ensemble of players, and there's something about music that makes ho-hum improv seem more lively. Not that BWC ever has that problem, because their shows are usually strong to boot. 10:30pm. Apollo Theater, 2540 N Lincoln Ave at Lill St (773-935-6100). El: Red, Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Fullerton. Bus: 8, 11, 74. $8–$15.

DANCE - Swing Dance with the Flat Cats swing band
A swing-dance lesson will be given from 7:30–8:30pm, and open dance follows with live music from the Flat Cats, who blend vintage and modern swinging jazz, jump blues, steamy standards, modern classics, ballads and toe-tapping Western swing. Singles and couples of all ages are encouraged to attend. Bust out those vintage threads: No jeans or gym shoes, please. A bit about the venue: The Willowbrook is the last remaining area ballroom in continuous operation with ongoing weekly dances and classes, and it has a 6,000-square-foot dance floor, so you can really swing out. 7:30pm. Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S Archer Ave, Willow Springs. (708-839-1000, willowbrookballroom.com) Metra: Heritage Corridor to Willow Springs. $12, students with ID $10.

FILM - The Dark Knight
If you didn’t buy your tickets to The Dark Knight at the Navy Pier IMAX for opening weekend, you are shit out of luck; they're sold out. But you can probably still get into a regular screening of the 35mm version at local theaters.

MUSEUMS & CULTURE - Grant Park Music Festival: Gershwin 
Three days a week, the classical music of Grant Park Symphony Orchestra and esteemed solo guests fill Millennium Park. On Fri 18 and Sat 19, the orchestra plays Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and other favorites, as sung by veteran Broadway stars. 6:30pm. Millennium Park, Michigan Ave between Monroe and Randolph Sts (312-742-7638, grantparkmusicfestival.com). El: Red to Monroe; Blue to Washington; Pink, Orange, Green, Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Randolph. Bus: 3, 4 (24hrs), 14, 124, 145, 151 (24hrs), 157. FREE!

SPORTS & REC - Road Raves
As long as there’s no rain, the National Skate Patrol, a group of dedicated in-liners who promote safe skating, holds twice-monthly, themed tours through the city streets. Anyone with a helmet and wrist guards (skates might help, too) is welcome to join the group for a fun, leisurely 9- to 10-mile skate. Check the website on Friday afternoon for details on that night’s rave (or for cancellations should the weather take a nasty turn). 7:30pm. Daley Center, 50 W Washington St between Clark and Dearborn Sts (nsp-chicago.org). El: Red to Lake; Blue to Washington; Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to Randolph. FREE!

THEATER - The People's History of the United States
Written and directed by Andrew Park, Quest’s latest spectacle explores pivotal moments in American history (though it’s not based on the Howard Zinn book). 8pm. Quest Resident Space, 1609 W Gregory St between Ashland Ave and Paulina St (312-458-0895). El: Red to Bryn Mawr. Bus: 22 Clark (24hrs), 92 Foster. FREE.

SATURDAY

ART & DESIGN - Seventh Annual Pilsen Together Art Festival
Enjoy local art, food and live music at this event hosted next door to the National Museum of Mexican Art. 11am–7pm. Harrison Park, 1824 S Wood St between 18th and 19th Sts (312-738-1503, nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org). El: Pink to 18th. Bus: 9 Ashland (24hrs), 50 Damen. FREE!

BOOKS - Elizabeth Royte
Royte follows up her excellent Garbageland, with the bottled water exposé Bottlemania. In a May review, we called it “an intriguing look at a totem of the ultramodern, perhaps selfish, way we live now.” 1pm. Budlong Woods Public Library Branch, 5630 N Lincoln Ave between Bryn Mawr and Hollywood Aves (312-742-9590). Bus: 11 Lincoln, 49B North Western. FREE!

DANCE - Contact Improvisation Class & Jam Yoga Now
Led by dancer and yoga teacher Julia Rae Antonick, the session starts with an hour-long class introducing skills in contact improvisation. Learn how to dance with one or more partners using techniques such as weight sharing, weight bearing, counterbalancing and more. At 8pm, the floor is open for a movement jam where you can practice these skills in a safe environment. This workshop repeats the third Saturday of each month. 7–10pm. Edgewater, 5852 N Broadway between Ardmore and Rosedale Aves (773-561-9642, yoganowchicago.com). El: Red to Thorndale. Bus: 36 Broadway, 147 Outer Drive Express. $10, jam only (arrive at 8pm) $5.

GAY & LESBIAN - Sappho's Salon: A Night of Lesbian Diversions
A packed house awaits at this evening of lesbian art and literature. 7pm. Women & Children First Bookstore, 5233 N Clark St between Foster and Berwyn Aves (773-769-9299). El: Red to Berwyn. Bus: 22 Clark (24hrs), 92 Foster. $7–$10 sliding fee donation.

MUSEUMS & CULTURE - Let’s Pet Together Festival
Here’s one summer social you can attend without feeling guilty about leaving Fido home alone. Dogs are welcome to join their human pals for this rain-or-shine rooftop party that includes food and drink, a Dunkin Doggies pool party, a mini-golf course and more—all to benefit the Anti-Cruelty Society. Mix and mingle with other animal advocates, enter the raffle for prizes, buy Fluffy a doggy massage or visit with animal psychic Denise Zak. Noon–3pm. Anti-Cruelty Society, 169 W Grand Ave between Wells St and LaSalle Blvd (312-644-8338, ext 307). El: Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Merchandise Mart. Bus: 22 (24hrs), 65, 156. $20, kids 13 and under $5.

SPAS, GYMS & HEALTH - Women’'s Health Magazine Summer Fest: Are You Game?
Gas prices are high and vacation time is scant, but this summer, Women’'s Health magazine delivers an adventure getaway right to our doorsteps. For one day, North Avenue Beach will brimfill with outdoor fun, including a rock- climbing wall, mechanical bull, retro-robics, a golf-swing challenge and more. On the more relaxing side, you can expect live music, beauty and spa treatments, fashion shows and a happy hour. For more information, check out womenshealthmag.com/areyougame. 10am–5pm. North Avenue Beach, 1600 N Lake Shore Dr at North Ave. Bus: 72 North, 151 Sheridan (24hrs).

SPORTS & REC - Aberdeen Street Dodgeball Ninja Tournament
Surely you’ve read about this secret set of dodgeball ninjas on these very pages. After honing their skills on Tuesday and Thursday nights (see above), the ninjas are ready to host this second-annual double-elimination tourney. Cash prizes will go to the kings and queens of the court, and proceeds go to a local charity. 11am. Sheridan Park, 910 S Aberdeen St between Polk and Taylor Sts (thatdookieshit.com/sabaidee/Dodgeball/Dodgeball2008.php). El: Blue to Racine. Bus: 38 Ogden/Taylor. $10 per player.

THEATER - Milly's Orchid Show
Starting in 1987, Brigid Murphy’s legendary vaudeville—hosted by her alter ego Milly May Smithy—nurtured the careers of folks such as David Sedaris, Ira Glass and Lynda Barry. Alumni returning for this one-night anniversary show include Nora Dunn, Robbie Fulks, Poi Dog Pondering and Blue Man Group. Park West, 322 W Armitage Ave at Clark St (brigidsbags.com). Bus: 11, 22 (24hrs), 36, 73. $30. 8pm.

SUNDAY

ART & DESIGN - Slide Lecture: “Life as a Legend: Marilyn Monroe”
Set to “Candle in the Wind” (not really), curator Alexander Sairally’s presentation outlines the concepts underlying this survey of art relating to the late movie star. 2:15pm. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E Randolph St at Michigan Ave (312-744-6330, chicagoculturalcenter.org). El: Red to Lake; Orange, Pink, Green, Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Randolph. Metra: Elec Main to Millennium Station. FREE!

DANCE - SummerDance: Ballroom
Instructors from BallroomChicago.com lead an hour-long lesson to start the afternoon; at 5pm the Teddy Lee Orchestra plays along. 4pm. Grant Park, Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S Michigan Ave at Harrison St (312-744-6630). El: Red to Harrison. Bus: 1, 3, X3, 4 (24hrs), X4, 6, 7, 10, 14, 26, 28, 126, 145, 146, 147. FREE!

FILM - Lawrence of Arabia at Music Box
To really appreciate Peter O’Toole’ performance in Lawrence of Arabia, you need to see it on the big screen and you need to see a 70mm print. Done and done at the Music Box this Sunday. 2:30, 7pm. Music Box, 3733 N Southport Ave between Grace St and Waveland Ave (773-871-6604). El: Brown to Southport. Bus: 80 Irving Park, 152 Addison. Regular and midnight $9.25, first daily show $8.75.

GAY & LESBIAN - Angels & Queens
Bust a move with other queers at Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz's new rocker bar. 10pm. Angels & Kings, 710 N Clark St between Huron and Superior Sts (312-482-8600). El: Red to Chicago. Bus: 22 (24hrs), 36, 65, 66, 147. $5.

SHOPPING & STYLE - Knee Deep Vintage
This shop’s well-edited collection of vintage threads (everything from the 1940s to the ’80s) has been luring clothes hounds to Pilsen ever since it opened, and now here’s another reason to pop into the store: 25% off all clothing. Visit Knee Deep this week, mention the secret password ("Time Out Chicago", duh) and the discount is yours. Noon–6pm. Knee Deep Vintage, 1425 W 18th St at Bishop St (312-850-2510). El: Pink to 18th. Bus: 9 Ashland, 60 Blue Island.

SPORTS & REC - Fleet Feet Sports Women’s Festival
These 5K and 10K races around Montrose Harbor are open to women only, but men are more than welcome to show up and cheer on their wives, girlfriends, sisters, moms or even strangers…well, that might come across as a little creepy. Maybe waiting till the postrace party, featuring munchies and massages, might be a better time to impress the ladies. Proceeds from the race go to Catch Your Breath, a women’s and lung health initiative. 7:30am. Montrose Harbor, 4400 N Lake Shore Dr at Montrose Ave (contact Fleet Feet at 312-944-4113, fleetfeetchicago.com). El: Red to Wilson. Bus: 78, 136, 144. $30, day of race $35, kids 2–14 $10.

THEATER - Ruby Wilder
Ruby intends to track down her sister Junebug’s killer, but the killer (not to mention the play’s narrator and poor dead Junebug herself) have their own ideas on how the story should go in writer-director Brooke Allen’s new drama. Not Waiting Productions at Chemically Imbalanced Theater, 1420 W Irving Park Rd between Southport and Janssen Aves (800-838-3006). El: Brown to Addison. Bus: 9, 22 (24hrs), 80, 152. $20. 5pm.