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Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Thursday Oct 08, 2009.     By Centerstage Chicago Staff

Lifestyle Feed

Riot Fest
Through Sunday, various theaters, prices vary ($70 for a three-day pass to Congress Theater)
Several rockin' shows spread out across five venues (Congress Theater, Metro, Subterranean, Double Door, Cobra Lounge) over five days. We're talking mosh-inducing rock and punk including Screeching Weasel, NOFX, Alkaline Trio, Naked Raygun, Butthole Surfers and The Dead Milkmen. Oi!

Chicago International Film Festival
Through October 22, AMC River East 21, prices vary
You pretty much can't go wrong with any of the 100-plus films that will be screened over the next two weeks, but opening night is a can't-miss affair. Uma Thurman will appear to receive an award from the festival, as well as screen her new movie, Motherhood.
More: Check out our festival picks

Vegan Mania
Saturday, Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, free
This daylong celebration of the vegan lifestyle offers plenty of food, entertainment, speakers, art, kids' activities and more. Performers include synth artist dreamlogicc, contemporary songwriter Bryan Harrell, Egyptian belly-dancer Deserae and funk/rock band Darmata.

Rakim
11:59 p.m. Saturday at House of Blues, $23-$25
You hate to throw around a term like "living legend" lightly, but that's what Rakim is to many in hip-hop circles. He'll be showcasing his first studio album in over a decade, The Seventh Seal, along with an impressive collection of previous hits. Local singer/hip-hopstress Psalm One opens.

Andersonville Dessert Crawl
2-5 p.m. Sunday, starting at the Swedish American Museum Center, $25-$40
Give your sweet tooth a workout at this fourth annual event, which features a stroll through the Andersonville neighborhood while munching on desserts and pastries from area merchants. Choose from one of two routes ("sugar" or "spice") for $25 each, or do 'em both ("everything nice") for $40. Participating restaurants include: George's Ice Cream & Sweets, Hamburger Mary's, In Fine Spirits, La Cocina de Frida, Noodle Zone, Piatto Pronto, Svea, The Coffee Studio, Big Jones and Wooden Spoon.

Just missed the cut: Chicago Marathon, Fiera Italiana, Harvest Festival (North Park Village Nature Center), Tom Russell