Spend a Freaky Friday at the Weather Mark
The Weather Mark Tavern, 1503 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, hosts a pre-Halloween party with special guest Ed Shanahan, a paranormal expert and host of The Unexplained World radio show. Several psychics and tarot card readers will join Shanahan from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. today for readings and consultations. There's no cover, but the psychics will accept a $10 "offering."
Also, the tavern hosts a Halloween party and costume contest from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Oct. 27. The $50 cover includes draft beer, well liquor, house wine and holiday munchies. (312) 588-0230.
Local teen troops play improv fest: The Chicago Improv Festival and the Chicago Park District present the second annual Teen Comedy Fest this weekend at the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Drive, Chicago.
Among the six teams participating are the Improv Playhouse Teen Ensemble from Libertyville, Piven Theatre's Young People's Company from Evanston and Elmhurst's Harold and Maude. Performances are at 7 and 9 p.m. today and Saturday. Tickets are $10. For more information, call (312) 742-7529.
Wine and dine for pets: NBC5's Andy Avalos hosts the Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago's seventh annual It's Raining Cats and Dogs fundraiser from 6:30 to 10 p.m. today at the offices at 510 N. LaSalle St., Chicago. Ron Harris and his jazz trio supply the music for the event featuring 36 wines and food from 20 top Chicago chefs.
Tickets are $125. They're available online at www.anticruelty.org or by phone at (312) 644-8338, ext. 307. Proceeds support pet adoption, the spay and neuter clinic, cruelty and abuse investigations, rescue, training and community outreach.
Sports bar offers party planning help: Junior's Sports Lounge at 724 W. Maxwell St., Chicago, offers tips on how to throw the perfect football party from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Ardie Sayers, wife of Hall of Fame Chicago Bear Gale Sayers, hosts the event, which includes hors d'oeuvres, a buffet and complimentary mojitos and martinis. The price is $40 per person. (773) 276-7582.
Sedaris on stage: Humorist and author David Sedaris reads from his books, which include "Me Talk Pretty One Day" and "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim," at 8 p.m. today at the Center for the Performing Arts, Governors Statue University, at Governors Highway and University Parkway, University Park. Tickets are $45. They're available by phone at (708) 235-2222 or online at www.centertickets.net.