If you laughed at My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you will laugh even more at Jamaica Farewell. Hershey Felder (Louis and Keely Live at the Sahara,Pianist of Willesden Lane, George Gershwin Alone) presents this new comedy written and performed by Kingston-born actress Debra Ehrhardt (based on her true life story) and directed by Joel Zwick (My Big Fat Greek Wedding). Jamaica Farewell chronicles Ehrhardt’s daring escape from revolution-torn Jamaica to fulfill her lifelong dream of coming to America — a trek that becomes exponentially more perilous when she agrees to smuggle $1 million in cash to a mysterious contact in Miami. The line between bravery and foolishness gets blurred as Ehrhardt embarks upon the most dangerous (and most thrilling) adventure of her life in this hit solo show.  Tickets through Goldstar are $5-$12 (plus fee) for performances through October at the Royal George Theatre.

With delicious tastings, a weekend full of great football games and a huge outdoor party location, Chili Fest Chicago is the place to get your chili fix on. Sample the infinite possibilities chili has to offer from vendors hand-picked and curated by The Nosh Chicago. The city’s best gourmet vendors will be vying for your taste buds’ attention, while the weekend’s football games air on patio TVs — making for great viewing parties. Choose from ticket packages that include chili samples, unlimited drinks from a craft beer and mimosa selection, or go big with the combination package that includes both. See the full event listing for more information.  Grab tickets for this October 17/18 weekend for as little as Comp!

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to find space mind-blowingly, fantastically awesome. Exploding stars, unfathomable distances, diamond planets and black holes are enough to excite anyone! Named the top “must-have” family membership in Chicago by Red Tricycle, the Adler Planetarium brings these concepts and more to life in exciting and educational ways. At the Adler, kids and adults alike can indulge their inner astronaut and discover the mysteries of the Universe through interactive and engaging exhibits and immersive sky shows. This one-year membership for individuals or families entitles you to unlimited free admission to the Adler, plus theater tickets, discounts around the museum and select programming, and invitations to members-only events. Please see the full event description for more information about the membership.  Packages prices range from $50 to $90.

Everything from Ghost Ships to Haunted Flea Markets! Local fright zones are keyed to your location.  Click on any of the offers.

And lots of tricks and treats aboard the Haunted Halloween Dance Party Cruise on the Spirit of Chicago

See five magnificent shows for the price of four with Lyric Opera of Chicago’s 5-Show Subscription Package. Your choice of three different packages with different combinations of five upcoming Lyric Opera of Chicago shows: Cinderella, Romeo and Juliet, The Marriage of Figaro, Wozzeck, The King and I, Nabucco, Der Rosenkavalier, The Merry Widow and Bel Canto. Please see full event listing for the specific packages and more information about the productions.

Newlyweds Paul and Corie are just starting their life together in a tiny Manhattan apartment. He’s a straight-laced lawyer and she’s a free spirit who’s always looking for the latest adventure. Paul doesn’t understand Corie’s relaxed ways, and she’d like him to be just a bit more spontaneous. Something as simple as running “barefoot in the park” would be a start. Throw in a New York brownstone in disrepair, an eccentric neighbor and a surprise visit from Corie’s mother, and watching the ups and downs of married life has never been so enjoyable. This Tony-nominated comedy from Neil Simon (The Odd Couple, Lost in Yonkers) is filled with the playwright’s trademark witty repartee and hilarious characters.  Tickets on Goldstar for October performance dates start at $5 (plus fee) for performances at Athenaeum Theatre Studio One

AL Central Rivals Clash as Twins Visit White Sox on Flat Cap Night

In a game with major playoff implications, the Chicago White Sox play host to the surprising Minnesota Twins in an AL Central showdown at U.S. Cellular Field. The Twins were not supposed to be in the middle of the wild-card chase, but here they are, thanks to the combination of young studs like Miguel Sano and savvy vets like Torii Hunter. The White Sox will relish the opportunity to play spoiler thanks to a pitching staff stacked with live arms in the form of Chris Sale and Jeff Samardzija. It will be a busy day at the park as rap legends Cypress Hill throw out the first pitch on White Sox Flat Cap night, where the first 20,000 adults age 21 and over pick up a cool hat, in addition to post-game fireworks.

Tuesday Night Happy Hour Cruise of Lake Michigan

Shake up your happy-hour routine with this Tuesday night cocktail party aboard the lovely AfterWorkCruises yacht, sailing from Chicago’s famed Navy Pier. Enjoy live DJ tunes, dancing and the fully-stocked cash bars on the yacht’s two interior decks as you take in panoramic sunset views of the city’s world-famous skyline throughout the two-hour cruise. This fun, leisurely sail around Lake Michigan is a great way to unwind, kick back and mingle with old friends and new.

Monday Night Sunset Cocktail Cruise: Tour Lake Michigan on a Yacht

Sometimes you can force yourself to wait the whole week to party it up on Friday night. But sometimes you need to do it on a Monday. So why not hit the lake on an AfterWorkCruises yacht, which boasts plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, a fully stocked cash and snack bar and a hot live DJ. Unwind, relax, watch the sunset and dance the evening away. Monday may just become your favorite night of the week after you spend it sipping cocktails on this two-hour cruise.

Fans of everyone’s favorite colorful building blocks will be in LEGO heaven when Brick Fest Live comes to Chicago. Get inspired, educated and entertained as you participate in hands-on building attractions and shop the largest variety of LEGO-themed merchandise under one roof. You can build a derby car and test its aerodynamics against other cars on a timed track, put on your hard hat and add to a growing LEGO city, challenge fellow gamers in a themed video game arena, shop for rare and custom sets and much more from one of the many vendors participating in this exciting event. There’s something for all ages here — all you need to bring is your creativity to Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.  Tickets are $20 (plus fee) for October 2, 3 and 4.