PROST! One of the best local Oktoberfest celebrations goes down this weekend in Lakeview. Get your fill of beer, bands, and brats Friday through Sunday, with proceeds benefiting St. Alphonsus Church. The event will be held outdoors under a big top tent. Schedule, 3000 N. Lincoln Ave, $5
FOLKLORIQUE: If you've never been to AKIRA's annual Garden of Eden Fashion Show, don't let another year. The models will be strutting their stuff at the beautiful backdrop of Galleria Marchetti on Sunday, and continues with an after-party at Japonais. Proceeds benefit Imerman Angels. 5 p.m., 825 W. Erie, Tickets $15 - $100
BEST BURGER: Bon Appétit executive chef Cat Cora and Art Smith of Table 52 host the Hamburger Hop Friday night, an event showcasing 15 of the area's top chefs in a friendly burger showdown. Sample creations from the likes of Quartino's John Coletta, Girl & The Goat's Stephanie Izard and Sola's Carol Wallack. A celebrity panel of judges will determine the best burger. 6-9 p.m., Harris Theatre Rooftop, Millennium Park, $75 Feast: Can't-miss Chicago Gourmet events
FOOD AND FILM: The Chicago Food & Film Festival is the first film fest of its kind that pairs up movies with munchies. For example, watch the 15-minute "The Best of Hamburger America," then chow down on burgers from DMK Burger Bar. Or watch six minutes of "The Perfect Oyster" to get you ready for Fanny Bay oysters shucked by Shaw's Crab House. Event happens Friday and Saturday at the MCA Warehouse (1747 West Hubbard St.). FRI-SAT, 7 p.m., 1747 West Hubbard St, $30
FAMILY DINNER: Just in time for fall, family-style suppers arrive at Balsan on Sunday. Grab your friends -- or actual family members -- and relax with a multi-course meal for $29 per person at the swanky Gold Coast Elysian hotel. The pre-fixe menu changes weekly, but look for hearty, fall-focused feastables like wood-fire roasted chicken, pasta carbonara and home-style peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream. 5-10pm Sundays.
BBQ AND BREW: Head to Moonshine's third-annual Rib-A-Que Smoke-Out to sample a number of ribs from the likes of SmallBar, Honky Tonk BBQ, Smoke Daddy, FIZZ, Socca and Sheffield's. The chefs will go head to head to see who takes home the highly coveted Gilded Grill. You'll get to sample all their dishes for $25 (or $35 at door). Noon-6pm Saturday.
