Autumn in Chicago ... Yes!

Unlike the famous Guns N Roses song, this first weekend of November promises to be a beautiful fall weekend with clear skies. All in all, I’m starting to love fall more than summer. Here are some events that will help you enjoy this cities many activities.

Friday

• The 28th Annual Reeling Film Festival features 59 different screenings, including 33 narrative feature films, 10 programs of documentary features and featurettes, and 16 programs of shorts, as well as 7 after-parties and a panel discussion. Venues, movie and prices vary so please visit the website for details.
• Celebrating its 16th year, Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair, SOFA CHICAGO 2009, the critically acclaimed Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair, returns on Nov. 6 – 8 to present masterworks from 68 top international galleries and dealers from 10 countries masterworks from top international galleries and dealers. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, 15 for single day general admission and $25 for a three-day pass, 11am.
• Scholar and human rights activist Luzma Umpierre will attend a reception to honor her for donating her artwork, poetry, photographs and documents that chronicle workplace legal struggles, lesbianism and the migrant experience to DePaul University’s John T. Richardson Library. Depaul University, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave., Free and open to the public, 2 p.m. 773-325-7353.
• Author Margaret Atwood will present a 70-minute dramatic reading from her new novel, “The Year of the Flood,” backed by a troupe of actors and a choir. DePaul Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo, $20, 5:30 p.m.
  
• Mr. International Rubber, the preeminent annual men’s rubber fetish event, features trips to the leather museum and archives, bars events and contests. Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, open registration and ticket sales at Noon, check website for details.
• The Artists of Eastbank will present the “Within the Body” art show. The event will benefit the social-justice group GenderJUST. Within the Body is an exhibition and auction that showcases the work of several emerging artists and will include performance art, installation, music, and 2-D work. Artists of Eastbank, 1200 West 35th St @ Racine, $8, 6pm.
• The Flesh Hungry Dog Show brings live music to Chicago’s gay community and fun, alternative venues for bands with GLBT content and members, and GLBT supportive bands. Jackhammer, 6406 N Clark Street, $10, 9pm.

Saturday

• New Wave Rockers, The Sounds are playing a gig at The Vic Theatre to promote their newest album “Crossing the Rubicon”. Official after party is at Berlin across from the venue. The Vic Theatre, 3145 N Sheffield Ave, $18, 7:30pm. Berlin, 954 W Belmont Ave, $10, 10pm.
• Human Rights Campaign Gala “Time To Shine” “Time to Shine” is the theme of this year’s HRC Chicago Gala with: Joe Solmonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign; Tony Taylor, recipient of the HRC LGBT College Student Award; Rush University Medical Center, recipient of the HRC Corporate Equality Award; Robert Gant of Queer As Folk; and Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child. Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E Wacker Dr, 6pm.

Sunday

• Author Nikki Rashan (“You Make Me Wanna”) will make a personal appearance at Center on Halsted as a part of Center on Halsted’s OUTwrite (an LGBT literary program) in partnership with B.BLYSS! Production. Described as thoughtful and reflective, OUT lesbian author Nikki Rashan uses her ability to tap into the depths of human nature to create emotionally honest and passionate stories of love and romance, mixed with bits of humor and suspense. In her writings, Nikki utilizes the energy she experienced through her journey of self-realization, as she openly shared on the Oprah Winfrey show in 2004 and 2006. Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, $10, 6pm.