The popular performing group Cirque du Soleil is returning to Chicago with Banana Shpeel, and lending their decidedly unique interpretations not to the circus this time, but rather vaudeville. Banana Shpeel is a decidedly different turn for Cirque du Soleil, in that the act has a distinct narrative.

The show tells the tale of Shmelky, Emmett, and Katie -- a theater producer, actor, and love interest, respectively -- and the ins and outs and highs and lows of producing a stage show. Of course, this being Cirque du Soleil, a one sentence description certainly oversimplifies things and it's sure to be a wild ride, including, as Cirque describes it, "crazy humour and intense choreography." This is a preview of the show before it takes up residency in New York.

• What: Cirque du Soleil's Banana Shpeel
• Where: Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State Street, Chicago
• When: November 19, 2009 through January 3, 2010
• Tickets: $35 - $82. Tickets are available online

If you have reservations at one of the five Starwood hotels in downtown Chicago -- the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, Westin Michigan Avenue, W Chicago Lakeshore, W Chicago City Center, and the Tremont Hotel -- you might want to have a backup plan just in case hotel workers move forward on a strike authorized last night. So far the talk of a strike remains as a "negotiating tactic," but an actual strike is not out of the question. Union workers are at odds with new guidelines regarding health insurance benefits, which they say will result in decreased coverage. Read the full story.

There's only one week left to check out The Fear Haunted House at Chicago's Navy Pier. This fright fest has several times been voted as one of the best haunted houses in the Chicago area. Want to read more about how to have your pants scared off of you? Read my Fear Haunted House profile.

Not to be outdone by Brookfield Zoo's Halloween festivities, Lincoln Park Zoo gets into the act this Saturday with their Spooky Zoo Spectacular. This wildly popular event usually draws upwards of 25,000 visitors and features costumed characters, family entertainment, a haunted house, and surely most important to the little ones, trick-or-treating. But don't feed that candy to the animals, kids!

• What: Spooky Zoo Spectacular
• Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, Fullerton Parkway directly west of Lake Shore Drive
• When: Saturday, October 24, 2009
• Hours: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Admission: Free!

Halloween is right around the corner and we here in Chicago LOVE the spooky holiday. One of the highlights is when Daley Plaza becomes "Franken Plaza," with entertainment from Midnight Circus and Pyrotechniq, along with arts and crafts and a farmers market. Activities are free, so it's certainly a recommended stop if traveling to Chicago in the latter part of October, especially if you're coming with the kids. Make sure to read my profile on Franken Plaza for more information.

• What: Franken Plaza
• When: October 23 - 31, 2009
• Where: Daley Plaza (Washington and Dearborn), Chicago, IL

• Visiting Chicago With Kids
• Chicago Events, Festivals and Holidays

Well that was anti-climactic. In what was thought to have been a battle between Chicago and Rio for the 2016 Summer Olympics, Chicago was instead handed its hat in the first round. Many locals who didn't want the Olympics here because the city's finances are broken and because of the amount of political corruption are undoubtedly happy at the outcome, yet oddly have their civic pride damaged by coming in last.

Which is ridiculous. Despite its problems, Chicago is still a great place to visit, Olympics or no Olympics. We have fantastic architecture, excellent museums, incredible restaurants, a constant array of events -- you name it, Chicago has it (well, except the Olympics). So now that you don't have to wait until 2016 to plan a trip here, come to Chicago much sooner -- you'll be glad you did.

Chicago Gourmet, an upscale food fest that was held in Millennium Park, seemed to go off without a hitch this year. Organizers seemed to listen to feedback regarding the perceived missteps in 2008 and if the level of quality from this year continues we could be looking at an annual event that rivals other famous food festivals in the United States.

Want to see a little bit of what you missed (and to perhaps be enticed to attend next year)? Check out my Chicago Gourmet pictures.

Part of the appeal of traveling to Chicago is its vibrant theater community. Not only do we have big, Broadway-style productions (many shows do runs here before heading to NYC), but there's also a community of small, local theaters putting out some compelling work. And what makes a night at the theater even better? How about not paying for tickets?

The Theatre Communications Group is promoting live theater across the United States by holding their 5th annual Free Night of Theater event in October. Many Chicago theaters are participating, like The Second City, Halcyon Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Victory Gardens. Blocks of tickets will be released starting September 29, 2009, and again every Tuesday throughout the month of October. Find out more details and participating theaters/shows at the Free Night of Theater website.

A popular tour for out-of-towners is a Chicago River architecture cruise. Whether it's with the Chicago Architecture Foundation or with Shoreline Sightseeing, both have informed docents doling out interesting facts and trivia about the rich history of Chicago architecture. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, so I took a tour recently myself and brought the camera along to show you what you can expect. Here's a gallery of Chicago river tour pictures.

Chicago Gourmet returns for its 2nd year, after the inaugural debut was deemed a big success. Hosted in Millennium Park, Chicago Gourmet brings together over 50 of the city's best and brightest chefs giving live cooking demonstrations, along with samples of gourmet food, 300 wines, and 65 spirit providers. An exclusive Grand Cru event will feature tastings of 50 premium wines from around the world. But while the event is being held in a public park, don't think the unwashed masses are going to be able to participate -- this is a private, high-end event that you'll have to shell out some big dollars for. Find out more by reading my Chicago Gourmet 2009 profile.