WEDNESDAY 25
Check out our round-up of Black Wednesday parties, from Smart Bar to the Metro to Lumen and more.

Quartino’s November Wine Bash pays homage to Thanksgiving with housemade Turkey prosciutto—and pays homage to wine with a tasting of Italian whites and reds from the Abruzzo region. Reservations not accepted; registration begins at 6:30pm at the door. 7–9pm. 626 N State St (312-698-5000). $20.

In preparation for all the hormones, antibiotics and toxins you’ll devour tomorrow, why not take part in a Give Thanks Vegan Dinner tonight? All entrées—like live kale greens, sweet maize corn and sweet potato “cheezcake”—are raw and vegan. Holistic Health Center, 5550 S State St (773-288-7718). $25 at the door.

THURSDAY 26
Find last-minute recipes from Chicago bloggers, seek out a dinner reservation (but be sure to call ahead; many restaurants are fully booked) and find out which great bars will for sure be open after dinner.

FRIDAY 27
What better place to spend Black Friday than a hotel bar? Cityscape Bar, on the 15th floor of the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, hosts a free tasting of Dewar’s Scotch. 6–8pm. 350 W Mart Center Dr (312-836-5000). Free.

SATURDAY 28
Soul-food pickings seem to be getting slimmer and slimmer, but here’s something worth investigating: The Weathington and Dismukes families will be cooking a soul-food dinner in Kennicott Park. 4–7pm. $5/person for dine-in; $10/person for to-go plates. 4434 S Lake Park Ave (888-858-4996 for more information).

SUNDAY 29
Many people are giving thanks for their pets this weekend, but other animals aren’t so lucky. Wing Ding Fest raises money for the Buddy Foundation, which provides shelter to stray, abused and abandoned animals. A $25 entry fee gets you two drink tickets, free wings and a halftime buttet from participating restaurants like Finn McCool’s and Slice of Chicago. Alumni Club Schaumburg, 871 E Algonquin Rd, Schaumburg (847-397-3100). 11am.