This weekend, Chicago will host the 2015 Blind World and International Championship, the Windy City BBQ Classic, and the opening of a Pulitzer Prize-winning play. You can also give back at Syd Rocks Live in Evanston or take a moment to reflect in Highwood during the unveiling of a sculpture that honors those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.

2015 Blind World and International Championship

Sept. 10-13
Chicago

This championship, hosted by the Chicago Yacht Club, the Chicago Match Race Center and Sail Sheboygan, will feature 15 teams of four crew members, two of whom are visually impaired. Racing begins at 10:55 a.m. each day approximately 1.5 miles off of Belmont Harbor.

9/11 Sculpture Unveiling

Sept. 11
Highwood

To honor the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, the City of Highwood will unveil a sculpture containing World Trade Center tower debris. The sculpture was created by world-renowned local artist Julie Rotblatt-Amrany, who created the Michael Jordan statue outside of the United Center. A light reception will follow the dedication.

Windy City BBQ Classic

Sept. 12
Chicago

As 70 teams prepare their best chicken, ribs, pork and brisket for judging, you can experience the Grand Tour of American BBQ featuring samples, craft beer and cocktails, a butchering demo, a book signing by Gary Wiviott, raffles, live music, and more. This is the only Chicago barbecue competition sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society, and all proceeds will benefit Operation BBQ Relief.

Syd Rocks Live 2015

Sept. 12
Evanston

Join Syd Rocks at 27 Live as the organization raises funds and awareness for Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis. In addition to making Syd Rocks necklaces and enjoying food and drink, rock out to live music from local bands, including The Will Tilson Band with Corky Siegel, Pink Lightning, Paul Stanley Band, Purple Door and Opening Doors.

“Disgraced”

Opens Sept. 12
Chicago

This Pulitzer Prize-winning production follows Amir Kapoor, who sparks a volatile discussion on race, religion and class after inviting his African American co-worker and her Jewish husband to dinner. “Disgraced” is directed by Evanston’s Kimberly Senior, who directed the play’s debut at the American Theatre Company and its most recent run on Broadway.

Bonus

• Join Wilmette Theatre and local philanthropists, businesses, patrons and supporters for The Mette Masquerade, the theatre’s second annual fundraising gala. Find more information here.
• Honey Butter Fried Chicken is celebrating their second birthday with $2 pimento mac and cheese and $2 draft beers (limit two per order) on Sunday, Sept. 13.