The Airborne Toxic Event
7:30 p.m. at Park West; $25
This LA-based band counts Adam Clayton among its fans, and it's not hard to understand the connection. There's a hint of U2 and a pinch of Arcade Fire in Airborne Toxic Event's anthemic sound and epic tales of love won and lost, delivered with rare passion by frontman Mikel Jollett. (Mike Clark)

Berghoff Oktoberfest
11 a.m.-9 p.m. at Berghoff; free
This three-day German party kicks off today with great food and beer, raffles and live music from Maggie Speaks.

Gay-la 3.0
7:30 p.m. at Mary’s Attic; $10
Cameron Esposito and Ben Lerman headline a night of laughs to benefit Equality Illinois and PFLAG.