A skeleton parade, special screening of 'Cloud Atlas,' beast burgers and more

Digable to-do

You might not know the name Juan Posada, but you've likely seen his work. The turn-of-the-century Mexican artist sketched scenes of animated skeletons whooping it up despite being, well, skeletons. A political cartoonist, Posada used skeletons as his subject matter to send the message to pre-revolution Mexico that death's the great equalizer. These days, Posada's artwork is most often associated with Day of the Dead, so from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, Space 4 Art (325 15th St., East Village) celebrates Posada and the holiday with Gran Fandango y Francachela de Todos Las Calaveras (Grand Dance Party of all the Skeletons). The event, as the name implies, features a giant processions of skeletons, led by the San Diego Guild of Puppetry, as well as an exhibit exploring Day of the Dead traditions with a focus on Posada's work. There'll also be Mexican hot chocolate, tamales and traditional pan de muerto, face-painting and mask-making activities and more. The event also doubles as a fundraiser ($5 admission) for arts programs in local schools. And though it's not required, feel free to wear a costume or mask befitting the holiday.  

Digable film

Of the new Tom Tykwer / Wachowski siblings film Cloud Atlas, CityBeat’s Anders Wright wrote in last week’s review: “‘Epic’ is a word that’s tossed around liberally these days, but with Cloud Atlas, it’s appropriate.” The film clocks in at three hours, but it moves fast, taking viewers through six stories subtly woven together. The film’s based on David Mitchell’s novel and for that reason, the folks over at The Book Catapult, a San Diego-based website about all things books helmed by the charming duo of Seth Marko and Scott Ehrig-Burgess, are hosting a screening of the film at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Village Theatre (820 Orange Ave. in Coronado). After the screening, they’ll show a pre-recorded interview between Marko and Mitchell and engage the audience in a short discussion on the topic of “book-versus-film.” Tickets are $12.50 each, or $27.50 for a ticket and signed copy of the book and can be purchased through The Book Catapult's website.

Digable tour

Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that honors the dead by welcoming their spirits back to Earth with ofrendas (or offerings). With the holiday approaching, it seems appropriate to pay a visit to a place that is believed will be visited by the long gone. On Saturday, Nov. 3, join Turista Libre for their Dia de los Muertos Graveyard Tour. Leader Derrik Chinn will take folks on a jaunt down to Tijuana to visit Puerta Blanca, the city’s oldest cemetery. The cemetery's historian will tell you tales of ghosts who haunt the cemetery and legends like that of Juan Soldado, a private in the Mexican army back in the 1930s who was killed by firing squad and is believed to answer the prayers of those who visit his grave. The $35 ticket includes bus transportion from the San Ysidro Port of Entry to the graveyard, pizza at El Taller and a round of Tecate at a Downtown TJ dive bar. Purchase tickets in advance from Turista Libre's website and meet the group at 1 p.m. here.

Digable burgers

Starting in November, Burger Lounge is switching things up with its "Game Changer" series where, every two months, you'll get a new beast in patty form—wild boar, elk, venison (pictured left) and bison. Lamb—so, it's not game; don't overthink it—finishes things off in summer 2013. A burger made from grass-fed Colorado bison and topped with Point Reyes blue-cheese crumbles and tangy pickled onions  is the inaugural Game Changer. All of the combos, in fact, feature bold flavors—in January, the Texas wild boar burger will come topped with Applewood smoked cheddar, oven-roasted tomato relish and Sriracha aioli. The 5-year-old San Diego born, eco-conscious burger company that's been expanding northward was just voted L.A. Weekly’s Best New Restaurant in its reader’s poll after opening in Beverly Hills and West Hollywood earlier this year. In the off chance you don't know where your closest Burger Lounge is, find locations here.