The big event this weekend is Fashion's Night Out on Friday evening, offering shopping, discounts, gifts, fashion shows, performances and more. The worldwide event was launched last year in New York to help prop up the fashion and retail industries. Most major retailers downtown are taking part, including Water Tower Place, Neiman Marcus, and Macy's on State, where from 6 to 11 PM you can mingle with this year's class of designers-in-residence at the Chicago Fashion Incubator and check out their fall collections. Check the Fashion's Night Out website for a full list of participating retailers.

And there's more:

Tonight Le Dress holds a preview of fall styles with discounts of 20 percent off fall clothing and accessories. They'll also be offering "guest stylists" a chance to win prizes, including a gift card, by dressing a store mannequin. Register as a stylist and/or RSVP to RSVP@lizkorespr.com.

Friday at 8 PM marks the debut of Soundsuits, the week-long video installation by SAIC fashion department chair Nick Cave, at the corner of 23rd and Michigan. Cave will be on hand (and signing copies of the September issue of Vogue, featuring his suits) from 9:30 to 10 PM. The installation continues every night at 8 PM through next Friday, September 17th. There's also a pop-up shop adjacent to the installation selling T-shirts, cards, gift wrap, and other items designed by Cave in collaboration with Bob Faust of Faust Design; it's open from 6 to 9 PM during the duration of the installation.

Also on Friday, Chicago designer Ashley Zygmunt presents the fall collection of her line, Zamrie, at Manor, 642 N. Clark. There's a cocktail reception from 10 to 11 PM followed by a fashion show. RSVP to achapman@zamrie.com.

The Renegade Craft Fair returns to take over Division Street between Damen and Paulina this weekend. Besides handmade jewelry, bags, clothing, and accessories, the event offers workshops, art and music performances, a raffle, and more. It's from 11 AM to 7 PM on Saturday and Sunday.