That Zombie Rising thing sounds really fun, we will have to check it out.
As for other events, I will concur that there are a lot of things to do. You will always find something going on. And what other people have said, it can burn you out quick. I am usually anti-salad, but I have found if I make sure I eat well, and not munch only on horrible Con food, I am actually able to do more. So Gen Con now == Salads for me. I'll do anything that helps me game more.
Now what I am I running around doing? Well, trying out new board games I haven't had a chance otherwise to play, doing some mini painting (The paint and take can have a long wait list though), or Playing NASCRAG.
Nascrag is kinda what happens when silly improv sketch comedians try to run a D&D tournament. It is a tournament so after the 1st round you only play the next rounds if you 'do well enough' to advance. Unlike the D&D Open where it's how many rooms you get through... NASCRAG is more about roleplaying, making the GM crack up, solving puzzles and maybe rolling some dice. The more outrageously hilarious you can play your character the better you do. There are prizes if you make it to the final round, with the top 3 teams getting some pretty decent ones.
To get into the 2 tournament rounds you have to qualify in one of the 1st round qualifiers that happen Thursday and Friday. The Friday 9PM one is very popular, and even if you aren't playing, it's worth a drive by to see all the crazy teams dressed up for it.
The only down side is that the final 2 rounds are 1PM and 7PM Saturday. And you won't know if you are playing in these until late Friday night. I however, suck this up, because playing NASCRAG has been some of the most fun I have ever had.
I usually laugh so hard, I've taken to wearing depends during it. Ha haa. Just kidding. (maybe)
***edit*** and ha ha. I didn't even notice that someone before me had made a whole thread extolling the virtues of NASCRAG. See, it's just that good.