16 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Week
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 15, 2015 4:20PM
Best Coast play Metro on Friday. Photo via the band's website.
There's a lot going on around the city this week, and we've got your guide to some of the best events in town.
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15
MUSIC: Albert Hammond Jr. may have started with The Strokes, but this guitarist and vocalist has built quite a pop catalog of his own. His third album, Momentary Masters, came out this summer and tonight he plays at Bottom Lounge. Prinze George opens. Tickets are $20. 8 p.m. 17+
CONCERT: Get Thunderstruck at Wrigley tonight as AC/DC becomes the latest band to play the iconic baseball stadium. They’ll shake you all night long as part of their Rock or Bust World Tour. If you can’t find tickets, Wrigley shows are popular for propping up a lawn chair outside, or just pull up a stool at one of the local bars and take in the music. Show starts at 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 16
DANCE: The Joffrey Ballet kicks off their 60th Anniversary season with Millennials, a program running just through the weekend. Three young choreographers present works representing the vitality of this young generation. Tonight’s performance is at 7:30 p.m. and tickets start at $32 ($20 with the code TRYIT).
MUSIC: The Struts are a raucous rock band that strutted right on over from the UK and have already made quite an impression. Their original booking at Schubas was moved to the larger Lincoln Hall where it promptly sold out. Luckily they added a second show, so get tickets now to possibly witness one of the next greats. Show at 8 p.m. Highly Suspect opens. Tickets are $10. 18+
ASIAN FILM: Asian Pop Up Cinema presents a new bi-weekly series highlighting contemporary Asian language films. The series launches tonight at AMC River East 21 with a screening of the breezy rom-com Women Who Flirt. Tickets to the film are $15, but if you also want to attend the opening night reception beforehand, tickets are $65. For a more in-depth look, check out our preview of the series.
AWARDS + PERFORMANCE: The Fifth Star Awards honor some of the city’s greatest artists and cultural institutions deserving of an extra star on the Chicago Flag. Wednesday night's free ceremony at Millennium Park includes performances from honorees like The Joffrey Ballet Exelon Strobel Step-up Dancers and Steppenwolf Theater Company.
OKTOBERFEST: Berghoff celebrates 30 years of Oktoberfest--making them the longest running Oktoberfest in the city. They’ll take over Federal Plaza for the next three days with beer, brats, strudel and live music. They’ll also have commemorative 30th Anniversary beer steins for sale. Stop by tonight from 5 to 9 p.m. for '80s night. Free.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17
MUSIC: British songstress Rita Ora hit the big time when she was spotted at an open mic and signed to Jay-Z’s label, Roc Nation, in 2009. Since then she’s been tearing up the pop charts along with red carpets. Tonight she plays Lincoln Hall. Tickets are $27. 18+
LGBTQ FILM: The 33rd Annual Reeling Film Festival gets started tonight and this year they’ve got an exciting lineup in store with almost 40 features and more than 60 short films. Thursday night’s feature, Fourth Man Out, is a heartwarming story about a car mechanic coming out to his friends. Tickets are $15 for the film only, $35 with the red carpet reception. 7:30 p.m. at Music Box Theater.
MUSEUM AFTER DARK: This month’s Adler After Dark theme is “Game On.” Board games, video games, you name it in addition to the usual after-hours planetarium perks: no kids + adult beverages. Tickets are $20 in advance ($25 door).
TRIVIA: Celebrate the return of Doctor Who with a themed trivia night at Cortland Garage. Geeks Who Drink host Don’t Blink: A Doctor Who Quiz where costumes are welcome and encouraged. The quiz will cover classic and modern Doctor Who, and yes, there are big prizes for the winners. Admission is $5 per player and is first come first served, so you may want to show up well before the start time of 6 p.m.
RAP BATTLE: The popular YouTube channel Epic Rap Battles of History brings their high energy music and comedy combo to the live stage at Reggies. Part of the duo’s first live tour, the show features some of their most popular battles with the addition of a DJ, live band and plenty of audience interaction. Doors are at 8 p.m. and tickets are $25-30.
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18
BEER + MUSIC: Beer, music and food. Throw in encased meats from the notorious Hot Doug's, and it’s officially The Goose Island 312 Urban Block Party. tUnE-yArDs, Calexico and Pelican will offer up the tunes on Friday, while Matt and Kim, (!!!) and Jukebox the Ghost play on Saturday at the Goose Island Fulton Street Brewery. Tickets are $30 for a two-day pass, $20 for single day.
FESTIVAL: Oak Park hosts their very own Oaktoberfest celebration through tomorrow. Easily accessible by the CTA Green Line, this next-door suburb marks the changing seasons with live music, craft beer and food from local restaurants. Hey, there’s even a Root Beer Garden for the kids. Free.
MUSIC: Popular indie duo Best Coast headlines at the Metro tonight. Their newest album, California Nights, is said to be a brighter, more sparkly version of the lazy lo-fi rock they’re known for. Lovely Bad Things also play. Tickets are $21 in advance ($25 day-of). 7 p.m. All ages.
ART: EXPO Chicago is everything art for three days on Navy Pier. The international exposition of contemporary and modern art kicks off the fall gallery season and features on-site programming, panel discussions and tons of art across different medias on display. One day tickets are $20, or $30 for all three days.