13 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Weekend
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 13, 2015 3:50PM
Get your fill of kitties at Harmony House's Merry Meows Open House and Holiday Bazaar on Saturday. Photo via Harmony House's facebook.
When the weather cools down our activities tend to slow, too, but we've found plenty of events to help fill the brisk weekend.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 13
SPACE ROCK AND ROLL: American Cosmonaut came back onto the scene last year after a long hiatus, and tonight they finally release a new EP, 2004, at Livewire (3394 N. Milwaukee Ave.). The EP is a heady blend of swirling guitars driven by strong rhythms. The space vibe takes a quirkier, electropop turn with openers The Fantastic Plastics, a husband and wife duo from New York City with roots in Chicago as well. Also on the bill is Chicagoist favorite Sam Vicari, whose power pop always pleases. Red Jr. also plays. The show starts at 8 p.m.
SKATING RINK: Get your skate on at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. The city's outdoor skating rink in the heart of Millennium Park opens for the season today at 11 a.m. Free. Skates are available for rental for $12.
AFTER DARK: The Art Institute's regular after hours series features DJs, drinks and more including a performance from Sky White Tiger. Be sure to check out their current exhibit Gates of the Lord: The Tradition of Krishna Paintings. Tickets are $30. 9 p.m. to midnight.
RISING TALENT: Stove arose from the remains of Ovlov, and make its first Chicago appearance tonight at Subterranean. Their debut Is Stupider was created as a solo studio project by Steve Hartlett, and the result is a a thick wall of slightly discordant guitars, whose overall effect is creating a heavily melodic space that surrounds the tasty central core of Hartlett's writing. We're looking forward to seeing how the songs translate onstage with a full band. Tickets are $8 and the show is at 10 p.m.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 14
RADIO FUNDRAISER + BEEF BATTLE: It’s a two-fold event at Co-Prosperity Sphere from 3 to 5:30 p.m. today with Lumpen Radio’s Fall Fundraiser and Bridgeport’s Got Beef Competition. The Beef Battle between local restaurant contenders will be judged by a panel of local celebrities and broadcast live in front of a studio audience. Tickets are $35 or $50 for bonus admission.
MERRY MEOWS: Harmony House for Cats, Chicago’s eco-friendly, cageless, no-kill adoption center, hosts an Open House and Holiday Bazaar this afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit with the kitties up for adoption while you shop for holiday gifts that include handcrafted goods and Harmony House gear. They’ll also have a Donation Beer Bar. Free.
Our own Rob Winn is one of the many local musicians playing Chillfest. Photo via Chillfest's website.
LIVE MUSIC IN UNEXPECTED PLACES: Chillfest has local musicians popping up all day in unexpected spots in Wicker Park and Bucktown like the local gas station, clothing boutique, sushi lunch spot and more. Check Chillfest’s website for a full schedule and list of locations and artists. The official after party at Chop Shop begins at 7:30 p.m. and will feature a performance from The Smoking Popes’ Josh Caterer.
BENEFIT CONCERT: Sweet Child of Mine, a concert benefit for Whitney Young High School Guitar Program, is tonight at Bottom Lounge. There will be raffles, food and live music from local musicians Nicholas Tremulis, Mark Panick and Chicago Soul Solution. Tickets are $25.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 15
Photo via Dose Market.
DOSE AT SOHO: Dose Market holds a special mini market at Soho House from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. Get your gift shopping in early with a selection of highly-curated goods from the finest designers, chefs, makers, bakers, entrepreneurs and artists in town. Tickets are $10.
HOLIDAZED AND CONFUSED: The Second City kicks the most hectic, I mean wonderful time of the year into gear with the Holidazed and Confused Revue at UP Comedy Club. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or whatever else, you’ll find reason to laugh at all the new sketches they’ve got in store. The Revue opens tonight at 7 p.m. and runs through the end of the year. Tickets start at $31.
ADVENTURE FILMS: For outdoor lovers, the Adventure Film Festival presents winning films from a Boulder selection committee at The Logan Theater from 6 to 10 p.m. Put on by the Sierra Club, these films show gripping stories exploration, heroism and more. Tickets are $20 or $40 for VIP.
2015 Adventure Film Official Trailer from Adventure Film on Vimeo.
OPEN HOUSE: The historic Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt Auditorium opens it’s doors for a family fun day from 1 to 5 p.m. Presented in conjunction with The Billy Strayhorn Festival, guests will get a behind the scenes look at the theatre as well as jazz performances and interactive activities. The event is free, but you may want to pre-register to skip the line.
MARINARATHON: Whose sauce is boss? Formento’s, Rosebud, Dolce Italian and many other local Italian restaurants compete for the title during the First Annual Marinarathon at Morgan Manufacturing from 1 to 5 p.m. Guests get to try the red sauces being judged, along with small bites and a complimentary glass of wine or lemoncello. Tickets are $50 for adults ($60 day-of) and proceeds go to the 100 Club of Chicago.