16 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Weekend
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 20, 2015 4:12PM
The holiday season is in full swing with a ton of themed events and more to get you in the mood this weekend.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20
CHRISTKINDLMARKET: The red and white striped tents on Daley Plaza are finally ready. Christkindlmarket opens to the public at 11 a.m. And this year, boots are back. Get your mittens on one of their souvenir boot mugs early in the season, as they sell out every year. The market runs through Christmas Eve. Free admission.
JAZZ PREMIERE: Celebrated jazz musician Mike Reed premieres a new multi-media work at the Art Institute at 7 p.m. His band’s experience in the Czech Republic in 2009 where they found themselves in the midst of a Neo-Nazi rally inspired the piece titled Flesh & Bone. Admission is $15.
DANCE MUSIC LUNCH BREAK: The electronic music series Wired Fridays returns to the Chicago Cultural Center with influential house DJ Mickey Oliver at the helm. A founding member of the “Hot Mix 5” on 102.7 WBMX, the city recently recognized his accomplishments by naming a street after him: “Mickey Mixin’ Oliver Blvd.” 12 to 1 p.m. Free.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Quest Theatre Ensemble presents Alan Menken’s A Christmas Carol, with a show at 8 p.m. today at The Blue Theatre. The unique production includes their signature life-size puppets. Runs through Dec. 20. Check their website for showtimes. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended by calling 312-458-0895.
ARCHITECTURE SLEEPOVER: Kids and their parents are invited to spend the night at the Chicago Cultural Center for Up All Night with Architecture. The family overnight is part of the Chicago Architecture Biennial and includes building, drawing and behind-the-scenes activities, and of course, pizza. Breakfast is also included. Free, but registration is required.
QUEER PUNK: PWR BTTM is a power duo and their new album Ugly Cherries is punk rock in the best way. And by that we mean they defy easy categorization and veer from power pop, to power ballads to power punk. It's catchy and endearing as hell. The band plays Beat Kitchen tonight.
Festival of Barrel Aged Beer. Photo via FOBAB's website.
BEER FESTIVAL: It’s a festival of beer. Barrel Aged Beers to be specific. Join brewers and other brew-lovers for a tasting that will include rare beers from around the country that might not be available commercially. There are three sessions to choose from at the UIC Forum: Friday night from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. or 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $60 and include 20 sampling tickets.
IMMERSIVE ART: The interactive art event Subchroma lands at Chop Shop tonight and tomorrow night at 7 p.m. The event combines live music, artwork, fashion and cutting edge video projection for an experience like no other. Tonight's event is a preview with music provided by Ben Cofresi (Tickets are $20) while the main event is Saturday with a live performance from synthwave musician Com Truise (Tickets are $40 and include hosted bar).
FUZZED UP: Does Ty Segall ever sleep? The musical mastermind gets behind the drum kit for Fuzz, a massive sounding power trio specializing in waves of noise skewing in the psychedelic direction. The band's debut turned the amps up to 11, and their sophomore effort, II, pushes those amps past 12. The band assaults Thalia Hall tonight.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21
Photo via The Magnificent Mile's Pinterest page.
MAGNIFICENT MILE LIGHTS FESTIVAL: Michigan Avenue lights up for the holiday season at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. and culminate with fireworks over the Chicago River at 6:55 p.m. Don’t miss the Tree-Lighting Parade with Mickey and Minnie Mouse at 5:30 p.m. or the many performances throughout the day on the BMO Harris Bank Stage and at Artspace inside the Bloomingdales building. Trump Hotel will even have a live reindeer on the riverwalk nearby. All events are free.
PIE MAKING CLASS: Delightful Pastries hosts a Thanksgiving Pies class at their Jefferson Park bakery from 1 to 3 p.m. Learn how to make dough and filling for pecan, pumpkin and apple blackberry crumble pies. $60 per person. To reserve a space email info@delightfulpastries.com.
Photo courtesy of Tree House Humane Society.
BLACK CAT BALL: Kitty cat rescue and adoption center Tree House holds their 5th Annual Black Cat Ball at Redmoon Spectacle Hall from 7 to 10 p.m. Come in your best cocktail attire for the party that raises funds for the non-profit and has special guest Kathy “Kat” Garver from the classic television series “Family Affair” in attendance. There’s also a silent auction and complimentary food and drinks. Tickets are $150.
HOLIDAY MARKET: Randolph Street Market holds the first of three special holiday markets today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Plumbers Hall. Shop everything from jewelry and indie fashion to antique furniture at this unique market. And don’t forget about the snacks and drinks at the Market Bar. Tickets are $8 ($10 at the gate).
DESIGNER POP-UP: Find gently used Louis Vuitton, Chanel and more designer wares at the Luxury Garage Sale at The J. Parker. The consignment pop-up shop runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will have coffee, cocktails and small bites for shoppers. RSVP to sarah@luxurygaragesale.com.
Relaxapalooza. Photo courtesy of Moksha Yoga.
RELAXAPALOOZA: Chill out at the 2nd annual Relaxapalooza at Moksha Yoga all day today. Teachers Lindsay Sisti, Natalie McGreal, Serena Brommel, Nina Gaglio, Nathan Paulus, Nicole Brown, and Sarah Longfield will lead classes at their Riverwest location that will guide you through truly restorative relaxation. Admission is $65 per session or $120 for the whole day and must be purchased in advance. Open to all levels of yogis.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 22
CABARET: Links Hall presents the tri-annual performance of Poonie's Cabaret at Constellation beginning at 7 p.m. Proceeds from the risk-taking show support the Duncan Erley Coming Out of the Closet Fund. Tickets are $10.