11 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Week
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 30, 2015 4:00PM
Dave Chappelle begins a residency at Thalia Hall on Tuesday. Photo via Live Nation
We hope you've slept off your Thanksgiving feasting, because there's a lot going on around town this week.
MONDAY NOVEMBER 30
FRANCE BENEFIT DINNER: Wood hosts a benefit dinner for the victims of the Paris attacks just a few weeks ago. The fare will be French-inspired and prepared by Wood Executive Chef Ashlee Aubin along with seven other top Chicago Chefs. Tickets are $50 and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to Secours Populaire Francaise. 6 to 9 p.m.
TUESDAY DECEMBER 1
COMEDIAN RESIDENCY: Dave Chappelle plays the first of twelve shows Tuesday night at Thalia Hall. The residency was announced just last week and with two shows a night at 7 and 10:30 p.m., the legendary comedian will complete the run in less than a week. Tickets are $67.
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 2
Photo via Lincoln Park's website.
BREWLIGHTS: Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights takes on an adults-only identity for a beer tasting event presented by Louis Glunz Beer. They’ll have 12 different beers to sample over 8 different stations, plus free rides on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel and music at the Kovler Lion House. Tickets are $50 or $60 day-of. 5:30 to 10 p.m. 21+
SECOND CITY MAINSTAGE: The latest Mainstage Revue, Fool Me Twice, Dèjá Vu, opens at The Second City Wednesday evening at 8 p.m. New cast members Sarah Shook, Rashawn Nadine Scott and Jamison Webb join veterans Chelsea Devantez, Paul Jurewicz and Daniel Strauss for stories that will fool you twice and keep you coming back from more. Tickets start at $23.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 3
CONCERT: Death Cab For Cutie and Best Coast headline the 93XRT Budweiser Big Holiday Concert at Chicago Theatre at 7:30 p.m. The local station has hosted tons of artists in StudioX sessions, often spotlighting indie artists. Tickets are $49.50 to $59.50.
REPEAL PARTY: Celebrate the end of Prohibition with the Chicago History Museum on the eve of the anniversary of Repeal. Put on your best 1930’s style garb for The Last Speakeasy, an evening of music, dancing and of course cocktails. Tickets are $85 or $150 for VIP. 6:30 to 10 p.m.
HOLIDAY SHOW + SALE: More than 600 artists set up shop at the One of a Kind Holiday Show & Sale at the Merchandise Mart today through Sunday. Find unique handmade items from independent artists to give as gifts or pick up a little something for yourself. Tickets are $12 or $18 with a limited edition canvas tote bag. The mart opens at 11 a.m. today, but hours vary each day so check their website for times.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 4
NUTCRACKER BALLET: The Joffrey Ballet presents the final season of Robert Joffrey’s The Nutcracker with the grand opening Friday night at 7 p.m. The classic ballet has become a holiday tradition for families since Joffrey created this version in 1987. The company has commissioned Christopher Wheeldon for a new Nutcracker next year. Tickets are $32 to $136 and the run goes through Dec. 27.
LUNCH BREAK DJ: Cajmere plays the lunchtime party we call Wired Fridays at noon at the Chicago Cultural Center. The musician formerly known as Green Velvet was an influential force in house music with tracks like “Preacher Man,” “Answering Machine” and “Brighter Days.” Free.
TOO MUCH BEST OF: The long running performance series Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind presents a year-end best-of show. The Neo-Futurists revive audience favorites from throughout the year from funny to strange to wrenching. The run begins with a show tonight at 11:30 p.m. and continues through next weekend. Check website for showtimes. All shows are at the Neo-Futurarium and admission is: $9 + the roll of a six-sided die (i.e. $10 - $15). Advance tickets are $20 with a Roll-Back Refund ($14 to $19).
GRINCH GIVE BACK: The Underground Nightclub gives back with their annual Grinch Party, this year benefiting Furever Rescue. Tickets start at $35 per person or $350 for a table with a bottle and six tickets. The party starts at 9 p.m.