11 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Week
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 14, 2015 5:00PM
The Morton Arboretum releases a specially made beer on Monday. Photo via Morton Arboretum's website.
Toy drives, beer tastings and events focused on the release of a certain space movie top our list for this week.
MONDAY DECEMBER 14
ARBORETUM BEER RELEASE: The Morton Arboretum has teamed up with Chicago’s Lake Effect Brewing Co. to brew their first ever Arboretum beer called Arbor Oak Amber Ale. It’s made using oak from the Arboretum’s grounds and Wisconsin special-roast malts and will be available for the first time at a special launch event Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.
TUESDAY DECEMBER 15
THE NIGHT MARKET BEFORE CHRISTMAS: Sauced night market returns to Emporium Arcade Bar with the usual food, drink and goods for purchase from local makers. The holiday edition will also have a photobooth and tunes from Bric A Brac Records. 6 to 11 p.m. Free.
MORE METAL THAN YOU CAN SHAKE YOUR FIST AT: Chicago's underground metal, mostly instrumental, giants Pelican returns to the Empty Bottle Tuesday night. They were some of the earliest bands on the scene to elevate champion the heavy and cerebral sound that would quickly spread to other likeminded groups, and make metal safe for the indie kids and hipsters to eventually admit the actually liked. The band doesn't play that often so don't pass up a chance to see them in a room the size of the Bottle. Tickets are $20.
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 16
Photo courtesy of Gino's East.
BEER COLLABORATION: Gino's Brewing Company and Rock Bottom Brewery have teamed up for a unique craft beer collaboration centered around decoction mashing. They’ve brewed up two different beers: Decoct-A-Bock and Undecoct-A-Bock made with a single infusion mash to determine if the different styles produce a different taste. Try them for yourself at either location today during happy hour on Wednesday. Side-by-side samples are $3 during Happy Hour and $4 after.
STAR WARS DINNER: Table, Donkey and Stick celebrates the opening of the newest Star Wars film, with a six-course Star Wars themed dinner on Wednesday. Chefs Scott Manley of Table, Donkey and Stick, Nathan Sears of The Radler, Lawrence Letrero of Sable, Chris Davies of Homestead, and Caleb Trahan of Bread & Wine will make up the menu. Dinner is $48 per person and reservations can be made between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m.
A MEETING OF CHICAGO LEGENDS: The Chicago Handshake series pairs up Old STyle and Malört as they sponser various music-related events around town. Wednesday's edition is at Quencher's and features hosted specials along with dsicounted drinks. The evening entertaining includes members of local bands—Ryan Lynch of Archie Powell & the Exports, Billy Yost of The Kickback, and Austin and Alex Ward fo The Noise FM—telling "Tour-or Stories" from the road along with some brief musical performances. No cover but the event is 21+.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 17
Photo via Adler's website.
ADLER AFTER DARK SIDE: Adler Planetarium’s monthly after-hours series turns to the dark side in honor of the newest Star Wars movie release. Participate in Star Wars trivia, a cosplay contest or a Legit Lightsaber Combat Workshop in addition to all the usual exhibits that Adler has to offer. Tickets are $20.
HOLIDAY BEER DINNER: Wyler Road hosts a special Holiday Beer dinner with Revolution Brewing Thursday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The six-course dinner prepared by Chef Forster Sorensen will feature special beer pairings with each course. Tickets are $65.
VOGUE FOR TOTS: Berlin Nightclub hosts an evening of drag performances for a cause with Vogue for Tots 9 beginning at 10 p.m. Bring a toy for reduced cover to benefit Jennifer Hudson’s Julian D. King Gift Foundation by way of the WGN Toy Drive.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 18
Photo via DCASE's website.
DJS FOR LUNCH: The bi-weekly lunch-time DJ series Wired Fridays returns with musician, producer and DJ Merwyn Sanders. Along with childhood friend Eric Lewis, the Chicago native was influential in the House music scene. Noon to 1 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center. Free.
ROCK OUT: Hometown rock band Kill Hannah play some of their final shows Friday and Saturday at Metro. It'll be all deep cuts and fan favorites at this New Heart for Xmas show. Shiny Toy Guns open. Tickets are $26. 9 p.m.