20 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Weekend
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 2, 2016 4:25PM
The Chicago Toys For Tots Motorcycle Parade is this Sunday morning. Image via Chicago Toys For Tots Motorcycle Parade's Facebook page.
Concerts, shopping and the world's largest motorcycle parade are just a few of our favorite things to do in Chicago this weekend.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 2
DANCING PANTS: After going serious for their last feature, Chicago Dance Crash finds their comedic side in works inspired by children’s author Shel Silverstein. And Now for the Dancing Pants! features hip-hop, breakdancing and the contemporary work that the company is known for. Opening night is Friday at 8 p.m. at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts and performances run through Dec. 10. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children.
WINTER WONDERFEST: The indoor winter playground is back at Navy Pier with rides, slides, a ferris wheel, the Chicago Blackhawks ice skating rink and more. This is the 16th year for the family-friendly fest, which crams more than 170,000 square feet of winter fun indoors through January 8. Tickets start at $10.
TWIST YOUR DICKENS: Go on a different kind of Charles Dickens adventure with The Second City and Goodman Theatre as "Twist Your Dickens" returns for a third year. Second City Alum Ron West directs and stars in the new classic bringing Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the rest of the Cratchits to life in a hilariously twisted way. Performances run through December 30.Tickets start at $20.
LIVE WIRE RADIO TAPING: Live Wire Radio with Luke Burbank gets its first Chicago live taping at Lincoln Hall at 8:30 p.m. The Portland public radio variety show airs on 120 stations nationwide including our very own WBEZ. This episode welcomes special guest, musician, singer, beatboxer, and comedian Reggie Watts. Tickets start at $20.
THE BEST OF TOO MUCH LIGHT: The Neo-Futurists gang presents The Best of 2016 at 11:30 p.m. Of course, this one carries added significance with the recent shocking news that the show's creator is pulling Too Much Light from the Neos after this year. For 2016, they wrote more than 370 world premieres for their famous show, which presents 30 plays in 60 minutes, and this week they’ll perform their favorites. Expect something special. Tickets for The Best of Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind are $20. Performances run through Dec. 11.
ONE OF A KIND HOLIDAY SHOW: Find the perfect gift at the One of a Kind Holiday Show at the Merchandise Mart this weekend. New and emerging artists will have works for sale, including home goods, ceramics, jewelry, photography, furniture, sculpture and more. Pick up something unique for yourself while you’re checking everyone else off your gift list. Tickets are $12.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 3
BLOODSHOT HOLIDAY POP-UP: Bloodshot Records opens their doors for a holiday shopping party for the very first time. They’ve acquired a lot of merch in their 17 years at BSHQ, and they’re looking to unload it to you from noon to 7 p.m. They’ll also have exclusive holiday merch, new records, apparel and more. Bloodshot DJs will be spinning, refreshments will be aplenty, and yes, there will be snacks.
Image via Renegade Craft Fair's website.
RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR: The Renegade Craft Fair has celebrated DIY spirit and independent makers for 14 years in Chicago. This weekend’s fair, with more than 250 vendors is at Bridgeport Art Center. Workshops, eats, treats and drinks will accompany your holiday shopping from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
KRAMPUS FEST: Martyr’s gets in on the Holiday Artisan Market game with Krampus Fest (named for St. Nick's dark partner) from noon to 5 p.m. Shop local artists, makers, bakers and more for everything on your holiday list from gifting to entertaining. Stick around til 6 p.m. and walk in their “Krampuslauf” parade. Costumes encouraged. Free.
CHRISTMAS + WINTER BEER TASTING: Let Delilah's guide you through their 18th Annual Christmas & Winter Beer Tasting from noon until 5 p.m. They’ll have more than 100 beers available to sample from all over the globe including Anchor Christmas Ale, King & Barnes Christmas Ale and St. Freulian Noel 2004. Cost is $20 for 20 samples.
Image via Stevie Nick's website.
STEVIE NICKS + PRETENDERS: The one with the scarves takes a break from the legendary Fleetwood Mac crew for a solo tour that stops at the United Center at 7 p.m. Stevie Nicks promises something a little different for this tour, having dug deep into demos from the '70s and '80s for her latest release, 24 Karat Gold: Songs from the Vault. Chrissie Hynde and The Pretenders will open the show with some new songs from their latest album, Alone, as well as classics like I'll Stand By You" and "Back On The Chain Gang." Tickets start at $49.50.
FLEETMAC WOOD: On the same night Stevie takes to the United Center stage, Fleetmac Wood will fill the dancefloor at Subterranean for Crystal Visions. The international touring party is for like-minded fans, playing nothing but Fleetwood Mac remixes, edits and originals. 11 p.m. Tickets are $10.
GOOD STOCK DINNER: The Land and Sea Dept. brings us another From Good Stock supper club event, this time with Chef Ryan Poli and beverage director Matt Poli from The Catbird Seat in Nashville. Dinner will be a three-course, Roman-style feast, including handmade rigatoni, gnocchi, steak, tiramisu and more with wines from Scarpetta wine. 7 p.m. Tickets are $75.
Image via Marc Maron's Facebook page.
MARON: Stand up comedian and host of the acclaimed WTF interview podcast, Marc Maron takes to the stage at The Vic Theater for The Too Real Tour at 7:30 p.m. Maron is known for being “real” and open in just about everything he does, including playing himself on his scripted television series on IFC. Tickets are $41.
CHAMPAGNE TASTING: Webster’s Wine Bar hosts their 21st Annual Champagne tasting from 3 to 5 p.m. Learn all about the bubbly beverage while tasting more than two dozen diverse selections (all from Champagne, France, of course). Paired hors d'oeuvres are included. Tickets are $65.
HOLIDAY BAKING CLASS: Learn to make Kolaczki, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Coconut Macaroons (gluten free), Almond Rochers (gluten free) and much more at Delightful Pastries’ Holiday Cookies class from 1 to 4 p.m. Perfect your recipes in class, and then take a 1/2 lb home with you to share. Tickets are $75.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 4
WhirlyCruz Cup 2015. Image courtesy of WhirlyBall.
WHIRLYCRUZ CUP: Stars from NBC’s Chicago Fire come out to compete for the WhirlyCruz Cup at WhirlyBall at 6 p.m. Joe Minoso (aka Joe Cruz) will host the second annual tournament which benefits Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. Fans and cast members from the family of NBC "Chicago" TV shows face off in games of WhirlyBall as light bites, cocktails and music by DJ Matt Roan round out the evening. Tickets are $75.
TOYS FOR TOTS PARADE: Every December miles and miles of motorcycles take over Western Avenue from 85th all the way to Belmont, all for Toys For Tots. Great for spectating or riding, the largest motorcycle parade in the world is super festive with riders decorating their bikes and playing music along the way. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. and the only requirement to ride is to bring one toy to donate.
Image courtesy of The Gwen.
HOLIDAY PAINTING BRUNCH: Partake in one of those Bottle & Bottega painting events at The Gwen from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Paint your own trio of glass ornaments with the guidance of a Bottle & Bottega artist. Brunch will include quiche, fruit, and a mimosa plus all the supplies you’ll need to complete your masterpiece. Tickets are $47.
DANCE-ALONG NUTCRACKER: The kids classic returns to the Chicago Cultural Center with ballet lessons and performances accompanied by the Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band. Dancers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate as members of Ballet Chicago teach basic ballet skills and then everyone dances along to the Tchaikovsky classic. Dance lessons are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; performances are at noon and 3 p.m. Free.