11 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Weekend
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 14, 2017 4:39PM
The Rolling Stones' Exhibitionism Exhibit opens this Saturday on Navy Pier. Image via Exhibitionism's website.
The Rolling Stones, Willy Wonka and Dan Savage? The weekend couldn't get much more awesome.
FRIDAY APRIL 14
OLD TOWN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: The legendary Old Town School of Folk Music celebrates their 60th Anniversary with a free open house at 7 p.m. The party features a series of jam sessions, workshops and student performances showcasing the wide variety that the school and venue offers. Stick around for the Voice of the People singalong, featuring protest songs from spirituals to hip hop. Visit their website for more information and a full schedule.
2017 HUMP! Tour Teaser from HUMP! Film Festival on Vimeo.
HUMP FILM FEST: Everyone knows Dan Savage from his Savage Love column and “lovecast” podcast where he gives non judgemental sex advice. His HUMP! Film Festival comes to the Music Box Theatre Friday and Saturday nights only at 7:30 and 9 p.m. The carefully curated fest features short dirty movies from people who aren’t porn stars, but share the spirit of sex-positivity. There’s a little something for everybody at the fest with different body types, ages, sexualities and fetishes. Tickets are $25.
CALLING IT QUITS: Chairlift became famous on the heels of an Apple commercial, but the band blew the precious indie pop that made their name apart with the twisted funk that ran through 2016's Moth. Unfortunately while that album was a big leap forward for the group, it will also serve as their swan song. The band was original scheduled to play Double Door—which would have made their final Chicago appearance even more bittersweet had that venue been able to run its natural course. However the show must go on, and Chairlift's final appearance here will now take place at Park West on Friday night.
BACK FROM THE ... DEAD?: Chicago hip-hop group The Cool Kids never really called it quits, they just sort of faded away. Luckily for us the group that injected the Chicago scene with a blast in national exposure with 2008's The Bake Sale has resurfaced and promises that there is more new music on the horizon. This is all the more unexpected since as recently as 2015 the band claimed they were never coming back. But back they are, and Sir Michael Rocks and Chuck Inglish play The Empty Bottle on Friday night as part of that venue's 25th anniversary celebration series of shows.
SATURDAY APRIL 15
THE ROLLING STONES EXHIBITIONISM: The Rolling Stones have defined rock n' roll for decades, and now fans can get what they want with an immersive multimedia “Exhibitionism” at Navy Pier. The sheltered exhibit spans nine thematic galleries with a fashion gallery, original artworks, vintage instruments, a 3D concert experience and much more. Satisfaction guaranteed. Scheduled to run through July 30. Tickets are $32.
Image courtesy of Hard Rock Cafe.
HARD ROCK BRUNCH + EGG HUNT: Hard Rock Cafe is holding a special Saturday Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt for the kids. Special guest the Easter Bunny will also be in attendance and available for pictures. Seatings at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $17 for kids. Call 312-943-5572 or email Chicago_Sales@hardrock.com to make a reservation.
BRUNCH WITH THE BUNNY: NewCity will also have an Easter Egg Hunt for the little ones with dozens of treasures hidden throughout the plaza from 9:30 to 10 a.m. They'll also have arts and crafts stations and Brunch with the Bunny at Earls Kitchen + Bar until noon.
Image courtesy of Mercadito.
MIXOLOGY ACADEMY: Shake up some spring cocktails and Mercadito’s La Mez Mixology Academy from 3 to 5 p.m. The course is led by Beverage Director Paul Tanguey with special guest Dustin Miller of Maestro Dobel Tequila giving guests instruction and a little bit of history. Tickets are $45. Call 312-329-9555 to reserve a spot.
TATTOOS FOR TAILS: Insight Studios hosts another “Tattoos for Tails” event with all profits going toward local animal rescue One Tail at a Time. It’ll be walk-ins only between noon and 8 p.m., so get there early and have an idea in mind for a small or medium size tat or piercing.
WILLY WONKA: Music Box Theatre offers the opportunity to see the scrumdidilyumptious Chocolate Factory on the big screen with a special Easter weekend screening. They’re showing the original 1971 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder. One screening at 2 p.m. only. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for kids.
SUNDAY APRIL 16: EASTER
ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT: It’s truly a party in Logan Square this Easter Sunday with Longman & Eagle’s Adult Easter Egg Hunt from noon to 2 p.m. Registration begins promptly at 11 a.m. with the hunt to follow around the square, and then a block party back at the restaurant from 2 to 4 p.m. where they’ll serve up adult beverages and crown the winners. Register your team of two for $10 by emailing info@longmanandeagle.com.