CHICAGO — Spend the weekend exploring West Loop on a local author’s running tour, shopping local at Handmade Market and sipping on bubbles at Uncorked Wine Festival.
Neighbors can also explore the local arts scene with a “too-close-for-comfort” sci-fi play by Raven Theatre, a jazz show by a local quartet in Hyde Park and a new queer art exhibit and drag show at Co-Prosperity in Bridgeport.
Here’s a roundup of 15 things to do in Chicago this weekend:
7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday
Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St.
This sci-fi story “in the too-close-for-comfort future” follows Giselle, an environmental justice organizer, and her billionaire baby brother Elon. The two are, unsurprisingly, at odds. This play grapples with the climate crisis, political divisions within families, what defines humanity and “what we’ll do when time runs out.” The Sunday show will also feature a special 20-minute talkback after the show with Artistic Director Sarah Slight and the Edgewater Environmental Coalition’s Renee Patton. Tickets are $15 for students and $45 for general admission. Buy them here.
7 p.m. Friday
Credit Union 1 Arena, 525 S. Racine Ave.
Catch a special show by The Strokes Friday night with special guests Beach Bunny and NNAMDÏ. The Grammy Award-winning rock band is playing to support Illinois 7th Congressional candidate Kina Collins. Tickets are available online.
7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
The Den Theatre, 1331. N. Milwaukee Ave.
“Liaison” is an international exploration of tap dance featuring three critically acclaimed dance companies: Chicago Tap Theatre, Tapage and Tap Olé. Tickets start at $25 online. There will also be a gala immediately after Sunday’s performance, with special guests, appetizers, drinks and more. Tickets are $125 for the gala or $145 for both the gala and the show.
8:40 a.m.-2:39 p.m. Saturday
Meet at Millennium Station, 151 N. Michigan Ave.
The Midwest Rail Rangers are taking a trip to the South Shore of Indiana, where riders can learn about South Side sights and see the historic steel-making area of Northwest Indiana, Indiana Dunes National Park plus La Porte and St. Joseph Counties. All riders must purchase a valid train ticket, and they can hop on or off at various locations along the route. Riders will be bused between the national park and the Gary Metro Station.
9-11:15 a.m. Saturday
850 W. Adams St.
Explore West Loop and learn all about its history with Chicago author Connie Fairbanks, a longtime West Loop resident and writer of “Chicago’s West Loop: Then and Now.” While going on an easy-paced run through the neighborhood, attendees will dive into its history from the mid-1800s to modern day, learning all about prominent buildings, people, organizations, factories and more.
After the run, attendees can keep the party going at Madison Street Books, 1127 W. Madison St., for a Q&A with light bites and a chance to buy Read & Run merch and Fairbanks’ book. Sign up for $15-25 online.
Noon-3 p.m. Saturday
Mandrake Park field house, 3858 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Celebrate the joy of reading with book readings, signings, giveaways, conversations with authors and more. There will also be a DJ. This family-friendly literacy event is hosted by local nonprofit The Healing Academy. Sign up for free online.
Noon-4:30 p.m. Saturday
Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave.
Shop from dozens of local crafters at a bar and music venue in Ukrainian Village this weekend. Vendors will be selling a variety of handmade goods, from jewelry and knitted items to soaps and body products. Admission is free.
4 and 6 p.m. Saturday
Sideshow Gelato, 4819 N. Western Ave.
Watch as magicians perform “amazing feats of stupidity” — from breaking cinder blocks on one’s chest to swallowing a sword to making water disappear above your head. Tickets are $5-$25 online, and guests are encouraged to tip performers.
5-7 p.m. Saturday
South Asia Institute, 1925 S. Michigan Ave.
The South Asia Institute is launching a new bi-monthly open mic series called “South Asians On The Mic” to uplift the city’s emerging South Asian talent. It kicks off this weekend with 11 Chicago-based performers. Singers, dancers, musicians, drag performers, poets, stand-up comedians and other artists can sign up for future open mics here. RSVP for $10 online.
6-9 p.m. Saturday
Chant Restaurant, 1509 E. 53rd St.
Mytyme Jazzy Zsoul Quartet will be performing jazz tunes for an intimate night of music and dance at an Asian-inspired Hyde Park restaurant.
8-11 p.m. Saturday
Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive
Sip on selections from more than 150 wines at this one-night wine festival, featuring a DJ, food vendors and after-hours access to the Museum of Science and Industry. Tickets are $65 for general admission. There are also $85 for 7:30 p.m. admission and $110 VIP tickets for 6:30 p.m. access and food voucher card. Buy them here.
‘Men I Have Ever Met’ Exhibit & Drag Performance
7-10:30 p.m. Saturday
Co-Prosperity, 3219 S. Morgan St.
Check out the opening of Co-Prosperity’s new group exhibit, “Men I Have Ever Met,” which features more than 100 written encounters of artist SungJae Lee’s queer journey, brought to life by five queer Asian artists from Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. There will also be music and a “Drag in the Round” performance curated by Celeste. The event is free and open to the public. The exhibit will be on display through April 14.
Word On 103rd: Drink Til You’re Green
7:30 p.m. Saturday
Made Artisan Collaborative, 1802 W. 103rd St.
Enjoy a night of “brazenly honest” storytelling from obscure local celebrities and artists. There is a $10 suggested donation at the door, which will go to the storytellers.
Midnight With Mysterion
11:59 p.m. Saturday
Sideshow Gelato, 4819 N. Western Ave.
A magic show at midnight? As the clock strikes 12, neighbors can see renowned magician and mind reader Mysterion — who’s fooled Penn and Teller and appeared on “America’s Got Talent” — at a local gelato shop. Doors open at 11:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15 online.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday
Gallagher Way, 3637 N. Clark St.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early with a family-friendly celebration in Wrigleyville. There will be live Irish music from the Old Town School of Folk Music and Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, Irish dancing, face painting, balloon artists, crafts, green beer, Irish coffee and more.
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