March. I honestly can't believe how fast the year is going by! Maybe it's the weird weather that's throwing me off balance. One week it's near record breaking warmth and the next has people back in their winter coats. Whatever the reason we can't let the year just go by without doing something fun!
Before we get to the curated picks, I want to recommend that everyone go see
Get Out in theaters. Seeing Jordan Peele's feature film directorial debut in theaters last week was one of the most satisfying film experiences I've had in a while, especially in relation to a horror film. It's smart without being pompous and is genuinely entertaining. So go to whatever theater is showing it and enjoy yourself a fantastic film!
So let's get to it with your curated weekend!
THE WHOLE WEEKEND, MARCH 2nd - 5th
American Hwangap @ Halcyon Theatre, 3253 W Wilson Ave., Thursday - Saturday 8:00PM & Sunday 6:00PM
WHAT: Halcyon Theatre and
A-Squared Theatre present the Midwest Premiere of Lloyd Suh’s
American Hwangap
SO WHAT: "
American Hwangap tells the deftly observant, funny, and moving story about the difficulty of reunification and reconciliation during a weekend in the lives of the Chuns. After abandoning his family to return to his native South Korea, Min Suk Chun abruptly reappears in the lives of his ex-wife and children on the day of his hwangap, the traditional way of celebrating one’s 60th birthday in Korean culture. However, his ex-wife and kids, now adults, have moved on and do not readily welcome the patriarch back into the family with open arms. As his birthday approaches, Min Suk struggles to reunite his family and obtain forgiveness from the ones he loves most."
NOW WHAT: Tickets for
American Hwangap are
$20 for guaranteed advance admission or through the Radical Hospitality program, which sees Halcyon Theatre holding a number of seats for first come, first serve, free entrance starting one hour before every show.
THURSDAY, MARCH 2nd
the kates on broadway @ Laugh Factory, 3175 N Broadway, 8:00PM
WHAT: Comedy for your Thursday night
SO WHAT: the kates on broadway at the world famous
Laugh Factory, hosted by Chicago comedian and kates creator
Kelsie Huff, features a monthly line-up of the city's funniest, most talented comedians as well as emerging female comic performers. This month's featured performers include producer of The Comedy Bowl Mona Aburmishan, Rachel McCartney, Brandi Denise, Shannon Knoll, co-producer of Las Locas Comedy Soli Santos, and guest sets from: Elyse Nylin and Deanna Ortiz.
NOW WHAT: Tickets for the evening of comedy are $17. There is a two-drink minimum and it is an 18+ show.
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, MARCH 3rd - 5th
20th Annual European Union Film Festival @ Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N State St., Various Times
WHAT: The start of 62 EU films to shed light on foreign filmmaking
SO WHAT: This film festival is the largest showcase of EU films in the country. The festival will give audience members the opportunity to new and daring films by some of Europe’s most interesting directors. You can see a
complete list of films and showtimes here as well as check out
our preview of the event. We will be covering the festival in the coming weeks so be sure to keep an eye out for our EU film recaps every Thursday in March.
NOW WHAT: Tickets to each screening are
available online or at the Film Center Box Office.
FRIDAY, MARCH 3rd
Urbs in Horto Opening Reception @ Galerie F, 2415 N Milwaukee Ave., 6:00PM - 10:00PM
WHAT: 20+ printmakers sharing what they love about Chicago
SO WHAT: Galerie F holds printmaking in high regard, giving the technique its incredibly well deserved spot in the art world. For their latest gallery Urbs in Horto, Galerie F is bringing together over 20 printmakers to share their artistic prowess with Chicago by illustrating exactly what they love about this great city! Urbs in Horto, which takes its name from Chicago's slogan which translates from Latin to "City in a Garden", will feature prints from Andrew Ghrist, Anna Hasseltine, Brad Rohloff, CHirCH, Chloe Perkis, Corey Singletary, Crosshair, Cul De Sac Press, Dan Grzeca, Devin Owsley-Aquilia, Dirt Chicago, Emmy Star Brown, Gabe Hoare, Jasso, Liz Born, Liz Flores, Lloyd Patterson Jr, Matthew Hoffman, Mike Monteleagre, Nate Otto, SORRY Design, Starshaped Press, Tararchy, and WalkerTKL!
NOW WHAT: This opening reception is free! So go, celebrate Chicago and maybe take home a print that speaks to your love of our great city!
Make it Yummy: Kidrobot Yummy World Popup @ Rotofugi, 2780 N Lincoln Ave., 6:00PM - 9:00PM
WHAT: The most adorable and tastiest looking toys around (don't actually taste them, they are in fact toys)
SO WHAT: Rotofugi will be collaborating with their good friends at Kidrobot to showcase the wonderfully fun Yummy World line of toys! The usual gallery space will transform into a popup shop called "Make it Yummy"! With signature "googley" eyes and a dashed smile, Yummy World brings life to baked goods, fruits, vegetables, and more! Yummy World is a reminder that life is sweet, salty, and most of all, delicious (but seriously don't try to eat them). Join Kidrobot and Rotofugi for the grand opening to get the newest Yummy World releases, exclusive posters, and yummy snacks (actual food, not toys) plus visit Sprinkletree with our YummyWorld selfie photo backdrop for a chance to win prizes!
NOW WHAT: This
opening reception for the popup gallery is totally free! Just make sure you come with an appetite for some delicious toys (once again, toys, not actually edible).
SATURDAY,MARCH 4th
CHIditarod XII @ Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village, starting line is at Wolcott Ave and Hubbard St., 10:00AM - 7:00PM
WHAT: A charity race/food drive/beauty pageant/bar crawl/fun
SO WHAT: The
CHIditarod is an annual race through the Wicker Park and Ukrainian Village neighborhoods that aims to collect food for Greater Chicago Food Depository and monetary donations for local charities. The race takes the form of elaborate shopping carts created and used by five member teams (four pullers, one musher doing their best to keep them going) clad in their most clever and/or insanely ridiculous outfits.
NOW WHAT: It's free! Come and watch people get creative about their charitable donations and maybe even make a few donations yourself!
Music Frozen Dancing: METZ/Screaming Females/Sneaks/Dim @ Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western Ave., 1:00PM
WHAT: Dance in the cold to the best noisy rock you'll hear today
SO WHAT: Empty Bottle's yearly "who cares if it's cold outside" block takes some awesome bands and sticks them in the cold to rock out. This year the lineup includes
noise-rockers METZ headlining alongside indie-rock trio (who may have the best cover of Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off") Screaming Females. Plus there will be opening sets by minimalist post-punk artist Sneaks, hometown shoegaze from Dim, and a special surprise musician! DJs Sonorama Logan Bay and Sol Son will be inside for those who can't stand the cold and there will be some great chili at Bite Cafe from Mike Broers, sales of which will go to benefit One Tail At a Time. And Goose Island will be on hand to supply the beers both inside and out!
NOW WHAT: Entry is free. Free! Go and dance til you're warm!
Windy City Brewhaha @ Revel Fulton Market, 1215 W Fulton Market. 1:00PM -4:00PM & 6:00PM - 9:00PM
WHAT: Local beer for you to start the month
SO WHAT: Windy City Brewhaha is set to make any and all beer lovers expand their beer horizons. Whether they've recently stepped into the craft beer realm or are seasoned veterans, the Brewhaha will help celebrate the history and future of beer with classic tastes and new brews. Some of the breweries that will be in attendance include Smylie Brothers Co., Finch Beer Co., Pollyanna Brewing Company, Hopothesis Beer Company and more.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are available starting at $52 for general admission and a VIP option for $62 option which gets you in early and a commemorative glass. With the purchase of a ticket, you'll get to sample 15 three-ounce pours for a three-hour session. There are also a designated driver tickets available for $20. So get your self some brews and drink responsibly!
The Beginning and End of things. Opening Reception @ Comfort Station, 2579 N Milwaukee Ave., 2:00PM - 5:00PM
WHAT: A unique art exhibit at the Comfort Station
SO WHAT: This
Artists’ Cooperative Residency and Exhibitions show will feature the sculptural work of Sae Jun Kim.
The Beginning and End of things explores the composition of contemporary environment through points of intersection between nature and the controlled, manufactured landscape of civilization. Kim's sculptures utilize concrete, metal and other industrial materials which are often installed in specific natural settings.
NOW WHAT: Just head on over to the Comfort Station and take in this great exhibit
The House Cup: A Harry Potter Drinking Competition @ Under The Gun Theater, 956 W Newport Ave., 7:30PM
WHAT: A live display of Harry Potter knowledge (also drinking)
SO WHAT: Do you know enough Potter to have studied at Hogwarts? See how your knowledge of the Harry Potter universe stacks up against the experts at
The House Cup, a live drinking show at
Under the Gun Theater dedicated to all things magic. Four Harry Potter experts and each audience member will be sorted by house, then asked to test his/her Harry Potter knowledge through trivia, debates, and physical challenges. Did we mention this is a drinking competition? The winner of each round will earn points for his/her house and the losers, they drink. Play along from the audience, put your knowledge of the books to the test and have fun with other Potter aficionados.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $15 and include one drink ticket. Wizard attire is encouraged and for all you muggles, you are more than welcome to join in!
SUNDAY, MARCH 5th
Polar Plunge @ North Avenue Beach, 1600 N Lake Shore Dr., 10:00AM
WHAT: Jumping into really cold water...for charity
SO WHAT: This yearly event sees people jumping into the lake during an absurd time of the year. Luckily it's for a great cause like Special Olympics Chicago. Last year Lady Gaga and Vince Vaughn did it, so who know what celebrity you'll get to see shiver in this year's event.
NOW WHAT: It's free, so go watch people make some money for a worthwhile cause by jumping into near freezing water.
Postcards of Persistence @ Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, 4912 N Western Ave., Noon - 2:00PM
WHAT: Add a little creativity to your protest
SO WHAT: The
Chicago Printmakers Collaborative (CPC) and
DailyActivists will present
Postcards of Persistence, a project featuring CPC artists creating and sharing a variety of postcard and poster designs for the community to use to contact legislators. The event is hoping to help mail at least a million postcards from around the country on March 15, to The White House for #TheIdesOfTrump. Not only will participants create marketing materials to support their activism, they’ll also get to learn about basic screen printing in person for free. The CPC/DailyActivists 3/5 event is part of the national
Print/Organize/Protest event that currently includes New York, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Columbus, Charlotte, Berkeley and Santa Cruz.
NOW WHAT: Be sure to bring some 8.5 x 11" or 16x20 card stock to print up some worthy protest art. Thanks to CPC’s generosity, the event is free! However, donations are encouraged to defray CPC costs and any extra donations will go to the ACLU.
Neighborhoods of the World @ Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave., Noon
WHAT: An opportunity to experience different cultures
SO WHAT: Navy Pier will be celebrating the diversity of Chicago’s communities with the seven week series
Neighborhoods of the World. This annual cultural tribute is presented in collaboration with community arts organizations, consulates, and museums in attempt to bring the beauty of the world into everyone's lives. Each week will feature a different culture as its theme, letting attendees enjoying lively folk music, traditional dance, cuisine, and crafts from the various ethnic Chicago communities. This weekend's cultural theme will be a celebration of Italy!
NOW WHAT: This event is free and open to the public, so head to the Crystal Gardens and let a little part of the world into your life!
Wingfest @ UIC Pavilion, 525 S Racine Ave., 1:00PM
WHAT: Wings, beer, music. The building blocks of a good weekend.
SO WHAT: WingFest has been growing from its humble beginnings to it's now massive size at UIC Pavilion. Attendees can enjoy all you can handle wings from Chicago restaurants, live blues music, games, prizes, and craft beer at the yearly event. The festivities also include a wing eating contest if they dare!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $50 or $100 for VIP admission (which includes five drink tickets, a goodie bag, and access to the VIP area with a great view of the event). All proceeds from this 21+ event benefit a variety of local charities.
