This weekend is looking nice and full of events from great concerts, interesting films, engaging discussions, art exhibits, and a nice showing of local crafters selling their wares! So don't hesitate, put on your fall coat and get out there and enjoy some of the great things our city has to offer!
Let's get on with your curated weekend!
ALL WEEKEND LONG, NOVEMBER 9th - 12th
CIMMfest @ Various Locations throughout the city
WHAT: Now in its 9th year,
CIMMfest is serving up vibrant feature-length fiction and documentary films, short films and music videos from all over the world.
SO WHAT: The Chicago International Movies & Music Festival is back for an extended weekend of film and live music at no fewer than eleven venues across the city. A sort of mini-SXSW, where you can take in a movie or a concert (or both!), highlights this year include: a Penelope Spheeris retrospective and the premiere of
The Chicago Mixtape, a documentary highlighting the arts programs working to counter the violent narrative on Chicago streets,
Lili K performing Sharon Jones tracks at Martyrs (November 9th),
Rich Jones and Fess Grandiose at Gideon Welles (November 12th), and so much more!
NOW WHAT: Passes to the festival are available for guaranteed seating. Tickets for individual shows vary, check out the full lineups for the
feature film,
music, and
CIMMcon conference talks!
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9th
Pop out at h! bar @ The Robey, 2022 W North Ave., 8:00PM, All Ages, 21+ to drink.
WHAT: A showcase of some of the most talented musicians and culture makers in the city.
SO WHAT: This monthly series presented by
Young Chicago Authors brings together the best talent Chicago has to offer for an insight into our city’s vibrant cultural renaissance. This month’s event is hosted by Kevin Coval and features live performances and readings by TASHA, SoLo TheDweeb & Kush Thompson. There will also be a live DJ Set by DJ Ca$h Era.
NOW WHAT: There is no cover for this all ages show.
John Carpenter: Anthology Tour @ Aragon Ballroom, 106 W Lawrence Ave., 9:00PM
WHAT: The horror master performing his most well known themes with a full band.
SO WHAT: Seriously? You need more? John Carpenter is a genius of horror and genre films and his scores for those films rank incredibly high as some of the best ever composed!
Check out Jim Kopeny's preview of the night for more details on just how fantastic this evening will be.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $45 for this amazing opportunity!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10th
Sauced Night Market @ House of Vans, 113 N Elizabeth St., 5:00PM - 10:00PM, 18+
WHAT: A night time market in the best new venue in Chicago
SO WHAT: By popular demand, Sauced is back with their amazing night market at the always fun House of Vans They'll be taking over the skate park/music venue with a bunch of local food and retail vendors to help you find the perfect gifts for the holidays!
NOW WHAT: It's free with a required RSVP!
Rezident: Elloo Gallery Closing @ Lo Rez Brewery & Taproom, 2101 S Carpenter St., 7:00PM - 10:00PM
WHAT: Celebrate local artist
Elloo with fresh beer, live music, and local food at this gallery closing event at Rezident, an arts initiative brought to you by
Lo Rez Brewery & Taproom!
SO WHAT: The gallery closing will feature Elloo's work displayed throughout the taproom. Elloo's interesting and unique aesthetic is dominated by a combination of lovable hairy monsters, donuts, and the occasional beer and coffee thrown in. So stop by and enjoy pizzas from Hearth & Market by Live Station Farm and live music by Lumpen Radio.
NOW WHAT: This event is free to attend! Proceeds will benefit Cristo Rey Jesuit H.S., Chicago, IL, a Jesuit High School that provides a Catholic, dual-language, college prepatory education and professional work experience to local students from Spanish speaking families with limited financial means.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11th
Handmade Market Chicago @ Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western Ave., Noon - 4:00PM
WHAT: Shopping, eating, and drinking all in one place
SO WHAT: Grab some food next door at Bite Cafe, maybe a drink from the Empty Bottle Bar, and start shopping the
Handmade Market Chicago! They will be bringing over 30 makers of beautiful and unique items to the Empty Bottle! Join in and see what all the sellers will have to offer. You can check out some of the sellers that will be featured over on their
Facebook events page.
NOW WHAT: This event as always is free!
Mister Heavenly & Anna Burch @ Lincoln Hall, 2424 N Lincoln Ave., 9:00PM, 18+
WHAT: An indie rock supergroup for your Saturday evening
SO WHAT: Mister Heavenly is a group composed of some of the best heavy hitters of the indie rock world. Honus Honus of Man Man bring his manic energy, Nicholas Thorburn of Islands and The Unicorns adds in his delectable melodies, and Joe Plummer of Modest Mouse and The Shins adds in some excellent drumming. Joining this amazing trio will be Anna Burch and her beautiful pop sounds.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $15 for this great night of tunes.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12th
World Premiere of Sonorous Earth by August Read Thomas @ Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph, 3:00PM
WHAT: The Harris Theater is hosting the world premiere of a new work by Chicago composer Augusta Read Thomas
SO WHAT: Sonorous Earth is a concerto for orchestra and percussion quartet that features over 300 bells and pieces of metal assembled from all over the world. It will be performed by 2017 Grammy Award winner Third Coast Percussion and the Chicago Philharmonic, conducted by Scott Speck. (The program includes another contemporary work, Joan Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman #5 for brass ensemble, plus Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 in C-Major, K. 551, Jupiter Symphony.)
You can read Louis Harris full preview and interview here!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $10-$75 for this world premiere
Ted Leo + The Pharmacists & Ian Sweet @ Thalia Hall, 1807 S Allport St., 8:30PM
WHAT: The return of the amazing Ted Leo
SO WHAT: It's been a little while since
Ted Leo + The Pharmacists have come out with an album, so the release of
The Hanged Man is something to celebrate! The album is self released by Leo and delves deep into personal and politic issues, making it one of the most interesting and emotionally bold of his career.
If his performance at Goose Island's Block Party is any indication, this show is going to be phenomenal. Joining Ted Leo will be the incredibly entertaining
Ian Sweet!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door for this great show!