This is it folks, all your hard work has hopefully paid off and the year is finally done. So let's celebrate with the final curated weekend of the year! Spend the last few days of 2017 doing something grand and exciting and get ready for the start of 2018!
THE WHOLE WEEKEND, DECEMBER 29th - 31st
A Tribute To Studio Ghibli @ The Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Ave., Various Times, All Ages
WHAT: The most beautiful animated films you'll ever see in 35MM at the Music Box
SO WHAT: The Music Box will be ringing in the New Year with a tribute to
Studio Ghibli, the groundbreaking Japanese animation studio. Seven of the studio's most beloved films will be screening through out the week, all from visionary director Hayao Miyazaki and all on 35MM prints. Includes screenings of:
Castle in the Sky in Japanese with English subtitles,
My Neighbor Totoro dubbed in English,
Princess Mononoke in Japanese with English subtitles,
Spirited Away in Japanese with English subtitles,
Ponyo dubbed in English,
Kiki’s Delivery Service dubbed in English, and
Porco Rosso in Japanese with English subtitles
.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $11 ($7 for members) per screening or $35 ($30 for Members) for a pass to all the screenings!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28
Hopped Up: Hoppy Holidays @ House of Blues, 329 N Dearborn St 5:00PM - 10:00PM, 21+
WHAT: An amazing collection of breweries comes to House of Blues
SO WHAT: Hopped Up is an evening where a brewery takes over the taps at House of Blues. This Hoppy Holidays edition will be special as 14 local (and beyond) breweries will be bringing rare and seasonal brews starting at $4! Participating breweries include Goose Island, Off Color, Half Acre, Oskar Blues, 2 Brothers, Vandermill, Great Lakes, Solemn Oath, Dogfish Head, Wild Onion, 3 Floyds, Boulevard, Avery, and Deschutes! Plus there will be live music by
Get Up with the Get Downs and everyone will receive a free ticket to an upcoming HOB show!
NOW WHAT: Entry to the event is free with RSVP!
Alex Chilton Birthday Bash XIII @ Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western Ave., 9:00PM, 21+
WHAT: A celebration of Big Star’s lead singer
SO WHAT: At long last this wonderful birthday bash is back for its lucky thirteenth year celebrating the songwriting genius of Alex Chilton! The lineup for this year’s bash includes ButterBean, Falling Stars, Hannah Frank Group, The Injured Parties, Mark Jaeschke, Howie Kantoff, Letterbomb, Dann Morr , Puritan Pine, Randy Mantooth, and Eric Peter Schwartz!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $8 for this long running musical tribute!
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29th & 30th
Greensky Bluegrass & Billy Strings @ Riviera Theatre, 4746 N Racine Ave., 8:00PM, 18+
WHAT: A night of spectacle and great tunes
SO WHAT: The Flaming Lips are the prime example of an amazing band that mixes lush psychedelic sounds with an utterly insane stage show. Nothing gets left behind as Wayne Coyne and crew continually put on a show that gives every one in attendance something to remember. Joining them will be
Cherry Glazerr sharing tracks from their wonderful new album
Apocalipstick.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $45 for this awesome night
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31st
New Years Eve @ Logan Arcade, 2410 W Fullerton Ave., 8:00PM, 21+
WHAT: Retro styles for your New Years Eve
SO WHAT: Leap into 2018 with the Logan Arcade family! DJs Melissa (Logan Arcade) and Jivan Ivan (Logan Hardware Records) will spin gems of the '80s, there will be a drink special of $2-off all cans (except for PBR & Old Style), and free pinball in the front room! Let's not forget the free mini-High Life toast at midnight!
NOW WHAT: It's free!
NYE with JC Brooks Band, Nashon Holloway, DJ Ayana Contreras @ Emporium Arcade Bar, 1366 N Milwaukee Ave., 8:00PM, 21+
WHAT: Soulful tunes for your New Years Eve
SO WHAT: Stop by and enjoy the video-game glow as JC Brooks Band and Nashon Holloway sill up the night with pristine local soul music. DJ Ayana Contreras will be provided additional music to keep you dancing all night long
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $30 for this festive night!
NYE @ Cole’s, 2338 N Milwaukee Ave., 9:00PM, 21+
WHAT: A small gathering of music for your New Years Eve
SO WHAT: Stop by New Years Eve at Cole's Neighborhood Bar for an evening full of live music from Glyders, Faux Ferocious, and Wet Piss! There will also be music from DJ Andy Slater and Loose Lips Lip Sync Battles.
NOW WHAT: It's free!
NYE 2018 @ Ada St. Secret Society, 1664 N Ada St., 9:00PM, 21+
WHAT: A mysterious evening for your New Years Eve
SO WHAT: End the year with this exclusive Ada St. Secret Society for a night full of luxury, secrecy, and pleasure. Begin with a ceremonial drink on your way to enjoying an exclusive inaugural celebration. Enjoy Ada St.'s collection of craft spirits from an open bar; and Chef Michael Kornick's menu of fine passed hors d’oeuvres. Y
ou can see the full menu here.
NOW WHAT: $100 per person and is inclusive of tax & service.
New Years Eve Party @ Three Dots and a Dash, 435 N Clark St., 9:00PM, 21+
WHAT: Your more tropical New Years Eve
SO WHAT: Leave behind the winter chill and escape to a tiki hideaway to ring in 2018 with a tropical luau featuring Polynesian appetizers, signature tiki cocktails and music by a special guest.
NOW WHAT: Tickets start at $80! General admission tickets include 5 signature cocktails and passed appetizers. All table/booth reservations will get you the same plus your own table/booth and server.
