The months of April and May let me indulge in my biggest/nerdiest hobbies, from
C2E2 to
RSD.
This weekend continues feeding into that trend with Free Comic Book Day (which is in the curated events below)! Get some comics and enjoy the rest of the concerts, book events, and more! Also, it's Mother Day next weekend (May 13), so you still have time to get something in case you forgot.
Let's get on with your curated weekend!
ALL WEEKEND LONG, MAY 3rd - 6th
Dragon Lights Chicago @ Soldier Field South Parking Lot, 1410 Museum Campus Dr, 5:30pm - 10:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: It’s the final week of this festival of lights
SO WHAT: Soldier Field’s South Parking Lot has been transformed into an illuminated festival featuring 40 enormous lantern displays, composed of more than 1,000 components using state-of-the-art LEDs. The festival will also include cultural demonstrations and displays, traditional Asian and western dining options, and live stage entertainment nightly.
NOW WHAT:
Tickets are available here!
THURSDAY, MAY 3rd
Unknown Mortal Orchestra & Makeness @ The Vic Theatre, 3145 N Sheffield Ave., 7:00pm, 18+
WHAT: Musical jam factories making their way to Chicago
SO WHAT: Unknown Mortal Orchestra‘s penchant for delectable and groove-worthy songs is undeniable. Led by Ruban Nielon, the band has evolved time and time again, reaching new heights with every passing record.
Sex & Food, their latest, is a shape-shifting album touche on some serious themes while traversing battered drum-machine funk, doomy rock, and psychedelic disco. Joining them on this Chicago stop will be Scottish producer
Makeness and his ethereal electronic menagerie.
NOW WHAT:
Tickets are $27 for this excellent night of eclectic tunes!
Liner Notes: A Musical Storytelling Series @ Gman Tavern, 3740 N Clark St, 9:00pm, 21+
WHAT: Awesome people talking about music
SO WHAT: Liner Notes, hosted and curated by Shannon Nico Shreibak, is a monthly storytelling series where writers, musicians, and members of the arts community reflect on the albums that changed their lives—for better, or for worse. Speakers will include Dave Hofer (Reckless Records) discussing
Blessed Are The Sic’ by Morbid Angel, Lorena Caiazzo (Do312, Store Brand Soda) discussing
Lil Boat by Lil Yachty, Rivka Yeker (Hooligan Mag) discussing
I’m Not As Good At It As You by S, and Uma Bloo discussing
The Idler Wheel… by Fiona Apple
NOW WHAT: It’s free!
FRIDAY, MAY 4th
May the Fourth Be With You Happy Hour @ Headquarters Beercade, 213 W Institute Pl, 3:00pm - 7:00pm, 21+
WHAT: Indulge your inner Jedi
SO WHAT: Jedis, Padawans, Imperial Knights, Storm Troopers, Ewoks and even Siths are welcome to start their weekend off with a happy hour set in the Star Wars universe. Headquarters will have Revolution Brewing Deth’s Tar Stout, “Lightsaber” Shot Specials, and a special performance by DJ Chewbacca!
NOW WHAT: RSVP here and enjoy!
Broad Shoulders: A Solo Show by Penny Pinch @ Galerie F, 2415 N Milwaukee Ave., 6:00pm - 10:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: A solo show from an excellent local artists
SO WHAT: Galerie F is proudly opening its doors to give Chicago street artist Penny Pinch the floor to pay homage to ‘The City of the Big Shoulders.'
NOW WHAT: This opening reception is free!
SATURDAY, MAY 5th
Free Comic Book Day @ Various Locations, All Day, All Ages
WHAT: FREE COMICS!
SO WHAT: Don’t you love events that are
pretty much exactly what they sounds like? Free Comic Book Day is a annual event where comic book shops like Chicago Comics, First Aid Comics, Graham Crackers, Challenger, Zone Comics & Games, Amazing Fantasy, and many more give away special issues of comics so that you can see what the medium is all about!
NOW WHAT: It’s free! head out and pick up some comics and enjoy!
Eleanor Friedberger & Sarah Louise @ Lincoln Hall, 2424 N Lincoln Ave, 9:00pm, 18+
WHAT: New music from an Oak Park native
SO WHAT: Eleanor Friedberger has created a new album that feels a little fizzier, a little synthier and more more cinematic/meditative than her last few albums. Stop by Lincoln Hall to see her perform from that new album and catch opener
Sarah Louise and her beautiful psychedelic folk.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $20 for this excellent night
SUNDAY, MAY 6th
GirlForward Live! 2018 @ Low Res Studio, 1821 W Hubbard St #203, 1:00pm - 4:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: Art and performances for a good cause
SO WHAT: GirlForward is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and enhancing opportunities for girls who have been displaced globally by conflict and persecution. Since 2011, GirlForward has provided mentorship, educational opportunities and a safe space to nearly 300 girls. Join us as we celebrate our community and generate support for what lies ahead! Help support them during this fun event featuring international bites, open bar, and tea service!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $75 for regular admission, $25 for those under 18, and $50 for GirlForward Mentors
Secret Chicago Book Launch Party @ The Drifter, 676-8 N Orleans St., 2:00pm - 5:00pm
WHAT: Discover some secrets about Chicago
SO WHAT: Celebrate the launch of
Secret Chicago in a Prohibition-era speakeasy featured in the book! Join author Jessica Mlinaric for a reading, raffle of fantastic prizes from the book, and an exciting hula hoop performance by Samantha Siren!
Check out their event page for more info!
NOW WHAT: It’s free! Before you go, read Marielle Shaw's
review and interview with the author.
