We're half way through the month and you may think there's a lull coming. But that's no the case! There are plenty of amazing concerts, markets, movies, and more going on this weekend!
While it feels like the pandemic is behind us, you still need to be mindful when you go out this weekend and beyond. The winter season has seen a lot of colds, flu, RSV, and of course bouts of COVID. It's better to be safe and wear a mask when you go out to big events. And if you're still a little hesitant to go out, there are many events and things to do from home. So whether you're staying in or going out, keep safe and stay healthy!
Now, let's get on with your Chicago Curated Weekend!
- Support Local Venues
- Kingston Mines is open with some great lineups this weekend
- Fitzgerald's is also back in full swing
- Evanston Space
- Head over to the Hideout's regular shop and get yourself some great merch! Their 2020 Holiday Sale page is also still up with links to great local artists!
- Metro shop is full of fantastic concert posters from yesteryear and cool merch
- Lincoln Hall/Schubas always has great items in their shop waiting for you! Plus Schubas/Tied House is open and events are on their way back!
- Same goes for Thalia Hall's merch store (those holiday socks? *chef's kiss*)
- Let's not forget Empty Bottle's fantastic merch shop! Plus they just added some new stuff designed by some awesome people that is sure to catch your eye! Shows are going on now as well, so head over to their venue site and go to some concerts if you're comfortable
- Art Galleries and Special Events
- Chicago Gamespace is the perfect spot to check out the hairy present and future of the gaming realm! Currently they are showing LIGHT CYCLES: 40 Years of TRON in Games & Film
- All Star Press is constantly putting up new prints for you to decorate your space with! Plus you can check out some of their prints from last year's Vertical Gallery collab, which you can purchase here!! There is also a virtual gallery featuring all the works! You can see their previous show "Saturday Morning Fever” featuring the works of Griffin Goodman through their virtual gallery! And don't forget to check out the virtual edition of JC Rivera's new exhibition "Still Undefeated" !
- Galerie F has a fun stock of prints from concert posters, pop culture prints and more!
- Rotofugi is the perfect nexus of art and toys! Head over to see what new pieces of art they have in stocks and on display in their gallery space! They are currently showing Donut Bears: New Works by Mr. Likey
- WNDR Museum is an ever-evolving immersive art and technology experience designed to ignite your curiosity! See exhibits like the Light Floor, Try to Get Higher, and the Digital Gallery. Plus Keith Haring!
- Garfield Park Conservatory is open! Book a reservation to see all the beautiful gardens safely!
- Lincoln Park Conservatory is open! Book a reservation to see all the beautiful gardens safely
- Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park “Harry Potter: Magic at Play” @ Water Tower Place
- “Mold-A-Rama™: Molded for the Future” @ Museum of Science and Industry
- Wicker Park Winter Market Series @ the Robey
- Mozart Immersive: The Soul of a Genius
- Karen's Diner - A pop up dining establishment where you get an extra dose of sass with your order
- 4/7-5/14 Dinner With A View
- Art on the Mart - Funtime Unicorn: Ruby Rides Through Four Seasons premieres Friday April 14th, 2023 at 8:30pm.
THURSDAY, APRIL 13th
Stars & Lydia Persaud @ Lincoln Hall, 2424 N Lincoln Ave, 7:00pm, 21+
WHAT: Indie rock legends make their way to Chicago!
SO WHAT: No matter if it's their solo outings or their work with Broken Social Scene, every member of Stars is always giving their best, but it's always little more special when their together as Stars. With just over two decades under their belts and tons of amazing and memorable tracks, a Stars show is a sure bet for your evening plans. And with the deluxe version of From Capelton Hill Deluxe their latest album on the way next week, this is a perfect time to see this phenomenal band. Joining them on this tour is Lydia Persaud and her incredible blend of folk, jazz and R&B highlihgted y her gorgeous voice.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $35 for this fantastic night at Lincoln Hall! Check out the rest of the shows at Lincoln Hall below!
Chicago Humanities Festival Spring 2023: New Talks and Video Archives @ Various Locations & Chicago Humanities Festival YouTube channel, your favorite browser or YouTube app, any time you want some inspiration, All Ages
WHAT: Interesting conversations with interesting people!
SO WHAT: Chicago Humanities Festival always brings some of the best ideas to the surface with entertaining programming that captures your imagination. Be on the lookout for updates to the upcoming season as their website is constantly updated with new talks. Here is a taste of what's coming up!
- 4/13 Susanna Hoffs: From Pop Star to Novelist
- 4/21 Rainn Wilson On the Importance of Spirituality
- 4/26 Lane Moore with Mara Wilson: How To Make Friends As An Adult
- 4/29 Congresswoman Katie Porter: Championing Change
- 4/29 The Photography of Ralph Ellison
- 4/29 Minnesota’s Attorney General Keith Ellison on Police Brutality
- 4/29 Beto O’Rourke in Conversation
- 4/29 The Supreme Court’s New Era
- 4/29 Ayad Akhtar and Eboo Patel: On Offense
- 4/29 Surprise: Reading Jane Austen Again
- 4/29 Scott Aukerman: the Hilarious World of Comedy Bang Bang!
- 4/29 Miranda July with Carrie Brownstein
NOW WHAT: Head over to take a look at their past events here! You should also sign up for their email list to get updates on upcoming talks in 20231
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, APRIL 14th - APRIL 16th (& BEYOND)
The Neo-Futurists' The Infinite Wrench @ The Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N Ashland, Friday and Saturday 10:30pm, Sunday 7:00pm, 16+
WHAT: Quick plays live and online!
SO WHAT: The Neo-Futurists are back ! Their Infinite Wrench is an ongoing, ever-changing attempt to perform 30 plays in 60 minutes for a live audience. Now it's actually a live audience that will be enjoying the performance in person! With plenty of COVID precautions in place, you'll be able to enjoy the funny, disgusting, profound, terrifying, irreverent, and downright entertaining show with friends! Plan ahead as vaccination cards will be checked and booster will be required to be fully vaccinated.
NOW WHAT: Join the Neo-Futurists this weekend for $10! Head over to their website to see all they have planned now that in-person audiences are a thing again! If you're still a little anxious about going out, The Infinite Wrench Goes Viral will be continuing til February (and possibly beyond) over at their Patreon
SATURDAY, APRIL 15th
House of Vans Next Era: White Mystery / Neptune's Core / Roof Dogs @ House of Vans, 113 N Elizabeth St., 7:00pm, All Ages
WHAT:Check out some local sounds at House of Vans excellent series
SO WHAT: House of Vans is always a fun time and their Next Era series puts the spotlight local and up-and-coming talent. This time around they have some of our favorites taking over the lineup. White Mystery will be celebrating their 15th anniversary along side the phenomenal sounds of Neptune's Core and the Roof Dogs opening the night, some excellent DJ sets by Jill Hopkins, and it'll all be held together by MC Fred Armisen (yes, that Fred Armisen).
NOW WHAT: Shows at House of Vans are usually free and this one is no exception! RSVP here and enjoy this insane show!
SUNDAY, APRIL 16th
The Trashy Earth Market 2023 @ Gallagher
WHAT: Show some love for our one-and-only planet at this earth friendly market!
SO WHAT: Celebrate Earth Week at the Trashy Earth Market featuring incredible creators transforming reclaimed materials and repurposing less-than-loved stuff! They'll be giving Trashy a whole new meaning! You’ll have the opportunity to support eco- & socially-conscious businesses offering a huge selection of unique locally-crafted wares including home goods, planters, art, fashion, bath & body and more. Plus there will be plenty of hands-on, trashy activities for all ages.
NOW WHAT: It's free!
MOST OF THE SELF-DISTANCING WEEKEND & BEYOND
EXPO CHICAGO @ Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Various times, All Ages
WHAT: EXPO CHICAGO, the International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art, is back!
SO WHAT: The ninth in-person edition of EXPO CHICAGO features art from More than 170 leading international exhibitors. Admission includes a dynamic roster of on-site programming, including panel discussions, large scale installations, film and so much more. You can see full details at their website! You can also explore tons of the EXPO galleries online!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $35 for a single day, $50 for the three-day pass, and $150 for the Opening night Ticket!. Discounted tickets for current students and Seniors are $25 and Single day Guided Tour passes are $50
Chicago Latino Film Festival @ Landmark Century Center Cinema (2828 N Clark St), AMC River East (322 E. Illinois Street), Instituto Cervantes (31 W Ohio St), various times
WHAT: Chicago Latino Film Festival is back for their 39th year in a nice hybrid form!
SO WHAT: Chicago Latino Film Festival gives audiences a look into the work of filmmakers from Latin America, Spain, Portugal and the U.S. As always the festival will feature a variety of shorts and feature films through the entire spectrum of genre, each giving a special insights to unique themes. You can check out the full lineup of films here!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are available now! Screenings at Landmark Century Center are $15 except on Monday and Tuesday when they are$12, $125 for a 10-film Passport . Special Events at Insituto Cervantes are $30 and the opening/closing night galas ae $75. ILCC members, students and seniors get discounted rates
Weekend Shows @ Lincoln Hall & Schubas, 2424 N Lincoln Ave & 3159 N Southport Ave, various times, 18+
WHAT: A full weekend of amazing shows at Schubas and Lincoln Hall!
SO WHAT: Lincoln Hall and Schubas are some of our favorite venues in the city and they always have something great going on. Check out what's going this weekend at these great venues!
- April 13 - LHST Comedy Presents: Schubas Open Mic HOSTED BY NAOMI SPUNGEN, ADRIENNE STOUT, AND SUZ BALLOUT @ Schubas
- April 13- TC Superstar / George Arthur Calendar @ Schubas
- April 13 - Stars / Lydia Persaud @ Lincoln Hall
- April 14 -Michigander/ Abby Holliday @ Schubas SOLD OUT
- April 14 - Meet Me Upstairs Presents: Don Crescendo @ Schubas
- April 14 -FLYTE @ Schubas
- April 15 - Field Guide / Cece Coakley / Reno Cruz @ Schubas
- April 15 - The Nude Party / Breanna Barbara @ Lincoln Hall SOLD OUT
- April 16 -The Criticals / Bird and Byron / The Things With Feathers @ Lincoln Hall
NOW WHAT: Head out to Schubas & Lincoln Hall and enjoy this great lineup of shows!
Back on the Big Screen and Virtual Cinema @ Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Ave and at your home, any time you want to watch a movie
WHAT: A great way to support a great local theater
SO WHAT: The Music Box Theatre is really to fill that art house need in you with some excellent movies including with The Five Devils, Enys Men, Tori and Lokita, a midnight screening of The Sex Garage + L.A. Plays Itself, the start of Crackerjack Compass: The Works of Robert Zemeckis and more! But if you want to watch some first-run movies at home, you can still watch great movies and support them online! They are currently screening films via their The Music Box Direct series! There are also tons of select titles available on their new platform!
NOW WHAT: Digital subscription is $4.99, in person screenings vary, so sit back and enjoy!
ChiTown Movies @ Pilsen Neighborhood, 2343 S. Throop St, Various Times, All Ages
WHAT: An old school experience for the modern age
SO WHAT: Take a trip back in time and head out to a drive-in movie with ChiTown Movies. Ever since the pandemic started and shut down traditional movie screening, a few pop up drive-ins have arrived and ChiTown Movies has persevered, offering up modern movies in this retro setting. Check out their lineup below for showings this weekend and in the future!
- 4/21 Shrek – 8:00pm
- 4/21 Nightmare on Elm Street – 10:30pm
- 4/22 Puss in Boots: The Last Wish – 8:00pm
- 4/22 Nope - 10:30pm
- 4/23 Jurassic Park – 8:00pm
- 4/15 Spider-Man: No Way Home 8:00pm
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $33 per car for these movies, so bring the family for a safe movie watching experience
University of Chicago Folk Festival @ Your favorite spot in your home, All Ages
WHAT:A fantastic folk festival
SO WHAT: University of Chicago Folk Festival might have come and gone but their digital presence is still around, making sure the wonderful music reaches as many people as possible! You can check out the past few years of performances on their Facebook page and their YouTube channel any time you want! This past year's performers included Balfa Toujours, Donka & Nikolay Kolev, Juan Rivera, Henry Barnes & Conner Vlietstra, Po' Ramblin' Boys, Jerron Paxton; Tim Britton, John Williams and Katie Grennan!
NOW WHAT: Head over to their Facebook page and their YouTube channel and enjoy the show! We highly encourage you to donate to help support this fantastic folk festival!
Masque of the Red Coronavirus! @ Black Button Eyes Productions, Any time on your computer or mobile device. For 18+.
WHAT: Written by Black Button Eyes Productions producing artistic director Ed Rutherford, this short satirical piece is available online free as a combined script-and-video experience.
SO WHAT: In addition to reading the play, you will see various Chicago artists act out portions of the script on video, recorded remotely. The event includes puppets, burlesque, original music, fire dancing and more in a brief, darkly comedic confection.
With the Red Coronavirus running rampant across the countryside and a vaccine still months away, what's a Prince to do? Lock himself in a secure bunker in an undisclosed location along with a cohort of his top donors, of course. To prevent him and his rich supporters from becoming bored, the Prince has also brought a few artists into the bunker to entertain the crowd. But as the hour grows later and the night grows weirder, it's clear that something else has also invaded the party.
NOW WHAT: Settle down for an evening of this great story!