Your Chicago Curated Weekend: 11/14 and Beyond

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We're half way through Novemeber and the holiday season is slowly coming into view! Tons of winter related events are starting to take over in addition to all the are tons of concerts, movies, markets and more going on this weekend as we start the countdown to the end of the year. So don't let the next few days go to waste, find something fun to do with a little help from our event roundup!

Now, let's get on with your Chicago Curated Weekend!

ART GALLERIES & SPECIAL EVENTS

SEASONAL EVENTS THIS WEEKEND!

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Whisky Fest @ Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E Wacker Dr, 6:30pm - 9:30pm, 21+
WHAT: The delicious nectar that is whisky/whiskey
SO WHAT: This is the perfect opportunity to try a huge variety of whiskies from around the globe, giving you a nice look (and taste) at the state of whisky today! Seriously, whether you're looking for Canadian or Japanese, rye or bourbon, you'll find it here. WhiskyFest will also include seminars conducted by master distillers and blenders to get you all the more acquainted with the wonderful spirit!
NOW WHAT: GA tickets are $275 and VIP tickets are $375 for this incredible whisky experience. 

FRIDAY - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 - 17 (& BEYOND)

ZooLights @ Lincoln Park Zoo, pedestrian entrance at Stockton Drive and Webster Street, 4:30pm – 10:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: One of the largest displays of the season’s lights cwlbratwa 30 years!
SO WHAT: ZooLights, Presented By ComEd and Invesco QQQ,  at Lincoln Park Zoo makes the most wonderful time of year even better with the most wonderful lighting event. The one-of-a-kind experience offers fun family-oriented holiday celebrations that feature beautiful  displays and incredible seasonal activities all under the glow of millions of lights! Check out their event page for a full rundown of all the fun that is waiting for you at the annual ZooLights event!
NOW WHAT: Entry is free on most Mondays, $7 on most other weeknights and weekends-premium nights are $10! Tickets for the Winter Experiences are additional.

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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!

NOW WHAT: Tickets are $35 per car for these movies, so bring the family for a safe movie watching experience

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The Neo-Futurists’ The Infinite Wrench @ The Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N Ashland, Friday and Saturday 10:30pm, Sunday 7pm, 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!
NOW WHAT: Join the Neo-Futurists this weekend for $20!  The Infinite Wrench Goes Viral will be continuing til February (and possibly beyond) over at their Patreon

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16

Godfrey Wine Fest @ I|O Godfrey Rooftop, 127 West Huron Street , 1:00pm - 5:00pm, 21+
WHAT: A little bit of wine for your January afternoon
SO WHAT: Chicago's year-round rooftop I|O Godfrey Rooftop will be hosting a wine festival featuring a huge array of wines! There is bound to be something for everyone! Enjoy the great wines while you take in panoramic skyline views, fire pits and shimmering water elements.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $59-$75!

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16 & 17

Randolph Street Holiday Market @ Plumbers Hall, 1340 W Washington, 10:00am – 5:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: Randolph Street Market Chicago returns for the holidays
SO WHAT: Celebrate the holiday edition of this fun market where you can experience over 125 vendors with a wide variety of items perfect for your gift giving needs! There will also be a market bar for a Bloody Mary, beer, wine or champagne and local eateries while browsing vendors on three floors!
NOW WHAT: Tickets for the market are $12 for general admission, kids 12 and under! There are also plenty of great packages available for groups !

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Andersonville Viking Pub Crawl @ Meeting House Tavern, 5025 N Clark & Various Locations, 3:00pm – 6:00pm, 21+
WHAT: A little trip around the bars in Andersonville!
SO WHAT: The Andersonville Viking Pub Crawl returns with tons of stops and a whole lot of fun!  Groups are encouraged, so invite your friends and dress up – there will be a costume contest for best group and best individual Viking costume!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $25 and check-inwill be at Meeting House Tavern! Bring cash for drinks as some venues do not take credit cards.

THE WHOLE CURATED WEEKEND & BEYOND

Chicago Japan Film Collective @ Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Ave, & Sakka streaming platform, the comfiest movie watching spot in your home, various times
WHAT: The opportunity to discover some of the best contemporary Japanese indie cinema
SO WHAT: The Chicago Japanese Film Collective is back showcasing a lineup of powerful films under the theme “Co-existence.”! Through these films, they hope to connect Japanese and American cultures and create mutual understanding and respect; bringing fresh perspectives and shared experiences to light.. They will be showing 11 films in 11 days so don't miss out!
NOW WHAT: Single tickets are $12 and an All Access Pass is $30! Virtual Tickets are $10 for single films, $20 for 5 Virtual Tickets (5 Films)! Go watch some incredible films!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpkVMDUZ1Yc

Black Harvest Film Festival @ Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State Street, Various Times, All Ages
WHAT: A celebration of film by Black filmmakers!
SO WHAT: Returning for its 30th year, Gene Siskel Film Center’s Black Harvest Film Festival runs through November 21 featuring dozens of films (short and feature-length, narrative and documentary) from, by and about the Black experience. A decent portion of the selected films have Chicago and Midwestern ties, including the opening night program featuring "select Black Harvest Film Festival short films and the announcement of the winners of The Richard and Ellen Sandor Family Black Harvest Film Festival Prize and the winner of the Sergio Mims Prize for Excellence in Black Filmmaking, followed by a lively reception."
NOW WHAT: Tickets are available now and you can check out the full schedule here.

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Movies on the Big Screen and Home @ Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Ave, various times
WHAT: A great way to support a great local theater
SO WHAT: The Music Box Theatre recently underwent some great renovations,and are ready for all your movie needs u with some excellent films like Anora, Heretic , House of Sayuri, The Heartbreak Kid, Professor O’s Producing Festival #2 - Make A Web Series!, Lady Terminator Part of: Music Box of Horrors Presents, midnight screenings of Fantasia and The Room and so much more!
NOW WHAT: Sit back and enjoy a new film at one of our favorite movie theatres in the city!

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Chicago Humanities: 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. There's tons of talks going on this season, so head over to their website which is constantly updated with new talks.

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 2024

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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

NOW WHAT: Head out to Schubas & Lincoln Hall and enjoy this great lineup of shows!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Js4K20QnEs

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 The Price Sisters, Brian Conway, Jerron "Blind Boy" Paxton, Ruby John, Sean "Mack" McDonald, and many more!
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! You can check out day one here and day two here!

Julian Ramirez