Your Chicago Curated Weekend: 11/21 and Beyond

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It's the first snow of the season, and while it may not last, it's still nice to see! Especially as even more winter-related events flow into Chicago's weekend schedule in addition to all the tons of concerts, movies, markets and more going on. So grab that winter coat and head out into chilly temps to 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!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21

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.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22

Whiskies of the World @ Intercontinental Chicago, 505 N Michigan Ave, 7pm-10:30pm
WHAT: Sample premier whiskies from around the globe!
SO WHAT: This traveling whiskey exhibition brings together more than 100 spirits for whiskey enthusiasts to sip throughout the night. Walk around the event with your souvenir glass and try some free flowing familiar and brand new spirits! There are also master classes available to get an even deeper look into the world of whisky/whiskey!
NOW WHAT: General admission tickets are $125 while VIP admission is $175 and gets you 45min early access (6pm).

FRIDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22 - 23

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAmKURkdx2w

The Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beers @ Credit Union 1 Arena & Your Place, 525 S. Racine Ave. or the spot where you can best appreciate a good barrel-aged brew awards show, Friday 6:00pm – 10:00pm, Saturday 1:00pm – 5:00pm, 21+
WHAT: The Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beers isbringing over 350 brews for you to sample and judge!
SO WHAT: FoBAB‘s incredible popular festival has breweries send in their rarest and best barrel-aged drinks to be judged! Breweries from across the country submitted a wonderful variety of beers, ciders, meads and perrys, so there will be plenty for you to taste. The award ceremony on Saturday will also be livestreamed at 2pm!
NOW WHAT: You can watch the livestreamed ceremony for free on their website on Saturday at 2pm, but if you’re up for the in-person tastings tickets are $85!!

FRIDAY - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22 - 24 (& BEYOND)

Christkindlmarket @ Daley Plaza (50 W Washington St) & RiverEdge Park—360 N. Broadway, Aurora), Various Times, All Ages
WHAT: The Chicago Christmas time tradition is back in person!
SO WHAT: Christkindlmarket is back with all the familiar foods, music, and ornaments you expect! Head over to their website for info on special events, hours, and more!
NOW WHAT: It’s free! But if you want to skip the lines and take home one of those souvenir mugs, you can buy an advance fast pass for $25

Holiday Magic @ Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St (1st Avenue and 31st Street), Brookfield, 3:00pm – 9:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: Add some holiday cheer to your zoo visit!
SO WHAT: Celebrate the holiday season as over two million lights wrap around Brookfield Zoo! Holiday Magic lets attendees explore the zoo as the synchronized lights dance to the music. You’ll have fun discovering all the new immersive displays, Elf Power: Virtual reality experiences, riding on the Carousel and Ferris Wheel, taking some special holiday photos, and so much more!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $29.95 for adults 12- 64, $20.95 for children ages 3 – 11,  $24.95 for Seniors. Parking is $15.18

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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 23

Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival @ Magnificent Mile, 401 North Michigan Avenue, 11:00am -7:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: A grand display of holiday cheer!
SO WHAT: This wonderful Lights Festival starts early in the day with a festive thoroughfare of booths and family activities, including photos with Santa Claus! Then at 5:30pm the tree lighting parade commences with Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in attendance along with a parade featuring over an hour of fabulous floats, giant helium balloons, exciting marching bands, celebrities, musical performances, Santa Claus, fireworks and more! Check out their printable guide here!
NOW WHAT: It’s free! If you’re not feeling up to being there in person, ABC will be broadcasting the event throughout the holiday season!

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!

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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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 , Qualia, Adrianne & The Castle (featuring Director Shannon Walsh, film subject Alan St-George, co-writer/creator Laurel Sprengelmeyer, and actress SLee in attendance for a post-film Q&A), I Am the Night: A Batman (mini)series (featuring Batman, The People's Joker, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, and The Dark Knight ) Ishtar Part of: Dangerous Business: Elaine May Matinees, a midnight screening of Sextool 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