What are our picks for the best events happening in Chicago worth your time this week through to the weekend (October 14 through October 20)? This is the Week to Weekend Guide you need, you can pass on the others. Bring out your paper calendars or iCal and lets get to the fun.
EVENT: Booth RAL x CFC: Fashion Fireside Chats
What: University of Chicago Booth School of Business’s Retail and Luxury (RAL) x CFC at Chicago Fashion Week: Fashion Fireside Chat with Lola Banjo (founder of Silver & Riley.
Where: Chicago Booth Gleacher Centre | 450 North Cityfront Plaza Drive,
When: Monday Oct 14
Time: 5:30pm-8:00pm
Cost: $30-$60
Why: Join us for intimate fireside chats with fashion industry luminaries Monica Royer and Brian Bloom, founders of Monica + Andy, and Lola Banjo, founder of Silver & Riley at Chicago Booth in collaboration with the Booth Retail and Luxury Group. Gain inside insights, network with professionals and explore the intersection of business and style in these exclusive, thought-provoking sessions led by experienced moderators.
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EVENT: FGI Chicago – Rising Star Awards
What: Fashion Group International of Chicago Announces the 10th Rising Star Awards.
Where: Palmer House Hilton Hotel Chicago | 17 East Monroe Street
When: Tuesday Oct 15
Time:6:00pm-9:00pm
Cost: $155-$200
Why:Join us for a star-studded evening celebrating the future of fashion during Chicago Fashion Week®! FGI Chicago will award finalists in fashion categories. Fashion Icon Award presented to Badgley Mischka in collaboration with Neiman Marcus.
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EVENT: Black Flyer: First Rainbow Coalition Screening
What: The 2024 edition of Chicago’s favorite foodie fest returns for a weekend long array of festivities.
Where:DuSable Museum |
When: Tuesday October 15
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cost: $FREE
Why: Celebrate the anniversary of the birth of The Black Panther Party at The DuSable! Join us for a free screening and an engaging discussion of Ray Santisteban’s film, “The First Rainbow Coalition.”
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EVENT: The 60th Chicago International Film Festival
What: The official kickoff event for the 12 day Chicago Fashion Week initiative
Where: Chicago Cultural Center | 78 E. Washington Street
When: Wednesday, Oct 16-Sunday October 27
Time: 6:00pm-10:00pm
Cost: $75-$250
Why: The iconic and longest-running competitive film festival in North America Film Festival will celebrate its 2024 run with a special opening night film “The Piano Lesson” directed by Malcolm Washington starring Samuel L Jackson, John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, Erykah Badu and Corey Hawkins. At the Opening Night screening, director and co-writer Malcolm Washington will receive the Festival’s Breakthrough Award for his visceral and compelling feature directorial debut and John David Washington will receive the Spotlight Award in recognition of the emotional complexity and power he brings to his transfixing performance as Boy Willie.
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EVENT: Edgar Arceneaux, Until, Until, Until . . .
What: Arceneaux’s Until, Until, Until . . . invites audiences to directly experience Ben Vereen’s censored ( 1981 blackface performance), deemed too dangerous to air on national television..
Where: MCA Chicago Edlis Neeson Theater| 220 E Chicago Avenue
When: Thursday October 17-Saturday October 19
Time: 7:30 pm
Cost: $Varies
Why: Edgar Arceneaux is a contemporary artist working in Los Angeles, whose primary materials are histories and memories marred by gaps in logic, clichés, and erasures. Working within these gaps, Arceneaux applies a surreal, dream-like lens to pry open the messy contents of history, and pull what we think we already know into new shapes. The October 18 performance includes an artist Q&A after the show. The MCA presentation is organized by Laura Paige Kyber, Assistant Curator of Performance.
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EVENT: This Week At The Siskel
What: Support the best in independent, international, and classic film at Chicago’s premier art house cinema.
Where: The Gene Siskel Film Center | 164 N. State Street
When: Monday October 14-Sunday October 20
Time: Various
Cost: Discounted pricing for members. Not currently a member? Join or renew here!
Why: This week’s lineup includes “An Evening with Paige Taul” as well as a varied selection of films including: “The Burmese Harp,” “Peeping Tom,” “Basquiat,” “Gone To Earth,””Stonebreakers” and more. Tickets to the upcoming Black Harvest Film Festival is now on sale.
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EVENT: The Thorn
What: The Thorn is an immersive show featuring live music, drama, aerial acts, movement arts, modern dance, and big visual effects.
Where: Auditorium Theatre | 50 E Ida B Wells Drive
When: Wednesday October 16
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: $35.75+
Why: The Thorn tells the epic story of God’s love for the world and the spiritual battle for all humanity. Often described as cirque meets the passion of Jesus, The Thorn combines dance, martial arts, aerial acrobatics, and emotionally powerful performances, witnessed live by 1M+ people for over 25 years. The Thorn will engage audiences in the ultimate story of love, sacrifice, and redemption like never before.
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EVENT: More Light! Luftwerk x Aram Saroyan: Exhibition Opening
What: The exhibition title “More Light” comes from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s last words “mehr licht” on his deathbed and provides a historic reference to the minimal gesture of Saroyan.
Where: Poetry Foundation | 61 West Superior Street,
When:Thursday October 17
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:15 PM
Cost: $Registration required
Why: Join us for a talk with Aram Saroyan and Luftwerk Studio principals Petra Bachmaier and Sean Gallero to celebrate the opening of the exhibition More Light!. The single word poem “lighght,” by Aram Saroyan, is the inspiration for Luftwerk’s site-specific installation at the Poetry Foundation. Saroyan describes his poem, a seminal work of minimalism, as operating like “electricity,” instant and continuous. Luftwerk’s immersive interpretation brings viewers inside an ever shifting prism of colored light, transforming the Poetry Foundation gallery into a dynamic lightbox. The opening will feature remarks by Bachmaier and Gallero followed by a talk by Saroyan. The program will begin at 6 PM. Arrive early to view the installation.
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EVENT: Costume Council Golden Jubilee
What: Celebrate 50 years of preserving fashion history and supporting the Chicago History Museum’s world-renowned costume collection.
Where: Chicago History Museum | 1601 N. Clark Street
When: Friday, October 18
Time: 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Cost: $350 (dinner); $150 (Afterparty)
Why: The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum invites you to be a part of a historic evening as we enjoy a first look at the brand-new exhibition, Dressed in History: A Costume Collection Retrospective.This unforgettable celebration of the Costume Council’s 50th anniversary includes a first look at this historic exhibition. Enjoy dinner while experiencing a fashion show featuring Chicago designers, and dance the night away at the Golden Hour Afterparty. Join us for a golden evening commemorating Chicago’s incredible fashion history.
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EVENT: Whitney Cummings-Big Baby
What: Whitney Cummings will bring the Big Baby Tour 2024 with special guest Ian Fidance
Where: The Chicago Theatre | 175 N. State Street
When: Friday Oct 18
Time:Doors at 6:30pm | 7:30pm
Cost: Fresh from motherhood, Whitney Cummings is back with the ‘Big Baby Tour’ in 2024. Experience a night of laughter and new tales. Secure your tickets today!.
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EVENT: An Evening with Larry Wilmore: Comedy, Magic, and ‘Merica
What: Wilmore is perhaps best known for his role as host of Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, which debuted in January 2015 and ran for nearly two years.
Where: City Winery | 1200 W. Randolph Street
When: Friday Oct 18
Time: 7:30pm/ 6:00pm Doors
Cost: $50+
Why: Emmy Award winner Larry Wilmore has been a television producer, actor, comedian, and writer for more than 25 years. He can currently be heard as host of Larry Wilmore: Black on the Air on The Ringer Podcast Network. The show, which premiered in 2017, features Wilmore’s unique mix of humor and wit as he weighs in on the issues of the week and interviews guests in the worlds of politics, entertainment, culture, sports, and beyond. Larry is currently in development on the dramedy series inspired by the life of Ludacris for BET+ in which he serves as executive producer.
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EVENT:Fall Friday’s
What:Every Friday this fall, join us anytime between 3-7pm and embark on a culinary journey through our marketplace.
Where: Eataly Chicago | 43 East Ohio Street
When: Friday October 18
Time:3pm-7pm
Cost: $25.
Why:You’ll receive a punch card to redeem at five of our counters – just follow the map to find your next tasting, hand your card to our experts, and get your curated tasting of some of our experts’ favorite bites. It’s the perfect way to end a long work week and start your weekend with delicious food – join us as we turn Friday afternoons into delicious journeys at Eataly Chicago!
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EVENT: Cocktail 101 Class–Rum
What: You’ll make: Classic Daiquiri – Rum, lime, sugar; Dark & Stormy – Aged Rum, lime, ginger, bubbles, Blackstrap; Kingston Negroni – Jamaican Rum, Campari, Vermouth di Torino
Where: The Violet Hour | 1520 North Damen Avenue
When: Saturday, Oct 19,
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Cost:$105
Why: With the summer fading and winter looming, we’re making a few favorite transitional weather cocktails. Join us for a dive into the vast world of the pirate spirit distilled from sugarcane. As in all of our classes, we’ll cover cocktail-making fundamentals, guiding participants through making (and enjoying) cocktails – this hands-on class has something to offer both novices & professionals.
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EVENT: Open House Chicago – Chicago Architecture Center
What:Open House Chicago (OHC) is a free public festival that instills civic pride through providing access to places of architectural, historical, and cultural significance, and highlights businesses, organizations, and creative leaders making positive.
Where: Chicago
When: Saturday October 19-Sunday October 20
Time: Varies
Cost: Admission is free
Why: OHC remains one of the largest events of its kind in the world. This festival is a part of Open House Worldwide, a network of almost 60 organizations hosting festivals and conversations about architecture, design and cities across the globe.The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is proud to host Open House Chicago (OHC) on October 19-20, 2024. OHC is a free public festival that offers behind-the-scenes access to architecturally, historically and culturally significant sites throughout Chicago, plus more than 40 events and programs at the sites, including demonstrations, talks and arts performances. While you’re out exploring, don’t forget to participate in the OHC photo competition—capture your favorite moments/architecture and submit your photos for a chance to be featured. Go explore!
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EVENT: Arts in the Dark Parade
What: 10th Annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, presented by LUMA8 & the City of Chicago and sponsored by Barry Callebaut, with major support from Chicago Free For All Fund and Chicago Loop Alliance!
Where: Chicago Loop
When: Saturday October 19
Time: 6pm-8pm
Cost: Free to attend
Why: Arts in the Dark is a magical evening parade celebrating Halloween as the “artist’s holiday” and drawing together world-renowned institutions, celebrated Chicago cultural organizations, important youth programs, and aspiring artists in every field. It is a dazzling production that delights an audience of 60,000 with unique floats, spectacle puppets and creative performances – all set against the backdrop of historic State Street.
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EVENT: NAPA’s Ankara Ball 2024
What: Step into a world of Nigerian-American pride and excellence at the Ankara Ball hosted by the Nigerian-American Professional Association (NAPA) in Chicago.
Where: Wazobia Banquet and Event Hall | 1618 West Devon Avenue
When: Saturday Oct 19
Time:6:00pm-10:00pm
Cost: $60+
Why: Come celebrate Nigerian-American excellence at the Ankara Ball on Saturday, October 19th at Wazobia Banquet and Event Hall in Rogers Park! Enjoy dinner, awards, music, and dancing while networking with Chicagoland’s most accomplished professionals in what will be a vibrant and fun-filled evening of culture.
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EVENT: Spooky Zoo Presented by Comer Children’s Hospital
What: All treats and no tricks at the LP Zoo trick-or-treating event.
Where: Lincoln Park Zoo | 2400 N. Cannon Drive
When: Saturday October 19
Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. (while supplies last)
Cost: $Free
Why: Join us for SPOOKY ZOO Presented by Comer Children’s Hospital and hosted by the Auxiliary Board of Lincoln Park Zoo! This event offers trick-or-treating at Chicago’s zoo starting at 10 a.m. and continuing while supplies last. Family-friendly entertainment will include interactive storytelling and music at the stage on Main Mall, a craft zone, and free carousel rides
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EVENT: Chicago Fire FC vs Nashville SC
What: The team just named Gregg Berhalter the Club’s Director of Football and Head Coach so hoping for a solid outing at their last soldier field of the season.
Where: Soldier Field | 1410 Special Olympics Drive
When: Saturday October 19
Time: 5pm
Cost: $Varies
Why: The Fire will play its final match of the 2024 MLS regular season against Nashville SC
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
EVENT: Boo at The Zoo
What: Seasonal Eats! Frightening Photo Ops! Fall Activities! Exciting Entertainment.
Where: Brookfield Zoo | 3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield
When: Saturdays and Sundays, October 5-20
Time: 10am-5pm
Cost: $29.95 (Adults); $24.95 (Over 65); $20.95(3-11)
Why: Gather your ghoulfriends, little ghosts, and goblins for this fun-filled family event. Check out the creatures, creepy crawlers, and more in your costumes at the Halloween-themed event that’s perfect for family photo ops. All ages are in for a fang-tastic time, and the kids will leave with a sweet treat.
While there will not be a costume contest, showing off your creative costumes is encouraged! No guests over 13 are allowed in the Zoo in full-body costumes with their head covered. This is to avoid confusion and for the safety of all guests. All activities are weather-dependent, and schedule/programming is subject to change.
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EVENT: Sweetest Day 2024
What: Sweetest Day is a holiday that is celebrated to share romantic deeds or expressions, and acts of charity and kindness.
Where: Everywhere Love is
When: Saturday October 19
Time:all day
Cost: $Varies
Why: Those who participate can express love or appreciation toward anyone.
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EVENT: UIU Chicago Monthly Brunch
What:Join us for a delightful gathering featuring delicious bites, drinks and great company
Where: Chalet | 228 W. Chicago Avenue
When: Sunday October 20
Time: 12:30pm-3pm
Cost: no cost to RSVP, cost of meal consumed
Why: Gather with us for our monthly brunch series hosted by UlU Chicago. Indulge in delicious food and enjoy meaningful connections within our community. Each participant is kindly responsible for covering their own costs. Expect a delightful brunch and great conversations as we come together to connect and grow as a community!
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EVENT: Third Coast Chicago Fashion Show
What: Brand new Chicago luxury streetwear brand will celebrate its first runway show.
Where: Unlisted location
When: Sunday October 20
Time: 1pm
Cost: By invitation
EVENT: The BreakThrough Ball
What: 2024 Breakthrough Ball, “Where Breakthroughs Blossom!” is Co-chaired by Anna Smith and Bridget Rahr.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago | 120 E. Delaware Place
When: Saturday October 19
Time:6:30pm
Cost: $Varies
Why: The Breakthrough Board is a purpose-driven board with over 70 years of dedication to raising funds in support of breakthroughs in cancer research at UChicago Medicine.
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EVENT: Spooky Tea
What: Have a bewitchingly elegant afternoon at the Ritz-Carlton, Chicago.
Where: Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Chicago | 160 E. Pearson Street
When: Saturday October 19-Sunday October 27
Time:2pm
Cost: $85
Why: Indulge in our afternoon tea experience with a curated selection of “Palais des Thés” teas and a bubbly toast! Savor a Halloween-themed selection of exquisite pastries, teacakes, and fine sandwiches by Executive Pastry Chef Toni Roberts. Embrace the fall season and savor seasonal, ornate specialties like the Carbonara Quiche, Pumpkin Spice Scones and the Poison Apple pastry in the stunningly sophisticated atmosphere, complete with a flute of Rose Champagne to toast to a fabulous fall.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
EVENT: Lil Durk’s Birthday Show 2024
What: The Voice is bringing his First soon to be Annual Birthday Bash to his city
Where: United Center | 1901 W. Madison Street
When: Sunday October 20
Time: 7pm
Cost: $Varies
Why: Chicago’s Lil Durk is bringing his First Annual Birthday Bash to United Center! Catch the hometown celebration live.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
EVENT: By The Namesake pop-up
What: By The Namesake pop-up will be open to the public in the Gallery at the Talbott and LAUREL, the new restaurant in the Talbott will serve cocktails throughout the pop-up inspired by the brand.
Where: Talbott Hotel| 20 E. Delaware Place
When: Thursday October 17-Sunday October 20
Time:12pm-6pm
Cost: Cost of goods
Why: By The Namesake pop-up, a brand renowned for its bespoke leather craftsmanship. During the event, you’ll have the opportunity to explore By The Namesake’s unique offerings that redefine luxury, sip on specialty cocktails inspired by the brand, and enjoy a selection of bites designed to complement your cocktail experience.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
*Cover image credit via Costume Council (FB)
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