It's unavoidable now. December is here and the holiday festivities are in full swing! So instead of lamenting the same old Christmas music and shining decorations, embrace it in this amazing city we are so lucky to be in. This week's picks are full of holiday cheer and a little pit of Krampus/Wiseau.
So let's get on with your curated weekend!
THURSDAY - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30th - DECEMBER 2nd
Tommy's Planet (The Room) @ Emporium Popups, 2363 N Milwaukee Ave., Thursday and Friday 5:00PM - 2:00AM & Saturday Noon - 3:00AM, 21+
WHAT: Oh, hai Chicago
SO WHAT: At this point,
The Room should need no introduction. The “real Hollywood movie” will be taking over Emporium's Popup space with “Tommy’s Planet”. This loving ode to the 2003 cult-classic is coming right on time for the release of A24’s
The Disaster Artist (which you can see at the Music Box Theatre).
Guests will experience Tommy Wiseau’s incredible world through a faithful recreation of his unique vision. Expect spoons.
NOW WHAT: Entry is free but get there early, Emporium Popups tend to be incredibly busy.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30th
Bridgeport Does The Last Waltz @ Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S Morgan St., 7:00PM - 11:00PM
WHAT: A little tribute to the legendary Thanksgiving concert
SO WHAT: Co-Prosperity Sphere will be welcoming “Bridgeport Does the Last Waltz” featuring the Yazoo Street Scandal with special suests for an evening of music from one of the best concert films,
The Last Waltz.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $10 for this throwback night of great music by The Band and guest musicians; the film was directed by Martin Scorsese.
Bitchin Bajas @ The Hungry Brain, 2319 W Belmont Ave., 8:30PM, 21+
WHAT: A night to just let the music take you away into another realm
SO WHAT: Bitchin Bajas make beautiful ethereal music that often feels more like a transcendent experience than a concert. This incredibly intimate show will be an excellent way to see the band perform their zoned out experimental sounds.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are only $10 for this night of intense sounds.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1st
Bad Plays by Great Authors @ Tuta Theatre Salon, 4670 N Manor Ave., 7:00PM - 10:00PM
WHAT: Tuta Theatre offers an evening of play-reading, chatting and drinking. The salon will dive into Tennessee Williams' notoriously questionable experiment,
Red Devil Battery Sign.
SO WHAT: The Williams work has been called a "fractured, phantasmagoric, post-modern opera, complete with mariachi band chorus."
Red Devil Battery Sign was written during Williams' ongoing slide into delusional paranoia. Panned by critics, the play has nevertheless maintained a devoted following, hailed by some as a significant work of a great (if troubled) imagination, struggling to invent new ways to communicate with a rapidly changing America.
NOW WHAT: Tuta will tap a keg of Hibiscus IPA from Burnt City Brewing for reading sustenance. $5 suggested donation. RSVP on
Facebook or just drop in.
Get Sliced @ Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S Morgan St., 7:00PM - 10:00PM, All Ages
WHAT: Lumpen Radio is hosting a delicious fundraiser in Bridgeport
SO WHAT: Get Sliced will ask you to help decide who makes the best pizza in the Bridgeport neighborhood. Pizzerias competing for the distinction will include: Stix n Brix, Connie's Pizza, Fab Freddies Eatery & Catering, Jefee's Pizzeria, Phil's Pizza, Ricobene's, and Duck Inn Chicago. This competition will be juried by a panel of distinguished Pizza fans, community leaders, and you.
NOW WHAT: For $30 in advance ($40 at the door) you get to eat pizza from the best pizzerias in the greater Bridgeport area culinary world and have some complimentary beverages provided by Marz Community Brewing.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2nd & 3rd
Renegade Craft Fair @ Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W 35th St., 11:00AM - 6:00PM, All Ages
WHAT: A craft fair focused on independent makers.
SO WHAT: Over 250+ independent crafters and makers will be at this
Renegade Craft Fair celebrating DIY spirit for two amazing days
. Stay in and avoid the cold with a warm weekend full of DIY workshops, partaking in delicious local food trucks and drinks, photo ops, special instalation by Chris Uphues and much more for this kick off to the gift-giving season. Check out all the events going on at their event page!
NOW WHAT: The event is free and open to the public.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2nd
2017 Bloodshot Holiday Pop-Up Shop @ Bloodshot Records, 3039 W Irving Park Rd., Noon - 7:00PM, All Ages
WHAT: The second year for Bloodshot's Holiday Pop-Up Shop
SO WHAT: Bloodshot Records specializes in a nice infusion of alternative country and indie rock (with a healthy dash of punk) that will surely have you rocking out. This pop up will be a great way to get some exclusive holiday merch (like a Bloodshot Christmas album), new records, apparel, knick knacks, and more!! Plus there will be items from some local favorites including Hot Doug's, Soup & Bread: Chicago, Jon Langford, and Rustbelt Chicago. Their 7th annual Bloodshot Stuffed Animal Drive will be well underway, so bring in a new stuffed toy or a new warm clothing item (coats, gloves, hats, scarves) and get a free Bloodshot gift!
NOW WHAT: It's free! Stop by for some great tunes, drinks, pizza from Tano's Pizzeria, and enjoy the holiday fun!
5th Annual KrampusFest @ Martyrs', 3855 N Lincoln Ave., Noon - 8:00PM, All Ages
WHAT: Martyrs' for their 5th annual Krampus Fest
SO WHAT: This dark Krampus themed Holiday Artisan Market will feature local artists, makers, bakers and purveyors of beautiful handcrafted gifts and sweet & savory edibles for your most of your holiday needs. There will be plenty of German style street food and cold beer for you to have while you take a picture in theire DIY photobooth with Krampus or St. Nick and listen to live music. From 6-7pm, all the Krampuses will take to the street to parade on N Lincoln Ave from Berenice to Irving Park. So get your Krampus on for a costume contest and your chance to win prizes!
NOW WHAT: Entry is free and costumes are encouraged!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3rd
Made in Chicago Market @ Local 130 Plumbers Union Hall, 1340 W Washington Blvd., 11:00AM - 5:00PM
WHAT: The Chicago Reader’s local makers market
SO WHAT: The Made in Chicago Market is back! This fun celebration of all things DIY showcases some of the best apparel, housewares, and food and drink that Chicago has to offer! Shop local and support your neighborhood makers at this wonderful event! For the full list of vendors, on-site activations, and more check out
the event website.
NOW WHAT: Admission and parking is free! So there’s no reason to miss this event!
The Chicago Philharmonic @ Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N Central Park Ave., 1:00PM - 5:00PM, All Ages
WHAT: A chance for all you community musicians to bring your instruments and play alongside the Chicago Philharmonic musicians!
SO WHAT: As part of Night Out in the Parks, a partnership with the Chicago Park District, student and community musicians of all ages are invited to join the Chicago Philharmonic in rehearsing a celebratory holiday-themed orchestra concert from 1:00pm to 3:00 pm. Following the rehearsal, community musicians and the Philharmonic will perform for the public!
NOW WHAT: This event is free and open to the public. Participation for community musicians is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Be sure to register with the Chicago Philharmonic through their website. 