It's December and you know what that means: HOLIDAY MARKETS! There are so many great vendors, independent crafters and makers setting up shop throughout the city waiting for you to find the perfect gift for that special someone. There are also some amazing concerts, a little burlesque, and a fancy chocolate event waiting for you on this weekend! So don't hesitate, get out there and enjoy!
Let's get on with your curated weekend!
ALL WEEKEND LONG, DECEMBER 5th - 8th
Whitney & Friends @ Thalia Hall, 1807 S Allport St, 7:30pm 17+
WHAT: Only Chicago's loveliest band playing in one of our favorite venues in the city
SO WHAT: Seriously, if you aren't already enamored with
Whitney you need to fix that. The band has made two of the best albums to come out of Chicago,
Light upon the Lake and this year's
Forever Turned Around, and have been tearing up concerts with their lovely tunes for years. Elements of country balladry mixed with joyous dad rock aesthetics make for something truly beautiful when these boys come together. Seriously if you haven't seen them live, now's the time to do it! (pretty much my favorite time to see a band perform is right after their second album, so go!)
NOW WHAT: Tickets are pretty much sold out. But keep an eye out at
Thalia Hall in case some tickets open up!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5th
World of Chocolate 2019 @ Revel Fulton Market, 1215 W Fulton Market, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
WHAT: More than 20 Chicago restaurants, bars, hotels and bakeries will serve signature chocolate delicacies for this annual gala to commemorate World AIDS Day, which raises funds and awareness for vital programs and services provided by the
AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
SO WHAT: Guests will enjoy a light buffet with open bar, music, a raffle and punchboard with prizes galore. This year’s World of Chocolate evokes the glitz and glamour of a 1940s ocean liner cruise, with nautical décor by Kehoe Designs. The event will showcase sweets, savory bites and craft cocktails from Chicago venues competing for the evening's best creations, decided by a panel of celebrity judges. Funds raised through World of Chocolate support AFC’s work to end new cases of HIV in Chicago and beyond. Proceeds will help AFC advance its mission, which includes help in housing, case management services, training for medical professionals, policy leadership on health equity, and working with partners across the state to achieve Getting to Zero Illinois, a state-wide initiative to end new HIV transmissions in Illinois by 2030
NOW WHAT: Single tickets start at $145 with VIP and ticket packages at $245, $900 and $2000. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 312-334-0935 or visit
https://chocolate.aidschicago.org/.
Nerdlesque @ Headquarters Beercade, 213 W Institute Pl, 8:00pm, 21+
WHAT: Indulge both your nerdy and your naughty sides with Nerd-Lesque at HQ with talent from
Bim Bam Boom!
SO WHAT: From Harley Quinn and Catwoman to Poison Ivy and a number of other femme fatales of the nerd-world, this show offers an opportunity to see them like never before. The Lower Level of Headquarters welcomes these characters and more perform in this fun and tantalizing burlesque show!
NOW WHAT: Go and enjoy the fun at Headquarters!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6th
The Interview Show @ The Hideout, 1354 W Wabansia, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, 21+
WHAT: “The Interview Show,” hosted by Mark Bazer, begins filming for season 5 this Friday at the Hideout. The season begins airing on WTTW, Chicago’s PBS station, on January 3, 2020, at 8:30pm.
SO WHAT: This month’s guests are Jeff Tweedy of Wilco; David Pasquesi, actor on “Veep,” “Lodge 49,” and longtime improviser on
TJ & Dave; Curtis Duffy and Michael Muser, chef and restaurateur at the new Ever (opening 2020) and the former Grace; and Greta Johnsen, host of NPR’s podcast, Nerdette.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $15; buy them
here. Doors at 6pm; filming begins at 6:30.
JC Brooks Band / Phillip-Michael Scales / @ Sleeping Village, 3734 W Belmont Ave, 8:00pm, 21+
WHAT: Two amazing local soul artists and a phenomenal DJ taking over Sleeping Village!
SO WHAT: JC Brooks' The Red Black & Blue (Vol. 1) EP explores political and social themes surrounding being black in America in 2018. While it deals with heavy subject matter, Brooks' sound is ever danceable and joyous, ready to make any night a good time! Joining him will be
Phillip-Michael Scales and his catchy and thoughtful songwriting, blending his passion of indie rock with his passion for bluesy soul and Mo Manley of soul summit playing some quality tunes.
NOW WHAT: Tickets start at $12 for this great show!
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7th & 8th
Renegade Craft Fair @ Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W 35th St, 11:00am - 5:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: A craft fair focused on independent makers.
SO WHAT: There will be 250+ independent crafters and makers at this
Renegade Craft Fair celebrating DIY spirit for two amazing days
. Avoid the chilly weather with a warm weekend full of DIY workshops, partaking in delicious local food, grooving to great live DJ sets, 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 7th
7th Annual KrampusFest @ Martyrs', 3855 N Lincoln Ave, Noon - 7:00pm, All Ages
WHAT: Martyrs’ 7th 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 peruse the market! From 6-7pm, all the Krampuses will take to the street for a mini Krampuslauf, so get your Krampus costume on for some fun!
NOW WHAT: Entry is free and costumes are encouraged!
Dovetail Holiday Market! @ Dovetail Brewery, 1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, 2:00pm - 8:00pm, 21+
WHAT: Dovetail Brewery’s giving you a chance to shop local, drink a beer, and have some fun
SO WHAT: This great brewery’s Holiday market will feature local vendors offering some great wares as you drink delicious craft beers. So get some great gifts for the holidays including jewelry, prints, plants, crafts and more!
NOW WHAT: Entry is free, just be ready to pick up some great gifts for the holidays
MUTTS / 500 Miles to Memphis / Avantist @ Sleeping Village, 3734 W Belmont Ave, 8:00pm, 21+
WHAT: Three insanely distinct bands with amazing sounds
SO WHAT: Get yourself ready for an eclectic night of jams as
Mutts,
500 Miles to Memphis, and
Avantist take over Sleeping Willage. Headliners
Mutts will wow you with their blues rock that is only made better by band leader Mike Maimone’s energetic and awe-inspiring performances. Seriously, the man knows how entertain an audience. Joining them will be the loud and avant-garde post rock of
Avantist and
500 Miles to Memphis‘ energetic mix of punk and Americana !
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 day of show!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8th
Holiday Craft Show @ Metropolitan Brewing, 3057 N Rockwell St, Noon - 5:00pm, 21+
WHAT: Chicago’s best brewery hosting all the best local artists!
SO WHAT: Come grab a beer and do some shopping. That’s what Sundays in Dec are for, right? There will be plenty of crafts, beer and food for purchase.
Bucket O’ Blood Books and Records will be handling the tunes while you stock up on holiday gifts!
You can check out the lineup up crafters and vendors at their event page!
NOW WHAT: Entry is FREE!!
The Wildest Flea Holiday Market @ Marz Community Brewing, 3630 S Iron St, Noon - 6:00pm, 21+
WHAT: Another fantastic market for you to find that perfect gift!
SO WHAT: Beer and markets go so well together! Grab a delicious brew from Marz before you delight in all the great jewelry, crafts,art, and more being highlighted at this fun Holiday market!
NOW WHAT: It’s free!
