Chicago weekend events: Ringling Bros. Circus, Black Harvest Film Fest
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The cast of "The Greatest Show on Earth." Photo: Feld Entertainment
Witness the return of "The Greatest Show on Earth," see John Singleton's classic films or join the Hot Chocolate Run.
- Here's what's happening in Chicago this weekend.
🎪 1. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
"The Greatest Show on Earth" is back and Chicago has six performances this weekend.
Why it matters: The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus returns after a five-year hiatus and, unlike the previous iteration, will not feature animals.
By the numbers: The show includes 75 performers from around the world.
- Acts include acrobatics, high wire, trapeze, stunt biking, unicycling and music.
What they're saying: We asked Juliette Feld Grossman, producer and COO of Feld Entertainment, how the company is adjusting to the discontinuation of animal acts.
- "We're continuing [to evolve] and be relevant to today's audience," says Grossman. "This year, we are introducing a robotic puppy named Bailey Circuit and it just allows us to bring humor and whimsy into the show."
When: Friday–Sunday
Location: Allstate Arena, right outside O'Hare
Cost: $20+ Friday and Saturday; $25+ Sunday. Tickets.
🏀 2. NBA In-Season Tournament Opener
- The Bulls host the Brooklyn Nets at 7pm Friday, Chicago's first game in the NBA's new in-season tournament. Tickets start at $37.
🎞️ 3. Black Harvest Film Fest
- The annual event will honor the late Academy Award-nominated filmmaker John Singleton and his iconic films, including "Boyz n the Hood" and "Poetic Justice," 7pm Friday (with an opening night reception) through Nov. 16.
- Location: Gene Siskel Film Center
- Cost: Festival passes are $30 for members and $6o for the general public. Individual screening tickets available here.
🎁 4. Sauced Night Market
- Get a head start on holiday shopping at WNDR Museum's Fall Night Market, which will include dozens of vendors selling handmade products and food from 5pm–10pm Friday and Saturday. RSVP.
☕ 5. Hot Chocolate Run
- Participate in a 5K, 10K, 15K or a 2-mile walk, followed by a hot cocoa-filled after-party this Sunday in Grant Park. All finishers will receive a medal. Register.
- Cost: $54 for the 2-mile walk, $64 for 5K, $74 for 10K, $84 for 15K
- Location: All races start at Grant Park. Here's the map of race paths.
😂 6. 312 Comedy Festival
- Nate Bargatze, Michael Che, Nicole Byer, Craig Robinson and the 85 South Show headline at different venues in town until Sunday. Here's the lineup.
🎤 7. Lil Yachty
- The Grammy-nominated rapper will take the stage at the Aragon Ballroom at 7pm Friday. Tickets start at $40.