Chicago weekend picks: From fringe theater to free books
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
Spooky season is upon us, so if you haven't already taken out the Halloween decorations, this is the weekend to do it.
Here are some of our ideas to enjoy this weekend in Chicago.
Carrie's picks:
📸 Sometimes I forget how great The Block Museum of Art at Northwestern is. It's just an L ride away, presents interesting exhibitions and it's free! The current show, "Picturing the Modern Metropolis: Prints and Photographs from The Block's Collection," displays images of Chicago in the 20th century as captured by Vivian Maier, Ed Ruscha, Andy Warhol and others. | 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston | Wednesday-Friday, noon-8pm, Saturday-Sunday, noon-5pm
📚 The Banned Wagon Tour wraps up its weeklong, nationwide trek giving away banned books at the new Obama Presidential Center Library Branch. While you're there, walk OPC's grounds and explore the new library! | Free | Obama Presidential Center | Saturday, 10am-5pm
🎬 Watching a silent film, scored by local musicians in a venue that was once a 7-Eleven feels quintessential Chicago. And I love it. Next Wednesday is the final chance to catch Louis Feuillade's "Fantômas" serial. | $20-$25 | The CheckOut | Wednesday, 7:30pm
Justin's picks:
🎭 Rhinoceros Theater Festival is Chicago's longest-running fringe theater festival. Now in its 37th year, it features experimental and original work at various small venues. There was a time in my life when every actor I knew was in a show in this festival. So good. | Pay-what-you-can, with $25 suggested | Thursday-Sunday throughout October
🎤 I just ran into Christopher Piatt at the Bluebird improv show Monday night, and he reminded me that his brilliant parlor show, The Paper Machete, is running for the next few weeks at the Green Mill. This is one of Chicago's best variety shows. I've taken my out-of-town family a few times and it has never disappointed. Pro tip: Get there early to secure a booth. | Free | Green Mill | Saturday, 3pm
🌳 You know what you need? A tree. The Salt Shed Open House: Fall Arboretum Edition will feature vintage clothes, music gear, arcade games, tattoos, food and drinks. Plus, free trees from the Morton Arboretum. | Free | Salt Shed | Saturday at noon
Monica's picks:
🎭 After missing the sold-out run of "Sanctuary Stories: A Journalism Theater Project" in January, I'm excited to catch this month's multimedia reprise of the show dramatizing immigrant stories based on real interviews. Music by Chicago artist Flo Estes. $20-$50 | The Athenaeum | Oct. 9-18
🍗 When my son first told me about TenderFest, I thought it was a joke. Like, who's gonna spend four hours eating chicken tenders?
- After seeing the fest's lineup of David Choi, Lamar Moore and the folks at Manny's Delicatessen, Harold's, Fry the Coop, Reunion and R.J. Grunts, I'm clucking a different tune. $44+ | Navy Pier | Saturday 11am-9pm
🫘 On Sunday, I'll be full of beans at the Harp & Fiddle Chili Cook Off in Park Ridge, where, full disclosure, my brother Stu and niece Natalie have previously taken home top honors for Team Eng. Proceeds benefit the chamber of commerce and, yes, they'll have the Bears-Packers game on. | $25 | Harp & Fiddle | Sunday, 11am to 4pm