Chicago weekend events: iO's 45th anniversary, Black Harvest Film Festival and more
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Katherine Mallen Kupferer and Chloe Coleman in Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson’s "Mouse." Photo: Courtesy of Nate Hurtsellers and Luke Dyra
This weekend lineup has a little bit of everything, from legendary improv comedians and independent films to Ukrainian dancing and an early dose of holiday cheer.
- Whether you're looking to laugh, learn or just get out of the house, here are some of our favorite things to do around town this weekend.
Monica's picks:
🍿 Rivendell Theater fans may have seen co-founders Tara Mallen and Keith Kupferer acting on stage. But the new film "Mouse" features them on screen with their daughter, Katherine Mallen Kupferer, who stars in the coming-of-age drama by Chicago filmmakers Alex Thompson and Kelly O'Sullivan. Catch a special mother-daughter Q&A after the film's Friday 6pm opening. | $15 | Music Box Theater | Nov. 6-12, various times
🎇 As the sun sets earlier, Chicago welcomes the Hindu festival of light embodied in Diwali celebrations that will include Bollywood Night at Experience 868 on Saturday at 10pm and a grand Diwali Fireworks Show outside the BAPS temple in Bartlett. | Free | BAPS 1851 S IL Route 59, Bartlett | Saturday 7:45pm
🥟 As a lover of Ukrainian food and dance, I'm jazzed about Avondale restaurant Anelya's 3rd anniversary "Hulyanka" celebration with cocktails, passed bites and dance galore with chef-owners Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark. | $125 | 3472 N. Elston Ave. | Saturday 6-9pm
🧠 If I'm feeling extra brainy, I may head to Hyde Park for the UChicago Arts & Humanities Day, featuring NPR's Peter Sagal interviewing authors Aziz Huq and Tom Ginsburg about "How to Save a Constitutional Democracy," and talks by New Yorker critic Hilton Als, "Angel Down" author Daniel Kraus and much more. | $38-$69 | UChicago locations | Saturday, 10am-3:30pm
Justin's picks:
🎭 iO's 45th anniversary celebration brings all the improv veterans back together for a weekend celebrating one of Chicago's most iconic comedy institutions. I think Charna is coming back, too. I'd recommend taking in the Saturday night lineup. | $33.90 and up | iO Theater | Thursday-Saturday
🎬 Black Harvest Film Festival is one of Chicago's best film festivals. It kicks off its annual celebration of Black cinema with screenings, filmmaker conversations and special events. | Tickets start at $14 | Gene Siskel Film Center | Friday-Sunday
🤠 Orville Peck is one of my favorite judges on "RuPaul's Drag Race." He brings his masked country crooning and Man Turned Mule tour to town for one night only. | Tickets start at $71 | The Salt Shed | Saturday, 8pm
🎶 This could be my favorite performance of the weekend because I have to get some LaCroix. Hurdy-gurdy performance brings Renaissance and Baroque music to the GROCERY STORE, courtesy of musician Mary Vanhoozer and her centuries-old stringed instrument. | Free | Wild Onion Market, Rogers Park | Saturday, 2-3pm
🎄 Christmas Around the World celebrates its 84th year with a grand tree lighting, cultural performances and more than 50 internationally decorated trees. I know it's early, but why not get in the spirit now? | Included with museum admission | Griffin Museum of Science and Industry | Saturday, 10am-3:30pm