The Weekend Q101

Bulls host the Orlando Magic (Friday)

Case the Producer’s second favorite basketball team (behind his Oklahoma City Thunder) are at The UC on Friday night. Remember, the Magic are in the midst of a successful rebuild, in part due to a trade they made with the Bulls.

City of Chicago Tree Lighting Ceremony (Friday)

This year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by Powering Chicago with leadership support from the Millennium Park Foundation and the Pritzker Foundation, will be emceed by Irika Sargent and Joe Donlon of CBS 2, the 2023 event will include multiple viewing locations with screens and concessions across the Park and, new this year, a main stage on Washington St. at Michigan Ave., adjacent to the Chicago Cultural Center.

Christkindlmarket Opening (Friday)

The traditional German-Style Christkindlmarket returns! The free outdoor holiday market has been a Chicago favorite since 1996. Enjoy international and local food, merchandise, and live entertainment at the Christkindlmarket Chicago at Daley Plaza from November 17–December 24.

McCormick Ice Rink Opening (Friday)

Ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park returns November 17 through March 3 (weather permitting). DCASE presents free skating lessons (reservations required) from 9-10am on most Saturdays and Sundays, teaching beginner and intermediate ice skating and hockey skills. Free lessons are made possible by the McDonald’s Active Lifestyles Endowment managed by the Millennium Park Foundation.

Webbing Wing at Beat Kitchen (Friday)

Webbed Wing make music of a bygone era. Straight-forward, rocking, amp-turned-up-to-11 alt-rock. They are at Beat Kitchen on Friday night and for under $20, you can enjoy a hidden gem in the scene. Buy your ticket here.

Shakey Graves at The Salt Shed (Friday)

Time to roll the bones. One of the most unique performers in contemporary music, Shakey Graves takes his free-spirit guitar playing to The Salt Shed for a sold-out show on Friday evening.

Plain White T’s at SubT (Friday)

Hometown heroes, Plain White T’s, are back at SubT on Friday night for an intimate night of familiar songs. There are still tickets to the Hometown Takeover show, which you can purchase here.

Bulls host the Miami Heat (Saturday)

The Bulls nearly beat the Heat in a Play-In Game last year. They blew the lead, and then the Heat went to the NBA Finals. Get fired up, Bulls fans!

The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (Saturday)

For thirty-two years, The Wintrust Magnificent Mile Lights Festival has been a thrilling holiday celebration: A day-through-night, mile-long extravaganza drawing more than one million celebrants. Its centerpiece is the largest nighttime parade in the U.S. — a spectacular parade down Michigan Avenue. Led by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse of The Walt Disney World Resort, the parade features fabulous floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands, celebrities, musical performances, Santa Claus, fireworks and more —illuminating one million lights on The Avenue’s 200+ trees.

Viking Pub Crawl (Saturday)

Hundreds of revelers clad in full Viking attire descend upon Andersonville for this annual pub crawl, which is inspired by the Swedish holiday St. Morten’s Gås Day. Each ticket gives guests drink discounts at participating bars and restaurants—including Lonesome Rose, Simon’s Tavern and Parson’s Chicken & Fish Andersonville—plus a free appetizer at check-in and commemorative drinking glass. Want to lean into the Viking theme? Nab one of the pub crawl’s cow horn-shaped drinking vessels. New this year is a viking rune scavenger hunt filled with surprises and prizes.

Reindeer Run at Brookfield Zoo (Saturday)

Grab your glow sticks for a two-mile fun run at Brookfield Zoo. Participants of all ages are welcome, including children in strollers, so bring the whole family for your first chance to see this year’s holiday lights at the zoo. After the race, hang out in the pavilions, where there will be music plus food and drinks for purchase.

Liz Phair at Chicago Theater (Saturday)

On Saturday night, Liz Phair takes a well-deserved victory lap for a 30th anniversary celebration of Exile in Guyville, a landmark record in the history of Chicago music. This show is sold-out. Not even Case the Producer could get in. He really wanted to go, too. Oh, well.

Harms Way at Metro (Saturday)

Speaking of local music, Chicago hardcore legends Harms Way sold out the Metro in minutes for their first hometown gig in nearly two years. A hats off to Harms Way, who have been the flag-bearers in Chicago hardcore for years now. Their success is well-earned.

alt-J at The Salt Shed (Saturday, Sunday)

Liz Phair isn’t the only one taking a victory lap. English rockers alt-J will be at The Salt Shed on both Saturday and Sunday celebrating 10 years of An Awesome Wave. Both of these shows are sold out.