We have now entered the “blah” zone – a time of the year when Halloween is over and we are waiting for the holiday festivities to start. This involves a couple week s of utter boredom and fear that there is nothing to do but wait to gorge on Turkey and spend money like a drunk.
Have no fear, Hippo fans; Corie is here to save your social lives from boredom and despair. This weekend in Chicago proves to be more action packed than any of you could ever have fathomed.
(1) First Fridays at Museum of Contemporary Art
Keep your happy hour open this Friday, November 5th. Head on over to the Museum of Contemporary Art and enjoy free Wolfgang Puck appetizers and delicious beverages (yes, the alcoholic kind). This first Friday is Bollywood themed, so you can find henna artists, Argo Tea samples and a Bindi bar. Each month a new local artist is featured, so additionally expand your mind and pretend to be smart and cultured…well, I will be pretending, you might actually be smart and cultured – fake it til you make it, am I right?
Anyway, tickets are $10 for members, $13 ahead of time and $18 for general admission.
Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Avenue
(2) Bye Bye Liver – The Pub Theater at Fizz Chicago
Who doesn’t love going to see plays about drinking? Time Out Chicago Magazine recommends seeing it, and according to the websites’ FAQs, Bye Bye Liver “is a series of outrageous sketches, all centered around the bottle… the show is filled with interactive social games for the audience, pitting males versus females, actors versus audience, etc.”
You must be 21+ to go and you can buy tickets online or over the phone.
The Pub Theater at Fizz Chicago, 3220 N. Lincoln Ave
(3) Great Tree Lighting at Macy’s
Feeling jolly? Think you’re the only one because it’s not even Thanksgiving yet? Indulge in your holiday guilt at Macy’s on State Street, 12:00 noon on November 6th. The great tree lighting will be happening to officially begin the holiday season with singer and actress, Katharine McPhee. The tree will be lit with approximately 10,000 lights, so bring some sunglasses (or buy a new pair while you’re there!) Get there early for a better view! And the best part? It’s free!
Macy’s, 111 N. State St.
Looking at art is fun; climbing on art is better. Not that you can really climb on any of these pieces (but you can dream), Navy Pier is hosting its 17th annual International Exposition of Sculpture Objects and Fine Arts. There will be sculptures featured from over 10 galleries across the globe and will run from November 4th through November 7th. This will be some “indoor” fun, so once you reach the pier make sure to head down to the festival hall.
Tickets are $15 Friday – Sunday and $50 for a sneak peak on Thursday.
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Festival Hall
(5) Romeo & Juliet at Shakespeare Theater
Finally, something for the “lovas” (lovers). Romeo and Juliet is not new this weekend, but take some time to snuggle up with your honey and celebrate your non-feuding families by visiting the Shakespeare Theater. The play ends November 14th, so you only have two more weekends to see it. Don’t be stubborn like Tybalt and miss out!
Thursday and Friday shows start at 7:30, Saturday has a 3:00p & 8:00p show and Sundays have a 2:00p matinee. Tickets range from $44 – $75, a small price to pay for love. I’m not trying to intentionally take you back to Navy Pier, but what the hell? You’re over here looking at art anyway.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave.
(6) The Lion King: The Musical
Soon to be leaving Chicago is the beloved and ultra-popular Lion King Musical, playing at the Cadillac Palace Theater. Don’t miss out on your chance to rub elbows with Simba, Timon and Pumba this weekend! You can click here to see Ashley Lobo’s video, blog & pics on The Lion King: The Musical.
Cadillac Palace Theater, 151 W. Randolph St.
Be hip(po)! Have fun! Celebrate that you’re in Chicago and the rest of the country is jealous! And especially, have a safe weekend!
~Corie Scarpaci
Listen to Ashley Lobo on Chicago radio,
WBIG AM 1280, Thursday mornings between 9-10,
with JoAnn & Ryan!