This busy weekend around Chicago kicks off with previews of Steppenwolf’s “The Doppelgänger (an international farce),” starring Rainn Wilson of “The Office.” Then, don’t miss a festival all about bacon (that also makes a difference!), the release of a new beer that benefits a local nonprofit, the newest exhibit at Chicago History Museum, and a brand new event all about wellness.
“The Doppelgänger (an international farce)”
Previews begin April 5
Chicago
This highly anticipated world premiere starring Rainn Wilson officially opens at Steppenwolf Theatre Company on April 15, but previews begin this weekend. The play, written by Chicago-area native Matthew-Lee Erlbach and directed by ensemble member Tina Landau, is “a hilarious, irreverent and timely look at the back-room deals that shape our world and the unlikely cast of characters who make them.”
Baconfest Chicago
April 6-7
Chicago
Some of the Chicago area’s best chefs and restaurants will create delicious bacon dishes during this annual festival at UIC Forum. Participants include Edzo’s Burger Shop, Firecakes, Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Latinicity, Velvet Taco, and many more. Best of all, a portion of proceeds will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Buy your tickets today.
Stew’s Brew Release
April 7
Highwood
All proceeds from Kings and Convicts Brewing Co.’s newest beer, Stew’s Brew, will be donated to Benny’s World, a nonprofit that supports pediatric cancer research. The beer will be released on Saturday at the brewing company’s taproom, where there will be food, music, cornhole, and more. Pre-orders can be made here.
“Amplified: Chicago Blues”
Opens April 7
Chicago
The newest interactive exhibit at Chicago History Museum focuses on blues music and its impact in (and on) Chicago. Visitors can write their own songs, design an album cover, learn about featured artists, explore photos by Raeburn Flerlage, and more. “Blues music helped southern black migrants forge connections and transform an unfamiliar, often inhospitable city into a new home,” said Joy Bivins, director of curatorial affairs at the Chicago History Museum. “The Chicago blues sound, rooted in the past, reflected the realities of a new life that was taking shape in the Midwest metropolis.”
Wellness Expo and Rejuvenation Crawl
April 8
Chicago
This brand new event taking place throughout Wicker Park and Bucktown will feature 40 local vendors offering mini spa treatments, fitness demonstrations, samples, and more so you can learn about everything from acupuncture to nutrition.
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Anna Carlson writes the weekly 5 Things to Do column and monthly Recommended Events. A graduate of Glenbrook South High School and the University of Missouri, her work has been published in Chicago Parent, Inside Columbia Magazine and Central California Parent Magazine. She is a proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
