This weekend, sample delicious food and beer, start your holiday shopping, get inspired by a documentary about a local pianist, and more.
And on Monday, visit Brookfield Zoo for a Veterans Day Celebration that will include displays of military memorabilia and vehicles, performances by the Legacy Girls and Jesse White Tumblers, the posting of colors, and more. Admission will be free for all guests, and parking will be free for active, reservist, veterans, and retired military members (with valid ID).
Taste of Ravenswood
Nov. 8
Chicago
Discover everything Ravenswood has to offer at this foodie event featuring businesses like The Chopping Block, Half Acre, KOVAL Distillery, Lucila’s Homemade, Roots Handmade Pizza, and Tuscan Hen Market.
The Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer
Nov. 8-9
Chicago
The largest barrel-aged beer festival in the world returns to UIC Forum with 200-plus craft breweries from around the country.
Antiques + Modernism Winnetka Show
Nov. 8-10
Winnetka
Shop ’til you drop this weekend at the A+M Show, which features furniture, art, clothes, jewelry, and more from some of the country’s top dealers. Proceeds benefit Community House Winnetka.
Madeline Denaro: “Never but Always”
Opens Nov. 9
Glencoe
The newest exhibit at Anne Loucks Gallery features works by Madeline Denaro, whose “mixed media paintings combine layers of transparent color with loose, organic lines, and intuitive drips and gestures.” Meet Denaro at the opening reception on Nov. 9 from 5-7 p.m.
“Left-Handed Pianist”
Nov. 10
Lake Forest
Watch a rough-cut of this documentary about Chicagoan Norman Malone, who was attacked by his father at age 10, leaving him paralyzed on his right side. Determined to still play piano, Malone has become a master pianist. This viewing will also feature a performance by Malone and a Q&A with the filmmakers.
“Sleeping Beauty Dreams”
Nov. 10
Chicago
What did Sleeping Beauty dream about? You’ll find out during this performance that combines contemporary dance, technology, and digital art.
More Can’t-Miss Events:
- Don’t miss the first Wrigleyville Cider Fest on Nov. 9 at Rizzo’s Bar & Inn. Tickets are $10 and include a full buffet, seven ciders, and an Effen cocktail.
- If you love Portillo’s, you’ll want to visit Woodfield Mall for the Portillo’s Pop Up Experience, which opens Nov. 6. Here you’ll be able to experience an onion ring tire swing, a French fry room, Chicago-style photobooths, merchandise, and more.
- “Fun Home,” Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony Award winner for Best Musical, opens at Northwestern’s Wirtz Center on Nov. 8. “At its heart, ‘Fun Home’ is an intimate, moving portrait about the meaning of family,” Director Roger Ellis says.
Make a Difference:
- Meals on Wheels Chicago will host its 31st Celebrity Chef Ball on Nov. 8. The evening will feature food from chefs like Ryan Wombacher (SideDoor), Kevin McMullen (Le Sud), and Sujan Sarkar (ROOH), as well as cocktail experiences, a silent auction, raffle, and dancing.
Anna Carlson writes the weekly Weekend 101 column and monthly Recommended Events. A graduate of 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.