1. ELEPHANTS, FOR NOW
In a few years elephants are scheduled to disappear from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, but for now the gentle beasts continue to perform in the long-running spectacular, which has set up shop at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont through Nov. 15. They’re joined by Bengal tigers and two-humped camels along with daredevils walking the high wire, leaping on trampolines and shooting from a cannon. The current show, “Circus XTREME,” relocates to the United Center starting Nov. 19. Tickets: (800) 745-3000 or Ringling.com.
2. THE WEEKND GETAWAY
Fueled by his hits “Earned It” and “Can’t Feel My Face,” The Weeknd has emerged from the R&B world to become a genuine mainstream pop star, and he’s now nominated in multiple categories for American Music Awards and People’s Choice Awards. His fall tour comes to the United Center at 7:30 p.m. Friday for a sold-out show with Banks and Travis Scott. Tickets: unitedcenter.com.
3. POLISH FILM FESTIVAL
Saturday’s opening-night gala — featuring “These Daughters of Mine,” about disconnected sisters working together to help their ailing mom, is sold out, but there are dozens of other titles to catch at the 27th Polish Film Festival in America. The event runs through Nov. 22 at three area venues: the Gallery Theater, Facets Cinematheque and Muvico 18 in Rosemont. Details: www.pffamerica.org
4. LAUGHTER IN THE DARK
Many of the titles at film festivals seem designed to lunge for the heart and bypass the funny bone. But nowhere is that the case at the Chicago Comedy Film Festival, Friday and Saturday at the New 400, 6746 N. Sheridan. Some 60 films are on offer, both short and feature-length, many created by and starring local talent. Details: www.chicagocomedyfilmfestival.com.
5. WHAT THE TURDUCKEN?
“According to the Torah, Jewish male babies are to be circumcised eight days after birth. In the case of Elena and James’ second child, that means the bris is on Thanksgiving. With a guilt-giving Bubbe, a gentile grandfather, and a bar mitzvah aged villain of a son, “The Thanksgiving Circumcision” explores the chaos that ensues when a dysfunctional family tries to uphold tradition.” That’s how the official press release describes “The Thanksgiving Circumcision,” the new comedy running Fridays and Saturdays, Nov, 6-28 at MCL Chicago, 3110 N. Sheffield. Tickets, $20. Visit mclchicago.com
6. VANESSA CARLTON
The singer is touring behind her just-released album “Liberman,” and she makes a stop at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph at 8 p.m. Nov. 10. Joshua Hyslop is the special guest. The show is technically sold-out, but you can add your name to a wait list here.
