Now that baseball season is REALLY over in Chicago, here are some other cool events to check out this weekend around town:
1. BACKSTAGE PASS
Get a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes world of the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State on Oct.25. In celebration of the theater’s 94th birthday, visitors can tour the legendary venue with extended backstage access and the rare chance to hear a live performance on the theater’s Wurlitzer pipe organ, which features more than 1,800 pipes (from pencil-sized to 32-feet tall). The special one-hour birthday tours will be offered at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. $10-$15. Visit thechicagotheatre.com.
Kristin Chenoweth. | Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images
2. BROADWAY BABY
Veteran Tony Award- and Emmy Award-winning Broadway actress Kristin Chenoweth brings her Coming Home Tour to the stage of the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State, for a concert at 8 p.m. Oct. 24. Tickets, $38.50-$128.50. Visit thechicatotheatre.com.
“When Marnie Was There”
3. KID-SIZE FILM FEST
While the grown-ups are sampling far-flung cinema at the Chicago International Film Festival, another set of movies has been handpicked for the younger crowd. Among the more than 200 titles from some 40 countries will be Studio Ghibli’s animated “When Marnie Was Here,” with a voice cast including Hailee Steinfeld, and “The Shamer’s Daughter” from Denmark, about a girl with the supernatural ability to make people feel shame. The festival runs Friday through Nov. 1 at several city venues. Details: www.facets.org.
Scene from Michael Jackson’s “Thriler” music video.
4. HALLOWEEN PARADE
Head to Maggie Daley Park from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday for a The Halloween Gathering festival and parade. The parade takes place at 6 p.m. on Columbus from Balbo to Monroe. According to a statement: “The parks and institutions along the Chicago Cultural Mile will be alive with family-friendly activities including mask-making workshops, free performances, pop-up installations, interactive experiences and more! The festival will also host a children’s costume parade on The Ribbon in Maggie Daley Park. There’s even a “Thriller” Dance Mob planned for Buckingham Fountain! (You MUST fill out a form here prior to arrival to participate in the dance.) All the day’s events are free!
5. A CHEESY AFFAIR
More than 50 area chefs and their unique takes on macaroni and cheese will be front-and-center at the second-annual Mac & Cheese Fest at the UIC Forum, 525 S. Racine, on Saturday. General admission, $60, gets you all you can sample and 5 beer/spirits tickets. $100 VIP tickets includes all that plus a T-shirt, special seating area and priority check-in. Visit macandcheesechicago.com.A portion of the event proceeds go support Ronald McDonald HouseCharities.
Janeane Garofalo | Photo © Steven Dewall
6. JANEANE FOR LAUGHS
Comedian Janeane Garofalo headlines shows at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph, at 7:30 (sold out) and 10:30 p.m. (tickets still available). Tickets, $28-$35. Visit citywinery.com.
7. LET’S JAM
It’s not even summer or Christmas, and still a radio station is treating us to another star-studded marathon concert. The WGCI Big Jam 2015 kicks off at 6 p.m. Sunday at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison. Among the headliners: Kendrick Lamar, Future and Meek Mill. See ticketmaster.com for tickets.
