CHICAGO — Dance the day away to punk bands at a winter block party, catch a French magician’s debut show at a Rogers Park theater and see The Joffrey Ballet’s dynamic “Studies in Blue” on stage before its gone.
You can also spend the last weekend of Black History Month touring the historic former Wabash YMCA, shopping local at a Black-owned market and tasting Chicago BBQ at a Pullman smokehouse.
Here’s a roundup of 20 things to do in Chicago this weekend:
‘Extraordinaire!’ Magic Show
7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday
The Rhapsody Theater, 1328 W. Morse Ave.
Celebrated French magician Alexandra Duvivier is bringing a taste of Paris to a Rogers Park theater with her original magic show, “Extraordinaire!” The show debuts this weekend and runs through March 9. Tickets start at $35 online.
‘Studies In Blue’
7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr.
The Joffrey Ballet’s “Studies in Blue” tests the limits of classical ballet with three dynamic works that explore the human condition through love, loss and longing. The program features Andrew McNicol’s audience favorite “Yonder Blue,” the world premiere of Stina Quagebeur’s “Hungry Ghosts” and “Hummingbird” by Liam Scarlett. Each piece is accompanied by its own musical composition. The acclaimed show opened Feb. 15 and wraps up this weekend. Tickets start at $36 online.
Art Reception With Elijah Burgher & Juliet Jacobson
Opens Friday
Western Exhibitions, 1709 W. Chicago Ave.
Catch two new exhibits at a West Town art gallery this weekend. In Gallery One, guests can see work by Elijah Burgher, a Berlin-based artist whose illustrations are inspired by iconography from ancient history and religion. Over in Gallery Two, New York-based artist Juliet Jacobson presents “dizzying” floral artwork created with painting, photography and collage. There’s a free opening reception 5-8 p.m. Friday evening and both exhibits run through April 6. The gallery is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Sex & Exes: A Night of Debauchery
7-9:30 p.m. Friday
Color Club, 4146 N. Elston Ave.
Hear poets and storytellers spill their guts about all the messiness that comes with sex and exes. Hear their woos and woes during this night of debauchery, stilted exes, tears and “nasty” tales. Tickets are $8 online.
Twihard! A Twilight Musical Parody
7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Otherworld Theatre, 3914 N. Clark St.
This live performance sinks its teeth into the story of Edward and Bella for a hilarious reimagination of the “Twilight” saga. The show premiered Feb. 9 and runs through March 10. Tickets are $30 online.
Take Two: The Improvised Movie
7:30 p.m. Friday
The Second City Theater, 230 W. North Ave.
Catch two movies completely made up on the spot with The Second City’s “Take Two,” a narrative improv show inspired by the audience and performed by a group of movie buffs. Guests will see two “sometimes-logical” 30-minute films performed live on stage across your favorite genres, from romcoms to horror to holiday. Tickets are $25 online.
Yoga For Charity
9, 10 and 11 a.m. Saturday
The Groove, 2920 N. Pulaski Road
An Avondale yoga studio is offering $15 classes Saturday to raise money for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. Through the end of February, the studio is also offering a free yoga class with a donation of your choosing made directly to the United Nations agency. Email a donation receipt this month to groovechicago1@gmail.com.
‘The Smuggler’ With Jackalope Theatre
7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Berger Park Coach House, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd.
This “thriller in rhyme” is directed by Jackalope’s former artistic director Gus Menary. It follows Tim Finnegan, a clever Irish immigrant tending bar on an island off the coast of Massachusetts. When his child becomes ill and he loses his job, Finnegan “is drawn into the dark world that exists only in the shadows of the wealthy island.” The show opens this weekend and runs through March 16. Tickets are $15-25 online.
February Singles Mixer
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
Hairpin Arts Center, 2810 N Milwaukee Ave., 2nd floor
Looking to meet new people or a belated Valentine? They might be at this upcoming Logan Square mixer, featuring a live DJ, winter bazaar, drinks and appetizers from Spicy Taco. Register for $20 online.
Wabash Y Open House & Black-Owned Market
1-4 p.m. Saturday
3763 S. Wabash Ave.
Tour the birthplace of Black History Month while supporting Black-owned businesses at the historic former Wabash YMCA. This Bronzeville event is a fusion of an open house, vendor market and history exhibit. Admission is free. Visitors can also take an hour-long guided tour of the building through the month. Tickets are $20 online.
Music Frozen Dancing
1 p.m. Saturday until dark
On Cortez Street outside Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave.
Brave February’s unpredictable weather with this 10th annual winter block party. Hosted by Goose Island Beer Co. and the Empty Bottle, this event features Chicago’s own Lifeguard, The Mall from St. Louis, Upchuck rom Atlanta, art punks Cel Ray and glam rock group Nancy. Admission is free but donations are welcome to benefit the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. RSVP for free here.
International Sword Swallowers Day
1, 3, 6 and 8 p.m. shows Saturday; 10 p.m. adults-only show
Sideshow Gelato, 4819 N. Western Ave.
It’s believed there are less than 150 sword swallowers in the world today — and you can see six of them at a Ravenswood gelato shop this weekend. There’s Chicago natives Sally Marvel and Cryptic Kid, circus performer Dan Luckett, Texas-based Hellen Fury and touring sideshow performer Cassidy Tour. At the 8 p.m. show, audiences can catch an exclusive performance by internationally lauded performer The Enigma. Tickets for each show are $10-20 online.
Asian Pop-Up Cinema: Perfect Days
2:30 p.m. Saturday
AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois St.
Asian Pop-Up Cinema is screening “Perfect Days” ahead of the festival’s official March 20 kickoff. The Oscar-nominated film follows the story of a toilet cleaner named Hirayama, who lives a subdued and routine lifestyle but finds joy in his cassette tapes, books and nature. Through unexpected encounters, Hirayama, played by Japanese actor Kōji Yakusho, reflects on his lifestyle choices and reflects on the beauty around him despite imperfect circumstances. Admission is free but online RSVPs are required. Sign up here.
Shojin Ryori: Buddhist Cooking Demo
4-7 p.m. Saturday
2112 Creative Industries Incubator, 4245 N. Knox Ave.
Learn all about Shojin Ryori, a vegetarian monastic cooking style, during this guided cooking class. Hosted by the Daiyuzenji Zen Buddhist community, guests can enjoy a nourishing meal and learn about the techniques and flavors of this traditional cuisine. Reserve your spot for $50 online.
Black Lives Matter Exhibition
6-9 p.m. Saturday
Dragonfly Gallery & Creative Spaces, 2436 W. Madison St.
Explore work that celebrates identity and culture and addresses the struggles experienced by minorities at this Black Lives Matter art exhibit. There are a dozen featured artists, including Kim Basile, Sara Peak Convery, Miela Foster, Aaron Spiller and Robert Vargas. RSVP for free here.
All You Need Is Love Adoption Event
Noon-6 p.m. Sunday
Famous Fido Rescue, 3124 W. Irving Park Rd.
Nonprofit rescue group Famous Fido is hosting an open house event this weekend for anyone looking to adopt a new furry friend this weekend. More than 100 animals are in need of a forever home. Visitors can freely weave between cat rooms, but anyone interested in meeting with a pup should call ahead of time at 773-907-0305.
Art in Action: How Artists Helped Illinois End Money Bond
2-4 p.m. Sunday
Dragonfly Gallery & Creative Spaces, 2436 W. Madison St.
The Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice is celebrating the three-year anniversary of the Pretrial Fairness Act with an exhibition of prints, banners, short films and photos documenting the movement for pretrial fairness. The act was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in 2021 and banned money bail, among other revisions to the criminal justice system. There will be a program at 2:30 p.m. featuring organizers and State Senator Robert Peters. RSVP for free here.
Ignite The Conversation: An Exploration Into Chicago-Style BBQ
4-6 p.m. Sunday
Lexington Betty Smokehouse, 756 E. 111th St.
Dive into Chicago-style BBQ with this educational panel and tasting event at a Pullman smokehouse. Chef and pitmaster Dominique Leach is calling on her BBQ friends and local food history experts for a two-hour panel diving into the cuisine’s South Side roots. Afterward, guests can taste signature dishes made by each speaker, such as rib tips with raspberry chipotle glaze and garlic parmesan sweet corn, or smoked pork cheeks with rice grits and smoked bacon vinegar. Tickets are $25 with limited availability. Buy them online.
‘Drive-Away Dolls’ Party
6-10 p.m. Sunday
Dorothy, 2500 W. Chicago Ave.
To celebrate the release of the queer crime comedy film ‘Drive-Away Dolls,’ lesbian cocktail bar Dorothy is hosting a party with movie swag, a themed cocktail, ’90s playlist and branded photo booth. You can also catch a screening of the trailer at 7 p.m. RSVP for free online.
It Was A Very Good Year: Sinatra ’54
7 p.m. Sunday
Venus Cabaret Theater, 3741 N. Southport Ave.
Frank Sinatra tribute artist Gary Thomas returns to a Lakeview theater after two sold-out nights in September. The show celebrates the 70th anniversary of Sinatra’s “Songs for Young Lovers” and “Swing Easy” albums. Tickets are $35 online.
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