Over the years, the full moon’s been linked to crime, fertility, werewolves and just general craziness (the word “lunatic” comes from the Latin root “luna”). Even though there’s not a shred of scientific evidence to back it up, we suggest using this weekend’s full moon as an excuse to cut loose and embrace your inner freak with these top weekend picks.
Drag ‘Gong Show’
Whether the performances are amazing or abysmal, you’ll surely find something to howl about at this contest of female impersonators at Atmospheres. Contestants do whatever they can to entertain the audience for cash prizes of $25, $50 and $100. The audience, of course, decides what performances get applause and which ones get gonged off the stage. There’s no cover charge, but there’s a suggested donation (any amount) to support the Howard Brown Health Center. 10 p.m. Donation suggested. 5355 N. Clark St. 773-784-1100.
Paramount’s Laser Spectacular
There will be few sober souls at this multimedia presentation of lasers and Pink Floyd’s music. But the Laser Spectacular–considered the next best thing to actually seeing the band play live–will be an eye-popping experience for all. Now in its 17th year of touring, the first half of the show gives credence to the eerie relationship between Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” album and “The Wizard of Oz” when songs are synchronized to scenes from the classic film. The second half features a state-of-the-art laser show set to the best of Pink Floyd, including the “The Wall.” The early show is already sold out, but tickets are still available for the 11:30 p.m. presentation. $24-$26. House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St. 312-923-2000.
Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe
Let’s face it: There’s nothing too freaky about hot chocolate, but when that brutal winter wind whips down Michigan Avenue, you’d be crazy not to take refuge in this cozy cafe for a cup of gourmet hot cocoa. Besides warming you up, the chocolate treat is actually good for you–a recent study at Cornell University reports that hot chocolate has more anti-oxidants (shown to fight cancer, heart disease and aging) per cup than red wine or tea. Our favorites? The Mexican hot cocoa ($2.05, small), which comes with a kick of vanilla, cinnamon and almond, and the ridiculously rich malted creamy caramel ($2.85, small)–which adds caramel and malt to the cafe’s signature chocolate blend and steamed milk and is topped with whipped cream and a chocolate treat. You also can choose from an extensive menu of coffee, tea, espresso and ice-cream drinks, along with 40 flavors of truffles, cakes, mousses and tarts. 320 N. Michigan Ave. 312-696-1201.
5th Annual Around the Coyote Winter Arts Festival
You won’t find coyotes baying at the moon at this festival–the title actually refers to Wicker Park’s Northwest Tower, nicknamed Coyote Tower–but you will find all kinds of art from Chicago-area artists. Check out paintings, sculptures and mixed media exhibited at both the Flat Iron Arts Building (19391 1/42 W. North Ave.) and the Landmark Building (1625 N. Damen Ave.). Short films are presented at The Note (1565 N. Milwaukee Ave.), and several theater pieces are performed at the Chicago Actor’s Studio (1567 N. Milwaukee Ave.). 6-10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. $5-$10. 773-342-6777.
Chris’ Slumber Party
Talk about freaky–this sweetly sour, late-night comedy show, hosted by Chris Churchill and five pajama-clad assistants, takes place at a “magical slumber party” in a cabin in the woods. The pillow-and-blanket-strewn stage is the setting for comedic bits, songs and spoken-word performances that use the subject of bad news as their departure point. Think Mr. Rogers for angry grown-ups. It’s a BYOB performance, so be sure to bring some moonshine. 11 p.m. Fridays throughout February. $7. Cornservatory, 4210 N. Lincoln Ave. 312-409-6435.
