Franz Ferdinand
The hippest of hip bands is hitting the stage, playing music that we can all dance to. The Scottish boys are part of Q101’s Twisted 11 and are playing with The Hives and Snow Patrol. 6 p.m. Sunday. $28.75. Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. 312-559-1212.
13th Annual Winter Pageant
Who says puppet shows are just for the wee ones? The Muppets still totally rock our world. And this little pageant has a giant puppet! Seriously. The story is also rather fitting for current political times: An ailing giant struggles to unite a kingdom and bring back the sun. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m., 5 p.m. Sunday. Through Jan. 2. $10-$15. 1463 W. Hubbard St. 312-850-8440, ext. 111.
Depart-ment
Sick of braving the chain stores, handing your cash to the big corporations? Then stop! Depart-ment, a local arts collective, is holding a holiday bazaar with scores of goodies made by local artists and craftsmen. Opening party: 7-11 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m Saturday-Sunday. Free. 2000 W. Fulton St., Suite 310, 312-560-1442.
Julmarknad Holiday Festival
We’re dreaming of a Swedish Christmas. What’s that you say? Andersonville’s having a big Swedish fest? Rock on! Stroll along Clark Street from Winnemac to Bryn Mawr Avenues and scope out the goods. There’ll be free concerts, food and discounts! Swing by the Swedish American Museum Center for some folk dancing. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. $2 for museum, free for fest. Clark Street from Winnemac to Bryn Mawr Avenues, 773-728-2995.
An Adult Evening Of Shel Silverstein
Think Shel only writes about being eaten by giant snakes? Think again. These 10 short plays hit on topics such as relationships, ambitions, sex, violence and fears. This ain’t kids’ stuff. 10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Through Dec. 18. $10-$12. Theatre Building, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. 773-327-5252.
Christmas Martinis
Oh, come on, you know you’re still upset about not hanging with the cheerleaders in high school. Luckily, now you can party with the Lincoln Park Young Professionals (i.e. grown-up cheerleaders). Nosh on appetizers and sip holiday-themed drinks such as the White Christmas cosmo. DJ Ray spins Christmas music. 6-9 p.m. Friday. $30-$40. Sauce, 1750 N. Clark St. 312-642-5097.
Modest Mouse
Good news for people who love Modest Mouse! The band’s kicking off Day 2 of Q101’s Twisted 11 concert series. 7 p.m. Saturday. $28.75. Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. 312-559-1212.
Lewis Black
Finally, someone more cynical than us. “The Daily Show” comedian rants, raves and berates everything and everyone. We can’t wait. 8 p.m. Saturday. $37.50. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont, 847-671-5100, 312-559-1212.
Saving Face Festival
We love it when people come together. It gives us that warm, tingly feeling. So head to this fest, which focuses on Asian-American experiences through poetry, sketch comedy, readings and live music. See metromix.com for the full schedule. 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
1 p.m. Sunday. Free. Studio Theater (located in the Chicago Cultural Center), 77 E. Randolph St. 312-744-6630.
Santa Lucia Festival
It’s time for the traditional Swedish bash! It’s a day of Christmas carols, folk tales, music and a candlelight parade, led by the “saint of light” and her court, who dress in white with crowns of candles. Candles. On their heads. Hot! Plus, free coffee and Swedish pastries afterward. 3 p.m. (performance), 4 p.m. (reception) Saturday. Donations accepted. Anderson Chapel at North Park University, 3225 W. Foster Ave. 773-244-5592.
Mos Def
The rapper, actor and dapper dresser is in town to promote his first album in five years, “The New Danger.” 8 p.m. Sunday. $33.50-$35. House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St. 312-923-2000, 312-559-1212.
