Live from Chicago
Forget the sax; we always knew this former first lady was just waiting to step into the spotlight and bust a move. Hill–er, Sen. Clinton to us–has teamed up with DJ Biz Markie for Saturday Night Live with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, a hip-hop re-election stop, with an open bar from 8 to 9 p.m. 8 p.m. Saturday. $50-$200. Tickets: hillaryclinton.com/december3. Crobar, 1543 N. Kingsbury St. 312-943-8371.
Strings attached
The avant-garde spectacle-installation team known as Redmoon Theater has set aside its traditional Winter Pageant for a new, walk-around “non-theater theatrical event.” “From Nothing” features large-scale sights, music and signature puppet creations. 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Through Dec. 23; see metromix.com for schedule. $10. Redmoon Central, 1463 W. Hubbard St. 312-850-8440, ext. 111.
After-hours bargain hunters
For those who just can’t sneak holiday shopping in during the workday (it’s called lunch, you goody-goodies), Wicker Park/Bucktown businesses are extending their hours for a Winter West Fest. Plus, snag free refreshments and carriage rides. 5 p.m. Friday; noon Saturday-Sunday. Free. Chicago and Damen Avenues, 800 N. Damen Ave. 312-850-9390. Find more shopping soirees, like Andersonville’s Julmarknad Holiday Festival, at metromix.com.
Snow ball
With this week’s snow, we’ve managed to get a leg up on the whole white Christmas phenom, but if you prefer to enjoy your winter wonderland from the heated comfort of the indoors, head to the MCA. The museum’s decking its walls for First Friday with new works by “12X12” artist Stan Shellabarger. Catch tunes by DJ Madrid, get crafty at a make-your-own-holiday-card station, nosh on Wolfgang Puck eats and sip at the cash bar. 6 p.m. Friday. $7-$14. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. 312-397-4010.
Crafternoon delight
Unless your moniker is Martha or you’re a MacGyver at handmade gifts, a holiday present constructed by your own two mitts could turn out just plain tacky. But a treat purchased at Depart-ment–the hawkfest organized by an army of local arts ‘n’ kitsch-inclined craftsters–could please the hippest of recipients on your gift list. More than 100 vendors sell handmade jewelry, clothing, stationary and more. Cash and checks only. 7 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free. Open End Gallery/Ideotech, 2000 W. Fulton St., No. 310. 312-560-1442.
Born gay in East L.A.
And you thought you had a rough childhood. In “GAYTINO,” solo artist Dan Guerrero shares humorous tales about growing up gay in East L.A. 7 p.m. Saturday. $8-$12. Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, 1852 W. 19th St. 312-738-1503.
A cure for Sundayitis
Back-to-work anxiety and a roster of last-minute chores made your weekend no laughing matter? Maybe you could use a shot of giggles in the form of Funny First Sundays. Damon Williams (“Showtime at the Apollo”) hosts comedians from Diddy’s “Bad Boys of Comedy” and Russell Simmons’ “Def Comedy Jam.” 8 p.m. Sunday. $15-$20. Joe’s, 940 W. Weed St. 312-718-8311.
Cash in: Man in Black goodies
After seeing “Walk the Line,” your boyfriend’s developed a serious man-crush on Cash? Go down in holiday history as the best gift-giver ever by snagging a piece of Johnny’s action at the Rock for Kids Rock ‘n’ Roll Charity Auction. Bid on memorabilia from musicians including Cash, The Rolling Stones, U2, Cyndi Lauper, Tori Amos and others. 6 p.m. champagne preview bash; 7 p.m. live and silent auctions. Friday. $15-$50. Proceeds benefit Rock for Kids’ programs helping homeless children. Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. 312-255-9454.
