T.G.I.F.
Seems like just last week we were laying out our towels at North Avenue Beach; suddenly we’re fretting over what to wear to the next round of holiday parties. But before you launch into the craziest month on your social calendar, kick back at a special holiday-themed edition of First Fridays at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Get crafty at the candy cane-gram and holiday card-making stations, or nibble on appetizers and sip cocktails from the cash bar while you browse exhibits. The event coincides with the opening of the latest monthly exhibit in “12×12 New Artists/New Work,” an installment from the OODA Group. 6 p.m. Friday. $7-$15. Tickets: ticketweb.com. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. 312-280-2660.
Dashing through the streets
Before you hit the mall this weekend, vent some of your seasonal stress at the Lincoln Square Holiday Festival. Highlights include horsedrawn sleigh rides, a tree lighting, live music, and traditional food and drink. 5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free. Giddings Plaza, 4731 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-728-3890. Once you’ve had your fill of holiday cheer in Lincoln Square, venture a little farther north to Late Night Andersonville to get a head start on your shopping. The evening extravaganza features shopping and dining discounts at Clark Street businesses, as well as complimentary refreshments and streetside entertainment. 6 p.m. Friday. Free. Foster Avenue and Clark Street. 773-728-2995. Didn’t find the perfect gift during Late Night Andersonville? Return for the Julmarknad Holiday Festival, a traditional Swedish Christmas market featuring gifts, music and dance performances, a Christmas cafe and more. 10 a.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. Sunday. $2 fee for museum admission. Swedish American Museum Center, 5211 N. Clark St. 773-728-2995.
Rock on the block
So what if the band broke up when your drummer ditched you for a gig on Wall Street? You haven’t given up the dream. And you definitely won’t want to miss the Rock for Kids Rock ‘n’ Roll Charity Auction, where you can pick up all the accoutrements of that rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle you’re going to have … someday. Items up for bid include one-of-a-kind collectibles from the Rolling Stones, the Grateful Dead, John Coltrane, the Who and others. VIP reception 6 p.m.; auction and general admission 7 p.m. Friday. $20-$50. Proceeds benefit Rock for Kids. Park West, 22 W. Armitage Ave. 773-929-5959.
We’ll drink to that
Ever wonder what it might look like if someone wrote a comedic script about your life? Here’s your chance to find out. “Bye Bye Liver: The Chicago Drinking Play” celebrates the drinkin’ life with booze-themed sketches, complemented by alcohol-fueled games. BYOB. 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Through Dec. 16. $10 (21+). Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-598-4549.
Just do it
It’s the quintessential holiday dilemma: Party or shop? Shop or party? You don’t have to decide at Do Division: Holiday Shopping Party. A multitasker’s dream, the all-day event allows you to sip complimentary wine and beer while you browse discounted merchandise at more than 20 Division Street boutiques. Noon Saturday. Free. Partial sale proceeds benefit Erie Neighborhood House. Division Street between Ashland Avenue and Leavitt Street, 1900 W. Division St. 312-243-8786.
Encore!
Longtime watering hole and music venue Gunther Murphy’s is closing after this weekend, but it’s not going quietly. Party to the bitter end with local bands at Gunther Murphy’s Last Day Blowout. The lineup includes the Andon Davis Situation, the Cells, Kevin Lee, Katie Todd, Missile, Reactavox, Rollover, Katie Todd and the Valley Downs. 3 p.m. Saturday. Free. 1638 W. Belmont Ave. 773-472-5139.
Step up
The holiday season always puts you in a charitable mood. Of course, you’re easily distracted by a good party. Our suggestion: Cover all the bases at the Awassa Children’s Project Fifth Annual Benefit. The multicultural event features music, dance and performances from human beatbox Yuri Lane, Gingarte Capoeira, DJ Franco de Leon, and Ethiopian music and dance group Tikal. 7 p.m. Sunday. No cover; donations benefit the Awassa Children’s Project, an organization supporting AIDS orphans and providing HIV and AIDS education in Ethiopia. Wild Hare, 3530 N. Clark St. 312-329-6161
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KPRATT@TRIBUNE.COM
