Bring the kids to Recess: Bring the little ones to the patio of Recess for a unique day designed to please parents and kids alike. Miss Beth (aka Big City Readers founder Beth Gaskill) brings the books to the bar for a special story and singalong incorporating both math and literacy skills. After the stories, enjoy delicious eats, signature cocktails, kid crafts and games. “Big City Readers: Fall Y’all” beginning at 10 a.m. Nov. 13 at Recess, 838 W. Kinzie St.; tickets $20 at bigcityreaders.com
Jazz it up this weekend: Celebrating 10 years of jazz studies, the Music Institute of Chicago presents a world premiere commission by jazz saxophonist and clarinetist Victor Goines. The program aims to pass along the art, storytelling and traditions of jazz to future generations. “Jazz Studies 10th Anniversary Concert” beginning at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston; tickets $25+ at musicinst.org
A curated fest at Music Box Theatre: Watch the most anticipated film of the year hand-picked by members of the Chicago Film Critics Association at this 7th annual festival. Nominated twice for the best film festival, guests can preview over a dozen films throughout the course of the weekend. Chicago Critics Film Festival runs through Nov. 14 at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave.; tickets $12+ at musicboxtheatre.com
From Texas to the House of Blues: Tobe Nwigwe is a rapper and singer whose music tells the story of his difficult upbringing in Texas. Since 2016, he’s posted an original song and video across his social media platforms. His musical storytelling performance is in Chicago for one weekend only. Tobe Nwigwe: The Monumintal Tour, doors open at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13, and 5:30 p.m. Nov. 14, at the House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St.; tickets $35 at houseofblues.com
It’s time to judge some beer: Celebrating its 19th year, North America’s largest barrel-aged beer festival and competition returns. This year, approximately 125 craft breweries from across the country will submit nearly 200 of their best wood and barrel-aged beer, cider, mead and perry for judging. “Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer” from 6-10 p.m. Nov. 12 and 1-5 p.m. Nov. 13 at Credit Union 1 Arena, 525 S. Racine Ave.; tickets $85 at fobab.com
Chili cook-off for a cause: Competitors from throughout Chicago gather to cook up their best chili recipes to see who will be crowned the winner. Proceeds from this cook-off benefit the Broadway Youth Center and the LGBTQ+ youth in the Chicago area. Hosted by Trident International Windy City. “Annual Chili Cook-Off” at 3 p.m. Nov. 14, Touché, 6412 N. Clark St.; tickets $5 at touchechicago.com
Day drinking for Friendsgiving: Gather your friends for a bar crawl through some of the finest bars in Wicker Park, South Loop, and Hyde Park areas. Sponsored by the Bacardi Family, this crawl offers bus tickets to each guest in case they need a break from walking. Immediately following the crawl, The Promontory hosts the Friendsgiving after party with live music, more drinks, and dancing. Thank You Chicago Friendsgiving Bar Crawl at 11 a.m. Nov. 13, Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave., tickets $50 at promontorychicago.com
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