Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
“Hasan Hates Ronny / Ronny Hates Hasan”
Chicago could use a good laugh right now. Several headlining comedians are in town this weekend, but our best bet is a double-bill featuring “Daily Show” correspondents Ronny Chieng and Hasan Minhaj. The premise of the show is that Chieng (who’s still on the “Daily Show”) and Minhaj (who isn’t) hate each other and will take on America’s issues in a “debate to the death.”
7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Nov. 7 and 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $44.45 at auditoriumtheatre.org
Ralph Barbosa
Before the 2024 election, the Los Angeles Times suggested watching Ralph Barbosa’s comedy special, “Cowabunga,” in order to understand the nuances of how Latino Americans think about politics. While that’s sound advice, keep watching Barbosa for his quiet humor about everything from growing up to ICE raids. It plays laid back, but it’s anything but.
7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $53.25 at msg.com
Jo Koy
Maybe you saw him host the Golden Globes. Or caught one of his half-dozen comedy specials. Or noticed he was one of three-dozen or so comedians to headline the controversial Riyadh Comedy Festival. Now’s your chance to see Jo Koy deliver stand-up on everything from sleep apnea to cultural curiosities raised by his Filipino-American background.
8 p.m. Nov. 7 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $34.49 at unitedcenter.com
Druski
Heard about the guy in whiteface at a NASCAR event? That’s Druski. The video went viral earlier this fall, but the social media phenomenon, aka Andrew Desbordes, has been provoking audiences with stunts and savvy satire for a while now. See him perform live this weekend at the United Center.
8 p.m. Nov. 8 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $39.45 at unitedcenter.com
Fortune Feimster
With her “Takin’ Care of Biscuits” tour now extended, Fortune Feimster brings her comforting brand of stand-up to the Chicago Theatre this weekend. Perhaps you know her as Colette on “The Mindy Project” or more recently as Roo on “FUBAR.” If you haven’t dipped into her comedy, check out her 2024 Netflix special, “Crushing It.”
8 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $51.60 at msg.com
Smosh Reads Reddit Stories Live
Ever get lost in the weeds of a crazy Reddit thread? You need Smosh to help you unpack it all. If you’re not already following Shayne Topp and the rest of the Smosh comedy group on YouTube, go check it out. They put their own spin on the loopiest Reddit posts featuring all sorts of social dysfunction. It’s a form of rubbernecking, yes … but who can look away? Do it live this weekend.
3 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $100.55 at msg.com
Grizzly Bear
For the first time in six years, Grizzly Bear is touring, and Chicago is one of only a half-dozen or so cities on the list. There’s no album to promote; their last was 2017’s “Painted Ruins.” Expect the band to use that as an excuse to explore deeper cuts.
8 p.m. Nov. 8-9 at Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets (ages 17+) from $77.95 at grizzly-bear.net
Tortoise
The influential post-rock Chicago band will join with the Chicago Philharmonic for a special album release show. “Touch” is Tortoise’s first LP since 2016.
7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $71.88 at auditoriumtheatre.org
D-Composed: Our Stage
Black chamber music collective D-Composed completes its three-night residency as part of Steppenwolf’s LookOut Series. On Nov. 8, artist Shani Crowe will join the group for an exploration of identity in “An Ode to Black Hair.” On Nov. 9, the ensemble will play compositions written by members, celebrating their individual personalities as well as the collective’s ethos that Blackness is not a monolith.
8 p.m. Nov. 8 and 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 1700 N. Halsted St.; tickets $28 at steppenwolf.org
Boot Camp
Love the smell of leather? Ravenswood hosts Boot Camp, a gathering of shoe and boot makers that opens to the public on Nov. 8. Shop and learn throughout the day, as makers offer their wares and tanneries display their goods. Make your own belt, wallet, sunglasses case or wristband during workshops on Nov. 8 and 9.
9 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 8 at Artifact Events, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave. Additional workshops run 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 9 at Chicago School of Shoemaking, 3717 N. Ravenswood Ave., No. 113; tickets from $22.88 at stitchdownbootcamp.com
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
