Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
“Catalyst: Im/migration and Self-Taught Art in Chicago”
Explore the role of immigrants in shaping Chicago’s self-taught art scene over the past 50 years. Intuit Art Museum is hosting an exhibit featuring the work of more than 20 such artists. As the Tribune reported, the exhibit “makes bedfellows of far-flung and gripping works: the flamboyant and intricate oil portraits of Drossos Skyllas, a Greek immigrant; the collage art of Thomas Kong, a Korean-American convenience store owner in Rogers Park; and the freehand crochet of Pooja Pittie, a disability rights advocate who came to Chicago to pursue an MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.”
Through March 22 at Intuit Art Museum, 756 N. Milwaukee Ave.; tickets (24 and under free) $20 at art.org
Wicker Park Indoor Farmers Market
It’s a long time ’til spring, but you can still browse Wicker Park’s farmers market on select Sundays through March at Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club. Beyond food and artisan vendors, try your hand at shuffleboard. Kids ages 8 and up, along with their families, can play on walk-in courts for $50 per hour. Giant Jenga, Connect Four and other games are offered. Or, if you’re looking for a more grown-up vibe, consider arriving early for $20 yoga and cocktails.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. (yoga and cocktails at 9-9:45 a.m.) Jan. 4 at Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club, 1750 N. Milwaukee Ave.; details at royalpalmschicago.com
Umphrey’s McGee
The South Bend, Indiana, jam band plays two nights at The Salt Shed. Last summer, the band released “Blueprints,” an album that created songs from recordings of live improvisations after fans voted on their favorite segments. Andy Frasco & the U.N. open.
7:30 p.m. Jan. 2-3 at The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets from $62.90 at saltshedchicago.com
Through N Through
The Little Village band blends heavy metal and storytelling to reflect on poverty, politics and addiction. Hardcore experience demands hardcore response. See Through n Through play La Villita Metal this weekend at the Ramova.
7 p.m. Jan. 3 at Ramova Loft, 3520 S. Halsted St.; tickets from $14.39 at tixr.com
DeffJam
Space Gators and Faux Furrs reunite to celebrate the life of their late frontman, Ryan Deffet. Deffet died at 30 in 2023 following an injury. Sima Cunningham, V.V. Lightbody, Ratboys, Andrew Sa, Kathy Patino and more will perform. Proceeds go to support the Ryan Deffet Studio Grant and Ryan Deffet Engineer Apprenticeship Award at the nonprofit Experimental Sound Studio.
5 p.m. Jan. 3 at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St.; tickets are pay what you can at ticketweb.com
Bowie Ball
Wake up, you sleepy head. Time for the Bowie Ball. It’s surreal to think that David Bowie died 10 years ago this month, but you can still celebrate his 79th birthday this week. Heaven Malone will DJ, and Nico, Sally Marvel and Max Goldstein will offer “Bowie-esque” performances.
9 p.m. Jan. 3 at Metro, 3730 N. Clark St.; tickets (ages 18+) from $19.93 at metrochicago.com
Illinois Home Show
New year, new home improvement projects? If you need inspiration, head to the Illinois Home Show. Watch demonstrations, view sample interior and exterior vignettes, and meet with contractors — who may be offering discounts.
10 a.m.-8 p.m. Jan. 3 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan 4 in Hall A, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont; tickets are $10 at the door or free in advance at ilhomeshows-de.com
“Amadeus”
Head to the Steppenwolf for a tale of classic jealousy: “Amadeus,” Peter Shaffer’s Tony-winning play that went on to become the 1984 Oscar-winning film. Here, Robert Falls directs David Darrow as Mozart to Ian Barford’s Salieri. If you’ve been thinking of going, grab your tickets; availability is limited.
Through Jan. 25 at Steppenwolf, 1650 N. Halsted St.; tickets from $20 at steppenwolf.org
Illinois Bridal & Wedding Expo
Explore the wedding industrial complex in one convenient convention center this weekend. Head to Rosemont to consider all things bridal, from the announcement to the honeymoon. Companies in 36 categories will be on hand to help you envision your perfect day — and separate you from your cash.
12:30-5 p.m. Jan. 3-4 in Hall A, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont; tickets are $10 at the door or free in advance at bridalshowsil-de.com
“Take Care With Peanuts: The Exhibit”
Good grief. It’s the last chance to catch the “Peanuts” exhibit at the Chicago Children’s Museum. Explore more than 15 immersive displays and activities, including Lucy’s psychiatry booth, Schroeder’s piano, composting with Pigpen, and ice skating with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the gang.
Through Jan. 4 at Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave.; tickets (children under 1 free) from $21 at chicagochildrensmuseum.org
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
