Weekend Events: Lights Fest on Michigan Avenue, Steve Martin and Martin Short

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FRIDAY

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The Cardboard Show
Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th St.
A whole show dedicated to art and cardboard: it's the little things, people. Over 60 artists will bust out their cool cardboard art – all of which is for sale (bring the Benjamins though, the show's cash only). Knock out some holiday shopping, enjoy the refreshments or just go stare at the cardboard. 6-10 p.m. Friday. Free. 


Also on tap Friday:

Comedian Ricky Gonzalez records an album (Friday-Saturday)
Timothy O'Toole's, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct.
Chicago comedian Ricky Gonzalez has performed for TBS Just For Laughs Festival and the Traverse City Winter Comedy Arts Festival. He records his first comedy album live at the Streeterville bar this weekend. 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 

Festival of Barrel Aged Beer (Friday-Saturday)
UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd. 
A fest all about beers aged in wood barrels: Who could ask for anything more? Taste 300 beers from over 90 breweries. The event also features a very rare beer competition, with barrel-aged beers from over 20 Illinois craft breweries – some of which have been sitting for as long as 3, 6 and 12 months. 6 p.m. Friday; 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday. $55.

Friday Night Fudge
CIC Theater, 1422 W. Irving Park Rd.
Comedy brought to you by the improv team Fudge plus live music from young Chicago artists. Awww yeah. 8 p.m. Friday. $5.


SATURDAY

Hit the Ice Rink
Parson's Chicken & Fish, 2952 W. Armitage Ave. 
Those fried chicken-slinging, Negroni-slugging folks over at Parson's have finally got their act together when it comes to ice skating. Last year's Parson's ice rink was sort of a mess – weather conditions made the rink a toss-up. This year, they've got it together with a synthetic ice rink, which evidently is both skate-able/melt proof. Check it out Saturday at the rink's grand opening. Skate rental and rink use is free, but a $5 donation toward Big Brothers Big Sisters is encouraged. 2-6 p.m. Saturday. $5.   


Also on tap Saturday:

Chicago Book Expo
Columbia College Chicago, Ludington Building, 1104 S. Wabash Ave. 
The fourth annual event celebrates the city's independent press and authors in addition to offering 19 different programs, readings and workshops. 11a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Free. 

(Flickr / Natasha Jelezkina)(Flickr / Natasha Jelezkina) Mag Mile Lights Festival
North Michigan Avenue, from Oak Street to Wacker Drive.
Annual tree-lighting parade along Michigan Avenue includes fireworks, shopping and more. Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Free. 

Randolph Street Market (Saturday-Sunday) 
1340 W. Washington St.
Browse vintage clothes and jewelry, furniture and more. A food market offers sustinance. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $8-$10.

Jazz Guitar Clinic
Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave.
Get tips from pro-jazz guitar player Peter Bernstein, one of the most sought after jazz guitarists in the last 20 years. 1-2:50 p.m. Saturday. $25.  

Saturday Night Skate
Orbit, 615 S. Consumers Ave., Palatine
Live DJ, black lights, and light shows for kids. Adult roller skaters can stick around until the wee hours. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday. $8.50 or $25.50 per family of four. 


SUNDAY

Hyde Park Handmade
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. 
Grab a drink at the bar while you shop this indoor crafts and farmers market with pottery, art, clothes and food. With vendors like Classic Creations Sweets, Lincoln Apparel, David Anthony Art and others. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Free.  


Also happening Sunday:

Steve Martin and Martin Short
Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont
The longtime comedians play a one-night only show, "An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life," which includes stand-up, film clips, musical numbers and conversations about their lives in show business. The two will also be joined by the Grammy-winning Steep Canyon Rangers, the bluegrass band with which Martin frequently performs. 7 p.m. Sunday. $45-$330. 

Chicago Toy and Game Fair (Saturday-Sunday)
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. 
It's the largest toy and game fair in the U.S., with over 100 exhibitors. Kids can preview and play games while you take Christmas list notes. Everyone wins. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $10; $5 for kids ages 3-12.


Events listed are subject to change. We recommend double-checking times and locations before you head out the door. Want to share your upcoming events with us for consideration in a future roundup? Send us an email.

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