(Courtesy of Lycée Français de Chicago)
1. Browse
Support artists and makers at two markets. The Lycée French Market brings together local and French artisans. You’ll find fine and decorative arts, home decor, apparel and gourmet food; a bistro serves up authentic French recipes. At the Handmade Market, expect food, drinks and handmade art; finds could include funky jewelry, glass pendants, knitted items and paper crafts.
Details for Lycée French Market: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at Lycée Français de Chicago, 1929 W. Wilson Ave. $5 suggested donation / MAP
Details for Handmade Market: noon-4 p.m. Saturday at Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. Free / MAP
Looking for more events? Check more of the season’s upcoming festivities in our 2023 Chicago Festival Guide.
2. Taste
More than 25 restaurants from Pilsen and surrounding communities will gather at Pilsen Gourmet to showcase some of the city’s leading Latino chefs. The event includes chef demonstrations, food samples and a wide array of beverages, including mezcal, craft beer and michelada mixes.
Details: 7-10 p.m. Friday at Apollo’s 2000, 2875 W. Cermak Road. $65-125 / MAP
3. Laugh
The Lincoln Lodge bills itself as the nation’s longest-running independent comedy showcase. Grab a drink and catch any of a variety of performances, from a queer comedy show to a show where you might get roasted. Also on deck this week is the Silly Witty Comedy Show, which highlights up-and-coming comedians.
Details: Dates, times and prices vary at the Lincoln Lodge, 2040 N. Milwaukee Ave. / MAP
4. Tune in
The 28th annual Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival delivers two nights of distinct programming highlighting Asian American performers. Friday’s show features Chicago-based multimedia artist Takashi Shallow and Pittsburg-based shakuhachi player, composer and visual artist Devon Osamu Tipp. Saturday brings a performance from saxophonist and composer Hitomi Oba, among others.
Details: 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Elastic Arts, 3429 W. Diversey Ave., #208. $20 / MAP
5. Sparkle
The Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual light show, Lightscape, opens this weekend. Expect fan favorites like the Winter Cathedral and new exhibits that include illuminated 5-foot lilies and 19-foot lamp-shaped lights.
Details: Friday through Jan. 7 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe. $17-75 / MAP
(Courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden)
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.
