FRIDAY (Jump to SATURDAY | SUNDAY)
United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.
March Madness is in full-swing, and the United Center hosts this year’s Sweet 16 (Friday) and Elite Eight (Sunday) for the Midwest Region. The Sweet 16 kicks off with No. 1 seed Virginia battling No. 4 seed Iowa State. No. 10 seed Syracuse takes on No. 11 seed Gonzaga. Look out for Gonzaga, who upset Seton Hall and Utah to make it to the Sweet 16. Virginia and Iowa State tip-off set for 6:10 p.m. Gonzaga and Syracuse tip-off set for 8:40 p.m. Times subject to change. Prices vary.
Also on tap:
'Ghostlight' by eighth blackbird (through Saturday)
Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave.
The Grammy award-winning ensemble curates this program featuring two works developed during the group’s residency at the MCA. On the program: David T. Little’s “Ghostlight"; Frederick Rzewski’s “Coming Together” with Bonnie "Prince" Billy; and “Murder Ballades” by Bryce Dessner of The National. 9:30 p.m. $30; $10 for students.
‘Matilda the Musical’ (through April 10)
Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St.
Matilda takes on the grouchy headmistress Miss Trunchbull in this musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel. Performance times: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Prices vary.
Daley Plaza Food Trucks (various dates through October)
Daley Plaza, Washington Street between Clark and Dearborn streets
Work downtown? Take a long lunch on Friday and pick your lunch from various food trucks gathered at Daley Plaza. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
‘Rent’ (through May 1)
Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, 6970 N. Glenwood Ave.
Jonathan Larson’s Tony award-winning rock musical comes to an intimate setting in Rogers Park. Set during the 1980s AIDS epidemic, the musical is an updated take on the opera “La Bohème” and features hits like “Seasons of Love.” A NYC-themed dinner is available at the theater. 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday. $34-$69.
SATURDAY (Jump to FRIDAY | SUNDAY)
Chicago Beer Festival
The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
Spend a night at the museum with more than 70 breweries offering seasonal beers. Also on tap: Music, food and entry to some museum exhibits. 8-11 p.m. $45; VIP tickets cost $55 and include early admission at 7 p.m. Note: Tickets not sold at the door.
Also on tap:
Trevor Noah at the Chicago Theatre
175 N. State St.
The host of “The Daily Show" performs two shows on State Street. The South African native is known for using his stand-up comedy to examine his childhood growing up during apartheid, global issues and American culture. 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. $35-$55.
Good Food Festival
UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd.
Browse a marketplace featuring more than 150 exhibitors, meet CSA farmers and learn more about locally grown food. Chef demos, workshops and talks are also on the program. You can also take a tour of Chicago’s urban farms for $90. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10.
Brooklyn Boulders Easter Egg Hunt
100 S. Morgan St.
Take your kids to this unique Easter egg hunt with a vertical slant at Brooklyn Boulders climbing facility. Eggs will be hidden all over the climbing walls. Open to kids ages 4-12. Adult supervision required. $20 per child.
Edgebrook Easter Egg Hunt
Green Park, 6500 N. Algonquin Ave.
The Edgebrook Community Association hosts this Easter egg hunt in Green Park. Expect an appearance from the Easter Bunny, plus plenty of candy and surprises. Egg-hunters should bring their own basket. 10 a.m. Free.
Chicago Quarter Marathon
Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Drive
Burn off calories from the Chicago Beer Festival or the Easter candy you had for breakfast and go for a brisk 6.55-mile run, starting and finishing at Soldier Field. This year’s course travels south along Lake Michigan before looping back to the stadium. A post-race party includes snacks, awards and live music. 9:15 a.m. $60.
SUNDAY (Jump to: FRIDAY | SATURDAY)
Easter Brunches Around Town
Various Locations
Add to your Easter basket with one of the dozens of special brunch deals this Sunday in and around Chicago. The Chicago Botanic Garden, The Morton Arboretum and several local restaurants are all hosting brunch to celebrate Easter Sunday. For a list of some of the restaurants participating, take look at WTTW’s “Check, Please!” planner. Prices and times vary.
Also on tap:
Adult Easter Egg Hunt
Longman & Eagle, 2657 N. Kedzie Ave.
Who said adults can’t get in on the Easter fun? Longman & Eagle in Logan Square hosts its annual adult Easter egg hunt with prizes made just for grown-ups including liquor, T-shirts, glasses and other goodies from local shops. You can register ahead of time at [email protected]. Sign-up starts at 11 a.m. $5 entry fee per person for teams of two.
Easter Sunday Brunch Cruise
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.
Take a ride on the Mystic Blue Chicago for a brunch cruise on Lake Michigan that departs from Navy Pier. 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. $55-$70; $33 for kids ages 3-12. Free for kids under 3.
‘Dreams of the Penny Gods’ (runs through May 1)
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3255 W. Wilson Ave.
The Halcyon Theatre presents a world premiere production written by Callie Kimball and directed by Jennifer Adams. This dark dramedy depicts the lies a family tells itself. Bug, a normal 13-year-old girl, is hiding out in a storage facility with her criminal family. Bug pretends to be a priestess who tries to raise the dead, and finds that one day, her enchantments seem to work, setting off an Armageddon. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 6 p.m. Sundays. $20.
Pop Art Design
Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave.
Sunday is the last day to see this colorful exhibit. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $12; $7 for students.
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.
