(Credit: Cirque Dreams)

Circus acts, break dancing mice, brightly lit trees and Christmas carols usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(Courtesy of Alan Teller and Jerri Zbiral)

East meets West in an art show that began with a collection of photos found at an estate sale 27 years ago.

(Courtesy of Alan Teller and Jerri Zbiral)

East meets West in an art show that began with a collection of photos found at an estate sale 27 years ago.

(Courtesy Ashley Hamm)

Burgers, country music and secret gardens usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Harold Noecker. “The Genius?” c. 1943. (Collection of Bernard Friedman, Chicago)

An unusual new art show looks at fantastic and strange paintings made by Chicago and Midwestern artists in the mid-20th century. We visit the Arts Club of Chicago.

Harold Noecker. “The Genius?” c. 1943. (Collection of Bernard Friedman, Chicago)

An unusual new art show looks at fantastic and strange paintings made by Chicago and Midwestern artists in the mid-20th century. We visit the Arts Club of Chicago.

Manifest 2017 (Philip Dembinski for Columbia College Chicago)

Street performers, fair trade pop-ups, tiny homes and indigenous plants usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(Chitaditarod / Facebook)

A shopping-cart race, eco-minded films, competitive chili and vintage finds usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(Chicago Polar Bear Club, NFP / Facebook)

An icy dip in the lake, a massive gathering in the Loop, personal stories and Mexican pastries usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.

Vintage love at the Randolph Street Holiday Market

Vintage gifts, irreverent reindeer, hot mulled wine, Japanese drummers and Mavis Staples usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Holiday ornaments, right, and glühwein: a recipe for shopping success. (Glühwein photo by Kameron Sears)

Holiday markets, pop-up festivals, giant balloons, magic shows and indoor snow usher in the holiday weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Chicago Air and Water Show 2015 (Scott L / Flickr)

Soaring planes, food fests, an all-night flea market and a Chicago love story usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.   

Baround Mahamat Awatif of Bet-Mama in Chad displays her handmade skincare cosmetics at the 2015 showcase. (Courtesy of Peggy Parfenoff)

Thirty businesswomen from 27 African countries are traveling to Chicago this week to hone their entrepreneurial skills and make connections with their American counterparts.

Head to Naperville for fireworks and finger-licking food. (Naperville Ribfest / Facebook)

Fireworks, festivals and plenty of live music usher in the holiday weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago. 

(Ben Houdijk / Flickr)

Mavis Staples, a roller skating party and spirited festivals usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago. 

Last year’s plunge saw mild temperatures and plenty of sun. (Courtesy of the Lakeview Polar Bear Club)

Restaurant deals, a polar plunge, the White Sox and a hip-hop festival usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.