You've been busy this week, Chicago. Between playing Superman for a fan in need, unanimously passing a new budget and fighting for your right to free booze, you may be looking for somewhere new to occupy this weekend. Have no fear, the Windy City never fails to turn out a datebook-stuffing selection of activities to beat the big freeze, and this week is no exception. Check out our top picks for your pre-Thanksgiving weekend.
ALL WEEKEND
Chicago Toy and Game Fair
The best way to survive Black Friday is to do your research, be prepared, and stay as far away from malls as possible. But if you must brave the Toys R' Us army, be smart and work up a game plan at the Chicago Toy and Game Fair, where adults and kids can preview the games that they'll soon be fighting for this holiday season.
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave
When: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20
Price: $10 adults, $5 kids
Merce Cunningham Dance Company: The Legacy Tour
Choreographer Merce Cunningham was an icon and active contributor to the dance world right up to his death in 2009 at age 90. In celebration of the artist's life and work, his dance company launched a whirlwind tour, showcasing his unique perspective across the country before they formally disband at the end of the year. They hit Chicago this weekend for the last time, hoping to inspire other companies to keep Cunningham's work alive.
Where: Harris Theater, 205 E Randolph St., Chicago
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18 and Saturday, Nov. 19
Price: $25-65
FRIDAY
Join Hands For Josh
Marine Lance Corporal Josh Misiewicz was a star hockey player before he enlisted. While on patrol in Afghanistan, a bomb explosion took his legs. Join Josh's community in celebrating his service and fundraising for his rehabilitation with a benefit that will feature food, drinks, raffles, a silent auction and a performance by the band Hip Pockit.
Where: Bella Banquets, 5412 S. LaGrange Rd.
When: 7 p.m. - 12 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18
Price: $25
SATURDAY
Sobremesa
Sobremesa means "to linger and converse with friends over delicious food," and you can do just that at Bodega N. 5, the lower lounge at Mercat a la Planxa, where they're offering a limited sobremesa special, with $1 tapas and $5 Spanish cocktails from 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Where: 638 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
When: 5 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19
Price: Varies
Sky High Sports Grand Opening
Have you ever seen a Cirque du Soleil thrown around on a trampoline and question the life choices that drew you away from that career path? Give it a go at the grand opening of Sky High Sports Naperville, a 55,000 square foot indoor trampoline park with bouncy floors and walls. For their grand opening, they're welcoming Tigger-wannabes all day at a discounted price.
Where: Sky High Sports, 2244 Corporate Ln., Naperville
When: 11 a.m. - 12 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19
Prive: $11 per hour
SUNDAY
HOMERATHON
If Homer's "Iliad" was required reading in college, you may have already blown through it in a single, panic-stricken night. But for the responsible students among us and die-hard epic fans, buckle down for a 15,693-line ride at the Court Theatre's "Homerathon," a 24-hour marathon reading of Homer's "Iliad" by students and faculty from the University of Chicago.
Where: Court Theater, 5535 S. Ellis Ave., Chicago
When: 10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20 - 10 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21
Price: Free