CHICAGO — Shop handmade goods from dozens of local vendors at Ravenswood Makers Market, catch a screening of “Malcolm X” to kick off Music Box Theatre’s latest Black film series and party at a lesbian cocktail bar’s queer mixer.
Here’s a roundup of 25 things to do in Chicago this weekend:
11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m. Sunday
Historic Former Wabash YMCA, 3763 S. Wabash Ave.
Take a tour through a historic local institution that served Black Chicagoans for over half a century — and where Black History Month was born. Tours will be held Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays through February with The Renaissance Collaborative, a group that works to save and restore the Y. Tickets are $20 online.
Noon-11 p.m. Friday
ERIS Brewery & Cider House, 4240 W. Irving Park Rd.
Celebrate the Irving Park brewery’s 6th birthday with live music, food, birthday cake and more. ERIS will also be dropping a limited flavor of hard cider, PUNX pineapple upside-down cake, that you can preorder online. Once the cider is out of stock, it won’t be back until next year. Guests can also make an online reservation for guaranteed seating.
6-8 p.m. Friday
Various West Town locations
On the first Friday of each month, West Town neighbors can stroll through the neighborhood and explore local art galleries with a free local program. This weekend features eight participating locations, including The Brie Show Studio’s grand opening at 1716 W. Grand Ave. with drinks, music, live painting and more. Find an interactive map here.
Opening reception 6-9 p.m. Friday
Pilsen Arts & Community House, 1637 W. 18th St.
This pop-up photo exhibit marks the beginning of the Chicago Lowrider Festival, a celebration of the vibrant, customized cars with low bodies and the Chicago community that surrounds them. Lowriders are also symbols of Mexican American cultural identity, and their iconic designs like whitewall rims and pinstriping serve as methods of storytelling. The photo exhibit runs through Feb. 11 and honors the release of a new limited edition “Slow & Low” book that documents the city’s lowrider community.
7-11 p.m. Friday
Hairpin Arts Center, 2810 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Gather with neighbors for a mixer, live music and crafting workshops at an event celebrating community and the arts. Crafters of all levels are invited to join and stimulate their minds and muscles. General admission is $20 online.
7:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Catch Shuler King — the world’s only comedian, actor and licensed funeral director — on stage in Wicker Park this weekend. He rose to comedy stardom during the pandemic, amassing millions of views and followers on social media through his relatable short clips, and now performs sold-out shows across the nation. Tickets start at $22 online.
10-11:30 a.m. Saturday
Japanese Culture Center, 2940 N. Lincoln Ave., Unit 2
Neighbors can explore all things floral with Ohara Ryu Ikebana, or the Japanese art of flower arrangement. This monthlong Ikebana course is taught by Japanese instructor and traditionally trained artist Yuko Inoue-Darcy. Tickets for the four-part course are $248 online. Attendees should also purchase their own Kenzan flower holder and scissors online or from the instructor.
10 a.m.-noon Saturday
5055 S. Prairie Ave.
Families and young readers can enjoy a morning of books and breakfast with Lisa Brown, author of a Spanish-English bedtime story called “Noche Noche Ninos.” Along with a story time, food and activities, Brown will stick around for book signings and photos….
This article was originally published by a blockclubchicago.org . Read the Original article here. .