Chicago has some lovely options for things to do this weekend, including the AIC’s annual Lunar New Year party and Chris Tucker, plus a pasta dinner from celebrated chefs, “Lord of the Rings” bar and locally-made Valentine’s gifts.
Happy New Year, again
The Art Institute of Chicago will celebrate the Lunar New Year with its annual museum-wide event, featuring a variety of activities for all ages, including percussion performances, a paper-cutting demonstration and learning/playing session for popular Eastern board game xiangqi. After festivities conclude, guests can walk to nearby Maggie Daley Park in Millennium Park for a special lantern procession. 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., free with museum admission, $20-$25; artic.edu
Local pasta
Italian restaurant Tortello will bring some added native flavor to Wicker Park this weekend, as the pasta shop will host its first-ever Sagra di Tortello event. A “sagra” is a traditional, local Italian festival that celebrates or showcases a specific type of food or region — in this case, that would be Tortello. Even better, chef Jason Hammel of Lula Cafe will join Tortello’s executive chef Duncan Biddulph and owner Dario Monni in the kitchen to create a three-course meal featuring Tortello’s pasta and showcasing winter ingredients like porchetta with fennel and sea salt, seasonal salads, sorbetto and more. La Tosca will also perform live Italian folk music for the evening. Seatings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, Tortello, 1746 W. Division St., $80 adult, $40 children, tax and gratuity not included; eventbrite.com
Tucker in town
Comedian Chris Tucker doesn’t come out to play much, let alone actually do much comedy or movie work. That makes this weekend’s Chicago show a rare chance to see the enigmatic comedian, whose last major comedy release was a Netflix special in 2015. We can only hope that he’s honing material for another one. 8 p.m. Saturday, Chicago Theater, 175 N. State St., $98-$240; chicago-theater.com
Valentine’s shopping, obviously
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If you’re dreading your obligation to pick up a gift for Valentine’s Day, then shopping with a drink in your hand, responsibly, would help. Eris Brewery and Cider House has you covered on both fronts this weekend with its Valentine’s Bazaar, featuring a lineup of local vendors of hand-made goods, including sweets, jewelry, visual artwork, home goods and more. Brunch will also be served during the bazaar, and reservations are available. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Eris Brewery and Cider House, 4240 W. Irving Park Road, no cover; facebook.com/events
‘You shall pass!’
All you all pop-up-ed out? What about One Pop-Up To Rule Them All? Whether it’s actually rule-worthy or not, you’ll have to see for yourself, as Replay Lincoln Park breaks outs its best Middle Earth impression for an extended “Lord of the Rings” pop-up. The bar features a huge faux-tree ent, a large Gollum statue and tons of dressings for the occasion, plus three different drink menus at the different bars, named the Prancing Pony, Minas Tirith and Mordor. Dates of special events are listed online. Daily through March 22, Replay Lincoln Park, 2833 N. Sheffield Ave., no cover; facebook.com/events