Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon
Sunshine is in the forecast on Nov. 14, opening day for the Ice Skating Ribbon in Maggie Daley Park. Lose yourself in the loop as you glide between the lakefront and the skyline. Just be sure to snag a reservation in advance; the holiday tourists will snap them up. The McCormick Tribune skating rink opens next weekend.
Through March 8 at the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon, 337 E. Randolph St.; first two-hour session free, $5 thereafter; skate rentals $17-$23; details at maggiedaleypark.com
Patti Smith
“Jesus died for somebody’s sins, but not mine …” Fifty years after those words cracked open “Horses,” Patti Smith’s debut, it’s hard to convey just how revolutionary that album was. Smith will play the record in full this weekend at the Chicago Theatre.
8 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets at msg.com
Danny Brown
Earlier this month, the Detroit rapper released “Stardust,” his first album since getting sober, and The Guardian called it “hyperpop-rap powered up with post-rehab positivity.” But then, Danny Brown has always had an infectious buoyancy that’s attracted a range of collaborators over the years (Kendrick Lamar, Charli xcx, Eminem, to name a few). If you need to move this weekend, get to the Vic.
7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave.; tickets (ages 18+) from $47.89 at jamusa.com
The Mars Volta
Following on the April release of their its album, “Lucro sucio; Los ojos del vacio” (“Filthy Profit; The Eyes of the Void”), The Mars Volta plays The Salt Shed. If you’re a fan of this influential, genre-bending band, you already know about last year’s documentary, “Omar and Cedric: If This Ever Gets Weird.”
8 p.m. Nov. 14 at Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets from $75.70 at saltshedchicago.com
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Hari Kondabolu
Brooklyn-based comedian Hari Kondabolu will film his performance this weekend at the Den Theatre. Kondabolu is perhaps best known for his well-received 2017 documentary, “The Problem with Apu,” about the Indian American proprietor of the Kwik-E-Mart on “The Simpsons” and the character’s role in perpetuating South Asian stereotypes. He’s a former writer and correspondent on “Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell” and a panelist on “Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me.” Expect his incisive wit to be on full tilt.
7:15 and 9:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.; tickets (2 item minimum) from $22 at thedentheatre.com
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater
The Chicago-based dance company performs its signature blend of flamenco as well as classical, folkloric and contemporary Spanish dance. Expect new works as well as crowd-pleasers, including “Bólero.”
7:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $35.05 at auditoriumtheatre.org
Black Harvest Film Festival
The 31st annual Black Harvest Film Festival wraps up this weekend with a closing night screening of the 1972 Ossie Davis film, “Black Girl.” The playwright J.e Franklin, who also wrote the screenplay, will offer a short recorded message, and a discussion will follow featuring Black Harvest lead curator Jada-Amina and Jupiter Magazine co-founder Daria S. Harper. More films about the Black experience will play throughout the weekend.
Through Nov. 16 at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St.; tickets from $10 at saic.edu
“Gabby’s Dollhouse Live”
Grab Pandy’s hand and hold on tight as Gabby takes you to the dollhouse, live at The Chicago Theatre. If you know who CatRat and MerCat are, this show is for you. Not sure it’ll be as good as Cakey’s sprinkle party, but the promoters promise it’ll be “a-MEOW-zing.”
4 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $47 at msg.com
Family Fun Fest
If it’s a little chilly outside and you need some free, kid-friendly entertainment, head to the South Loop. The Harold Washington Library Center itself is a great kids’ adventure, but this weekend, it’s hosting a dinosaur-themed celebration for families. Expect fall play activities, music, and art for children up to age 13.
1-4 p.m. Nov. 16 at Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St.; details on the free event at chipublib.bibliocommons.com
Fa La La Fabulous Holiday Market
Get in the holiday spirit with a market to support the Center on Halsted’s LGBTQ+ community programs. Watch drag performances, shop handmade goods, and indulge in food and drink. Performances will be at 12-2 p.m. both days and 3-5 p.m. on Nov. 15.
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 15 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 16 at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St.; more details on the free event ($5 suggested donation) at centeronhalsted.org
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to [email protected].