Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
Chicago International Film Festival
More than a hundred films will screen during the 62nd Chicago International Film Festival, ranging from “Behemoth!” (Tony Gilroy’s new drama starring Pedro Pascal) to Ava DuVernay’s new documentary “14th,” part of the festival’s Black Perspectives 30th anniversary. Carrie Coon, Marlon Wayans, and Sophie Okonedo will be among more than a half-dozen film artists honored during the festival. Many other talents will attend, including Naperville native Bob Odenkirk at the Music Box at an Oct. 18 screening of the documentary “Bob and David Climb Machu Picchu.” Plus read the Tribune’s guide for 2026. Through Oct. 25 at AMC Newcity 14, 1500 N. Clybourn Ave., and other locations; tickets and details at chicagofilmfestival.com
Open House Chicago
Get a glimpse inside more than 200 sites, including many architectural gems that usually aren’t open to the public. Along with tours, the festival hosts talks, demonstrations and performances ranging from succulent planting to live blues. Start combing the schedule now to plan your weekend, and check out this year’s Tribune guide. Oct. 17-18 in various locations; details on the free event at openhousechicago.org
Joe Dombrowski
Variety included Joe Dombrowski in its list of 10 comics to watch in 2025 — and with good reason. The former elementary school teacher and co-host of “My Straight Friends,” a monthly show at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles, mines his life for material and comes up with hilarious riffs on marriage, becoming a dad through surrogacy and fatherhood. Through Oct. 18 at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.; tickets from $36.75 (two-item minimum) at thedentheatre.com
The Black Keys
Two years after canceling an arena tour due to poor ticket sales and three months after rescheduling due to poor air quality, the Black Keys play Salt Shed. 7 p.m. Oct. 20-21 at the Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets from $93.55 at saltshedchicago.com
Dance Theatre of Harlem
Choreographer John Taras’s reimagining of Stravinsky’s “Firebird” closes the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s program this weekend at The Auditorium Theatre. The 1982 ballet is one of the company’s signature works and will be accompanied by performances of “Return” by Artistic Director Robert Garland and “Donizetti Variations” by George Balanchine. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $51.47 at auditoriumtheatre.org
Red Line Jazz Festival
Butter Chicken Brass Band, Luciano Antonio, The Windy City Ramblers, and Mandala Dance Ensemble and more will perform a blend of jazz improvisation and global music. The show caps the five-month Red Line Jazz Project, a live music showcase curated by guitarist Fareed Haque at CTA Red Line stations and other community spaces. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St.; tickets from $20 at harristheaterchicago.org
Disney Descendants, Zombies and Camp Rock: Worlds Collide Concert Tour
Disney learned a while back it’s good to be bad. For the latest installment of its film-inspired concert tour, Disney brings together stars from not only “Descendants” and “Zombies” but “Camp Rock,” too. Expect Malachi Barton, Liamani Segura, Dara Reneé and more. If your kids are fans, consider it—especially if they’re new to concert-going. Disney knows how to entertain. 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $55.40; 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont; tickets from $84.30; details for both shows at worldscollidetour.com
Loop Arts Fest
Three blocks of State Street will close to traffic Oct. 17 for a new festival showcasing Chicago’s art scene. Soul singer-writer-producer Simone Green will headline, and two stages will feature dance, theater, music, and fashion. Programming will spill into area buildings as well. Noon-6 p.m. Oct. 17 on State Street between Jackson and Madison streets; details on the free event at loopchicago.com
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Old Joliet Prison Flashlight Tour
Tour Old Joliet Prison by flashlight through the month of October. The 168-year-old prison hasn’t housed any inmates in nearly 25 years, but it still makes for a spooky setting. Chances are, you’ve already seen it in the movies, most famously in “The Blues Brothers.” It’s the backdrop for the opener where Jake (John Belushi) is released from prison and picked up by his brother, Elwood (Dan Aykroyd), in the Bluesmobile. (The former Old Joliet Haunted Prison on the site is not open for 2026.) Thursdays-Saturdays through Oct. 31 at Old Joliet Prison Historic Site, 1125 Collins St., Joliet; tickets $9.99-$32 at jolietprison.org
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to [email protected].