by Chicago, IL — With unseasonably warm weather settling over the city this weekend, residents have a rare November opportunity to enjoy both outdoor light shows and indoor performances across the metro area.
From dazzling holiday displays to comedy tours, concerts, theater, and fitness competitions, the Chicago region is offering something for every type of weekend planner.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
WHAT: The 13th annual Illumination: Tree Lights transforms the Arboretum with glowing pathways and four colorful animal sculptures from the new Vivid Creatures exhibition.
WHERE: 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL
WHEN: Nov. 15 – Jan. 3
Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape
WHAT: The iconic 1.3-mile Lightscape trail returns with brand-new artistic displays and thousands of twinkling lights.
WHERE: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
WHEN: Nov. 14 – Jan. 4
On Stage: Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci
WHAT: The Lyric Opera presents two powerful one-act operas exploring heartbreak, betrayal, and raw emotion.
WHERE: Lyric Opera House, 20 N Wacker Dr, Chicago
WHEN: Running through Nov. 23
On Stage: Swan Lake
WHAT: A classic ballet following a prince’s quest to save a swan maiden from an evil spell.
WHERE:
- Genesee Theatre, 203 N Genesee St, Waukegan
- Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N Chicago St, Joliet
WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 14; 2 p.m., Nov. 16
On Stage: Mutts Gone Nuts
WHAT: High-energy rescue dogs perform tricks, comedy, and heartwarming routines — a family favorite.
WHERE: Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Ct, Schaumburg
WHEN: 1 p.m. & 4 p.m., Nov. 15
HYROX Chicago
WHAT: A global fitness race designed for athletes of all levels looking to test endurance and strength.
WHERE: Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago
WHEN: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Nov. 15 & 16
Comedy: Sal Vulcano
WHO: The Impractical Jokers star brings his Everything’s Fine Tour to Chicago.
WHERE: The Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St
WHEN: 7 p.m., Nov. 14
Comedy: Jiaoying Summers
WHO: Viral comedian known for her sharp humor on identity, empowerment, and cultural commentary.
WHERE: The Vic Theatre, 3145 N Sheffield Ave
WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 15
Comedy: Steve Cochran & Men of a Certain Rage
WHO: Chicago radio personality Steve Cochran joins Mike Toomey and Tim Benker for a night of comedy.
WHERE: Copley Theater, 8 E Galena Blvd, Aurora
WHEN: 5 p.m. & 8 p.m., Nov. 15
National Cuatro Festival
WHAT: The 27th annual celebration features salsa star Michael Stuart, cuatrista Fabiola “Fabi” Muñoz, and the Latin Music Project.
WHERE: Harris Theater, 205 E Randolph, Chicago
WHEN: 7 p.m., Nov. 15
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater
WHAT: A vibrant performance marking 50 years of Spanish dance artistry in Chicago.
WHERE: The Auditorium, 50 E Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago
WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 15
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Frankie Knuckles Festival
WHAT: A full-day tribute honoring the legacy of House Music pioneer Frankie Knuckles.
WHERE: The Land School, 7200 S Dorchester Ave, Chicago
WHEN: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m., Nov. 15
Concert: Terry Hunter’s Not Just Another House Party
WHAT: A first-of-its-kind blend of House Music, Gospel, Hip Hop, and Soul Poetry at Wintrust Arena.
WHERE: 200 E Cermak Road, Chicago
WHEN: 7 p.m., Nov. 15
Concert: Will Downing
WHO: Smooth R&B vocalist often compared to Luther Vandross and Brian McKnight.
WHERE: North Shore Center for Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie
WHEN: 8 p.m., Nov. 14
Which event are you planning to check out this weekend? Share your thoughts at mikeandjonpodcast.com.
