Whether you want to hit the books or avoid them entirely, the Reader has you covered. Here are our top recommendations for things to do this weekend:
Fri 3/23: Reading Rainbow taught millions of kids in America the importance of literature. LeVar Burton, who was the iconic show’s host and also starred on Star Trek, reads to audiences as part of the WBEZ Podcast Passport series. Joining Burton at Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago (126 E. Chesnut) are science fiction author Nnedi Okorafor and musician Kahil El’Zabar. 7-8:30 PM, $35-$75
Fri 3/23: Liquor connoisseurs and newbies alike can sample more than 350 whiskies from across the world, learn from experts, and get their hands on tons of swag at the 2018 WhiskyFest at Hyatt Regency (151 E. Wacker). 6:30-9:30 PM, $325-$445
Fri 3/23-Sun 3/25: Mia Chung’s You for Me for You, playing at Victory Gardens Theater (2433 N. Lincoln), is a dark comedy about two sisters who escape the brutal North Korean dictatorship and navigate new lives fraught with danger. The Reader’s Jack Helbig says the production packs “considerable grace and power, thanks in part to Green’s fine, on-point ensemble. Helen Joo Lee and Jin Park are especially moving as the sisters.” Fri-Sat 8 PM, Sun 2:30 PM, $20-$30, $15 students
Sat 3/24: If your knowledge of roller derby is limited to the Ellen Page movie Whip It, join the Windy City Rollers, Chicago’s premier squad, at its season opener at UIC Pavilion (525 S. Racine). Watch bad-ass women skate, learn more about the sport, and ponder your own derby name (“Babe Ruthless” is taken). 6 PM, $20
Sat 3/24: Actor, stand-up, and jaunty hat wearer Cedric the Entertainer, known for The Steve Harvey Show and Barbershop, brings his act to the Chicago Theatre (175 N. State). 8 PM, $63.50-$93.50
Sat 3/24-Sun 3/25: Want to know your true colors? During the Aura Aura Pop-up at Ace Hotel (311 N. Morgan), get your picture taken by a camera that picks up magnetic vibrational energy and returns a colorful Polaroid-esque photo. Tickets include the picture, an informational card, a box to store the portrait, and a personalized analysis of your aura colors. 11 AM-7 PM, $37, reservations required
For more things to do this weekend—and every day—visit our Agenda page.