Avoid the cold with the shows, exhibits, and fairs taking place this weekend. Here’s some of what we recommend:
Fri 11/17-Sat 11/18: More than 100 artists and studios will be at the Chicago Art Book Fair, selling books featuring their current and past work. Satellite studios outside the main location at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel (12 S. Michigan) host more vendors; a complete lists of locations can be found at cabf.no-coast.org. Fri 11 AM-6 PM, Sat 11 AM-7 PM, free
Fri 11/17-Sat 11/18: It’s closing weekend for Tangles & Plaques at the Neo-Futurarium (5153 N. Ashland). The Reader‘s Max Maller says, “[The show] challenges its audiences to experience the decline into oblivion as sufferers of dementia themselves experience it. The result is a funny, scary, and ultimately transformative journey.” 7:30 PM, $25, $10 students
Fri 11/17-Sat 11/18: James Adomian, an excellent impressionist and astute humorist, brings a cast of characters and absurd jokes to the Lincoln Lodge (956 W. Newport). Local comic Terence Hartnett opens. Fri 8 PM, Sat 8 and 10 PM, free
Sat 11/18: Comedian Pat Brice, who was a staple in the Chicago stand-up scene, unexpectedly passed away ten years ago. His friends and family are throwing a 40th birthday party for him and a fundraiser at Guaranteed Rate Field (333 W. 35th), which includes a free drink, light appetizers, and most importantly a show with secret out-of-town guests. Take our word for it: the line-up is stacked. 6 PM, $65
Sat 11/18: Both A Charlie Brown Christmas and the story of Rudolph are affably spoofed at the Annoyance Christmas Pageant—an annual yuletide tradition that takes place, fittingly, at the Annoyance Theatre (851 W. Belmont). 7 PM, $20, $12 children under 12
Sun 11/19: Felix returns! The jaguar-like skeleton, resembling a reconstruction of prehistoric dinosaurs using bones, is back on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art (220 E. Chicago) in conjunction with the museum’s 50th anniversary. 10 AM-5 PM, $12, $7 students and seniors, free for kids 12 and under
Sun 11/19: Support the efforts of Second City’s employees to unionize by attending Monkey Wrench, a special stand-up show headlined by James Fritz—a former Chicagoan and excellent, thoughtful storyteller. The show takes place at Cole’s (2338 N. Milwaukee). 9 PM, $10
For more things to do this weekend—and every day—visit our Agenda page.