Time to plan the weekend. Here’s some of what we recommend:
Fri 1/22: Explore the Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan) after-hours at After Dark, which includes a tour of “Dionysos Unmasked: Ancient Sculpture and Early Prints,” live music by Lena Fayre, DJ sets by Madrid and After Dark’s resident DJ, Shaka 23, and a cash bar. 9 PM-midnight
1/22-2/4: Close readers will perceive Chicago Restaurant Week to actually be two weeks long; in any event, it features 350-some local restaurants offering prix fixe menus that start at $22 for lunch and $33 or $44 for dinner. The Choose Chicago website has the comprehensive list and links to menus.
1/23-1/24: Now’s definitely the ideal time for fantasizing about your next vacation; get tips at the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show. The expo at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N. River, Rosemont) features Frommer’s editorial director Pauline Frommer, CBS News travel editor Peter Greenberg, and exhibitors from Apostle Islands Cruises to the Zulu Nyala (South Africa) Game Reserve. There’s also live world music and camel rides. Sat 10 AM-5 PM, Sun 11 AM-4 PM
Sat 1/23: Chicago Public Media and Young Chicago Authors host the Winter Block Party at Metro (3730 N. Clark), which focuses this time around on hip-hop and social justice. The event includes b-boy/b-girl dance battles, a live taping of Vocalo’s Morning Amp, a spoken-word open mike, and $10 fade haircuts. The free daytime event is followed by a release party for a new Louder Than a Bomb mixtape, featuring Jamila Woods, Kweku Collins, and others (7-10 PM, $10). Noon
Sat 1/23: The Nerdologues is a monthly series of sketch, stand-up, song, and storytelling; this installment at the Chicago Design Museum (108 N. State), under the theme “Beginnings,” features the Art Institute’s Sean DeSantis, Leo Burnett’s Alisa Wolfson, and others. 7-9 PM
Sat 1/23: Tonight Crown Tap Room (2821 N. Milwaukee) hosts Bowie Night. Pay tribute to the late, great David Bowie with a DJ set featuring the hits, the weird deep cuts, and everything in between. Dressing up is encouraged. 9 PM
Sun 1/24: Bingo! at Skylark (2149 S. Halsted) is a fund-raiser for Pilsen Community Market featuring not only bingo but a silent auction, a raffle, live music, and beer from 3 Floyds, Piece, and Off Color breweries. 6-10 PM
For more stuff to do this weekend—and every day—check out our Agenda page.