CHICAGO — Shop from nearly 200 vendors at the Renegade Chicago craft fair, enjoy a nativity retelling by Ballet Folklorico de Chicago or join a Santa vs. Grinch pickleball tournament this weekend.
There are also plenty of markets for some last-minute holiday shopping (including one for horror lovers), a three-day art exhibit honoring the late Chicago artist and West Town resident Tony Fitzpatrick, a wellness pop-up at the South Side Liberation Center and the Woodson Regional Library’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Here’s a roundup of 22 things to do in Chicago this weekend:
All Weekend
American Prophets Exhibit at the American Writers Musuem
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Monday
American Writers Musuem, 180 N. Michigan Ave.
This new exhibit at the American Writers Museum explores religion, spirituality and American culture through interactive exhibits featuring works from artists like Chance The Rapper, Patti Smith and Joan Rivers.
Learn more and get tickets here.
A past Renegade craft fair. Credit: Provided/Facebook
Renegade Chicago
5-8 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Morgan MFG, 401 N. Morgan St.
Shop ceramics, home decor, soaps, clothing, prints, jewelry and more from over 170 vendors at this craft fair. There will also be a slew of food and treat vendors, including 5411 Empanadas, Dar Baklava, Onigiri Kororin and Justice of the Pies.
Learn more here.
Black Swan Elegies: A Tribute to Tony Fitzpatrick
5-8 p.m. Friday, noon-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
West Town Chamber of Commerce, 1819 W. Chicago Ave.
Organized by Ukrainian Village-based artist Duncan Robert Anderson, this three-day exhibit will honor the late Chicago artist and West Town resident Tony Fitzpatrick, who died in October. The showcase features written and visual tributes to Fitzpatrick, his career and his impact on the city.
Thursday
The flyer for the Palenque LSNA Mixer and Fundraiser Wrap event. Credit: Provided
Palenque LSNA Mixer and Fundraiser Wrap
5-7 p.m. Thursday
Saba Italian Kitchen and Bar, 2715 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Join SABA Italian as it wrap its month-long Margaritas for a Mission fundraiser for Palenque LSNA — a Northwest Side community organization — with a cash bar, light bites and an opportunity to hear from representatives from Palenque LSNA as they share updates on their advocacy work. Winners of the Self-Guided Margarita Crawl will also be announced.
Learn more here.
Carol-Oake Night
9 p.m. Thursday
Ina Mae Tavern, 1415 N. Wood St.
Ina Mae Tavern is hosting another weekend of holiday fun, including its Carol-Oake Night featuring holiday cocktails to help you belt out your favorite festive tunes all night long, complete with a New Orleans classics menu. Make a reservation here.
Friday
Olivia Gallery Year End Holiday Party
5-8 p.m. Friday
3816 W. Armitage Ave.
Come toast to 2026 at Olivia Art Gallery and browse prints, ceramics and more from local artists — all of which are available for purchase.
Learn more and RSVP for free here.
Art Healed Me Wellness Pop-Up
6 p.m. Friday
South Side Liberation Center, 8803 S. Stony Island Ave.
Dope Vibes Daily and Light Center Wellness Education Collective will host a wellness pop up featuring chair massages, live music, vegan food, a Qi Gong Presentation and a magic show along with vendors to help discover the power of creativity and wellness.
Learn more and buy tickets for $23 here.
‘Keep On Rollin’ By Adam Hines at Project Onward
6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday
Project Onward, 1200 W. 35th St., 4th floor
Project Onward, a disability arts studio, will be hosting the opening of Adam Hine’s first solo exhibit “Keep on Rollin’” featuring vibrant and unique pieces of places, people and animals made from colored pencil and marker along with ceramic glazed figurines.
Learn more and RSVP for free here.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DSToD_iFbKY/?img_index=1
Constellation Holiday Hang with Twin Talk and Fan On Fire
7 p.m. doors, 8:30 p.m. show Friday
Constellation Chicago, 3111 N. Western Ave.
Constellation Chicago will be hosting a festive Holiday Hang with jazz groups Twin Talk and Fan on Fire, with proceeds benefiting the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Learn more and buy tickets for $15 here, or for $20 at the door.
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ Performance
7-10 p.m. Friday
Open Outcry Brewing Company, 10934 S. Western Ave.
Get in the Christmas spirit with this live holiday performance of Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by local artists and friends Brendan Mack, Doug Ferdinand, Pat Keelan and Colin O’Malley featuring holiday cocktails and food for a family-friendly and festive evening.
Learn more here.
Won’t Stay Dead Record Release Party
8 p.m. Friday
Liar’s Club, 1665 W. Fullerton Ave.
The Chicago horror-punk band Won’t Stay Dead is debuting its new album “Vindication” at dive bar and punk music venue Liar’s Club. The night will also feature performances from punk rock band Reaganomics and Boybrain.
This is a 21+ event. Learn more and buy advance tickets for $15 here, or snag a $20 ticket at the door.
Mobetta Holiday Jam
9 p.m. Friday
Martyrs’, 3855 N. Lincoln Ave.
The Mobetta Holiday Jam will feature Grammy-winning musician Maurice Brown and his band as he takes the stage at Martyrs’ for the 13th annual rendition of his holiday show, which will feature special guests to celebrate Chicago and the holidays.
Learn more and buy tickets for $50 here.
The Stand-Up Showcase
9:30 p.m. Friday
iO Theater, 1501 N. Kingsbury St.
Come watch five Chicago comedians have a six-minute set-showdown at the celebrated Zanies Comedy Club in the Stand Up Showcase at iO Theater— where audience members decide the winner by voting for their favorite set. Featuring sets from stand-ups like Grace Kilpatrick and Jacob Mundell. Learn more and buy tickets for $12.80 here.
Saturday
Santa vs. Grinch Tournament
9 a.m.- noon Saturday
SPF Chicago, 2121 N. Clybourn Ave.
Join a team at SPF Pickle Ball’s Christmas Clash Tournament to compete in their Grinch vs. Santa tournament, where 20 teams will face off in a holiday themed pickle ball showdown — complete with Santa and Grinch photo-ops and time for open play after the tournament. This event is open to intermediate and advanced players
Learn more here and register for $75 per team for members and $90 for nonmember teams.
The Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted St. Credit: Provided
Woodson Regional Library 50th Anniversary Celebration
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted St.
The Woodson Regional Library is hosting its 50th anniversary celebration with a full day of activities including an all-ages story time, craft activities, a house fusion fitness dance party and a chance to get a glimpse into the Woodson archives.
This event is free and open to all ages. Learn more here.
Horror House Holiday Market
12 p.m.-6 p.m. Saturday
Revolution Brewing, 3340 N. Kedzie Ave.
Love all things horror? Come browse the Horror House Holiday Market this weekend, featuring 30 small business vendors selling their horror-themed creations complete with a free Art the Clown Santa photo op and scary movies to entertain you while you shop. All ages welcome.
Learn more here.
Paseo Boricua Parranda
4 p.m. Saturday
Begins at Teresa Roldán Apartments, 1154 N. Campbell Ave., and ends at La Bruquena, 2726 W. Division St.
The Puerto Rican Cultural Center is hosting its 19th annual Parranda at Paseo Boricua with music, holiday spirit and other festivities. Instruments and singing voices are encouraged to help celebrate las navidades puertorriqueñas.
Ballet Folklorico de Chicago: Tradiciones de Navidad
7-9 p.m. Saturday
Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
Ballet Folkloric de Chicago, the largest and most inclusive folkloric ballet in the Midwest, is performing its third annual Pastorela, or traditional nativity retelling during Christmastime, featuring folk dances from across Mexico.
Learn more and buy tickets for $10-$35 here.
Ratas Gigante Holiday EspectaCULO Holiday Special
8 p.m. Saturday
Urban Theater Company, 2620 W. Division St.
Come join Tus Tías Productions and comedy collective Ratas de Dos Patas for a night of laughs as they present this one-night holiday showcase, which puts a feminist and queer spin on Spanish-language variety shows. The bilingual show encourages the audience to laugh as an act of resistance with a show packed with nostalgia, cheeky humor and holiday cheer.
Learn more and buy tickets for $17.50 here.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DSIbooiDuxb
Christmas Karaoke and Krampus Market
8 p.m. Saturday
Liar’s Club, 1665 W. Fullerton Ave.
Come back to Liar’s Club on Saturday night as the venue prepares for its annual Christmas Day bash with a night of holiday karaoke and a chance for last-minute holiday shopping at a Krampus Market featuring local artists — all hosted by the club’s owner (Santa) Herb Rosen.
Sunday
The Jefferson Park Sunday Market. Credit: Provided
Jefferson Park Sunday Market
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday
Gateway Theater at Copernicus Center, 5214 W. Lawrence Ave.
Continue to prepare for the holidays at the December edition of the Jefferson Park Sunday Market featuring vendors selling everything from spices, hot sauces and sourdough to bath products — complete with live music while you shop. Learn more and find a full list of vendors here.
Best Comedian 2025 Nominee Showcase
8 p.m. Sunday
Lincoln Lodge, 2040 N. Milwaukee Ave.
The Lincoln Lodge is hosting a showcase for a chance to see all of The Chicago Reader’s nominees for Best Comedian 2025 featuring standup and non-standup Chicago comedians like Sam Rocha and PJ Walker.
Learn more and buy tickets for $15 with price accommodations here.
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