(Stage Photographic)

Belly dancing Wookiees, a magical scavenger hunt, New Year’s Day bike ride and a massive blanket fort party usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(Courtesy of Mata Traders)

A throng of tubas, holiday cocktails, last-minute shopping ops and satirical songs usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(Courtesy of One of a Kind Show)

Holiday markets, late-night shopping, jousting bouts and classic Christmas flicks usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Paintings by Matt Mitchell from “100 Face of War” include portraits of Alma Jennings, left, and Jaron Holliday. (Courtesy National Veterans Art Museum)

Veterans Day salutes, rock ‘n’ roll movies, “rebellious” artists, indigenous cuisine, top-notch dancers and wild animals usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.

(Quinn Dombrowski / Flickr)

Dazzling interiors, new movies, German lagers, Chicago blues and political satire usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(Courtesy of Special Events Management)

Lush gardens, craft beer, gallery tours and the Bard—reimagined—usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago. 

Independent bookstores, wine tastings, James Beard-inspired menus and hundreds of artists usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Carlos Javier Ortiz’s “A Thousand Midnights” is part of the “In Acts” exhibition at the Weinberg/Newton Gallery, where a panel discussion on human rights takes place Tuesday. (Courtesy of Weinberg/Newton Gallery)

A discussion about human rights on the South Side of Chicago – including public health and criminal justice – takes place Tuesday evening at a River North gallery.

(Giuseppe Milo / Flickr)

The 92-story skyscraper is a regular feature of Chicago architecture tours. But a changing political landscape has led some tour guides to be more careful with their comments about the structure.

Sift through thousands of records at the CHIRP Record Fair.

A “delightful” record fair, drink festivals and giant horse show usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.

Saturday’s annual dyeing of the Chicago River celebrates St. Patrick’s Day a little early. (Mike Boehmer / Wikimedia)

A trio of St. Patrick’s Day parades, cultural events and more usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Test your Midwestern ability to withstand the cold at the 17th Chicago Polar Plunge. (Dori / Wikimedia Commons)

A polar plunge, Cubs-inspired garden show, film festivals and live music usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Chicago blues artist Toronzo Cannon plays in his hometown this weekend. (Courtesy of Chris Monaghan)

Live blues, a jazz fest and a vintage pop-up show usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

The Second City’s “The Winner … of Our Discontent” is one of the productions offering discounted tickets as part of Chicago Theater Week. (Courtesy of Todd Rosenberg)

Discounted theater tickets, pizza parties and a giant car show and usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago. 

A Chicago gallery’s newest exhibition takes an unusual approach to addressing homelessness. Meet the creative team behind the “House” show.

Last year’s plunge saw mild temperatures and plenty of sun. (Courtesy of the Lakeview Polar Bear Club)

Restaurant deals, a polar plunge, the White Sox and a hip-hop festival usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.