Those of you on the lookout for some fresh John Wayne Gacy art, we bring good news: The serial killer art show is this weekend. For those of you searching for a slightly less macabre way to spend the weekend, there’s a Great Gatsby-themed masquerade party, a vodka-fueled record store crawl, and Florence + the Machine at United Center. Here’s everything you need to do in Chicago this weekend.
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Learn how to be happy at Chicago Ideas Week
October 12-29
Various locations
More than 250 speakers, from former HUD secretary Julian Castro to ABC food reporter Steve Dolinsky, fan out across the city to discuss dozens of topics including pizza, bunny yoga, and how to be happy.
Cost: Prices vary
Join the rock machine with Florence + the Machine at United Center
October 19
United Center
Florence Welch brings her glorious chamber pop machine to the United Center in support of the band’s new release, High as Hope.
Cost: $44+
Creep yourself out at Graveface Serial Killers and Oddball Art Show
October 19
Odd Obsession
Graveface Records takes their serial killer art show on the road for the first time, popping up in Bucktown with John Wayne Gacy paintings, Charles Manson drawings, taxidermy, and other assorted weirdness.
Cost: No cover
Dress to impress at the Godfrey’s Pre-Halloween Gatsby Masquerade & Cocktail Party
October 19
Godfrey Hotel
Get an early jump on Halloween by going full Jay Gatsby at this Great Gatsby-themed masquerade party in the fancy environs of the Godfrey Hotel. Drinks include Old Fashioneds, wine, vodka cocktails, and prosecco.
Cost: $30
Learn essential wine-based life lessons at Wine Riot
October 19-20
Revel Fulton Market
Drink wine. Get temporary tattoos. Sounds about right.
Cost: $65 per session
Tide yourself over until next June at Logan Center Bluesfest
October 19-21
University of Chicago
If you can’t wait until next June for Blues Fest, head to the University of Chicago’s Logan Center for live blues acts, workshops, life stories, poetry, a blues brunch, and a “harmonica summit.”
Cost: Prices vary
Go an a vodka-fueled shopping spree during Record Store Crawl
October 20
Various locations
Local band Marina City will be playing shows along the route as you travel by bus to record stores across Chicago, with free Deep Eddy vodka at select bars and deals at local record shops.
Cost: $45
See a live magazine show at the MCA for Lit & Luz Fest
October 20
Museum of Contemporary Art
“Live Magazine Show” is the concluding event of the months-long Lit & Luz Festival of Language, Literature, and Art, which brings together artists from Chicago and Mexico City for unique collaborations and cultural performances.
Cost: $8-$15
See costumed craziness at Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
October 20
Columbus Drive between Balbo and Monroe
Giant puppets, bizarre floats, live music, and crazy costumes are the order of the day at this artist-curated Halloween parade that needs to be seen to be believed.
Cost: Free
Drink beer as you shop (legally) during Lincoln Avenue Beer Stroll
October 21
Lincoln Avenue from Belmont to Addison or Belmont to Diversey
Beer samples from local breweries will be paired with complimentary bites at popular shops along Lincoln Avenue, with more than 30 craft beer samplings per route. Costumes for prizes are encouraged.
Cost: $35-$45
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