Politically-charged Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has never shied away from blunt artistic statements—perhaps you’ve seen his photo of himself flipping off the White House? This exhibit, #AiWeiwei, might feel particularly cathartic right now. (Museum of Contemporary Photography, 600 S Michigan Ave, Mon–Wed, Fri 10am–5pm, Thu 10am–8pm. Free)
Dig into the science of Hollywood
The Field Museum is taking movies by storm with their program Field Trips: Cinema Science with the Field Museum. Head to the Music Box for a professional, scientific assessment of the ever-so-accurate Sharknado. (Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Ave, Tue 7pm. $11)
Since getting Hamilton tickets is impossible, do the next best thing and treat yourself to Spamilton, an affectionate spoof of the Broadway juggernaut. (Royal George Theatre, Tue–Fri 7:30pm. $59–$99)
Soak up all the ’90s nostalgia
Tickets are still available to see the 20-year anniversary tour of Rent during its brief stint in Chicago. Take in the grungy, ’90s New York-based update of La Bohème before it skips town. (Oriental Theatre, 24 W Randolph St, Tue–Fri 7:30. Starting at $42)
Join us for our first-ever taco tasting event this Thursday! Chow down on delicious Mexican eats from the city’s best vendors, drink up complimentary beers and dance it up to DJ sets all night long. (Joe’s Bar, 940 W Weed St, Thu 6–9:30pm. $25)
Graphic designer Dan Friedman curated this exhibition of his own work—which includes photographs, prints and furniture—before he passed away in 1995. Take in a slice of the past, while experiencing art exactly how the artist intended you to. (Chicago Design Museum, 108 N State St, 3rd Floor, Fri noon–8pm. Free)
Laugh your butt off with drag queens
The Drag Queens of Comedy are bringing their glamorous, campy hilarity to the Athenaeum Theatre this week, with two shows Friday night. Legends like Alaska Thunderfuck, Bob the Drag Queen and Peaches Christ are taking the stage. (Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N Southport Ave, Fri 7pm, 10pm. $37–$57)
The Chicago Critics Film Festival kicks off at the end of this week, showcasing a slew of much-anticipated new movies. The lineup includes The Little Hours, Bitch, Birdboy: The Forgotten Children and many more. (Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Ave, Fri 7pm–midnight. $12–$15 per screening)
Big Chicks’ monthly queer dance party, FKA, miraculously puts all its attendees in a great mood. This all-inclusive LGBTQ event is the perfect way to blow off work-week steam. (Big Chicks, 5024 N Sheridan Rd, Fri 9pm. Free)
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