The Art Institute’s buzzy exhibit “Whistler’s Mother: An American Icon Returns to Chicago” wraps up its stay in Chicago on Sunday. You’ve only got a few more days to see this 19th century American masterpiece with your own two eyes. (The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave, Mon–Wed, Fri 10:30am–5pm, Thu 10:30am–8pm. Price included in museum admission)
Show off your useless music knowledge
Foundations of Music hosts its annual Music Trivia Showdown fundraiser at Schubas Tavern tonight. Get a team together and flaunt those ‘90s rock tidbits that have been burning holes in your brain all these years. (Schubas Tavern, 3159 N Southport Ave, Mon 7pm. $12 per person, team of four $40)
Indulge your intense Cubs fandom at “Pitch Talks,” where baseball insiders and members of sports media host talks and panels about the MLB. This ain’t for fair-weather fans. (Lincoln Hall, 2424 N Lincoln Ave, Mon 7pm. $20)
Former drummer of Fleet Foxes-turned-singer/songwriter extraordinaire Father John Misty brings his croons to the Chicago Theatre tonight. Tickets are still available, so grab 'em while you can. (Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St, Mon 7:30pm. $24–$109)
The Chicago Critics Film Festival is rolling along through most of this week. And while it may not be Cannes, you can still see 2017’s hottest films before everyone’s talking about them next Oscar season. (Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Ave, Mon–Thu 7–11pm. $12–$15 per screening)
Hop-heads flock to Garfield Park Conservatory each year for Beer Under Glass, the kickoff event for Chicago Craft Beer Week. Taste pours from local craft breweries at the gorgeous West Side space. (Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N Central Park Ave, Thu 6:30–9:30pm. $60)
Logan Square’s favorite monthly dance party Slo Mo’ is back this Thursday. Sip on the Whistler’s tasty cocktail lineup while grinding to Sade at this queer haven. It’s free, but this party always fills up quickly, so get there early. (The Whistler, 2421 N Milwaukee Ave, Thu 9pm. Free)
It's that time of year again! Kick off fest season at Lakeview’s Mayfest. Snack on pretzels and kick back in the outdoor beer garden at this North Side favorite. (3100 N Ashland Ave, Fri 5–10pm, Sat, Sun noon–10pm. $10)
Still reveling in the fun of C2E2? Head to Anime Central, where lovers of Japanese pop culture flock to geek out over anime and magna. The convention is the largest of its kind in the Midwest. (Donald E Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N River Rd in Rosemont, Fri–Sun 9am–11pm. $30–70)
Shake your booty all night long
Big Freedia, the queen of New Orleans bounce music, is bringing her uber fun beats to the Empty Bottle this Friday. Don’t come to this show expecting to nod along in the corner—Big Freedia can make even the most statuesque of hipsters shake it. (Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western Ave, Fri 9pm. $25)
Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.