1. Give Thursday a twist with Braids
Weave a shoegaze concert into your plans tonight with the band Braids at Subterranean. Take in Raphaelle Standell-Preston's ethereal voice as the Canadian indie act performs favorites from their latest album, Deep in the Iris. This show is for ages 17 and older. (Subterranean, 2011 W North Ave, 8pm. $12)
2. Take a well earned vacation with John Hodgman
Kick back, relax and laugh your stress away at Thalia Hall tonight, where former Daily Show resident expert, author and podcast judge John Hodgman takes the stage. Hodgman performs his one-man comedy show Vacationland, covering burning topics like the state of Massachusetts and "how to decide what small animals you should love as members of your family and which you should kill with traps and poison." Finally. (Thalia Hall, 1807 S Allport St, 9pm. $25)
3. Get revved up at a beer-centered bash
Come out to Revolution's Kedzie Tap Room for a beer-focused Oktoberfest bash. Gulp down the Chicago brewery’s German-style Old Country Altbier and seasonal Oktoberfest brews in the back lot of the brewery. Tickets include a beer stein, eats, live music and, of course, Revolution beer. Tonight's musical guests include AC/DC tribute band American Thighs, nostalgic act Satan’s Boner and a pop-punk-polka performance from Bolzen Beer Band. If that doesn’t sound like a good time, then honestly, what does? This event is for ages 21 and older. (Revolution Brewing Tap Room, 3340 N Kedzie Ave, 6pm. $45)