Centerstage - Chicago's Original City Guide

Articles Sections >> Arts + Words Bars + Clubs Dating Festivals Fitness Food Lifestyle Music Theater Travel + Tourism Who's Who > View All Ask Centerstage Cheap Thrills Green Thumb Weekend Warrior

Five things to do in Chicago this weekend, from the obvious to the absurd.

Wednesday Jan 07, 2009.     By Centerstage Chicago Staff

Lifestyle Feed

1. Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival
January 8-18 at the Theatre Building Chicago; $12.50 per individual shows/$150 all festival pass
If you're in need of a good laugh, check out the world's largest sketch comedy festival. The 8th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival features some of the best in local, national and international sketch comedy. Check out the Sketchubator, a fast-paced late night performance where participants are given 5 minutes to act out a new scene or concept. For a more family-friendly event, Sketch Day for Kids will be held on Saturday, January 10 at 1 p.m.

2. The Handmade Market
Noon-4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Empty Bottle; Free
If you're still looking for a late holiday gift or just appreciate unique hand-crafted works, a visit to the Handmade Market this weekend wouldn't be a bad idea. This once-a-month craft market connects designers and jewelry makers with people who enjoy their original creations. Jewelry, clothing, handbags, greeting cards and more can be found here.

3. "24" premiere
7 p.m. Sunday at Duke's Alehouse and Kitchen; Free
Since January 5, Duke's has been holding viewing parties for the return of some of your favorite shows. This Sunday, Jack Bauer returns. Catch the first hour of this heart-pounding series with other "24" fanatics while enjoying 24-cent wings, 24-ounce drafts of your favorite beers and $4 Jack is Back and Coke.

4. Gays Got Talent Finals
5 p.m. Saturday at Sidetrack; $5
Vote and help crown the "Most Talented Gay" of 2008. For months now, contestants in the GLBT community have showcased their talents from singing and dancing to standup comedy and magic. As a member of the audience, you get to help crown the winner while enjoying what is sure to be an exciting and entertaining talent show competition.

5. Family Day: Found in Translation
11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at the Museum of Contemporary Art; Free for families with children 12 and under
Want something creative to do with the family this weekend? At the MCA, you and your kids can create word art that will be shaped into animals, sew quilts, make self-portraits and more. Draw inspiration from artists Jenny Holzer and Joseph Grigely as they explore the relationship between art, language and ideas.