1. Laugh for three days straight
We don't actually recommend laughing for a full 72 hours (that might kill you), but SketchFest at Stage 773 is bringing the funny all weekend long. Drop in for a show, a night, or the whole damn weekend. (Stage 773, 1225 W Belmont Ave, shows every hour on Fri 7pm-11pm, Sat 5pm-11pm, Sun 1pm-8pm. $15 per show, see website for full details)
2. Strip down to your skivvies on the Red Line
Terrorize some poor, innocent commuters by joining the hoard of pantless riders at this weekend’s No Pants Subway Ride. It’ll be about 20 degrees out; good luck. (Starts at the parking garage at 1210 W Arthur Ave at the Loyola Red Line station, Sun 12pm. Free)
Soak up Chicago rock music in Wicker Park at Ian’s Party, which is not just a garage show in some dude’s basement as the name suggests. What better way to dive into the new year than with a cheap, easy, fun-as-hell music festival? (Double Door, Subterranean and 1st Ward, all at the Milwaukee Ave/Damen Ave/North Ave intersection, Fri-Sat 6pm-Midnight, Sun 5pm-10pm. $40 weekend pass, $20 nightly pass.)
4. Soak up the last scraps of the holiday season
Can’t quite say goodbye to the holidays? You’ve lucked out—Walk The Lights on the 606 was rescheduled for this Saturday. Drape yourself in portable lighting and pretend like Christmas isn’t already over. (Bloomingdale Trail from Spaulding Ave to Milwaukee Ave, Sat 4pm-5:30pm. Free)
5. Dress up for a night at the Civic Opera House
Mozart’s The Magic Flute is one of those operas everybody loves—even if you think you hate opera, just give this one a shot. If nothing else, it’s a good excuse to stay inside on this chilly winter weekend. (Civic Opera House, 20 N Wacker Dr, Fri 7:30pm, Sun 2pm. $20-$329)
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