Learn all about humanity's efforts to discover alien life in our solar system and beyond at Adler After Dark's "First Contact" theme night at the planetarium, and have a drink or two while you're at it. You may very well need one when you learn what could happen when we find our nearest neighbors in the galaxy. (Adler Planetarium, 1300 S Lake Shore Dr, 6:30pm. $25)
Delve into the life of an emotionally-fraught origami artist who takes on a young prodigy as her apprentice in a production of Animals Out of Paper, staged by theater company Shattered Globe. One of the highlights is the ornate paper props created by local artist Christine Edison. (Theater Wit, 1229 W Belmont Ave, 8pm. $33)
3. Go on Chicago's warmest winter tour
Going on a tour of Chicago during the winter months can be a bit harrowing to say the least, but the Chicago Elevated Tour makes seeing the city's best sights a breeze (sans drafty winds!) by utilizing the city's pedway system and battery-operated, heated coats. (40 W Lake St, 4pm. $20-$25)