The Selena Experience And Curling Cabin: Chicago This Weekend

CHICAGO, IL — With an award-winning playwright’s latest poignant piece up north, three days of concerts from a local wordsmith out west, a tribute to the Queen of Tejano downtown and more, there is plenty to get into this weekend in Chicago.

Still not sure what you want to do? Explore what else is happening around the city.

La Ruta

Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

Discover the work of award-winning, Chicago-based playwright Isaac Gomez in this celebratory story of resilient and hardworking Mexican women who stood strong even in the wake of hardship. Inspired by real testimonies of the individuals who saw some of the tragedies on La Ruta (their bus route) to work, the show features live music and an all-woman cast for a memorable experience. Tickets start at $30.

Where: Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St.

When: Now through Sunday, Jan. 27

Noname

Neighborhood: Lower West Side

For Fatimah Warner (better known by her stage moniker, Noname), it’s been a whirlwind of a year, having dropped her critically-acclaimed sophomore project, Room 25. And as 2018 comes to a close, she’s bringing things back home where they all began, with three days of what are sure to be unforgettable performances featuring special guests at Thalia Hall.

Where: Thalia Hall, 1807 S Allport St.

When: Saturday, Dec. 29 at 8 p.m., Sunday Dec. 30 at 8 p.m., Monday Dec. 31 at 8 p.m.

Curling Cabin

Neighborhood: River North

The city has been flooded with pop-up bars this holiday season, but this is one you don’t want to miss. Located on the fifth floor of The Gwen Hotel, Curling Cabin includes a ski-lodge-decorated cabin with drinks and eats that you can book for yourself and up to 14 friends, along with an outdoor curling rink.

Where: The Gwen, 521 N Rush St.

When: Now through Friday, Feb. 1

Hairy Who?

Neighborhood: Grant Park

Head to the Art Institute of Chicago to see one-of-a-kind art works from six Chicago artists — Jim Falconer, Art Green, Gladys Nilsson, Jim Nutt, Suellen Rocca and Karl Wirsum — who collaborated at the Hyde Park Art Center in the 1960s to create exhibits like no other. Tickets start at $29.

Where: The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave.

When: Now through Friday, Feb. 1

The Selena Experience

Neighborhood: River North

Bidi bidi bom bom the night away at The Selena Experience. The show will feature Genessa Escobar and her band and keeps the legacy of the late Selena Quintanilla alive through a performance of her classic hits in her most memorable fashions (red lipstick perfectly in tow).

Where: House of Blues, 329 N Dearborn St.

When: Saturday, Dec. 29

Baby Soul Jam

Neighborhood: Hyde Park

Wanting to get your party on, but can’t find a sitter? Fret not! Baby Soul Jam is just what you need. The little ones can hit the dance floor while you and your grown-up friends grab a drink at the bar. It’s a unique and fun experience for everyone in the family to love.

Where: The Promontory, 5311 S Lake Park Ave.

When: Sunday, Dec. 30 at 11 a.m.

V103 Presents New Year’s Comedy with Cedric the Entertainer

Neighborhood: Greektown

Bring in the new year with the king of comedy himself. Enjoy a night full of laughs and some good old fun at UIC’s Credit Union 1 Arena. Tickets start at $39.

Where: Credit Union 1 Arena, 525 S Racine Ave.

When: Saturday, Dec. 29 at 8 p.m.

Photo: Neil Burger