What's Happening This Weekend: The Near West Suburbs & Chicago | November 6–8, 2026
The holidays are starting early, the Bears are playing under the lights, and there's a whole lot more happening around Chicagoland than you might think.
Before the Christmas markets and holiday light shows take over Chicagoland, we've got one more weekend filled with great live music, local shopping, an afternoon wine walk, comedy, circus performances and the first big holiday celebrations of the season.
From Roosevelt Road to Madison Street and downtown Chicago, here's what's happening this weekend.
Right Here in Berwyn
Charlie Parr at FitzGerald's — Friday, Nov. 6, 8:30 PM
Minnesota folk-blues musician Charlie Parr brings his Rooming House record-release show to FitzGerald's, with special guest Ross Thorn.
Expect fingerstyle guitar, raw storytelling and the intimate atmosphere that makes FitzGerald's one of the area's great music venues.
Where: FitzGerald's, 6615 W. Roosevelt Road
Succotash & Relova Thomas — Friday, Nov. 6, 8 PM
Looking for something a little more upbeat? Friendly Music Community hosts a double bill featuring Succotash and the Relova Thomas Yacht Rock Band.
Expect a mix of alternative R&B, pop-rock and nostalgic yacht-rock classics from the likes of Toto, the Doobie Brothers and Christopher Cross.
Where: Friendly Music Community, 6731 Roosevelt Road
Mariachi Brunch at FitzGerald's — Saturday, Nov. 7, Noon
Start your Saturday with a lively performance by Mariachi Sirenas at FitzGerald's. It's an excellent excuse to gather a few friends and enjoy live music before the evening begins.
Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound — Saturday, Nov. 7, 8:30 PM
If you're in the mood to dance, Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound brings its blend of funk, soul, blues and groove-driven music to FitzGerald's Saturday night.
Prefer a casual evening? Soul Message Band plays the Sidebar at 6 PM, followed by The Scovilles at 9 PM.
Friendly Music Weekend — Saturday and Sunday
There's plenty more happening at Friendly Music Community this weekend.
Saturday morning brings the Oak Park Farmers Market Band's informal song circle, while a Colombian drumming workshop offers a chance to try something completely different. Saturday evening features a Friendly Listening Room Open House.
On Sunday, Phil Angotti performs a tribute to British new-wave favorites Squeeze from 5:30–7:30 PM.
Puzzle Palooza — Sunday, Nov. 8, 10 AM–Noon
Think you can assemble a puzzle faster than the competition?
The Berwyn Park District hosts Puzzle Palooza at Proksa Park Activity Center, with four-person teams competing in a fun Sunday morning challenge.
Forest Park, Oak Park & Nearby
Forest Park Fall Wine Walk — Saturday, Nov. 7, 1–5 PM
The Dorothy Gillian Forest Park Fall Wine Walk returns to Madison Street for an afternoon of shopping, wine tasting and neighborhood exploration.
Participants stroll between more than 16 locations, sample wines and enjoy locally prepared bites while discovering Forest Park's independent shops and restaurants.
Tickets are $55 and include the tastings plus a bottle of wine to take home.
Check-in begins at Forest Park Bank, 7348 Madison Street, with designated registration times.
Find details at exploreforestpark.com.
Candlelight: '90s Hip-Hop on Strings — Friday, Nov. 6, 8:45 PM
Remember the Fugees, Nas, Outkast, Wu-Tang Clan and Tupac?
Now imagine their music performed by a string quartet surrounded by candlelight.
That's the idea behind this unique concert at the Arts Center of Oak Park, 200 N. Oak Park Avenue.
Tickets start at approximately $40.50 before fees.
Spirited Sips at Pleasant Home — Friday, Nov. 6, 7 PM
Pleasant Home in Oak Park hosts an evening with Quincy Street Distillery featuring locally distilled spirits, an introduction to the distilling process and paired appetizers.
The event runs until 8:30 PM. Tickets are listed at $40 for adults 21 and older.
Oak Park Farmers' Market — Saturday, Nov. 7, 7 AM–1 PM
There are only two Saturdays remaining in the 2026 outdoor season!
Head to 460 Lake Street for fresh produce, local vendors and one of the area's favorite weekend traditions.
Brookfield Zoo Tree Trim — Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 7–8, 10 AM–4 PM
Brookfield Zoo Chicago is getting ready for Holiday Magic, and this weekend is all about decorating the grounds.
Families, organizations and businesses that have reserved trees can decorate them ahead of the zoo's holiday lights celebration.
Tree reservations are required in advance. Visit brookfieldzoo.org for participation details.
Holiday Artisan Fair — Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 AM–4 PM
Get an early start on holiday shopping at Plymouth Place, 315 N. La Grange Road in La Grange Park.
Browse handmade gifts, artwork, jewelry and home décor while supporting independent artisans.
Worth the Drive
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey — Friday–Sunday
The Greatest Show on Earth returns to Allstate Arena in Rosemont, featuring acrobatics, high-energy performances and special guest Bello Nock.
There are multiple performances throughout the weekend, making this a good option for families.
Chicago Toy & Game Fair — Saturday & Sunday
Head to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont for two days of hands-on games, toys and activities.
This year's show also features Star Wars experiences and the Young Inventor Challenge.
Saturday: 10 AM–6 PM
Sunday: 10 AM–5 PM
Firefly Holiday Market — Saturday & Sunday
More than 150 handmade vendors take over the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton for a weekend of holiday shopping, food, live music, gifts and seasonal treats.
Saturday: 10 AM–4 PM
Sunday: 10 AM–3 PM
Admission is $6, with children 12 and under free.
Christmas Around the World Opens — Saturday, Nov. 7
The holiday season officially arrives at Chicago's Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.
More than 50 decorated trees celebrate traditions from cultures around the world, and the museum's four-story Grand Tree will be lit during an opening-day celebration at 11 AM.
The exhibit is included with general museum admission.
Black Harvest Film Festival — Friday–Sunday
The Gene Siskel Film Center kicks off its Black Harvest Film Festival on Friday, November 6.
The festival showcases Black filmmakers, storytelling and cinema, with screenings and special programs continuing through November 15.
312 Comedy Festival — All Weekend
Chicago's comedy scene takes center stage with the 312 Comedy Festival, bringing stand-up performances to multiple venues across the city through November 15.
Rashid Johnson at the Museum of Contemporary Art — Opens Saturday
Chicago-born artist Rashid Johnson's exhibition A Poem for Deep Thinkers opens November 7 and continues into April 2027.
A great pick for an art-focused afternoon downtown.
Sunday Game Day: Bulls and Bears
Chicago sports fans have a full Sunday ahead.
Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers — 2:30 PM, United Center
Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 7:20 PM, Soldier Field, televised on NBC
The Bears are 6–2 heading into Sunday night's matchup, their last game before the bye week.
Whether you're heading to Soldier Field or watching from your favorite neighborhood bar, it's a perfect excuse to get together.
Don't Miss What's Coming Next
The holiday calendar is filling up quickly, with the Chicago Botanic Garden's Lightscape opening November 13, Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic beginning later in November, and Christkindlmarket returning to Chicago.
We'll have more holiday guides, local events and seasonal favorites throughout November and December.
✨ Find the Best Holiday Lights Around Chicagoland!
The holiday season is lighting up! From dazzling neighborhood displays to spectacular walk-through light shows, we've rounded up the best places to experience the magic of the season in Berwyn, the near-west suburbs, and across Chicagoland.
🎄 Get Ready to Elf Around the Depot!
Berwyn's merriest holiday pub crawl returns Saturday, December 5, from 4–10 PM! Grab your friends, throw on your ugliest Christmas sweater or favorite elf costume, and explore the Depot District with festive drinks, food specials, hidden elves, trolley rides and plenty of holiday mischief!
Tickets are just $15 per person, and register by November 20 to score a free event T-shirt!
Never Miss What's Happening
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Event times, admission prices and availability may change. Always confirm with the organizer before heading out.
Sources & Event Information
Event details were gathered from official venue calendars, organizers, local park districts and tourism resources. For the latest schedules, ticket availability and admission information, visit:
FitzGerald's Nightclub — Berwyn concerts and live music
Friendly Music Community — Local performances and workshops
Berwyn Park District — Community events and activities
Explore Forest Park — Fall Wine Walk and local happenings
Park District of Oak Park — Oak Park community events
Brookfield Zoo Chicago — Tree Trim and Holiday Magic
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry — Christmas Around the World
Choose Chicago — Chicago events and attractions
Chicago Toy & Game Fair — Rosemont toy and game fair
