The holiday season starts early this weekend. The Grand Tree lights up at Griffin MSI, Chicago native Rashid Johnson brings his career survey home to the MCA, and the Black Harvest Film Festival opens downtown. Here are 12 things to do in and around Chicagoland, November 6 to 8, city and suburbs, with prices where the organizers publish them.
All weekend
Black Harvest Film Festival (the Loop) + Add to calendar
The 32nd edition of the Midwest's longest-running festival of Black film, with work from across the diaspora. Opening night Friday features four short films and a reception for the filmmakers. On Sunday at 6 PM, the EVERYDAY PEOPLE program is followed by a party in the Siskel cafe.
Friday, November 6 through November 15, Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St. Opening night is $40 general admission ($35 students); most screenings are $15.50. Event details
Chicago Toy & Game Fair (Rosemont) + Add to calendar
North America's largest consumer toy and game fair, with game tournaments, hands-on exhibits, and a Young Inventor Challenge. A fun way to scout holiday gifts before the rush.
Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Rd. Tickets on the fair's site. Event details
Firefly Market Holiday (Wheaton) + Add to calendar
An indoor holiday artisan market with more than 150 handmade vendors, live music, food trucks, candles, jewelry, and plants. Serious shoppers can buy a VIP ticket for an early hour Saturday.
Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 3 PM, DuPage County Fairgrounds. $6; kids 12 and under free; VIP $15 (Saturday 9 to 10 AM). Event details
Fun Home at North Central College (Naperville) + Add to calendar
The college's theatre department stages the musical based on Alison Bechdel's graphic memoir about her father and growing up in the family funeral home. Strong student theater at a friendly price.
Friday 7:30 PM, Saturday 2 and 7:30 PM, Sunday 2 PM, Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall. $14. Event details
Rashid Johnson: A Poem for Deep Thinkers (Streeterville) + Add to calendar
A major survey of nearly 30 years of work by the Chicago-born artist, opening Saturday. Photography, video, painting, and installation, including pieces from the MCA's own collection.
Opens Saturday, November 7 and runs through April 25, 2027. Wednesday to Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Free for ages 18 and under, military, and veterans; general admission for adults. Event details
Saturday
Tree Lighting and Cultural Festival at Griffin MSI (Hyde Park) + Add to calendar
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light opens with an all-day festival: more than 50 trees decorated by Chicago's cultural communities, live performances, Stan's Donuts samples, and a countdown to lighting the four-story Grand Tree.
Saturday, November 7, during museum hours. Included with general admission. Event details
UChicago Arts & Humanities Day (Hyde Park) + Add to calendar
The university's 46th annual open house of ideas, now a Chicago Humanities partner, with more than two dozen talks and performances, many of them free. Photojournalist David Hume Kennerly speaks at 11 AM. Easy to pair with the MSI festival a few blocks away.
Saturday, November 7, across the Hyde Park campus. Many events free; some require registration. Event details
Pumpkin Smash (suburbs) + Add to calendar
Give your jack-o'-lanterns a second life. Kids love the smashing, and the pumpkins become compost instead of landfill. Remove candles and decorations first.
Saturday, November 7. Glen Ellyn: 9 to 11 AM, Village Green Park, 130 S. Lambert Rd. Arlington Heights: 9 AM to noon, Frontier Park, 1933 N. Kennicott Dr. Des Plaines: 10 AM to 2 PM, Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St. Free. Event details
Northwestern vs. Iowa at the new Ryan Field (Evanston) + Add to calendar
One of the last two home games in the first season at Northwestern's new 35,000-seat stadium. Make a day of it with lunch in downtown Evanston.
Saturday, November 7. Check kickoff time and tickets with Northwestern Athletics. Event details
Dave Matthews Band (West Loop) + Add to calendar
The band's 2026 tour doubles as a campaign with The Nature Conservancy to plant trees.
Saturday, November 7, United Center. Tickets through the United Center. Event details
Friday night
Dozin' with the Dinos at the Field Museum (Museum Campus) + Add to calendar
A family sleepover among the dinosaurs, with games, science challenges, and stories after dark. Built for kids ages 6 to 12 and their grownups. Premium packages are sold out; standard spots were still listed when we checked.
Friday 6 PM to Saturday 9 AM. $95 nonmembers, $90 members. Event details
Giordano Dance Chicago (Skokie) + Add to calendar
Chicago's jazz dance company, now in its 64th season, returns to the North Shore Center for two nights.
Friday and Saturday, November 6 and 7, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets through the venue. Event details
Free this weekend
All three Pumpkin Smash sites, many of the UChicago Arts & Humanities Day talks, and the MCA's Rashid Johnson survey for anyone 18 and under, military, and veterans.
Thinking about a move?
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Details were checked against the organizers' pages on November 4, 2026. Events change; confirm times before you go.
Keep exploring Chicagoland
Things to do this weekend | Best camping near Chicago | Neighborhood and suburb guides | Chicagoland Housing Market update
Have a great weekend!
Sophia Ojukwu, MBA
Charles Rutenberg Realty, Naperville, IL
