Blue Skies Ahead: Chocolate Spaghetti, Peanuts and Insects

Spooky season is over. November brings the sweet dulcet sounds of Mariah Carey faintly echoing around the halls and the start of preliminary jolly festivities. 

For those looking to get Elf’d up, visit the Stretch Bar & Grill for holiday delicacies like spaghetti with hot fudge on top or spend the day reliving childhood memories at the Chicago Children’s Museum Peanuts exhibit pop-up. 

312 Comedy is back in full swing where Chicagoans can falala-laugh away the anxiety a sudden midwest winter brings. Locals looking to make their Mondays fun can watch performers in the Solo Night Series at Berger Park. Before the first snowfall, join North Park Village Nature Center Park to learn how to prepare your backyard for pollinators and insects.

Take Care with Peanuts: The Exhibit: Until Jan. 4

Hop on the 147 bus outside Mundelein and switch to the 66 downtown to get to Navy Pier and the Chicago Children’s Museum to hang out with Charlie Brown and Co.. 

Visitors will enter into the Peanuts world and see their favorite characters come to life through interactive displays and activities focused on friendship, empathy and self-care. 

The museum is 20 dollars for Chicago students and open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.  

312 Comedy Festival: Nov. 4-9

Returning to Chicago for its third year, 312 Comedy Festival will be hosting a multi-day celebration of stand-up performers. The lineup includes famous comedians Pete Holmes, Fortune Feimster, SMOSH and more. 

From roast battles to Millennials vs. Gen X throw-downs, the performances combine into one big chuckle-fest for the audience. Tickets will be sold throughout the week via Do312 with the opportunity to win a free pair of tickets.

Elf’d Up: Nov. 8 – Jan. 1

Wrigleyville is hosting an Elf-themed pop-up inside of Stretch Bar & Grill. The bar will be transformed into a winter wonderland, with over 1,000 decorative elves, Christmas trees and lights galore. 

Come hungry — Buddy the Elf’s famous spaghetti loaded with maple syrup, fudge and toppings will be offered as well as refreshments. Visitors who come from Thursday and Sunday might get an early Chrisrmas visit from Buddy the Elf himself. Monday and Thursday, anyone under 21 is welcome until 6 p.m and Friday through Sunday until 2 p.m.

Put Your Native Garden to Bed at North Park Village: Nov. 9

The North Park Village Nature Center Park is hosting a workshop for plant parents to continue caring for their backyard garden over winter. From 2 to 3 p.m., attendees can learn how to create a winter-ready habitat that supports over-wintering pollinators and keeps native insects safe. Registration is required on the Chicago Park District’s website.

Monday Solo Night Series at Berger Park: Nov. 10

Berger Park is hosting a two-hour event where musicians, comedians and other local performers can share their talents through solo performances. 

From storytelling and comedy to tragedy performances, guests can enjoy their favorite creative shows for only 5 dollars. The event is from 7 to 9:30 p.m., with brief intermissions included between shows.