November Events in Chicago - November Things to Do in Chicago

Photo: Austra image via Austra, Wren image courtesy of Wren, DIY Truck Show logo and product via DIY Truck Show, Longman & Eagle image via Longman & Eagle.

Starting tomorrow, a brand-new month of fall fun, shopping, and all-around Chicago-y awesomeness awaits you. We wouldn't make such a claim unless we could back it up, and oh, believe us, we can. The month that really kicks off Holiday season has a lot more to offer Chicago than turkey and football (thank goodness!). We've scouted 10 of the best things to buy, see, and do during the month of November, and if you're smart, you'll listen up and get the most out of your month. We're not buried in snow, gift-giving, or family members–yet. So, get out and let November show you a good time.

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

BUY
Tom Dixon Copper Chandelier. Huge thanks to Alaina over at Live Creating Yourself for turning us on to this stunning copper chandelier by Tom Dixon, available for $580 at ABC Home & Carpet. Can you imagine how beautiful your Thanksgiving table will look with a set of these babies above it? (Live Creating Yourself)

Holiday Looks From Wren: Local line Wren recently rolled out a few fresh looks for the holidays. If November isn't the month you wake up and realize you're about to dress for more than a handful of holiday parties, allow us to kick-start that process. The striped crew neck and skirt look shown is available online at Wren.

Thought You Knew Calendar: As we mentioned at the beginning of its Kickstarter campaign, Thought You Knew is a calendar of local women who love their bikes, and hate traditional ways of thinking about and photographing women. The calendar recently received funding and will be available for purchase this November.

Guidi Boots From Robin Richman. Guidi's boots just hit the floor at Robin Richman, and we've already got our eyes (and savings accounts!) peeled.
Robin Richman, 2108 North Damen Avenue (at Charleston Street); 773-278-6150.

SEE
Austra at The Empty Bottle, 11/28. Believe us when we tell you that $12 is a minuscule price to pay for a talent this huge. Further, who doesn't love seeing a band they love in the warm, snuggly embrace of the Empty Bottle? Syth-y, melodious, and most certainly Canadian, Austra is not to be missed. The Empty Bottle, (at West Cortez Street) 1035 North Western Avenue; 773-276-3600.

DIY Trunk Show 11/19. A crew of local artists and designers have banded together under the common idea that no one should have to wait to throw a trunk show at a boutique. They're throwing one all together, and all on their own. Come out and support locals who love to get creative with their own two hands.
Broadway Armory Park, 5917 North Broadway Street (at Thorndale Avenue).

Cyndi Lauper performs at The Palmer House Hilton, 11/5. No, we're not kidding. We don't know why (other than our good Karma), but Cyndi Lauper is playing in Chicago. Need we say any more at all?
Palmer House Hilton, 17 East Monroe Street; 312-726-7500.

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

Catch a Chicago Blackhawks game. With 4 home games this month, you've got plenty of opportunities to get your hockey fix.
United Center, 1901 West Madison Street (at Damen Avenue); 312-455-4000.

DO
Ice Skating Opening Day at Millenium Park,11/18. You know you've been waiting for it, fess up. Remember to bring your own skates and the fun is totally free! Millennium Park, 201 East Randolph Street (at Michigan Avenue); 312-742-1168.

Longman & Eagle Family Style Thanksgiving, 11/24. If Mom (and Dad, and Auntie, and Grandma) are so over cooking Thanksgiving Dinner, offer them a true treat this year. For $65 per person, the fam can enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at Longman & Eagle. With a full bar, wink wink.
Longman & Eagle, 2657 North Kedzie Avenue (just North of Milwaukee Avenue); (773) 276-7110.

Calorie-Blasting Classes at On Your Mark Training & Coaching. According to the fitness gurus at OYM, you'll burn 773 calories in Cycling class, 524 calories in Rope Burn class, and 657 calories in Chaos (which is exactly as crazy as it sounds). Prep for the holiday damage you're about to do, and have a little fun while you're at it!

On Your Mark Training and Coaching, 1101 W. Monroe (at South Aberdeen Street); 312-733-9330.