Usher: If you missed him during the 2024 Super Bowl broadcast, you have a chance to catch him in person this week. The Grammy Award-winner who has been a fixture for nearly 30 years brings his “Past Present Future” tour to the United Center. 8 p.m. Oct. 28, 29 and 31 at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets $94.50-$224.50 at usherworld.com
Ben Schwartz & Friends: Maybe you remember Ben Schwartz from “Parks and Rec,” where he played Jean-Ralphio, twin to Jenny Slate’s Mona-Lisa, but his credits run much deeper than that. Now, he’s determined to breathe new life into improv with his latest tour, “Ben Schwartz & Friends.” 8 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets $39.50-$59.50 at rejectedjokes.com
Will Ferrell hosts Swedish House Mafia: Yes, that Will Farrell hosts a house music show featuring nearly 20 artists, including Swedish House Mafia, A-Trak, Chicago’s own Felix Da Housecat and Terry Hunter, and others. Proceeds benefit Cancer for College, an organization supporting cancer survivors. 8 p.m. Oct. 26 at Wintrust Arena, 200 E. Cermak Road; tickets $20-$279.50 at swedishhousemafia.com
Aville-O-Ween: If you want to hit a neighborhood that knows how to do Halloween right, head to Andersonville. It kicks off with a 48th Ward Halloween Parade, starting at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 26 from Bromann Park, 5400 N. Broadway. Follow it to Halloween on Catalpa, a family-friendly event from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. featuring games, entertainment and costume contests (human and canine). A Halloween Vintage Market follows on Oct. 27. And if you love looking at Halloween displays and decorations, be sure to leave time to wander the blocks surrounding Clark Street. Oct. 26-27 in various Andersonville locations; more information at andersonville.org
“Frankenstein”: If you haven’t witnessed the singular talents of Manual Cinema, get to the Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building this weekend to see its production of “Frankenstein.” You may know the tale, but you haven’t seen it told like this. It’s a mesmerizing — and haunting — blend of shadow puppets, film techniques and old-school sound effects. Through Oct. 27 at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave.; tickets $20-$65 at manualcinema.com
“The Golden Girls Meet the Skooby Don’t Gang”: Looking for something more campy than creepy this Halloween weekend? Consider Hell in a Handbag’s latest pop culture parody, an off-kilter mash-up of The Golden Girls and Scooby-Doo. Through Nov. 3 at the Chopin Theatre Mainstage, 1543 W. Division St.; tickets $29-$60 at handbagproductions.org
“Paul Bielatowicz’s Nosferatu Live!”: English prog rock guitarist Paul Bielatowicz has composed a new soundtrack for the vampire classic, which he performs alongside a range of musicians both live and virtually. Costumes encouraged, with cash prizes. 8 p.m. Oct. 25-26 at The Atheneum Center, 2936 N. Southport Ave.; tickets $24-54 at paulbielatowicz.com
“Day of the Dead Live”: Celebrate Día de Muertos with an hour-long theatrical performance featuring 6-foot puppets, stilt-walkers, aerialists and dancers. Featuring classical and popular music, the show explores the holiday’s tradition of family remembrance. Presented in English and Spanish. Multiple performances Oct. 29-Nov. 1 at Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State St.; more information at chipublib.bibliocommons.com
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
