“Don’t walk to the theater–RUN!”

MOVIES:

CANDYMAN [35mm] – (March 9th at 7pm) One of the few films that brilliantly nails down the notion of beauty in horror. Director Bernard Rose created a perfect execution of marrying horror with romance in Candyman. Based on Clive Barker’s short story, “The Forbidden,” the 1992 film follows a grad student (Virginia Madsen) working on her thesis studying urban legends. She finds herself investigating stories about “Candyman” (played by Tony Todd, whose performance quickly cemented himself into legendary horror icon status) appearing in the notoriously dangerous (now demolished) Cabrini-Green housing projects in Chicago. Screening as part of their “Lost Chicago” series, which previously screened Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, The Blues Brothers, Thief, and more. Doc Films, Max Palevsky Cinema, Ida Noyes Hall, University of Chicago, 1212 E. 59th St., Chicago, IL 60637.

2001: A Space Odyssey [70mm] – (March 6th-8th; 10th, & 12th) The annual 70mm Film Festival returns to the Music Box, running March 5th-19th. Be sure to catch space horror LIFEFORCE March 12th, 14th, & 16th! The March 14th screening event will be presented by Metal Movie Nights. Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613.

DARK RED – (March 6th & 7th at Midnight) Psychological horror thriller about a young woman (admitted to a psychiatric hospital) who insists her baby was kidnapped by a secret society called The Dark Red. She believes this ancient cult wants to harvest the infant’s blood for the special powers it contains. Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613.

Chicago European Union Film Festival – (March 6th-April 2nd) It’s time for the 23rd Annual Chicago European Union Film Festival, a month-long celebration of Chicago premieres of films from 28 EU member nations. Read all about the films HERE! Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., Chicago 60601.

THE INVISIBLE MAN – (through March 11th) An unstable scientist uses his invention to become invisible against his ex, stalking her to the point of madness. Without much help from others, she fights back on her own. Parasite also continues running through March 11th. ArcLight Cinema, 1500 N. Clybourn, Chicago, IL 60610.

PARASITE – (through March 12th) Director Bong Joon-ho (The Host, Memories of Murder, Snowpiercer) is a master at his craft and it’s worth seeking out his entire body of work. Don’t miss this film that won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture! Times vary. Landmark Century Cinema, 2828 N. Clark, Chicago, IL 60657.

THE INVISIBLE MAN – (through March 12th) A woman’s disturbed ex (a scientist) experiments with his invisibility potions by stalking her after staging his death. Without much help from the disbelieving police, she takes matters into her own hands to try and stop him. Also, PARASITE continues through March 11th. Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647.

KNIVES OUT – (through March 12th) Smartly written whodunit. Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

THE INVISIBLE MAN – (through March 11th) Leigh Whannell’s 2020 reimagining starring Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) as a woman fighting back against an ex, whose scientific discovery of invisibility has brought stalking one’s ex to a whole new level of terror. Hollywood Palms Cinema, 352 South Route 59, Naperville, IL 60540.

ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW – (Saturdays at 11:55pm) Full cast performance each Saturday at midnight. Hollywood Boulevard Cinema, 1001 W. 75th St., Woodridge, IL 60517.

Movie Trivia Night – (Tuesdays at 8pm) Every Tuesday in their swanky lounge! Team limit 5 people. Winning team members receive a Logan Theatre gift card! Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647.

THE THING – (March 12th at 7pm) Ghoulish Mortals hosts free movie nights each Thursday at 7pm. 228 W. Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174.

Sinema Obscura TV Party – (Feb. 19th-July 15th) Sinema Obscura and Trust This Ghost present monthly independent entertainment in the lounge each Wednesday. Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647.

Onion City Experimental Film & Video Festival – (March 12th-15th) Read about the films HERE. Chicago Filmmakers, 5720 N. Ridge, Chicago, IL.

COMING SOON:

KING KONG – (March 15th) TCM Big Screen Classics presents limited theatrical screenings via Fathom Events, with exclusive insights from Turner Classic Movies. Check your local listings!

REEFER MADNESS – (March 19th at 8pm) Live organ accompaniment by Jay Warren! Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60625.

SCI-FI SPECTACULAR Film Festival – (Mar. 21st – 14 hours!) The annual sci-fi/horror fest is back, with special guest, director Douglas Trumbull (Brainstorm, Silent Running), who is also known for his FX work in films such as Blade Runner, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The festival includes screenings of: SILENT RUNNING, TREMORS, THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD, THE ’BURBS, and more! All ages. Films begin at noon. Special perks: FREE refills on ANY size of popcorn and soda. Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60625.

STAGE:

BUG -(Jan. 23rd-March 15th) The intense tale of a mismatched pair in Oklahoma whose relationship goes terribly, terribly wrong. When paranoia, bugs, and government conspiracies destroy any semblance of sanity! Written by Tracy Letts (The Sinner, Homeland, Lady Bird) and directed by David Cromer (The Newsroom). Starring Carrie Coon (The Leftovers, The Sinner, Fargo TV series), Namir Smallwood (Chicago Fire), Gary Cole (Office Space), and Randall Arney (Chain Reaction). Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL.

DEVIL’S DAUGHTER Improv – (Fridays at 10pm) IO Chicago improv. 1501 N. Kingsbury, Chicago. Facebook.

THE PILLOWMAN – (through March 29th) A writer who loves composing gruesome stories lives with his brother during the time of an authoritarian regime. One day, he finds himself under intense investigation after a series of ghastly child murders closely resembles those in his written tales. The Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60630.

POISON – (Feb. 20th – March 14th) The plight of poison-makers among rich society in 17th century Paris. Presented by The Plagiarists  (Previews Feb. 14th, 15th, 19th) Berger Park Coach House, 6205 N. Sheridan, Chicago, IL.

SHEAR MADNESS – (Feb. 7th-April 26th) Interactive, funny whodunit. Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport, Chicago, IL.

EVENTS / OUTINGS:

Comic Book Launch Party – (March 7th from 4pm-7pm) Launch party for two comics, NUNS IN SPACE FIGHTING CRIME and JESUS AND THOR. Meet the artists, Corinne Halbert and Shane Swinnea, and writer Mark Peters. Play some pinball! (21+) Logan Arcade, 2410 W. Fullerton, Chicago, IL 60647.

Troll Hunt! – (through June 2020) Search across 1700 acres of The Morton Arboretum for troll sculptures ranging from 15ft. to 30ft. tall! Tips: Check the site for info, maps, and locations so you do not get lost and please do not go without wearing some form of strong bug spray. Extra tips HERE. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532. Troll Cheat Sheet!

Space Golf – (Daily) Alien-themed outer space fun with blacklight mini golf, 3D golfing, holograms, a Sci-Fi Cafe, and more. 15611 S. 94th Ave., Orland Park, IL 60462.

Bad Axe Throwing – (Days/times vary) Group rates apply or do a walk-in for $20 for one hour. Bad Axe Chicago, 2828 N. Clark (Atrium Level), Chicago, IL. (888) 435-0001.

TOURS, ESCAPE ROOM:

Fox in a Box Escape Room – Visit their newest room, Zodiac, which is themed on the successor to the Zodiac Killer. The room was scenically designed by a designer from the Field Museum. 47 W. Polk, Suite L5, Chicago, IL 60605. (Recently ranked #1 escape room in the USA and #2 in the world for the month of March 2019.)

Chicago Rage Room – Got rage? Get rid of it pronto with the sweetest release (without hurting anyone!). Pay for items to break or bring your own! Room prices begin at $15. (Reservations required.) 153 W. Ohio, Chicago, IL 60654.

Chicago Ghost Tours App – A free app for enjoying audio and photo tours of Chicago’s Haunted Archer Avenue is available, courtesy of Edward Shanahan, a fellow ChicagoNOW blogger (check out his blog, Chicago Paranormal & Spiritual). He is also a psychic and paranormal host who has worked on making his app a great addition to fans of Haunted Archer. The app includes 16 locations and 6 cemeteries. Free download! Shanahan also has a free online magazine.

Mind Trap Escape Rooms – Solve the clues to get out within 60 minutes! 299 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery, IL 60538. (630) 216-9609.

Chicago Hauntings Bus Tours – One of the longest-running ghost tours in Chicago, each 2.5 hour tour is led by founder, paranormal investigator, and author Ursula Bielski and her partner, author David Cowan. Routine stops include locations of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, Death Alley, gangland sites, murder sites, and more. Departs at the Congress Hotel. For schedules, all tours, and background information, please see ChicagoHauntings.com.

Please check websites for updates, cancellations, and ticket pricing information before attending.

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