Events
november
1-11 & 13-25 CHICAGO
RINGLING BROS. BARNUM & BAILEY’S
“The Greatest Show on Earth” is coming to the Windy City in the form of Bellobration, an interactive, high-energy circus extravaganza. The comic daredevil Bello leads the show, complete with white tigers, Asian elephants, acrobats and more. Rosemont’s Allstate Arena hosts the show November 1-11, and the United Center takes over November 13- 25.
1-11 ANGELES
AfiFEST LOS
Celebrating its 21st anniversary, this influential 10-day film festival in the City of Angels showcases international films from emerging filmmakers as well as the latest from the industry’s great masters. Get a first look at these new cinematic treasures by purchasing a ticket online or at the box office at the AfiFEST Rooftop Village (seventh floor of the ArcLight Cinemas parking lot).
10-11 BOSTON
ALLSTON ARTS DISTRICT OPEN STUDIOS WEEKEND
Named after the Romantic artist Washington Allston, this Boston arts district—in conjunction with Open Studios—hosts this annual event from noon to 6pm, when more than 35 artists showcase original works, including painting, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, furniture and much more. Visitors can interact directly with the artists and have the chance to purchase art as well as commission new pieces (gift ideas, anyone?).
17-18 MIAMI
RAMBLE: A GARDEN FESTIVAL
For 67 years, the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables has hosted this fabulous garden festival celebrating outdoor living in South Florida. Feast your eyes on—and have your wallet ready for—exotic plants (15,000 plants will be on sale), antiques, a farmers’ market and more.
22 NEW YORK
MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
Nothing symbolizes Thanksgiving—besides turkey—like this legendary holiday tradition, celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. The parade of floats, jamming bands, performance groups and giant balloons makes its way through NYC, passing Macy’s on its way to 7th Avenue. The best viewing spots are Columbus Circle, Broadway (between 58th and 38th streets) and 34th Street (between Broadway and 7th Avenue).
22 ATLANTA
THE LIGHTING OF MACY’S GREAT TREE
Forget shopping at Lenox Square on Thanksgiving eve, and head to the mall to witness the annual tree lighting ceremony at 7pm. One of the city’s longest-running traditions, it has received international exposure on CNN. The 70-foot white pine tree weighs about 14,500 pounds and is decorated with 50 flashing strobe lights, 1,200 multicolored ornaments, 4,000 11-watt bulbs and more. This year, Jann Carl of “Entertainment Tonight” is hosting, and several musical superstars will be performing.