An early premiere of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” $4 apps and drafts at Old Town Pour House and more things to do in Chicago on Thursday, Nov. 17.
EAT
Ceili Fundraiser
3471 N. Elston Ave. 773-878-3727
A benefit for Irish Theatre of Chicago includes a full dinner buffet featuring banger meatballs, truffle fries, curry chicken rice souffle and soda bread plus live music from Jimmy Keane and Pauline Conneely and dancing. 6 p.m. $25. Tickets: irishtheatreofchicago.org
DRINK
Argentinian Wine Tasting
2045 W. North Ave. 773-276-8344
Try three types of malbec or red blends or a trio of different varietals from Argentina’s Mendoza and Salta provinces paired with three empanadas, and learn about the wines from the Wicker Park restaurant’s co-owners. 5-8 p.m. $15.
DO
‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ Early Premiere Party
6746 N. Sheridan Road 773-856-5977
See a 9 p.m. screening of the new fantasy film ($7.50-$8.50) or get a VIP package ($15) that gets you in at 7:15 p.m. for Harry Potter team trivia, an optional costume contest, entry in a raffle with themed prizes and popcorn or a drink, including themed cocktails.
Illuminate 900 (Free!)
900 N. Michigan Ave. 312-915-3916
The mall lights up its 50-foot Christmas tree with a ceremony featuring sugar cookie decorating, hot chocolate, coffee and festive performances including excerpts from “The Nutcracker” by Ruth Page Center for the Arts and Christmas carols from the Chicago Children’s Choir. 6-8 p.m. Donations accepted to benefit Make-A-Wish Illinois. RSVP: marketing@900nm.com
‘Star-Spangled Sitcoms: Huzzah & John Adams’
1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. 248-914-0147
Cody Melcher’s sketch comedy show reimagines “Cheers” and “Frasier” as telling the stories of the Founding Fathers who stumble their way into the Boston Tea Party and celebrate the first Thanksgiving in the White House. 8 p.m. $20. Tickets: brownpapertickets.com
HAPPY HOUR OF THE DAY
Old Town Pour House (1419 N. Wells St. 312-477-2800) offers half-price select glasses of wine and $4 select draft beers and appetizers including fried pickles and pretzel bites from 4-6 p.m.
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