Best bets: Thanksgiving parade, Martin Short, singer/songwriter Paula Cole
We love a parade
Ballet dancers, circus performers, marching bands and even a Hollywood celebrity (Jennifer Beals of “Flashdance” and “The L Word” fame) all help to usher in the start of the holiday season on Thursday with the annual McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade along State Street (between Congress Parkway and Randolph Street) in downtown Chicago. See it free in person or on WGN-TV. (312) 235-2217 or chicagofestivals.org. 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 25
Funny music man
The comic classical musicians Victor Borge and Anna Russell may no longer be with us, but we do have British conductor and comedian Rainer Hersch to follow in their footsteps in making musical mirth. Catch him when the Elgin Symphony presents “orcHERSCHtra 101 with Rainer Hersch” this weekend at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. $16-$68. (847) 931-5900 or hemmens.org. 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19; 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20; 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21
Covetous cars
More than 500 prime Muscle Cars, dealer-built “supercars” and Corvettes go on display for crowds to ogle this weekend as the Muscle Car and Corvette National revs things up at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. $15-$20. Kids ages 12 and under admitted free with an adult. (847) 692-2222 or mcacn.com. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 20 and 21
Shopping spirit
Find both affordable gifts and antiques for sale at the 4th Annual Randolph Street Holiday Market this weekend at the Beaux Arts Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington St., Chicago. $8-$10 general admission (includes a $10 voucher if more than $50 spent). $5 students. Free parking. (312) 666-1200 or randolphstreetmarket.com. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21
Viva! Viva!
Prodigio Claudio, Juardito and Alvin Medina are just some of the artists participating in what many consider to be the “largest indoor Latino cultural event in the Midwest.” The 12th Puerto Rican Cuartro Music Festival is this Saturday at Millennium Park's Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago. $25-$75. (312) 334-7777 or harristheaterchicago.org. 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20
Songwriters sing
Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Paula Cole (famed for hits like “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” and “I Don't Wanna Wait”) returns to town with a Saturday performance featuring Brendan James at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. $50. (847) 577-2121 or metropolisarts.com. 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20
Drum majors
If you loved the intricate marching band spirit displays in the 2002 film “Drumline,” then you won't want to miss out on the touring show “Drumline Live” this Saturday at the Paramount Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. $35.50-$50.50. (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20
Short stop
Former “Saturday Night Live” star and Tony Award-winning Broadway leading man Martin Short returns this Sunday with “An Evening with Martin Short” at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. $49-$125. (630) 587-8400 or oshows.com. 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21
Sea defender
Former National Geographic photographer-turned-activist filmmaker Louie Psihoyos scored a critical hit directing the Academy Award-winning documentary “The Cove.” Hear more about dolphin harvesting in Japan when Psihoyos speaks Tuesday at Harper College's Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. $12. (847) 925-6100 or harpercollege.edu. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23; “The Cove” screening 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 22, in Room E107, and 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, in Room L109