Best Bets: Go backstage virtually with Joffrey's 'Nutcracker'
Backstage online
The Joffrey Ballet goes virtual with the behind-the-scenes event “Pulling Back the Curtain: The Nutcracker” on Saturday. It features interviews with dancers and artistic team members and more. $25 viewing ticket; $100-$150 party packages (sponsorship packages also available). (312) 386-8905 or joffrey.org. Virtual event at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7; also, free “Art on theMART” Joffrey “Nutcracker” outdoor projections at Chicago Merchandise Mart at 7 and 7:30 p.m. nightly from Thursday, Nov. 12, to Wednesday, Dec. 30
Drive-in storytime
Chicago Children's Theatre concludes its extension its popular production of “The Beatrix Potter Drive-in Theatre Experience” on Sunday. The event is staged in the Chicago Children's Theatre parking lot, 100 S. Racine St., Chicago. $55 per vehicle (up to six people, not including children younger than 18 months). (312) 374-8835 or chicagochildrenstheatre.org. 6:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Nov. 6-8
Seasonal brews
Sample craft brews and hard ciders this weekend when the Morton Arboretum hosts a socially distanced outdoor Fall Beer Tasting. Entries are available on the half-hour at 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. $40 (advance reservations required; for ages 21 or older). (630) 968-0074 or mortonarb.org. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 7-8
Rescheduled drive-by
High winds prompted the Cleve Carney Museum of Art and the McAninch Arts Center to reschedule its special Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) drive-by with ofrendas honoring Frida Kahlo and those lost due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The event also features music by the band Mariachi Monumental de México. It's on Sunday at Camera Park, 101 E. Fullerton Ave., Glendale Heights. Free, but nonperishable food donations requested for a food drive. (630) 942-3206 or atthemac.org. 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8 (rescheduled from Nov. 1)
Military honors
Commemorate Veterans Day with a series of virtual events online Wednesday, Nov. 11, courtesy of Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Free. (630) 668-5161 or cantigny.org. Virtual programming begins at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11; “They Served: Stories From Veterans” presentation at 7 p.m.
Contemporary classical
Songwriter Rebecca Rego and actress Leah Casey perform “Songs for Cleaning Women” as part of “Eighth Blackbird Presents: The Chicago Artists Workshop.” See this performance virtually on Wednesday or in person for limited audiences at 4045 N. Rockwell St., Chicago. $20 and up. eighthblackbird.org. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11
Singular shopping
The One of a Kind Holiday Show goes online this year with a virtual holiday market featuring more than 300 artists selling their creations. There are also studio tours, live talks and demonstrations starting Thursday. Free to view, but advance registration is suggested. oneofakindshowchicago.com. Various times from Thursday, Nov. 12, through Friday, Dec. 6
Virtual migration
Learn from the Forest Preserve District of Will County when it presents the online learning program “Sandhill Cranes on Migration” on Thursday. Free, but advance registration is requested. reconnectwithnature.org. 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12