Best Bets: 'Harry Potter: Magic at Play,' Dave Matthews Band and more
Immersive Harry Potter
"Harry Potter: Magic at Play," an immersive, hands-on experience that allows visitors to experience Harry's introduction to the magical world, debuts at Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. The journey begins in Harry's room under the stairs and continues at Hogwarts, where visitors will levitate feathers, practice Quidditch and traverse the Enchanted Forest. Tickets are $37.50 for adults, $29.50 for kids 9 and younger. harrypottermagicatplay.com. Opens Friday, Nov. 11
Sones de Mexico in concert
Sones de Mexico, an ensemble that celebrates Mexican folk music and culture, shares the story of Los San Patricios, Irish soldiers who fought on the side of Mexico during the Mexican American War of 1846-48. The performance takes place at the Irish American Heritage Center of Chicago, 4626 N. Knox Ave., Chicago. $29-$35. sonesdemexico.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11
Hannibal Buress' musical release
Chicago native, comedian, actor and rapper Hannibal Buress returns home to celebrate his musical project Eshu Tune's newest single "Knee-Brace" (out Friday) with a live performance and release party at Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave., Chicago. Doors open at 8 p.m. for the 18-and-older event. $20, plus fees in advance at chopshopchi.com or $25 at the door. 9:45 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11
Journey's Steve Augeri
Former Journey lead vocalist Steve Augeri takes the stage with the Steve Augeri Band's melodic rock this weekend at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Tickets are $65-$75 or $45.50-$52.50 for RaueNOW members at events.rauecenter.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
'The Godfather' live
The Chicago Philharmonic performs the score of the "The Godfather" live during a screening celebrating the 50th anniversary of Francis Ford Coppola's classic mob drama about a Sicilian family's rise to power starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino and James Caan. It takes place at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago. $70-$142. (312) 341-2300 or auditoriumtheatre.org. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12
Rossini at the Lyric
Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 N. Wacker Drive, serves up Gioachino Rossini's effervescent "Le Comte Ory." The rarely performed romantic comedy centers on the antics of a mischievous count who, while all the other men of the kingdom are off fighting in the Crusades, stays behind to pursue a countess. Shenanigans, as well as laughter, ensues in Lyric's premiere conducted by Enrique Mazzola, with direction by Kathleen Smith Belcher. $40-$330. (312) 827-5600 or lyricopera.org. Select dates Sunday, Nov. 13, through Nov. 26
DMB jams
Get your jam on as the Dave Matthews Band brings its fall North American tour to Chicago for a night at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. The tour, which benefits The Nature Conservancy's Plant a Billion Trees program, includes a performance by New Orleans funk and jam band Dumpstaphunk. Tickets start at $49.50 at unitedcenter.com. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15
Army jazz
With both big-band classics and contemporary hits, The Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band are bringing a big sound and patriotic goodwill to the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Tickets are free, but must be reserved in person at the box office or at (815) 356-9212 or boxoffice@rauecenter.org. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16
Mistletoe and poinsettias
Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, goes red for the holidays as its horticulture department hosts the annual Shades of Crimson poinsettia display and sale next week. Five months in the making, the event will feature 16 varieties of red, pink and white poinsettias grown in the park's greenhouse for self-guided tours and informational sessions with the staff. Poinsettias will also be available for purchase, along with holiday gifts from more than 40 local artists, crafters and vendors, at the Mistletoe Market. Free admission; $5 parking. Mistletoe Market: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17; Shades of Crimson: noon to 6 p.m.