Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale @ Pulaski Park Fieldhouse

It's that ringing of handmade jingle bells again! The nation's most famous handmade market descends upon Wicker Park's Pulaski Park Fieldhouse (1419 W. Blackhawk St.) this weekend for a 2-day holiday sale and event, featuring "over 150 of today's finest indie-craft and contemporary design talents" selling their wares. New this year: free trolley rides to and from the field house from a number of Wicker Park hot spots. The fair is free to attend and runs 11am - 7pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6. More information is available on the Renegade Craft Fair website.

1985 @ The Factory Theater

The Factory Theater spoofs George Orwell's classic 1984 with a distinctly mid-decade Chicago Bears twist. Eric Roach directs. Located at 3504 N. Elston, between Albany and Kedzie. Showtimes: Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm and Sundays at 7 through December 19th. Tickets are $20. For information and tickets call: 312-409-3247 or visit The Factory Theater.

To Russia With Love @ Danny's

Head to Danny's, 1951 W. Dickens, between 7pm and midnight tonight to help fund The Seldoms' upcoming trip to the International Festival of Modern Dance (Festival Isadora) in Krasnoyarsk, Russia in April 2010. Percussionist Tim Daisy performs a solo set, "To Russia with Love," and 30 percent of all bar sales go toward supporting The Seldoms' trip. 21+

Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago @ Gary Comer Youth Center

If you've never seen a live performance of West African Dance, you're missing out; if you've never seen the Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, you're missing out on one of life's greatest joys. This week Muntu brings The Sankofa Project to the Gary Comer Youth Center, 7200 S Ingleside Avenue. The performance features key works from Muntu's history as well as new work showcasing the choreography of Amansu Eason, feature dancer for Muntu Dance Theatre and principal artist for Indiana's South Shore Dance Alliance, and Abdel Salaam, Executive Director of Forces of Nature.

Showtimes and ticket prices: December 3 @ 7:30, $15; December 5 @ 8pm, $27.50; and December 6 @ 3pm, $27.50. Additionally, there will be a gala reception and silent auction on December 4 @ 6pm, tickets are $75. Discounts for groups, children and seniors available. For tickets and information call 773-241-6083 or visit Muntu.

Cooking and Bead-Making Demo @ Red Light

Join your fellow animal lovers for an afternoon of cooking and bead-stringing demonstrations at Red Light (820 West Randolph) starting at noon. Chef Jackie Shen will be cooking a slew of holiday dishes and dessert, after which you'll sample her creations. Local beadmaker (and 10 year-old) Ian Cahr will then lead a bead-making class. Interesting, right? This event is a benefit for Chicago Animal Care and Control. Tickets are $35. Call 312-733-8880 to reserve.

When Crocs Ate Dinosaurs

The Chicago Council on Science and Technology, National Geographic and Project Exploration present "When Crocs Ate Dinosaurs," a new movie by University of Chicago paleontologist Dr. Paul Sereno. The film looks at some of the strange and scary crocodiles that existed--and ate dinosaurs--during the Age of Reptiles. The screening takes place this afternoon at Northwestern University's Chicago Campus, Thorne Auditorium (375 E. Chicago Ave), with the film starting at 2 PM, followed by a Q&A with Dr. Sereno. Suggested donation is $5, and $6 discounted parking is available for the first 100 attendees at the Huron/St. Clair parking garages. Register online or call (312) 503-9036 for more information.

Dance-Along Nutcracker @ Preston Bradley Hall

The eighth annual Dance-Along Nutcracker begins with an 11am workshop for a 12pm performance, with a second workshop at 2pm for a 3pm performance. Workshops will teach basic ballet, and if dancing isn't your thing there will be juggling, acrobatics and other skills taught as well. Free at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. For more information visit the Chicago Cultural Center.

Kids Sample Sale @ Beta Boutique

Thrifty Chicagoans' favorite Beta Boutique holds its first ever kids sample sale at their 2016 W. Concord Place location today, Sunday December 6th from noon to 5 pm. Shop heavily discounted designer infant to pre-teen clothing from Aristabrat, Lolli Pop Tots, Gold Rush, and many more. Visit their website or call 773-276-0905 for more details and a complete list of designers.

Native Arts Holiday Bazaar @ The Mitchell Museum

The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian in Evanston continues its annual Native Arts Holiday Bazaar Sunday December 6th from 10 am to 4 pm. Stop by the museum's 3001 Central Street location to shop the handmade art, ceramics, jewelry, and clothing from over 20 vendors. Visit their website for more details.

The One of a Kind Show and Sale @ The Merchandise Mart

The final day of The One of a Kind Show and Sale takes place today December 6th from 10 am until 5 pm at the Merchandise Mart (222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, 8th Floor; 312-527-4141). The shopping event features handmade furniture, art, clothing, and accessories from over 500 artists. Tickets are $12 and available at the show's website along with a complete listing of participating artists.