Compiled by Ashmar Mandou
For the first time in 32 years, the NBA All-Star Game is returning to Chicago, bringing the likes of LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and more of the league’s skilled players to the city. While the city will be inundated with all things NBA All-Star events including viewing parties and games, we have compiled a guide to must-see shows to take in all the action.
Feb. 14-16: NBA Crossover
Keep court at Navy Pier all weekend for the ultimate fan experience. Part sports convention, part entertainment-palooza, the massive event will offer live music and promises appearances by celebs (including NBA legends like Gary Payton and Muggsy Bogues, who are confirmed to attend) along with exclusive product launches from major brands. Opens at 2 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. $20-$35 for single-day admission, $55 for a three-day pass. 600 E. Grand Ave.; www.navypier.org
Feb. 14-15: Team Coco House
Conan O’Brien brings a solid starting lineup of talent to a pop-up comedy club at Bottom Lounge in celebration of All-Star weekend. Chicagoan Craig Robinson & The Nasty Delicious will headline Friday night while Roy Wood Jr., Nicole Byer, Jermaine Fowler and more take over funny duties Saturday night. The special event also includes The Real Deal Pop-A-Shot Tournament and NBA Skills Challenge Watch Party during the day Saturday. Kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday and noon Saturday. Tickets start at $10. 1375 W. Lake St., www.teamcoco.com
Feb. 14: DJ Khaled
Superstar producer and recent Super Bowl commercial star DJ Khaled (you know, the one who is constantly shouting “We the best music!”) comes to Chicago during NBA All-Star weekend for a headlining set at TAO. You’ll need to lock down a table reservation to guarantee yourself a spot inside the popular River North nightclub, unless you feel like waiting in line to snag a ticket at the door. With so many hip-hop stars and celebrities in town for the big game, don’t be surprised if a few of Khaled’s famous friends show up throughout the evening. Tao Chicago is located 632 N. Dearborn St. For more information or tickets, https://taochicago.com/event/dj-khaled/
Feb. 15: Shaq’s Bass All-Stars
Though retired from basketball, Shaquille O’Neal isn’t content to sit on the sidelines during NBA All-Star weekend. He dons his alter ego, DJ Diesel, for this special music event at Concord Music Hall, bringing along with him Waka Flocka Flame, Saymyname and Dee Mash. If you caught him at Perry’s Stage at Lollapalooza last summer, you know how much of a giant Shaq is on a concert stage, too. 8 p.m. $39.99-49.99. 2051 N. Milwaukee Ave., www.concordmusichall.com
Feb. 16: Chance the Rapper Halftime Show
After competing against each other in the All-Star Celebrity Game, Chicago natives Chance the Rapper and Common join forces during the main game at United Center. Common will introduce the players before the tipoff while Chance will headline the halftime show with his bag of hits, including those from his latest album, “The Big Day,” released last year. Game day begins at 7 p.m. Broadcast on TNT (tickets available only from secondary brokers). 1901 W. Madison St., www.nbaevents.com
As for the complete NBA All-Star schedule, head over to www.nba.com/allstar
