12 things to do around Chicago for Mother’s Day weekend

“Van Gogh and the Avant-Garde: The Modern Landscape”: From 1882 and 1890, five notable Post-Impressionist artists drew inspiration from villages on the outskirts of Paris, where they experimented with brushstrokes and bold colors. A new exhibit opens to the public on Mother’s Day Sunday at the Art Institute, displaying more than 75 works from this time by Vincent van Gogh, Georges Seurat, Paul Signac, Emile Bernard and Charles Angrand. May 14 to Sept. 4 at the Art Institute, 111 S. Michigan Ave.; $10 exhibition ticket in addition to admission; artic.edu

Chicago Cabaret Week: This 10-day festival returns for its second year, offering audiences a chance to sample the city’s cabaret scene, with music including blues, jazz, American songbook, world music and pop. The opening night on Friday is at the Epiphany Center for the Arts. Other highlights include a pre-Mother’s Day dinner show, as well as a performance by the Filipino group the SamaSama Project. Through May 21 at various venues; choosechicago.com

Wayne Newton and Tony Orlando: The longtime Las Vegas headliners Orlando, 79, and Newton, 81, are sharing the stage together for a double-bill live performance in Gary. Expect their hit songs, some show business stories and plenty of interaction with the audience. 6 p.m. May 13 at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, 5400 W. 29th Ave., Gary; www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com

Great Penguin Party at the Shedd Aquarium: Channel the Roaring ‘20s as you explore the aquarium while listening to the Alan Gresik Swing Orchestra. There will be penguin chats and swing dancing lessons, as well as hors d’oeuvres and an open bar with wine and beer. 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. May 12 at the Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; tickets $89.95 at sheddaquarium.org

Magic for your Mother’s Day: Chicago magician Ricardo Rosenkranz is performing the latest version of his show “Physician Magician” at the Rhapsody Theater, and for Mother’s Day, all moms in the audience will receive a free drink and pink playing cards along with the illusions. 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. May 14 at the Rhapsody Theater, 1328 W. Morse Ave.; tickets $20-$75 at rhapsodytheater.thundertix.com

“Whose Live Anyway?”: If you and your mom are looking for some laughs, here’s your chance to catch comedians Ryan Stiles and Greg Proops, who’ve appeared on the ABC improv show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?,” as well as Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray. Watch them play games, create scenes and build characters without a script. May 12-14 at the Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave., tickets $77-$87 at fineartsbuilding.com

Spring Lincoln Roscoe Art and Craft Fair: This North Side event features handmade art such as paintings, sculptures, décor, jewelry and more. There will be live music, painting classes and food, as well as plenty of activities for kids. Attendees can also bring their gently used wall art to donate to the Chicago Furniture Bank, a nonprofit that gives furniture and art to people moving from shelters into permanent housing. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 13 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 14 on Lincoln Ave. from School to Roscoe streets; free, amdurproductions.com

Lizzo: The singer aka Melissa Jefferson is back in Chicago on the second leg of her Special 2our next week. 8 p.m. May 17 at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets from $89 at www.ticketmaster.com

Chicago Mayfest: Start off the summer festival season with this Lincoln Park event, which is marking its 26th season. Two music stages will feature a variety of musicians, including 16 Candles, Too Hype Crew and Old Shoe. The fest also features the Armitage Art Show, which will include interactive art demonstrations and works for sale. Plus, kids can explore the family carnival area. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. May 12, noon to 10 p.m. May 13 and noon to 9 p.m. May 14 on Armitage from Sheffield to Racine; tickets $10 at starevents.com

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus Spring Show: More than 200 members of the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus will perform hits from classic movies, including iconic songs like “Time of My Life” and “My Heart Will Go On.” There will also be moments from “Sister Act” and a tribute to legendary composer John Williams. 8 p.m. May 12 at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W 111th St.; 8 p.m. May 13 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie; and 3 p.m. May 14 at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St.; tickets $25-$52 at cgmc.org

Orion Ensemble: The contemporary chamber music ensemble of Chicago concludes its 30th anniversary season with a series of concerts beginning this weekend in Aurora. 7 p.m. May 14 at New England Congregational Church, 406 W. Galena Blvd., Aurora; then 7:30 p.m. May 17 at PianoForte Studios, 1335 S. Michigan Ave.; and 7:30 p.m. May 21 at Music Institute of Chicago in Nichols Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Tickets and more information at www.orionensemble.org

Old Joliet Haunted Prison: Why is this haunted house open now? The calendar. “Halfway to Halloween” is a first-time thing, this weekend only, thanks to owners Thirteenth Floor Entertainment. May 12-13 at 401 Woodruff Road, Joliet; tickets from $27.99 at hauntedprison.com/halfway