It’s time to come on out of your Thanksgiving food coma.AA long weekend awaits us that’s loaded with fun ways to recover–and, if you’re lucky, create more situations from which you will then have to recover again. We don’t necessarily mean Black Friday, either. The whole start of the shopping season might really be the thing to avoid as you check out this weekend’s biggest events.
That includes some classic college football rivalries, along with amazing hip-hop shows that cover the old and the news. You can say goodbye to a comic genius in a (probably) stupid movie, and watch an internet meme hit the big time with a Christmas movie. And there’s a lot of more cultish fun, too. Check it all out with the 12 coolest things to do this weekend…
Run the Jewels in Boston
(Nov 28)
Smoking hot duo Run the Jewels is heading into the end of 2014 looking like they’ll be the definitive hip hop sensation of the year. Rappers Killer Mike of New York and El-P of Atlanta bring their brilliantly of-the-moment noise to the Paradise Rock Club in Boston. They may have some topical issues they’ll want to address from the stage.
UCF at South Florida
(Nov 28)
Among Sunshine State college football rivalries, the UCF Knights versus the South Florida Bulls has only been aflame since 2005, but it’s already got an incredibly cool nickname, “The War on I-4.” With South Florida leading 4-1, watch for UCF to frantically work to turn the tide as this rivalry heats up and heads forward into history.
Slipknot/Korn in Chicago
(Nov 28)
The early 21st century extreme metal of Slipknot and Korn not only erupted up from the underground to scorch the mainstream, it remains some of the most thrilling, thrashing, headbangingly entertaining over-the-top music being made by anyone anywhere. Both bands will be making it—loud, fast, and without apology—at Rosemont, Illinois’s All State Arena on Saturday night, just outside of Chicago.
Bulls at Celtics
(Nov 28)
Just by virtue of the cities involved, Chicago versus Boston in any area of sports always makes for a memorable event. And while the Bulls may play for the Second City, there presently occupy NBA Central’s first place, thereby fueling the hotheaded-under-any-circumstances, 4-8 Celtics to play this game like it really counts. Because, with this level of pride at stake, it always does.
Man v. Lion on Nat Geo Wild
(Nov 28)
The highlight of Nat Geo Wild’s Big Cat Week is this insane special, wherein fourth-generation tracker of feline maneaters Boone Smith tracks every stage of lion’s hunting their prey from a closer vantage point that any human has ever had—and survived. He’s in a Lucite box, smack in the thick of the killing and devouring, “close enough to feel their breath.”
Alabama vs Auburn
(Nov 29)
Iron Bowl 79 goes down at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Underdogs Auburn dramatically beat number-one-ranked Alabama last year and, of late, the trend has been that whoever wins the Iron Bowl goes on to take the National Title. That’s intense. Consider, too, that both team’s top receivers are injured but expected to participate, and this showdown could be one for the ages.
Masters of Ceremony: Hip-Hop Reunion
(Nov 29)
Connecticut’s Foxwoods Casino welcomes rap pioneers Public Enemy, MC Lyte, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, EPMD, Black Sheep, Special ED. While these superstars have been around for decades and they’re sure to perform all their old school favorites, there’s no dismissing an appearance of a crew that dynamic and that groundbreaking as any kind of mere “oldies” show.
Notre Dame vs USC
(Nov 29)
The 86th Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh sees the Fighting Irish traveling to the Trojans’ home turf at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Each team is coming off a loss, with USC falling to its other key rival, UCLA. Expect that bitterness and the long-standing mutual hatred to fire up explosive gridiron goings-on this Saturday.
Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever
(Nov 29)
However you feel about adorable animal memes on the Internet, Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever on Lifetime is of interest if only because the frowning feline of the title is voiced by Parks and Rec hottie Aubrey Plaza. As gorgeous as Aubrey is to look at, it’s her deadpan delivery that truly enchants. Prepare to have funny feelings while looking at an unhappy house pet.
Grindhouse Releasing’s Trailer Apocalypse
(Nov 29)
L.A.’s Cinefamily, the amazing oddball film collective that holds incredible screenings at the Silent Movie Theater is proud to present previews this Saturday, followed by… still more previews. Grindhouse Releasing’s Trailer Apocalypse is a 35mm film festival of the weirdest, wildest, most insane, and anti-politically-correct drive-in and exploitation movie coming attractions of the 1970s and ’80s. Bring someone you don’t like who’s easily offended and, afterward, you’ll never have to talk to that wet blanket again.
A Merry Friggin’ Christmas on Blu-ray
(Nov 29)
In one of his last roles, Robin Williams co-stars with Joel McHale, Tim Heidecker, Oliver Platt, Lauren Graham in the indie black comedy, A Merry Friggin’ Christmas. McHale is a successful finance guy who spends Christmas Eve driving from Chicago to Wisconsin, and then back again, accompanied by Williams as his hilariously holiday-hating grump of a father.
NFL Sunday
(Nov 30)
Twelve games go down Sunday, many of them crucial to the playoffs, all of them worth watching because, well, it’s the last weekend in November and professional football is still on television. The Patriots at the Packers is a clash of first-placers, as is the Cardinals at the Falcons (plus that game has the bonus of being bird-themed). The 7-4 Colts against the 3-8 Redskins promises to be something to see, as well, but for all the obvious very different reasons.
