X Japan
7:30 p.m. at Riviera Theater; $29
The biggest band in Japan made their debut stateside with a show at Lollapalooza over the summer. Now they’re back for a national tour. It’s hard to describe their sound, other than heavy metal mixed with piano solos. You’ll just have to see for yourself.

Candide
7:30 p.m. at Goodman Theatre; $19-$58
Renowned director Mary Zimmerman breathes new life into this play about the title character, a cockeyed optimist who travels the world and gets . Voltaire-inspired philosophizing ensues.

Riot Fest
8 p.m. at Double Door; $25
The five-day punk fest kicks off tonight with performances by Naked Raygun, The Effigies, The Subverts, Steve Bjorklund, Silver Abuse, Toothpaste and Rottenfinko and The Convicts.