Explore exciting events across Chicagoland this winter… from music and community celebrations to wellness and more! With so many opportunities to enjoy the season, here are a few of our top picks to check out this weekend.
Celebrate Irish Pride at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Get into the Irish spirit at this event, featuring over 65 entries that bring the community together with music, dancing, and more. The parade will include performances from bagpipers, Irish dancers, the Proviso East Marching Band, local businesses, Medinah Shriner units, and a salute from police and fire departments. Whether you’re waving a flag or cheering along the route, this celebration is a festive way to honor the holiday.
Date: March 1
Time: 1PM-3PM
Cost: Free
Location: Madison St from Van Buren St to Elgin Ave, Forest Park
More Info: exploreforestpark.com
Elevate Your Well-Being at the Body Mind Spirit Celebration
Embark on a transformative journey where over 110 vendors will showcase holistic health, wellness tools, and spiritual remedies. Explore crystals, natural health remedies, and unique spiritual gifts, and connect with 40 gifted readers and healers offering personalized insights. The expo features seminars across four rooms, with expert speakers including Pamela Aaralyn, who will lead a keynote on spiritual awakening.
Date: March 1-2
Time: Sat 10AM-7PM; Sun 10AM-6PM
Cost: $14
Location: Midwest Conference Center, 401 W Lake St, Northlake
More Info: bmse.net
Challenge Yourself at Puzzle Palooza
Bring the whole family or a group of friends for a fun challenge at Puzzle Palooza! Test your puzzle-solving skills as you race against the clock to complete a 200-piece puzzle in one hour. The top three teams will be awarded prizes, so grab your team, work together, and see how fast you can piece it together!
Date: March 1
Time: 1PM-3PM
Cost: $25+
Location: Lisle Recreation Center, 1925 Ohio St, Lisle
More Info: lisleparkdistrict.org
Make a Splash at Polar Plunge Chicago
Ready to take an icy dip for a great cause? The annual Polar Plunge returns to North Avenue Beach, inviting brave participants to run into the freezing waters of Lake Michigan in support of Special Olympics Chicago. Whether you’re plunging solo or with a team, expect a lively atmosphere with creative costumes, spirited spectators, and plenty of post-plunge celebrations. Not ready to dive in? You can still donate or cheer on the participants from the sidelines.
Date: March 2
Time: 8AM
Cost: Raise $200 Minimum to Participate
Location: North Avenue Beach, 1601 N Lake Shore Dr
More Info: specialchildrenscharities.org
Find Your Center at Sag Hej Day
A full day dedicated to wellness, creativity, and community, this Scandinavian-inspired event transforms Bramble Arts Loft into a hub for self-care. Start the morning with yoga and sound baths, or dive into interactive workshops on interior design for mindfulness, financial planning, and sexual wellness. Throughout the day, enjoy tarot readings, complimentary massages, art activities, and empowering performances from the Youth Empowerment Performance Project.
Date: March 2
Time: 10AM-3PM
Cost: Free With RSVP
Location: Bramble Arts Loft, 545 N Clark
More Info: app.glueup.com
Go on a Winter Wine Walk
Stroll through more than a dozen local shops while sampling over 20 wines, from bold reds to crisp whites. Many participating businesses will offer exclusive shopping discounts and small bites to pair with your tastings. Each ticket includes a commemorative tasting glass and an event guide to help you navigate the neighborhood’s best sips and shops.
Date: February 28
Time: 5:30PM-8:30PM
Cost: $40+
Location: W Roscoe St from N Damen Ave to N Western Ave
More Info: lakeviewroscoevillage.org
Feel the Rhythm at the Chicago Winter Jazz Fair
The Chicago Winter Jazz Fair brings together an exciting lineup of performances, artist discussions, and vendor booths celebrating the city’s rich jazz scene. Whether you’re into traditional swing, avant-garde improvisation, or contemporary fusion, there’s something for every kind of listener. Stop by to hear acclaimed musicians, explore new sounds, and dive deep into Chicago’s jazz legacy.
Date: February 28
Time: 12PM-7:30PM
Cost: Free
Location: Jazz Institute of Chicago, 410 S Michigan Ave
More Info: jazzinchicago.org
Join the Puzzle-Hero Competition: A C2E2 Pop-Up Party
Calling all puzzle pros! Revolution Brewing and C2E2 team up for a high-energy jigsaw puzzle showdown. Teams will race to complete a mystery 500-piece puzzle, with the fastest solvers winning a prize package featuring C2E2 tickets, exclusive Revolution Brewing swag, and more. Enjoy a brew while you strategize, and embrace your inner “dissectologist” for a night of friendly competition.
Date: February 28
Time: 6PM-8PM
Cost: $8+
Location: Revolution Brewing, 3340 N Kedzie Ave
More Info: revbrew.com
