We know it’s cold as ice in Chicago this weekend, but don’t let that stop you from attending some of the hottest events that the city has to offer. From works of art to tasty treats, Chicago never stops putting on a great show, no matter the weather!
Create Victorian Valentine Cards
Pick up your Victorian Valentine Craft Kit this weekend to make 15 lovely greeting cards in time to send for Valentine’s Day. With your own creativity and the provided instruction and idea sheet, you’ll find the inspiration for Victorian, vintage and contemporary creations.
Date: Available through February 13
Time: 10:30AM to 4:00PM on Fri; 12:00 to 4:00PM on Sat
Cost: $15
Location: DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E Wesley St, Wheaton
More Info: dupagemuseum.org
Remembering Marshall Field’s
Weaving together history and commerce, the Lost Chicagoland Department Stores exhibit is a journey back in time to the heyday of local department stores like Sears, Carson Pirie Scott and Marshall Field’s. Delve into the history of these iconic retailers through an array of artifacts, images, video, and memorabilia.
Date: January 26 – 28
Time: 1:00 to 5:00PM on Fri and Sun; 10:00AM to 5:00PM on Sat
Cost: Free
Location: Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E Park Ave, Elmhurst
More Info: elmhursthistory.org
How Does Your Garden Grow?
The Morton Arboretum seed swap is a chance to connect with other gardening enthusiasts. Bring your leftover seed packets or self-saved seeds to share and browse a selection of vegetable, herb, native and ornamental seeds to take home for planting this spring. There will be informational tables and how-to gardening demonstrations.
Date: January 27.
Time: 12:00 to 3:00PM
Cost: Free for Morton Arboretum members. Included with $17 guest admission.
Location: Thornhill Education Center, Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle
More Info: mortonarb.org
Celebrate Chicago’s Culinary Scene
The 17th annual Chicago Restaurant Week is in full swing this weekend with over 400 restaurants in the city and suburbs offering special prix-fixe menus for brunch, lunch and dinner. From iconic Michelin-rated landmarks to hidden neighborhood gems, this is a terrific time to finally get to that restaurant you’ve been wanting to try.
Date: Through February 4
Time: Varies by restaurant
Cost: $25 for lunch or brunch and $42 or $59 for dinner
Location: 420+ participating restaurants across Chicagoland
More Info: choosechicago.com
Take the Plunge… The Polar Bear Plunge!
A local tradition since 2002, this Chicago Polar Bear Club annual event challenges participants to leap into the icy waters of Lake Michigan – costumes encouraged! In addition to the frigid fun, this fundraising event has raised over $600,000 to support local families in need.
Date: January 27
Time: 12:00PM
Cost: $30 With Pre-Registration. $40 Walk-Up.
Location: Oak Street Beach, 1000 N. DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago
More Info: chicagopolarbearclub.com
Do You Like Pina Coladas?
Then escape to the Teeny, Tiny, Tropical Bar at Cindy’s Rooftop. Enjoy specially crafted tropical beverages and food at this limited-time pop-up experience perched on the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Association. No reservations, walk-ins only. The Teeny, Tiny, Tropical Bar can be booked for private parties.
Date: Open daily through March 31
Time: 5:00 to 10:00PM
Cost: No charge for entry. Food & drink per menu.
Location: Cindy’s Rooftop, 12 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago
More Info: cindysrooftop.com
See 30 Plays in 60 Minutes!
Hailed by critics and loved by audiences, the Neo-Futurist Ensemble encompasses writers, directors and performers who create theater that is “a fusion of sport, poetry and living newspaper.” The Infinite Wrench is an ongoing series of thirty original plays presented in one hour: it’s been described as “a surprising, occasionally powerful, often hilarious and always entertaining evening.”
Date: January 26 – 28
Time: 10:30PM on Fri & Sat; 7:00PM on Sun
Cost: $20
Location: 5153 N Ashland Ave, Chicago
More Info: neofuturists.org
Randy Rainbow – LIVE!
New York-based comedian Randy Rainbow found his calling when he released a series of original, Broadway-esque music videos spoofing the theatrical ins and outs of the 2016 presidential election, going viral and garnering nearly a million social media followers. Sassy, fearless and possessed of a biting wit, Rainbow has emerged as one of the leading LGBTQ advocates for our time.
Date: January 27
Time: 7:30PM
Cost: From $40
Location: The Chicago Theater, 175 N State St, Chicago
More Info: chicago-theater.com
