Chicago weekend events: Restaurant Week, Puppet Theater Fest and more

🍝 1. Chicago Restaurant Week

Celebrate the local culinary scene and save a few bucks by taking part in Chicago Restaurant Week.

Why it matters: Here's your chance to support your favorite restaurants as business slows down during winter.

State of play: Over 400 local restaurants will offer deals throughout the 17-day affair.

Dates: Friday through Feb. 4

Cost: $25 prix fixe brunch and lunch, $42 or $59 dinner (doesn't include beverage, tax and tip)

Go deeper: CRW 2024: New restaurants and best deals

🎭 2. International Puppet Theater Festival

• Choose from over 100 events during this 11-day festival. Over 14,000 people are expected to attend this event that highlights artists from all over the world.
• Dates: Through Jan. 28
• Cost: Varies by event

🍩 3. Stan's Donut Fest

• Celebrate Stan's 10th anniversary in Chicago with an afternoon of donut tastings, photo-ops, specialty cocktails, a DJ set and giveaways including free coffee for a year. Tickets range from $20–$30.
• Details: Donut tasting flavors include lemon pistachio, blue velvet coconut, mini olive oil, Cap'n Crunch Bismarck, tiramisu, cookies and cream, blueberry fritter and snack cake.
• When: 11am–3pm Saturday
• Address: 155 W. Kinzie St.

🎶 4. Tomorrow Never Knows

• See local musicians, indie artists and acclaimed comedians across five days and several venues at this almost 20-year-old festival.
• Dates: Though Sunday
• Cost: Varies; most around $20
• Locations: Lincoln Hall, Schubas, GMan Tavern, Sleeping Village

☃️ 5. Polar Adventure Days

• Enjoy winter activities at Big Marsh Park, including husky sledding, guided bird hikes, crafts, bonfires, hot cocoa, live music and roaming puppet shows. Free.
• Dates: Noon–3pm Saturday