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A guide to fun things to do in Chicago this weekend.

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New ad blitz targets tariffs on small businesses

A small business organization is using posters to highlight tariff challenges for entrepreneurs.

Business

A new monthlong guerrilla ad campaign is hitting Chicago on Monday to bring attention to small businesses that have been affected by tariffs.Why it matters: According to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surveys by the Council on Foreign Relations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cfr.org/articles/what-americans-really-think-about-trade-and-tariffs" data-vars-content-id="212dc5a1-ce18-4403-bc2d-b949b5c51d34" data-vars-headline="New ad blitz targets tariffs on small businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cfr.org/articles/what-americans-really-think-about-trade-and-tariffs" target="_blank">surveys by the Council on Foreign Relations</a>, 2 in 5 Americans mistakenly believe a tariff is paid by a foreign country. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Research from the New York Fed" data-vars-click-url="https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2026/02/who-is-paying-for-the-2025-u-s-tariffs/" data-vars-content-id="212dc5a1-ce18-4403-bc2d-b949b5c51d34" data-vars-headline="New ad blitz targets tariffs on small businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2026/02/who-is-paying-for-the-2025-u-s-tariffs/" target="_blank">Research from the New York Fed</a> and Columbia University shows that nearly 90% of the tariffs President Trump enacted in 2025 were paid by U.S. firms and consumers.

Pick up an Illinois passport for America's 250th

A new Illinois passport guides visitors to 60 historic sites, from Cahokia Mounds to Pullman.

History

Illinois is putting its own stamp on the country&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="250th birthday." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/07/black-history-250-who-decides" data-vars-content-id="7bb4c31b-b800-458a-b75b-ce75bbca4afe" data-vars-headline="Pick up an Illinois passport for America&#x27;s 250th" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/07/black-history-250-who-decides" target="_self">250th birthday.</a>

Illinois pushes back on latest Trump voting order

The Illinois ACLU says it would disenfranchise millions of voters.

Election

Illinois advocates are challenging President Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest effort to change voting laws" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/25/trump-elections-executive-order-citizenship-proof" data-vars-content-id="1c207705-be16-4233-a92b-7e6f3a70c53f" data-vars-headline="Illinois pushes back on latest Trump voting order" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/25/trump-elections-executive-order-citizenship-proof" target="_self">latest effort to change voting laws</a>, which would create voter lists that the Postal Service would use to identify who gets a mail-in ballot.Why it matters: The U.S. Constitution <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="places the job of election administration" data-vars-click-url="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S4-C1-2/ALDE_00013577/" data-vars-content-id="1c207705-be16-4233-a92b-7e6f3a70c53f" data-vars-headline="Illinois pushes back on latest Trump voting order" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S4-C1-2/ALDE_00013577/" target="_blank">places the job of election administration</a> in the hands of the states and Congress.

Bill Kurtis is ready to read, write and roam

It includes a walk along the river, writing, pancakes at Beatrix and dinner at Prairie Grass Cafe.

Things to Do

Legendary anchorman and &quot;voice of God,&quot; Bill Kurtis, 85, announced this month he&#x27;s retiring from his regular (and hilarious) gig as judge and scorekeeper on &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wait Wait…Don&#x27;t Tell Me" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/06/30/wait-wait-dont-tell-me-peter-sagal-chicago" data-vars-content-id="a17362b5-5eb2-4681-aaaa-a0624766b879" data-vars-headline="Bill Kurtis is ready to read, write and roam" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/06/30/wait-wait-dont-tell-me-peter-sagal-chicago" target="_self">Wait Wait…Don&#x27;t Tell Me</a>!&quot; His last show is May 23.<ul><li>In retirement, Kurtis tells Axios, he looks forward to &quot;More writing. More reading. More time on the land.&quot;</li></ul>

Where to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Chicago

Culture

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Patrick&#x27;s Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/09/a-very-chicago-st-paddys-day-treat-green-beer-chips" data-vars-content-id="8ac240d0-8f6f-43d7-9d5d-3c21243ad310" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate St. Patrick&#x27;s Day in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/09/a-very-chicago-st-paddys-day-treat-green-beer-chips" target="_self">St. Patrick&#x27;s Day</a> is one of the liveliest weekends in Chicago.The vibe: From the downtown and neighborhood parades, the river dyeing and, of course, the food and drink specials, here&#x27;s how to celebrate Chicago style.

Monster Jam roars into Rosemont's Allstate Arena this weekend

Inside the Chicago motorsport show happening this weekend

Chicago culture and cars make for good entertainment! This weekend, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Monster Jam" data-vars-click-url="https://www.monsterjam.com/en-us/" data-vars-content-id="5c96b74a-030e-4353-b629-1a4c4eaaca56" data-vars-headline="Monster Jam roars into Rosemont&#x27;s Allstate Arena this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.monsterjam.com/en-us/" target="_blank">Monster Jam</a>, an indoor action-packed motorsports show, will make its way to Allstate Arena in Rosemont. The big picture: If you&#x27;re into cars and live action, you will want to watch these skilled drivers race and twirl in the air. State of play: While auto fans won&#x27;t <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="see a return of NASCAR at Grant Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/18/nascar-chicago-street-race-paused-2026" data-vars-content-id="5c96b74a-030e-4353-b629-1a4c4eaaca56" data-vars-headline="Monster Jam roars into Rosemont&#x27;s Allstate Arena this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/07/18/nascar-chicago-street-race-paused-2026" target="_self">see a return of NASCAR at Grant Park</a> this summer, Monster Jam might scratch a similar itch with teams driving 10.5-foot-tall cars in races, skills challenges and doughnut and freestyle competitions.<ul><li>Guests can also participate in the fun by casting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="votes on their phones" data-vars-click-url="https://www.judgeszone.com/?_gl=1*1xp3yvg*_ga*MTQ3NTEyODY5Ni4xNzcxOTM5NzMx*_ga_MC09NLJBZ4*czE3NzIwMzczMjIkbzMkZzEkdDE3NzIwMzkwMTEkajU5JGwwJGgw*_gcl_au*MTIyMTkzNDI0NS4xNzcxOTM5NzMx*_ga_XBYLHWGKH7*czE3NzIwMzczMjIkbzMkZzEkdDE3NzIwMzkwMTIkajU4JGwwJGgw" data-vars-content-id="5c96b74a-030e-4353-b629-1a4c4eaaca56" data-vars-headline="Monster Jam roars into Rosemont&#x27;s Allstate Arena this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.judgeszone.com/?_gl=1*1xp3yvg*_ga*MTQ3NTEyODY5Ni4xNzcxOTM5NzMx*_ga_MC09NLJBZ4*czE3NzIwMzczMjIkbzMkZzEkdDE3NzIwMzkwMTEkajU5JGwwJGgw*_gcl_au*MTIyMTkzNDI0NS4xNzcxOTM5NzMx*_ga_XBYLHWGKH7*czE3NzIwMzczMjIkbzMkZzEkdDE3NzIwMzkwMTIkajU4JGwwJGgw" target="_blank">votes on their phones</a>. </li><li>The Jam will feature eight teams competing for the Arena Championship Series Central title. </li></ul><figure><img alt="Classroom Crusher FMX." height="853" id="bd2ee50d-a91d-4aa3-ba36-477778ef6da4" src="https://images.axios.com/5GwJN7J1LP2tkhehHhpvgardmd8=/2026/02/24/1771964770531.jpg" width="1280"/><figcaption>Classroom Crusher FMX. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment.</figcaption></figure>If you go: Get there early to catch a pit party for guests ahead of every show. <ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets start at $32" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/monster-jam-freestyle-mania-presented-by-rosemont-illinois-02-27-2026/event/04006306E0503ABA" data-vars-content-id="5c96b74a-030e-4353-b629-1a4c4eaaca56" data-vars-headline="Monster Jam roars into Rosemont&#x27;s Allstate Arena this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/monster-jam-freestyle-mania-presented-by-rosemont-illinois-02-27-2026/event/04006306E0503ABA" target="_blank">Tickets start at $32</a>.</li><li>Times vary, Friday-Sunday at Allstate Arena in Rosemont. </li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: Which winner will earn a spot in the Monster Jam World Finals in Salt Lake City, Utah, during the Fourth of July weekend.

Where to celebrate Lunar New Year in Chicago this weekend

From dances to dumpling classes, here's where to ring in the Year of the Fire Horse in Chicago.

Mark the Year of the Fire Horse with art, music and food this Lunar New Year. Here are a few ways to celebrate in Chicago this weekend.

Galentine's Day events and celebrations in Chicago

From cocktail making to roller-skating, Chicago has a jam-packed Galentine's Day weekend.

Grab your girlfriends — Valentine&#x27;s Day weekend isn&#x27;t just for couples. It&#x27;s also a time to celebrate friendships with drinks, dancing and laughter!

Best bars in Chicago for watching the Bears

This is where Chicago Bears fans are going to watch the playoff game.

It&#x27;s playoff time, and it feels like the entire city is rooting for a Bears win.The big picture: The Chicago Bears have given fans plenty to cheer about this NFL season. While some will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="splurge to see the action live" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/06/bears-vs-packers-ticket-prices-nfl-record-wild-card-soldier-field" data-vars-content-id="dc2db34f-f3c7-406e-a7ce-ff228a00cd1f" data-vars-headline="Best bars in Chicago for watching the Bears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/06/bears-vs-packers-ticket-prices-nfl-record-wild-card-soldier-field" target="_self">splurge to see the action live</a>, many locals will opt to watch on the big screen, surrounded by the fans inside a packed neighborhood bar.<ul><li>While every bar is a Bears bar these days, here are just a few places to catch the action.</li></ul>

20 Chicago holiday pop-up bars to check out

20 festive bars to visit in Chicago this weekend.

☃️ &#x27;Tis the season to stay warm and get festive with holiday pop-up bars. Here&#x27;s your local guide to where to go this season.The vibe: These limited-time bars offer a cozy and fun place to meet with colleagues or friends to enjoy holiday-themed decor and specialty cocktails.

A (former) barista's guide to the best coffee shops in Chicago

We judge the coffee shops on vibe, coffee and service.

Food and Drink

This year, I&#x27;m traveling far and wide to find the best coffee shops in the city and suburbs.I&#x27;ll review them in three categories: Coffee, vibe and service.

This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January

Whether you&#x27;re off to a wellness start for the new year, looking to cut back on sugar or just need a reason to sip some mocktails, Dry January has kicked off.Zoom in: Here are a few restaurants and bars with spirit-free drink specials that may be worth checking out.<figure><img alt="Photo:Table at Crate " height="4480" id="e2ee83ee-1dcf-402f-bf68-a26a35694386" src="https://images.axios.com/XWs2yk20_OMRwKlYFeA0_KKAOf0=/2025/01/09/1736428059096.jpg" width="6720"/><figcaption>Photo:Table at Crate</figcaption></figure><ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Table at Crate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tableatcrate.com/" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tableatcrate.com/" target="_blank">The Table at Crate</a> located in Oakbook Center: Guests can sip on refreshing lavender lemonade ($10).</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Marisol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.marisolchicago.com/" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.marisolchicago.com/" target="_blank">Marisol</a> at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago: Happy hour drinks from 4-6pm features mocktails such as &quot;El Cielo,&quot; which includes lavender, ginger, lime and tonic ($12 and $10 during happy hour).</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Farm Bar " data-vars-click-url="https://www.farm-bar.com/" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.farm-bar.com/" target="_blank">Farm Bar </a>in Lakeview and Ravenswood: Check out the &quot;Apple Karma&quot; featuring a blend of apple cider, lemon and lavender ($8.50).</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LG&#x27;s Bar and Kitchen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lgsbar.com/" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lgsbar.com/" target="_blank">LG&#x27;s Bar and Kitchen</a>, located in Old Town: Try the &quot;Orange You Glad To See Me,&quot; a citrus, blood orange juice mixed with lemon juice, simple syrup, and Lyre&#x27;s non-alcoholic Prosecco ($10).</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="El Che" data-vars-click-url="https://www.elchechicago.com/" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.elchechicago.com/" target="_blank">El Che</a> in the West Loop: The steak house offers various crafted drinks, but their &quot;La Plata&quot; mixed with non-alcoholic whiskey, lemon, honey syrup and ginger may be worth a shot ($14).</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bodega Taqueria y Tequila" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bodegataqueria.com/" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bodegataqueria.com/" target="_blank">Bodega Taqueria y Tequila</a>, located in River North and West Loop: Enjoy Mexican tacos along with three mocktails options — &quot;Spiced Mule,&quot; &quot;No-Paloma&quot; and &quot;Garden Lemonade&quot; ($14 each).</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sifr" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sifrchicago.com/" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sifrchicago.com/" target="_blank">Sifr</a>: Recognized in the 2024 Chicago Michelin Guide, this Middle Eastern inspired restaurant offers spirit-free drinks like their &quot;Itnan&quot; ($12) and the &quot;Talata&quot; ($12).</li></ul>💭 Monica&#x27;s thought bubble: As someone who usually orders a club soda with lime at the bar, I love all the creativity going into new mocktails (and specials) this month and the spotlight on non-alcoholic beer. I&#x27;m still a little skeptical about non-alcoholic wines, though.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">More things to do this weekend:</h2>🎷 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Too Hot To Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah" data-vars-click-url="https://www.auditoriumtheatre.org/events/detail/too-hot-to-handel" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.auditoriumtheatre.org/events/detail/too-hot-to-handel" target="_blank">Too Hot To Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah</a><ul><li>Listen to R&amp;B, jazz and gospel this weekend as musicians grace the stage.</li><li>6pm Saturday and 3pm Sunday at The Auditorium Theatre.</li></ul>Cost: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets start at $39" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axs.com/events/531266/too-hot-to-handel-tickets?skin=auditoriumtheatre&amp;_gl=1*isg9rl*_ga*Mjk0MzMxMzk2LjE3MzU4NjAxNjU.*_ga_HRK2MMXV9R*MTczNTg2MDE2NC4xLjEuMTczNTg2MDE2OS41NS4wLjA." data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axs.com/events/531266/too-hot-to-handel-tickets?skin=auditoriumtheatre&amp;_gl=1*isg9rl*_ga*Mjk0MzMxMzk2LjE3MzU4NjAxNjU.*_ga_HRK2MMXV9R*MTczNTg2MDE2NC4xLjEuMTczNTg2MDE2OS41NS4wLjA." target="_blank">Tickets start at $39</a>🖼️ <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Art Institute of Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.artic.edu/" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.artic.edu/" target="_blank">Art Institute of Chicago</a><ul><li>Explore various exhibitions during the museum&#x27;s free winter weekday promotion, which lasts through March 14.</li><li>11am-5pm Mondays, 11am-8pm Thursdays, and 11am - 5pm Fridays.</li></ul>Cost: Free. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Reserve Online" data-vars-click-url="https://sales.artic.edu/admissions" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sales.artic.edu/admissions" target="_blank">Reserve Online</a>🛥️ <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Boat Show" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagoboatshow.com/" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagoboatshow.com/" target="_blank">Chicago Boat Show</a><ul><li>Check out thousands of boats and educate yourself ahead of the summer season.</li><li>11am-9pm Friday, 10am-8pm Saturday and 10am-5pm Sunday at the Donald E. Stephens Convention &amp; Conference Center in Rosemont.</li></ul>Cost: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets start at $13" data-vars-click-url="https://secure.interactiveticketing.com/1.42/8d252c/?_ga=2.172823141.719591248.1735861613-918339723.1735861613&amp;_gl=1*1en6axc*_gcl_au*MTk1OTE5NTQzMy4xNzM1ODYxNjEz*_ga*OTE4MzM5NzIzLjE3MzU4NjE2MTM.*_ga_MLBQ5BPTD6*MTczNTg2MTYxMi4xLjAuMTczNTg2MTYxMi42MC4wLjA.#/select" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://secure.interactiveticketing.com/1.42/8d252c/?_ga=2.172823141.719591248.1735861613-918339723.1735861613&amp;_gl=1*1en6axc*_gcl_au*MTk1OTE5NTQzMy4xNzM1ODYxNjEz*_ga*OTE4MzM5NzIzLjE3MzU4NjE2MTM.*_ga_MLBQ5BPTD6*MTczNTg2MTYxMi4xLjAuMTczNTg2MTYxMi42MC4wLjA.#/select" target="_blank">Tickets start at $13</a>🎧 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Silent Party" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/silent-party-chicago-rb-divas-twerk-queens-trap-juke-rb-tickets-1115692830289?aff=ebdssbdestsearch" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/silent-party-chicago-rb-divas-twerk-queens-trap-juke-rb-tickets-1115692830289?aff=ebdssbdestsearch" target="_blank">Silent Party</a><ul><li>Grab your headphones and dance the night away to music spun by multiple DJs.</li><li>10pm-2am Friday at the Dime on Lincoln Avenue.</li></ul>Cost: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets start at $10" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/silent-party-chicago-rb-divas-twerk-queens-trap-juke-rb-tickets-1115692830289?aff=ebdssbdestsearch" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/silent-party-chicago-rb-divas-twerk-queens-trap-juke-rb-tickets-1115692830289?aff=ebdssbdestsearch" target="_blank">Tickets start at $10</a>🎶 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Wicked&quot; sing-along" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fandango.com/wicked-sing-along-2024-238847/movie-overview?cmp=Pmark_Search_Google~Fandango~20512459907~&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAm-67BhBlEiwAEVftNkdJdPXZMVf9FGDes6dg1s948KtCS0PIuptYqBrnyqsANFaqW5tq-BoCQ9cQAvD_BwE" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fandango.com/wicked-sing-along-2024-238847/movie-overview?cmp=Pmark_Search_Google~Fandango~20512459907~&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAm-67BhBlEiwAEVftNkdJdPXZMVf9FGDes6dg1s948KtCS0PIuptYqBrnyqsANFaqW5tq-BoCQ9cQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">&quot;Wicked&quot; sing-along</a><ul><li>Belt your favorite songs during an interactive screening of the popular film.</li><li>12:45pm and 2:45pm Friday, 12:30pm and 2:45pm Saturday and 1:15pm Sunday at AMC Village Crossing 18 Theatre in Skokie.</li></ul>Cost: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets start at $8.60 for children and $10.91 for adults" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fandango.com/wicked-sing-along-2024-238847/movie-overview?cmp=Pmark_Search_Google~Fandango~20512459907~&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAm-67BhBlEiwAEVftNkdJdPXZMVf9FGDes6dg1s948KtCS0PIuptYqBrnyqsANFaqW5tq-BoCQ9cQAvD_BwE&amp;date=2025-01-10" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fandango.com/wicked-sing-along-2024-238847/movie-overview?cmp=Pmark_Search_Google~Fandango~20512459907~&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAm-67BhBlEiwAEVftNkdJdPXZMVf9FGDes6dg1s948KtCS0PIuptYqBrnyqsANFaqW5tq-BoCQ9cQAvD_BwE&amp;date=2025-01-10" target="_blank">Tickets start at $8.60 for children and $10.91 for adults</a> 🧜🏻‍♀️ &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Little Mermaid" data-vars-click-url="https://drurylanetheatre.com/the-little-mermaid/" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://drurylanetheatre.com/the-little-mermaid/" target="_blank">The Little Mermaid</a>&quot;<ul><li>Go under the sea for the final days of the theatrical adaptation of this Disney classic.</li><li>7pm Friday, 3pm and 8pm Saturday, 2pm and 8pm Sunday at the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace.</li></ul>Cost: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets start at $80" data-vars-click-url="https://am.ticketmaster.com/drurylane/buy?id=MTUx" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://am.ticketmaster.com/drurylane/buy?id=MTUx" target="_blank">Tickets start at $80</a>🎨 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spray Paint &#x27;n&#x27; Sip " data-vars-click-url="https://feverup.com/m/91530" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://feverup.com/m/91530" target="_blank">Spray Paint &#x27;n&#x27; Sip </a><ul><li>Tap into your inner Picasso at this 90-minute art workshop.</li><li>6pm and 8:30pm Friday, 1pm and 6pm Saturday and 1pm, 3:30pm and 6pm Sunday at Studio W.I.P in Uptown.</li></ul>If you go: It&#x27;s BYOB!Cost: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets start at $40" data-vars-click-url="https://feverup.com/m/91530" data-vars-content-id="d2131dc9-9362-45e6-888a-9a9fa3ed0e61" data-vars-headline="This weekend in Chicago: Too Hot to Handel, Chicago Boat Show, and Dry January" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://feverup.com/m/91530" target="_blank">Tickets start at $40</a>

Chicago confidential: Holiday things to do (and skip)

We give our recommendations on what do to this holiday season in the Chicago area.

The first snow has fallen. The lights are twinkling. And holiday cheer is flowing throughout the Chicago area.The big picture: The city has grand traditions around the holiday season, and people sometimes wait hours to partake in these annual festivities, sometimes just to say they did.

Chicago insider's guide to fall suburban getaways

From North Shore to Southland, we've got an insider's guide to the 'burbs.

We&#x27;ve all been there — we need a vacation but don&#x27;t have time to take an extended fall trip before the holidays.May we suggest a getaway to one of Chicago&#x27;s beautiful suburbs?

Guides

Where to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Chicago

Bacon, beer and film: Chicago's weekend highlights

Monster Jam roars into Rosemont's Allstate Arena this weekend

Where to celebrate Lunar New Year in Chicago this weekend

Galentine's Day events and celebrations in Chicago