19 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Weekend

By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 29, 2016 5:48PM

We hear temps could reach 50 degrees this weekend. If that's not enough to pull you from hibernation this weekend, try these events on for size.

FRIDAY JANUARY 29

WINTER BREW: Two craft beer events make up the Winter Brew fest in Ravenswood and Lincoln Square this weekend. Friday evening from 7 to 10 p.m. at Architectural Artifacts there’s a food and beer pairing featuring 6 local breweries and 5 restaurants. Saturday Links Hall will host two sessions of pourings and tastings from fore than 10 breweries. Tickets start at $12.

HIP-HOP: Remember Timbaland? He’ll be taking over the decks at Room Seven on Friday night as part of his 'Kings Stay King' tour. Most recently the legendary producer has been responsible for the soundtrack of the TV show Empire, but now he’s got a mixtape out in advance of a new LP, Textbook Timbo. 10 p.m.

MUSIC CONSERVATORY: The oldest conservatory in the country, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, makes their Chicago debut with two nights of free concerts. Catch the Contemporary Music Ensemble on Friday at Ganz Hall or the Oberlin Orchestra on Saturday at the Chicago Symphony Center. Both events are free, but you will need a ticket for entry. Visit their website for more information.

HOME SHOW: See Chip Wade of HGTV’s show "Elbow Room," The Food Network's Sandwich King Jeff Mauro and more this weekend at the Ideal Home Show on Navy Pier. Tickets are $7 in advance ($10 at the door).

GRAMMY NOM PARTY: Che “Rhymefest” Smith hosts a Grammy nomination party at The Promontory beginning at 8 p.m. Friday night. T.L. Williams will also perform. Tickets are $10 in advance ($15 door).

SATURDAY JANUARY 30

POLAR PLUNGE: It’s that time of year. It's January and it's freezing outside, so why not jump in the lake? This is the 15th year for Lakeview Polar Bear Club’s Polar Plunge into Lake Michigan. This year the plunge on Oak Street Beach supports two families dealing with children’s illness. The official plunge begins at noon, but participants should arrive by 11 a.m. for registration. Cost is $30 per swimmer.

FITNESS SHOWCASE: Work on your fitness with Nike personal trainers at JW Marriott’s Fitness Showcase event. NFL strength coach and Nike Master trainer Jason Raynor will guide you through a diverse workout followed by a restorative yoga session. They’ll also have healthy juices and snacks and a raffle. Tickets are $25.

FAMILY TIME: The string quartet Kronos Quartet is the star of this edition of Harris Theater’s Family Series. These one-hour matinee performances are tailored for kids ages 4 to 12 to share with their families. There will even be a meet & greet with photo ops after the performance. 2 p.m. Tickets are $12.

PACKZI CLASS: Fat Tuesday is just around the corner, and Delightful Pastries is hosting a packzi making class at their Jefferson Park location from 1 to 3 p.m. You’ll fry, glaze and fill those delicious treats as well as make angel wings (chrusciki). We bet that tasting will be a big part of the class. Tickets are $65 per person.

SNOWBALL: Want to support a good cause while being a part of the last private event held in Union Station’s Great Hall? Snowball benefits the Adolescent and Pediatric AIDS & HIV Programs at The Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Hosted by the Junior Council, the event features a performance from '90s cover band, Rod Tuffcurls and the Benchpress, as well as cocktails, food and a silent auction. 8 p.m. Tickets are $145.

ZLUMBER PARTY: Sleep over at Quimby’s on Saturday night and work on your zine at their Zlumber Party. Just bring a sleeping bag and whatever publishing project you've got going (zine, comic, book, magazine, artist book, etc.) and they’ll provide the snacks and coffee. 9:30 p.m. Free, but let them know if you're coming so they have an accurate head count.

IMPROV MURDER MYSTERY: Debuting in The Second City’s brand new Beat Lounge is Clued In: An Improvised Murder Mystery at 9 p.m. The cast of six will take a single suggestion from the audience and create a thrilling tale of crime, secrets and scandal. If you miss tonight’s performance, the show will return with a run from Feb 13th to 27th. Tickets are $13.

STAND-UP COMEDY: Everyone’s favorite South Asian stand-up comedy collective, Simmer Brown, returns to the Bughouse Theater at 8 p.m. This month’s lineup includes Joey Villagomez who’s appeared on HBO Latino and Emily Galati from Last Comic Standing. Tickets are $10.

EARLY MARDI GRAS BASH: Get an early dose of Mardi Gras at the Chicago Cultural Center Saturday evening at 8 p.m. with a Steamy Swamp Punk Mardi Gras Bash. The Mystick Krewe of Laff, the premiere Mardi Gras Krewe of Chicago, hosts the event that includes all-you-can-drink cocktails, homemade jambalaya, red beans & rice, and a performance from funk groups The Heard and BS Brass Band. Tickets are $50.

SUNDAY JANUARY 31

DOG SHOW: The International Kennel Club Dog Show may have moved from McCormick Place to Grayslake, but that won’t stop us from going seeing cute little doggies strut their stuff for Best In Show. IKC has teamed up with “The Cool Cluster” to make this year’s show happen at Lake County Fairgrounds. Free.

ROCK MUSICAL: Take a trip back to Championship Vinyl with the musical version of High Fidelity premiering tonight. Refuge Theatre Project presents the “rock-infused musical” that will take place inside the specially created “Refuge Records” at 666 W. Hubbard St. Tickets are $15 for the preview Sunday evening, and $20 for the rest of the run through February 28.

NERD DATING: Dating for Nerds hosts a ‘destiny’ themed party at Four Star Lounge from 5 to 8 p.m. Harry Potter, Captain America and Dr. Who are among the nerd topics will be on tap for the singles event that includes a Power Gem drink deal and more. Tickets are $30 and registration is required.

WINE + BEER CHARITY TASTING: The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is hosting their 15th Annual d’Vine Affair on Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Union League Club. The wine and beer tasting event raises funds for their self-sufficiency programs that support low-income, single-parent families. Sip on wines from 90 different vintners and beers from more than 7 import and craft breweries plus hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Tickets are $125.

LITERARY SERIES: Curbside Splendor Publishing is on spotlight at this month's Sunday Salon with authors from the local indie press reading excerpts from their works. Halle Butler, Dasha Kelly, Dave Reidy and Tony Fitzpatrick will all appear at the event which begins at 7 p.m. at Riverview Tavern. Free.