THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Still Winter – Enjoy It!!

Good news is we’re halfway through January! Bad news? It’s still winter in Chicago. So, you might as well as enjoy it!

Join the Chicago Polar Bear Club for their 17th annual Polar Plunge fundraiser this Saturday at Oak Street Beach (1000 N. Lake Shore Dr.) in the Gold Coast neighborhood.  The plunge will take place at noon sharp and will be done as one big group.  Remember, all plungers MUST wear shoes and don’t forget to wear your best costume!  After all, you’re doing something crazy, so why not embrace it?  Plus, there’s a costume contest!  Afterwards, head on over to the after party at Old Town Social.  Your $35 ticket will include food, a special drink package, games, and more.  Most of all, YOU can make a difference in a family’s life who’s in need!!

There are several Chicago Park District Events taking place this Saturday for both kids and the adults (bigger kids), which include:

“Family Flakeout” at the North Park Village Nature Center (5801 N. Pulaski Rd.) in the North Park neighborhood from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Learn all about snow!  Capture and identify the different types of snowflakes, make snow people inside, and see frost crystalize right before your eyes!

“Sno-Way 16” Softball Tournament” at Rainey Park (4350 W. 79th St.) in the Scottsdale/Greater Ashburn neighborhood from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

“Polar Adventure Day” at Northerly Island (1521 S. Linn White Dr.) in the South Loop from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Activities include touring the Northerly Island natural area, seeing Siberian huskies, wolves, and other live animals, enjoying a treat at the CLIF kid healthy snack station, sipping hot cocoa while strolling across the prairie, and much more!

Join the 2018 Chicago Ale Fest – Winter Edition at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood this Saturday in the Aon Grand Ballroom for the largest winter craft beer event in Chicago.  This fest will feature more than 150 American Craft Beers with a strong focus on winter seasonals!  There are two sessions: 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.  Plus, Chicago’s favorite food trucks and a DJ spinning your favorite hits will!  It’s one of the most anticipated winter beer events of the year!!

Join Joe’s Bar (940 W. Weed St.) in the Goose Island neighborhood this Saturday (1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.) for their Chitown Beernival.  It’s a beer-themed, adult carnival benefitting Autism Speaks.  Activities include a beer pong tournament, competitive flip cup, carnival games, great prizes, and more!  There’s even an after party at Sully’s House (1501 N. Dayton St.) from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  It’s guaranteed to be a great time for a great cause!!

Or, join Hofbräuhaus Chicago (5500 Park Pl.) in Rosemont this Saturday (6:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.) as they celebrate their fifth anniversary!  Festivities include a traditional keg tapping ceremony, an authentic “oompah” band direct from Germany, and performances from a 40-piece German Bugle band.  And, the first 300 guests to arrive will receive a free commemorative t-shirt!!

Enjoy Winter! It Will Go Faster!!