THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Plenty of Warmth Despite Arctic Blast!

Well, we’ll be closing out the last weekend of January 2019 with an arctic blast!  Not to worry though, there’s plenty of warmth coming your way!!

Come in from the cold and warm up at the 8th annual Winter Brew 2019.  Local craft breweries and cideries from around Chicago set up shop on the 5th floor ballroom and 6th floor Skyline Lounge of the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center (4740 N. Western Ave.) in the Lincoln Square neighborhood.  Each brewery will showcase up to two different craft beers or ciders, with some limited releases being offered this Saturday at two sessions (12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.).  It’s the city’s premier indoor beer tasting event that you don’t want to miss!

The greatest fundraiser on earth takes place at the 5th annual Chitown Beernival this Saturday (2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.) at Rizzo’s Bar and Inn (3658 N. Clark St.) in the Lakeview neighborhood.  It’s an awesome adult beer-themed carnival featuring a beer pong tournament, competitive flip cup, carnival games, prizes, and more.  Best of all, all proceeds benefit Autism Speaks to Young Professionals!  You’ll have a great time for a great cause!!

Say CHEESE!  Yep, the Mac & Cheese Crawl takes place this Saturday (11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.) at the Old Crow Smokehouse (149 W. Kinzie St.) in the River North neighborhood.  Your ticket comes with seven servings of mac and cheese, access to drink specials at each location, fun giveaways, and more!  It’s Chicago’s cheesiest bar crawl so bring your appetite and be ready to party!!

They’re back for their 6th year!  Donut Fest Chicago sets up shop this Sunday at Chop Shop (2033 W. North Ave.) in the Wicker Park neighborhood.  The best Chicago bakeries will gather and bring you their best cruller, ring, or long-john for you to sample!  Tickets are available for three sessions:  VIP (8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.) and General (10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. & 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.).  A few of this year’s participants are Stan’s Donuts, GBD Cakes and Sweets, Longman & Eagle, Firecakes, D & D’ Place, Roeser’s Bakery, and others.  Participating coffee purveyors are Big Shoulders Coffee, Dark Matter Coffee, Printer’s Row Coffee Co., Kyoto Black, and DavidsTea.  And don’t leave without your take-home goodie bag!

Not to be confused with the Chicago Polar Plunge taking place in March, this Saturday’s Polar Bear Plunge takes place at 12 noon sharp at Oak Street Beach (1000 N. Lake Shore Dr.) in the Gold Coast neighborhood.  This frigid tradition challenges participants to take a plunge into Lake Michigan to raise money for local families in need!  All plungers must wear shoes and it’s advisable to bring warm dry clothes for after the plunge.  Also costumes are encouraged as a costume contest is being held!!

Finally, it’s the south siders turn to take in some baseball at their 27th annual SoxFest convention this weekend at the Hilton Chicago (720 S. Michigan Ave.) in the South Loop.  SoxFest provides fans the opportunity to interact (autographs & photos) with their favorite current players, minor leaguers, alumni coaches & other special guests; enjoy special panels, experiences & activities; obtain 2019 ticket sales information; visit the White Sox team store with apparel & souvenirs for the new season, and more!  Come show your excitement for the upcoming year!!

How Will You Get Your Warmth?