THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Getting Through ‘Ole Man Winter – the Fun Way!

In case you haven’t noticed, it’s already the last weekend of January 2020! And, it’s packed with a variety of fun events to get through ‘ole man winter as we inch closer to spring!!

It’s the south siders turn this Friday and Saturday as the 28th annual SoxFest takes place at McCormick Place West (2301 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in the South Loop. This fan event is the unofficial start for the 2020 Chicago White Sox season, where fans can connect with current players such as José Abreu, Tim Anderson, Aaron Bummer, just to name a few. Former Sox stars such as Harold Baines, Frank Thomas, José Contreras, Ozzie Guillén, and many others will also be on hand. Enjoy fun interactive spaces, popular autograph sessions, question-and-answer seminars, and more! Will 2020 be the year for the Sox?

It’s that time of year again for the 19th annual Polar Bear Plunge this Saturday at Oak Street Beach (1000 N. Lake Shore Dr.) in the Gold Coast neighborhood. After check-in at the registration tent (arrive no later than 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.), locate a nice spot on the beach to leave your towel and change of warm clothes, and go get pumped for the plunge at Noon sharp as one big group in the freezing waters of Lake Michigan! All plungers MUST wear closed-toe shoes and are encouraged to wear a costume as well. Afterward, the celebration continues at Moe’s Cantina River North (155 W. Kinzie St.) from 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Why not kick-off 2020 by doing something crazy!!

Perhaps staying dry is more your style, and nothing will warm you up on a cold winter day than the Mac & Cheese Crawl this Saturday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) in the River North neighborhood’s best bars. Your ticket includes admission, 7 Mac & Cheese servings, drink specials, giveaways, and more! And, if you’re still out and about at 10 p.m., head on over to Old Crow River North (149 W. Kinzie St.) where you can get a free drink on them (10 p.m.-11 p.m.) by mentioning to the host you were in the Mac & Cheese Crawl!!

Come in from the cold and warm up at this year’s Winter Brew this Saturday with two sessions (1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m.) at the DANK Haus German Cultural Center (4720 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 throughout the day! You can purchase drink/food tickets online or on-site, and attendees will receive a branded souvenir beer glass at check-in. It’s a Chicago street festival but indoors!!

Usher in the Year of the Rat at Global Connections: Chinese New Year this Saturday (1 p.m.-5 p.m.) at Navy Pier, Aon Ballroom (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood. It’s a traditional Chinese New Year celebration with a vibrant display of cultural expression featuring festive décor, bold costumes, customary music, and more! Authentic Chinese cuisine will be available for purchase from participating restaurants, including specialty food vendor New Furama Restaurant. Exciting performances include a drum team, a lion dance team, martial arts performances, and many other vibrant acts that will make this a celebration you soon won’t forget!!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago