CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lincoln Park, Evanston, Logan Square, River North, Lakeview, Gold Coast

Lincoln Park: Cocktails, socialites, and murder! This weekend has all of the above and more at the Cocktail Party: Speakeasy Murder Mystery. The 1920s themed interactive event takes place at Verlocal in Lincoln Park Saturday, February 22, from 11 am to 2 pm. Participants in this murder mystery will receive character descriptions to play out, two cocktails, and the chance to win prizes. Find more info here.

Evanston: Brave the cold and warm your funny bone up this weekend at Evanston Laughs taking place on February 22 at the Gibbs-Morrison Cultural Center from 7 pm to 10 pm. Featuring the stand up of Lawrence Owens and Ben Noble, this laugh out loud event will definitely leave you in stitches. Tickets are $12. Find more info here.

Logan Square: The 4th annual Wintercamp Music Festival hits on Leap Year Day, February 29, in Logan Square. The event kicks off at the Logan Square Auditorium from 7 pm to 1:30 am. This fest features a plethora of electronic music artists, including DOMI + JD Beck, LWKY, mathien, and more, in addition to dancers and food. Tickets are $15-$20. Find more info here.

River North: And now for something completely different. The Comedy Bar hosts the Tomato Throw Show on Tuesday, February 25, from 8 pm to 9:30 pm in River North. Audience members will be given fake tomatoes to hurl at comedians during their sets throughout the night. The comedian with the least amount of tomatoes lobbed at them is the winner. Tickets are $15. Find more info here.

Lakeview: Bacon lovers rejoice! Smoke Daddy in Lakeview is hosting Makin’ Bacon on February 22 at 2 pm. For an hour and a half, bacon enthusiasts can take part in learning the ins and outs of this delicious food with a Bacon 101 class featuring food and drink. Then you can handpick your own bacon rub, which will be smoked and packaged for you to pick up the following week. Find more info here.

Gold Coast: Sure, it’s still February in the Windy City, but real Chicagoans know that’s no excuse to stay inside. Join the Bikes, Bites & Brews tour on Saturday, February 29, from noon to 4 pm for an afternoon in foodie heaven, all while exploring the city on two wheels. Kicking off at 540 N. Lake Shore Drive, this tour features Chicago’s Mount Rushmore of palette preferences – pizza, hot dogs, beer, and cupcakes. Bike your way through Streeterville, the Gold Coast, Lakeview, Wrigleyville, and Lincoln Park while enjoying a sampling of Chicago’s favorite dishes and taking in the city’s beautiful scenic sights. Find more info here.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO