Chicago Neighborhood News: North Park, Wrigleyville, Lakeview, Virtual

North Park: If you can bear the elements, there are few things more refreshing than a trail walk to bring some peace and serenity to our busy minds. The last Friday of every month, North Park Village Nature Center Park, located at 5801 North Pulaski Road, offers visitors a free chance for an early evening journey with the Late Great Nocturnal Night at NPV. Enjoy a self-guided tour through the park’s 46-acres. The park, which usually closes a 4 pm, will remain open until 6:30 pm on January 29, so bundle up and enjoy some nature. Find more info here.

Wrigleyville: On Friday, January 29, head out to Wrigleyville for the Winter Beer & Cocktail Tasting Experience hosted by Rizzo’ Bar & Inn, located at 3658 North Clark Street. Tickets for this event include a private table on a heated patio with a retractable roof, 12 tastings per person, a Michelob Ultra Seltzer, and more. Whatever your favorite spirit is, you’re sure to find something to enjoy sipping on amongst friends at this socially distanced experience. Tickets run from $30 to $180, depending on how many guests are in your party. Each price of admission includes over $200 in freebies. Find more info here.

Lakeview: Trickery Chicago, located at 3453 North Halsted Street, offers up a fun and often outrageous magic show Thursday, January 28 through Saturday, January 30. This one-hour performance features laughs, gasps, and plenty of wow moments. Tickets are $32, and visitors 21 and over can BYOB. The venue is operating at 40% capacity in compliance with the city’s reopening guidelines. Masks must be worn at all times, and contactless temperature checks will be taken once you arrive. Find more info regarding dates and times here.

Virtual: Live performances are still in limbo for the most part despite the recent reopening of restaurants and bars in the city. However, you can still catch outstanding productions virtually with the Steppenwolf NOW series. These streaming performances cover filmed plays by the likes of James Ijames, Isaac Gómez, Rajiv Joseph, and Donnetta Lavinia Grays. Membership is $75 and gives you access to six works now through August 31, 2021. Students, teachers, and essential workers can receive $25 off their virtual membership. This opportunity is a great way to bring the stage into your home while we wait for the return of live performances. Find more info here.

Virtual: Echo Modern Dance, a Chicago-based non-profit dance community, premiers their Reverb: A Film Festival on YouTube this Saturday, January 30 at 6 pm. This compilation of art films focuses on the creativity and connectivity that emerges from artists while in the pandemic grip. The one-time-only viewing of the film festival features two hours of dance and expression from many creators, including Daniel Williams of Motus Cinema, Amelia Harris, Cindy Johnson, Zoë Goldstein, and more. Suggested donations are $10. Find more info here.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO