THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Enjoying a Popular Seasonal Activity!
Oh, the weather outside is frightful . . . not this weekend! Grab your winter coat, scarves and gloves and head out for a joyous Chicago weekend at one, or all, of the following events!
Even though Chicagoans love to complain about winter, one of the most popular winter activities is outdoor ice skating! Here are three such outdoor rinks for all ages to enjoy:
Returning for its 20th season is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink located in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.) in the Loop through March 6th (weather permitting). This winter tradition of over 10,000 skaters annually is about as beautiful as it gets skating under the Chicago skyline. Admission to the rink is free, however, skate rental is $13 – $15. Plus, there’s free skating lessons on most Saturdays and Sundays for beginners, intermediates and even hockey skills! Snacks and hot drinks are also available from Momentum Coffee! Please note that this year you’ll need to make a free online reservation for both regular skating and lessons.
The Skating Ribbon located at Maggie Daley Park (337 E. Randolph St.) in the Loop is a winter attraction unlike any other. At a quarter mile long, this venue looks like a lazy, frozen river that is twice the length of a lap around a traditional rink along with changes in elevation. Plus, this year’s edition is decorated with designs inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” and “Starry Night” paintings! Admission is free during weekdays if you bring your own skates; otherwise, reservations are $5 with skates on weekends and holidays or $16 – $20 if you need to rent skates. The Ribbon is open through March 13th (weather permitting).
Skate underneath the twinkling lights at Winterland’s Ice Rink at Gallagher Way now through February 20th as the Chicago Cubs hibernate for the winter. This 8,000 square foot ice rink is located at 3637 N. Clark Street in the Wrigleyville neighborhood and is open to skaters of all ages every day of the week. Stop by for a couple of laps, rent a skate aid, or arrive in time for select figure skating performances! Visit the website for reservations, hours, and additional information about programming.
Need some good laughs right about now? You just might enjoy a unique play-within-a-play at The Play That Goes Wrong this Saturday (2 p.m. & 8 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.) at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower (175 E. Chestnut St.) located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile. Broadway and London’s award-winning smash comedy welcomes you to opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous! From flubbed lines to inadvertent destruction of the set, you’ll see all the worst theatrical nightmares come to life before your eyes! This production is recommended for ages 8 and older and all patrons must have a ticket.
Chicagoans are brought together every Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend to the Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr.) in the Loop for Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah, an exuberant, jazz-gospel makeover of Handel’s classic Messiah. This inspirational performance features world-class musicians with a chamber orchestra, a jazz combo, a huge choir, and three gifted soloists. Performances are Saturday (7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.) and Sunday (3 p.m. – 5 p.m.).
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
