Neighborhood News – Lincoln Park, Chicago Loop, Belmont-Cragin, Near North Side

A cold month like January needs warm, toasty events, hot bites, and the warmth of friends and family activities. Or, for those who really want to challenge the elements, enjoy the outdoors! For the last weekend in January, enjoy some great indoor events throughout Chicago’s amazing neighborhoods!

For the adventurers in your life, Lincoln Park Zoo is the place for you! A Free Men’s Bootcamp-Style Workout will be held on Saturday, January 29, from 7am–8am at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark Street. F3 presents a peer-led, bootcamp-style workout. As their invitation states, F3 is open to men who want to get and stay fit and be part of something bigger than themselves. All fitness levels welcomed. To sign up, click here. 

How could this be a ‘Recipe for Disaster?’ Combine a six-bite tasting menu (and a couple of cocktails and wine) and an immersive play where the audience are the stars, along with a couple of Instagram ‘influencers,‘ according to TimeOut Chicago. It all works, thanks to the creativity of Chef Rick Bayless! Staged in a space beneath Petterino’s, 150 N. Dearborn Street, the farcical comedy was written by Bayless, Windy City Playhouse artistic director Amy Rubenstein and local playwright Carl Menninger. Now through March 27. Tickets are $90-$130. For tickets, click here.

Everyone….down the Rabbit Hole! The performance team of the Chicago Kids Company presents an original, hour-long musical production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ from January 27-February 25, at the Stahl Family Theatre, 5900 W. Belmont Avenue. Join Alice as she meets the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, and all the whimsical characters in Wonderland! It features a hilarious script adapted by Jesus Perez, with original songs composed by Paige Coffman. For tickets and performance times, click here.

“It’s Time to Gogh!” The Van Gogh Immersive Experience at Lighthouse Artspace at Germania Club,  100 Germania Place, invites you to immerse yourself in Vincent van Gogh’s paintings and his history as one of the greatest artists of all time. The moving images highlight brushstrokes, detail, and color – truly illuminating the mind of the genius…from his sunny landscapes and night scenes to his portraits and still life paintings. The installation includes the Mangeurs de pommes de terre (The Potato Eaters, 1885), the Nuit étoilée (Starry Night, 1889), Les Tournesols (Sunflowers, 1888), and La Chambre à coucher (The Bedroom, 1889). The show has recently been extended through May 30. With Valentine’s Day approaching, date night packages and other surprises are available. The show also hosts yoga classes on Sundays. For tickets and packages, click here.

This is the last weekend to catch the sobering comedy ‘When Harry Met Rehab,’ at the Greenhouse Theater Center’s Mainstage, 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue. The story is based loosely on the real-life experiences of Chicago sports radio personality Harry Teinowitz. Co-authored by former ESPN personality and playwright Spike Manton, the play chronicles his story of redemption, perseverance, and hope. The show stars Dan Butler, best known as Bulldog on ‘Frasier,’ and Melissa Gilbert, best known as Laura on ‘Little House on the Prairie.’ For tickets through January 30, click here.

Note: In keeping with COVID-19 Safety Precautions and Protocols:  All event participants must provide proof of vaccination, and are subject to temperature checks at the door. Participants must also wear a mask for your protection and that of other attendees. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago