THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Can Spring be on the Horizon?
Are you ready to embrace another weekend? Good because not only are we in the month of February, which only has 28 days, but spring is on the horizon! Although you wouldn’t know it from this past week’s arctic blast!! Anyway, here are a few events to get you through this weekend and closer to that spring horizon.
The region’s largest cider tasting is back after a two-year pandemic pause. The 9th annual Cider Summit Chicago returns this weekend to Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood. This year’s event will feature nearly 200 ciders, meads, cider cocktails, and apple spirits from over 50 producers. Among the selections will be local, regional, and international favorites offered at two sessions – 11 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4 p.m.-8 p.m., plus food trucks on site. There may even be a few surprises!
With warmer temps this Saturday, it’s a perfect time to head on over to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (5306 N. Clark St.) in the Andersonville neighborhood to celebrate their annual Ice Cream for Breakfast Day between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Returning for a limited time is last year’s hit flavor, Maple-Soaked Pancakes. Plus, the first 50 Splendid Rewards members will receive a free, very limited Ice Cream for Breakfast Day mug. And, if you want to be one of the ten lucky winners to win ice cream for a year, just take a pic in your PJs at a Jeni’s shop then share it with the hashtag #icecreamforbreakfast, and tag @jenisicecreams!
The Ravenswood Makers Market presented by I Heart Indie Markets-Popups returns to KOVAL Distillery (4241 N. Ravenswood Ave.) in the Ravenswood neighborhood this Saturday (1 p.m.-6 p.m.). A wide variety of homemade goods will be available such as jewelry, knit goods, home décor, soaps, candles, prints, paintings, and more. This is a family-friendly, free event to attend! You only pay for the items you wish to purchase and the drinks you want to consume.
Just a reminder that Chicago Restaurant Week wraps-up this Sunday so if you haven’t had an opportunity to treat your taste buds to some of the best food at some of the top restaurants in the city, this weekend is your last chance! Special prix fixe menus will cost $25 for brunch or lunch, and $42 and/or $59 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax, and gratuity). Bon Appetit!!
Close out the Chinese Lunar New Year this Sunday (12 p.m.-4 p.m.) at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.) in The Loop as the Center’s Preston Bradley Hall is transformed into a lively Chinese marketplace for their Lantern Festival Celebration. This celebration features food, calligraphy, puppets, a selfie booth, trinkets, a lion dance, music, dance and more! Plus, this event is free and open to the public.
Has your sweet tooth been acting up? Then satisfy it by attending the Donut Fest Chicago Burbs this Sunday (1 p.m.-5 p.m.) at the Temperance Beer Co. (2000 Dempster St.) in Evanston. Guests can try fried dough from a variety of stations and vote on a winter for your Favorite Donut! Plus, entry also includes one beer ticket. So, enjoy a Sunday Funday while sampling donuts, enjoying beer, coffee, and more at the sweetest event in town!!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
