Winter party neon street billboard graphic

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – A Wintery Mix of Fun Festivities!

Winter party neon street billboard graphic

Chicagoans will be closing out this last weekend of February with a wintery mix of outdoor and indoor festivities!  So, layer up with your warmest coat and don’t let the winter weather bog you down!!

The 11th annual Winter Brew 2023 will be heading outside again for the second year in a row this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-6 p.m.) on Lincoln Avenue between Leland and Wilson Avenues in the Lincoln Square neighborhood.  Attendees will have over two dozen local craft beers to choose from including warm beverages and specialty brews tapped for this event as well as food for purchase.  Reusable Commemorative Cups must be purchased to consume alcoholic beverages.  Also, tickets are required to purchase beverages/food and are available for pre-purchase online or on-site.  Don’t miss out on this Chicago winter street festival!

Goose Island Beer Co. and Empty Bottle invite you to their annual winter block party Music Frozen Dancing this Saturday (1 p.m.) outside the Empty Bottle at 1035 North Western Avenue in the Ukrainian Village.  This event features some of the best artists from around the country including New Orleans No-Wave-Glam icons Special Interest, Nashville’s hot sauce-fueled Snooper, Chicago’s own Meat Wave, and others who are brave enough to face our frigid winter temps and even the possibility of snow!  Plus, admission is free but the Empty Bottle will be collecting donations at the gate for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless!!

It’s time for Cupid’s Undie Run this Saturday (12 p.m.) at Slugger’s World Class Sports Bar (3540 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.  This event is a “brief” fun run that takes place in the middle of a big party.  The Run kicks off with drinking and dancing, then comes the run (a mile-ish at your own pace) and ending with an epic dance party in the winter, in Chicago!  The best part is your participation raises money to find a cure for neurofibromatosis which is a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body and affects 1 in every 3,000 births.  What could be more invigorating than jogging a chilly mile in your skivvies for charity in February and being a part of something great!

Hosted by Chicago’s young professional board, Junior Council, and known for its long history of philanthropy, the 34th annual Snowball 2023 Gala is being held this Saturday (8 p.m.-1 a.m.) at the Old Post Office (433 W. Van Buren St.) in the West Loop.  This year’s event will feature live music from a jazz band and Dancing Queen (an ABBA tribute band) along with dancing, a premium open bar, tastings from a variety of local restaurants, and a robust silent auction!  Plus, all proceeds will benefit the Pediatric & Adolescent HIV/AIDS Program at Lurie Children’s Hospital for uninsured patients and patients coming from low-income families!!

Celebrate the tradition of Carnival with an afternoon of festive activities at this year’s International Carnivale held at Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood this Saturday (1 p.m.-5 p.m.).  This free celebration features art-making activities, food and beverages available for purchase in multiple locations, and music and dance representing traditions from across the world including Brazil, Colombia, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, North America, and Italy!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago