THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – It’s a Supercharged Weekend!
This February weekend is supercharged with many different events celebrating Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, and more. In fact, we may be hard pressed to enjoy them all but let’s give it our best shot!
First up, it’s the return of the Chicago Auto Show now through February 19th at McCormick Place (2301 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in the South Loop. This year’s exhibits will display nearly 1,000 different vehicles ranging from domestic and imported passenger cars and trucks to electric cars, sport utility vehicles, experimental or concept cars, antique/collector cars, and many others. In addition, numerous accessories and auto-related exhibits will be on hand as well along with a special themed day on Sunday — “Game Day” in celebration of the “Big Game.” Just wear your favorite professional or college sports team apparel for a $5 discount on the admission fee. Also, on Sunday (8 a.m.) is the Toyota Miles Per Hour Run where runners can experience the auto show with a unique one hour run spanning approximately 2.4 miles inside McCormick Place before it opens to the public. Plus, special appearances take place every day as well. It’s the largest car show in North America and not to be missed!
Secondly, you can welcome in the Year of the Dragon at Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood this Saturday (1 p.m.-5 p.m.) at its Global Connections: Lunar New Year. This year’s traditional Chinese festivities include lion dances, local performers and artists, traditional and contemporary music performed by Chicago’s leading musicians, food and drink from local restaurants and food vendors, and much more. It’s a festive, interactive, and family-friendly event welcoming the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar!
Next, there’s the Swedish-inspired Fika Fest hosted by the Swedish American Museum (5211 N. Clark St.) in the Andersonville neighborhood where a variety of local businesses offer discounts and specials as well as two other events taking place. Saturday is the Coffee and Hot Cocoa Crawl from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. At check in, attendees will receive a commemorative Andersonville mug and a route card to explore specialty offerings such as coffee, hot cocoa, bakery items, and more. Then on Sunday, the Great Andersonville Puzzle Exchange takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. where attendees are encouraged to drop off puzzles during check in. Plus, the first annual Puzzle Throw-Down will take place where pre-selected contestants will have to complete a secret puzzle the fastest to become the winner.
Bring your game face to the Big Game Watch Party this Sunday (5 p.m.-10 p.m.) at the Punch Bowl Social (310 N. Green St.) in the West Loop. Besides watching the game and grabbing some game day swag, other highlights include enjoying exclusive drink specials, Big Game themed cocktails and shots, playing Big Game Bingo to win prizes, and much more!
Welcome to Super Bowl LVIII!where the NFC Champions the San Francisco 49ers will face off against the AFC Champions the Kansas City Chiefs, who are vying for their second consecutive Super Bowl title and third championship in five years, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas this Sunday. Can’t afford a ticket to the actual game? It will be televised on CBS at 5:30 p.m. (CT) with a halftime performance by Usher.
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
