Dia de los Muertos skeletons and Catrina dancing on mexican holiday fiesta illustration

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Welcome to November – Bring It On!

Dia de los Muertos skeletons and Catrina dancing on mexican holiday fiesta illustration

Before the days get hectic with the approaching holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New’s Year Day, this weekend welcomes the month of November with Day of the Dead celebrations, hot chocolate, and pizza!  I say, Bring It On!!

Dating back to the Aztecs of Mexico, Dia de los Muertos is a day where families gather and remember their loved ones who have passed away by celebrating with festivities at cemeteries or creating altars with photos and offerings.  However, here in Chicago, the following Mexican holiday events will all be taking place this Saturday:

Join Time Out Market Chicago (916 W. Fulton Market) in the West Loop for a full day of family-friendly activities for kids and adults at their Dia de los Muertos celebration from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.  The day begins with Storytime with Mirabel followed by face painters who will be on hand to create your Sugar Skull face with bright colors and glitter.  Then, stick around for the live mariachi band while sipping on Dos Hombres Mezcal samples, and closing things out with a live DJ!

The National Museum of Mexican Art (1852 W. 19th St.) in the Pilsen neighborhood will be hosting their 10th annual Dia de los Muertos: Love Never Dies Ball beginning at 6:00 p.m.  Guests will have an unforgettable evening of delicious culinary treats from Chicago’s best restaurants, enticing cocktails, a silent auction, and open galleries.  In addition, live music will be provided by Calaveras LD along with Vibes on Logan DJs.  Attire is Creative Cocktail so be sure to dress to impress!

Get ready for a spooktacular evening at the Dia De los Muertos “Day of the Dead” Bash at 2134 West 18th Street in the Pilsen neighborhood beginning at 6:00 p.m.  Honor the spirits of the dead with a night of costumes, dancing, three free drinks, a costume contest, live music, and more.  Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event!

As for Sunday, here are some options:

Indulge in all types of sweet treats after completing the Hot Chocolate Run at Grant Park (301 S. Columbus Dr.) in The Loop.  This annual race consists of a 5K, 10K, 15K, or a two-mile walk.  Participants will receive a Swag Kit choc-full of sweetness that includes an exclusive full-zip run jacket, a finisher’s medal that looks like a cup of hot cocoa, a chocolate fondue finisher’s mug, and access to the post-run party where you’ll discover a chocolate-lover’s oasis.  Come and experience the ultimate chocolate celebration!

A beloved Windy City tradition returns to continue the tradition of showcasing Chicago’s love of pizza with the Chicago Pizza Summit at the Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club (1750 N. Milwaukee Ave.) in the Wicker Park neighborhood.  From deep-dish to thin-crust, Chicago’s finest pizzerias and chefs will dish out their masterpieces in two sessions (12 p.m.-3 p.m. and 4 p.m.-7 p.m.).  In addition, this Summit will include a surprise keynote speaker, an ultimate pizza photo booth, a Pizza Tattoo Parlor, a Pizza Themed Best Dressed contest, tunes by top Chicago DJs, and more.  Best of all, your ticket includes unlimited pizza and pizza-related samplings, five complimentary drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and entry to win an ORIGINAL Don’t Fret Chicago Handshake print.  After all, we are the city that does pizza like no other!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago