Chinese New Year, Year of the Snake zodiac cartoon character design

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Happy Lunar New Year!

Chinese New Year, Year of the Snake zodiac cartoon character design

Given the fact that Chicago was in the grip of an arctic blast with some light snow this past week, it’s hard to believe that it’s the winter season.  With all the events taking place this weekend, one would think it’s summer!

Come join the fun-filled celebration at Time Out Market Chicago’s Lunar New Year this Sunday (12 p.m.-4 p.m.) located at 916 West Fulton Market in the West Loop.  It’s a day filled with delicious food, exciting performances, and cultural activities ringing in the Year of the Snake.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity which features face painting, lion dancers, traditional live music, food and drink specials, lucky red envelopes filled with fortunes, and more.  Time to welcome good fortune and prosperity with the Snake!

Join Hing Kee Restaurant’s 20th anniversary of their Chinese New Year Dumpling Making Dinner this Saturday and Sunday (3 p.m.-5:30 p.m.) located at 2140 South Archer Avenue, 2nd Floor in the Chinatown Square Plaza.  Indulge in a fun-filled afternoon of family style celebration featuring storytelling of the Chinese New Year, lion dances, and dumpling making with your own hands learning the dos and don’ts as you roll, fold, and feast your way into the Lunar New Year.  Plus, you’ll also get to taste a wide variety of Chinese food from classic Mongolian Beef to Vegetarian options.  Book your spot now, bring your family and friends, and be a part of this memorable celebration!

Brave participants will take a leap into the icy waters of Lake Michigan at Oak Street Beach (1000 N. Lake Shore Dr.) in the Gold Coast neighborhood this Saturday for the annual Chicago Polar Bear Club Plunge to raise money for local families in need.  Afterwards, it’s time to promptly dry off, change clothes, and head on over to the post-plunge afterparty.  And, if you’re not a plunger, feel free to spectate and cheer from the sidelines where it will be warmer!

It’s a perfect day for the Mac & Cheese Crawl this Saturday (11 a.m.-7 p.m.) at Wrigleyville’s best bars that are within walking distance of one another.  A ticket includes 7 mac & cheese tastings, access to drink specials, and giveaways as you crawl from bar to bar at this one-of-a-kind event.  Time to say Cheese!

Go on a time-traveling tour of exhibits at Watson Adventures’ Escape from the Chicago History Museum Scavenger Hunt this Saturday (2 p.m.-4 p.m.) at the Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark St.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.  You’ve been poisoned and the clock is ticking!  What now?  You better hope your team can uncover the historical secrets of this museum by following the clues, finding objects on display, and unraveling the riddles around them to recover your antidote, or else …!  Advance purchase is required with the price including admission to the museum.

Calling all Sox Fans – it’s your turn!  SoxFest Live returns this Friday and Saturday (5 p.m.-9 p.m.) in a new format that reimagines the traditional fan convention into an immersive fan experience at the Ramova Theatre (3520 S. Halsted St.) in the Bridgeport neighborhood.  This year’s event features a unique blend of entertainment, interactive experiences with players and White Sox greats, and celebration of seasons’ past and those ahead.  Plus, there’s an exclusive after-party presented by Blue Moon immediately following SoxFest Live with complimentary food and drinks, further conversation with White Sox VIPs as well as games and entertainment!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago