THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – The Polar Vortex Big Thaw!

Join in the celebration of Chicago’s “Big Thaw” this weekend with the following events to get us out and about again as we also bid farewell to this past week’s polar vortex – Good Riddance!
Come be a part of something great at this year’s Cupid’s Undie Run this Saturday (12 p.m.-4 p.m.) at Slugger’s Sports Bar (3540 N. Clark St.) in the Lakeview neighborhood. The day kicks off with drinking and dancing, then at 2 p.m. it’s time for the chilly one-mile jog (at your own pace) then back to Slugger’s for the epic dance party. This annual tradition raises money for neurofibromatosis (NF) which is a genetic disorder causing tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. So, toss on a pair of your best skivvies for this brief fun run and let’s get this party started for the 1 in every 3,000 births affected with NF!
It’s simply a bacon lover’s paradise at the Chicago Bacon Fest this Saturday (12 p.m.-5 p.m.) at the Old Crow Smokehouse (3506 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. A general admission ticket includes admission to the fest, a complimentary bacon-back whiskey shot and a bacon cocktail, access to special bacon cocktails and mocktails, a special bacon focused food menu, live music from Garrett Hicks, bacon photo ops, giveaways, and other sizzling fun stuff. Plus, there may even be a surprise visit from Mr. Bacon Dude himself. There’s no “hold the bacon” at this fest since there’s bacon on everything!
Enjoy all the wonders of nature at Polar Adventure Day this Saturday (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) at Big Marsh Park (11559 S. Stoney Island Ave.) in the South Deering neighborhood. Enjoy this free journey as you explore the park to see Husky teams sled around the park; watch ice carvings being made; make nature-inspired winter crafts; meet live animals; take in a roaming puppet show; and more. In addition, enjoy some live music, sip on hot cocoa, and/or purchase food onsite as you warm up. It’s a great way to celebrate winter in Chicago without the polar vortex!
Sunday brings the Best Margarita Competition to Time Out Market Chicago (916 W. Fulton Market) in the West Loop from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in celebration of National Margarita Day. Hosted by Time Out and powered by Patron Tequila, Chicago’s top restaurants and bars will be competing to see who makes the best version of the cocktail, as voted on by you. The power is in your hands as the winner will receive a trophy, a cash prize, a Time Out article, and bragging rights. Join us in raising a glass to National Margarita Day as we crown the #1 Best Margarita!
Heading back to Chicago for their first show of the season is MagicCon Chicago this Saturday and Sunday at McCormick Place Lakeside Center (2301 S. King Dr.) in the South Loop. Once again, they’ll be bringing you the best play events, the coolest merch, and the most exciting experiences that the world of Magic has to offer. One such unique experience is the Art of Magic where an abundance of amazing Magic artists will be in attendance for you to get cards signed or to pick up unique merch spotlighting your favorite art. In addition, Dungeons & Dragons join the party to take you on an epic journey as you become characters you create, battle deadly foes, uncover secrets, and find treasures. Plus, new this year is the Target Permanent Tattoos where you can get tattooed right on the show floor. However, appointments are limited and must be made in advance. This can’t miss event gives you the opportunity to create memories to last a lifetime!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago