THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Could It Be Carnival Season?
Not only does the month of March bring us Daylight Savings Time (9th) and the beginning of Spring (20th) but it also brings us a variety of events for our weekend entertainment! Here’s what the first weekend in March has in store for you.
Couldn’t make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras this year? Well, it just so happens that Time Out Market Chicago (916 W. Fulton Market) in the West Loop will be hosting a Back to Bourbon Street Mardi Gras Pop-up this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-8 p.m.). Noted local chefs Lizzy Gilmore (Southern Bites) and Darnell Reed (Luella’s Southern Kitchen) team up to create a taste of Southern comfort just like in New Orleans. Their menu includes muffuletta, crawfish empanadas, chicken and sausage gumbo, catfish po’boy, beignets, and praline and bourbon pecan bread pudding. In addition, on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. the fun begins with a live performance by Chicago-based zydeco band La Travalliant. Cajun cuisine, live music, and tons of beads, what could be better!
Navy Pier’s Global Connections series continues this Saturday (1 p.m.-5 p.m.) with International Carnivale held in the Pier’s Aon Grand Ball Room in celebration of this festive season leading up to Lent. This high-spirited event features the colorful revelry of Carnivale with live music, dance performances, elaborate costumes, and interactive art making for guests of all ages while sampling traditional carnival dishes. Or, stop at Lirica Restaurant for a specially curated menu of Latin-inspired dishes prepared by Executive Chef Ricky Amaya. Best of all, admission is free to attend this event!
Head to the historic Greektown neighborhood along Halsted Street for its 4th annual Greektown Restaurant Week where many of the Greek restaurants are family-owned businesses that have been open for 25-50+ years. Feast on specials from restaurants like Athena Restaurant offering free saganaki with any entrée order, or 9 Muses Bar & Grill offering 50% off Greek wine and a complimentary trio of spreads, along with many others. By the way, when ordering, don’t forget to mention “Greektown Restaurant Week” to score deals!
Come join thousands of friends and supporters who will brave the cold and icy waters of Lake Michigan to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois at the 25th annual Chicago Polar Plunge this Sunday at North Avenue Beach (1601 N. Lake Shore Dr.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. All participating plungers will receive a souvenir T-shirt and towel when exiting the water plus free parking at Lincoln Park Zoo. Be sure to pack warm clothes, shoes (required to participate), and perhaps an extra towel or two. Or perhaps you prefer to wear a costume to participate in their costume contest. It’s an incredible winter event that supports a great cause!
Engines are revving up for this weekend’s Monster Jam at the Allstate Arena (6920 N. Mannheim Rd.) in Rosemont. Colossal trucks will slam, crush and perform stunts as the world’s best drivers battle for the Event Championship in four competitions. Start your day of fun at the Monster Jam® Pit Party (10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.) where you can see these massive trucks up close, meet your favorite drivers and crews, get autographs, take pictures, and enjoy other family-friendly activities. There’s also the Monster Jam® Post-Event Driver Meet and Greet, which is your most exclusive opportunity to meet and mingle with the drivers shortly after the event. However, space is limited for this post-event so get your tickets now. I must warn you though that you may become a fan for life after experiencing Monster Jam® live!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
