February has a way of testing your loyalty to this city. The cold drags on, the sky stays gray, and somewhere around the third week you start wondering if maybe Tampa isn't so bad after all.
Then a weekend like this one shows up and reminds you exactly why you stayed.
Food and Drink
Chicago Bacon Fest hits Old Crow Smokehouse in Lakeview on Saturday. Bacon dishes, bacon cocktails, bacon whiskey shots, live music, and a bacon photo-op that you didn't know you needed. It's 21 and over, and it's going to smell incredible from a block away.
Pancakes & Booze Art Show takes over Reggies in the South Loop on Saturday night, 8 p.m. to midnight. Over 750 artworks from 100-plus emerging artists, live body painting, DJs, and unlimited pancakes. Advance tickets are about $21. Also 21 and over.
North Side Restaurant Week runs through March 8 across Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Andersonville, Edgewater, Rogers Park, and Uptown. Special prix fixe menus at dozens of spots. If you've been meaning to try a new neighborhood restaurant, this is the excuse.
Arts and Culture
The Chicago Irish Film Festival wraps up this weekend at AMC New City. It's the 27th year running, with feature films, documentaries, and shorts.
The Second City just launched its 50th revue, "Improv Supernova," at the e.t.c. theater. Fully improvised, rotating material every night. Tickets run $19 to $69. If you haven't been to Second City in a while, a milestone show is a solid reason to go back.
Black History Month Closeout Celebration at the DuSable Black History Museum on Saturday is free. Musical performances, film screenings, and community discussions from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. One of the better ways to spend a Saturday in February.
The Black Makers Market takes over Navy Pier on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Thirty-six local Black artisans, designers, and entrepreneurs. Good for gifts, good for browsing, good for supporting the people who make this city what it is.
And if you need a change of scenery that doesn't require a plane ticket, the Orchid Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden is still running. This year's theme is "Feelin' Groovy." Ten thousand orchids, a ten-foot lava lamp, and a flower-filled VW Beetle. It's as weird and wonderful as it sounds.
Live Music
Friday night brings Cat Power to the Riviera Theatre. Saturday is stacked: Miguel at the Aragon Ballroom, Margo Price at Metro, Rainbow Kitten Surprise at The Salt Shed, and Yonder Mountain String Band at Thalia Hall. Sunday, Molotov closes out the weekend at the Aragon.
Family and Sports
Blippi's "Be Like Blippi Tour" plays the Chicago Theatre on Saturday at 2 p.m. If you know, you know.
Monster Jam Freestyle Mania runs multiple dates this weekend for anyone who thinks giant trucks are a legitimate art form (they are).
The Chicago Golf Show takes over the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center through Sunday. Equipment deals, PGA lessons, and interactive sessions. Tickets start at $9.
And if you want actual sports: Bulls vs. Bucks on Sunday and Chicago Fire FC vs. CF Montreal on Saturday.
Go Do Something
Chicago in late February isn't the problem people make it out to be. The city doesn't slow down. It just changes the scenery. Pick one thing off this list and get out of the house. You'll feel better for it.
