January in Chicago is not a time one typically associates with fun. But as has been repeated ad nauseam, these are not typical times. Break up your winter routine with this slate of good-time events around the city, from music venue takeovers and boozy curling sessions to a virtual cabaret and Sunday dinner series. Here’s everything fun you can do in Chicago this weekend.
Get saucy at Chicago’s newest BBQ joint: Offset BBQ
Now openOffset BBQ
Head down to 1720 N. California in Humboldt Park (or order online) to sample the latest delectable offerings from Chicago’s newest BBQ spot, Offset BBQ. Menu items include St. Louis-style ribs, beef brisket sandwiches, waffle fry nachos, and local craft brew offerings from Off Color and others.
Cost: Depends what you order
Take over a music venue with your quarantine bubble at Experience FitzGerald’s
Now through January 31
FitzGerald’s
Live music lovers Jonesing for a night out at FitzGerald’s can now book private sections of the club for quarantine partners and family bubbles. Experiences include movie party, awkward family photo booth, date night, and fire pit. Cool, right?
Cost: $100 - $200
Go all Blades of Glory at the new Fire & Ice pop-up at Recess
Now through January 31Recess
The patio at Recess has been transformed into a Jimmy MacElroy-approved winter wonderland complete with ice sculptures, wintry photo ops, fire pit tables, and more. Each ticket includes one hour admission with S’mores kit, one specialty cocktail for adults, and snowflake crafts for kids.
Cost: $5-$30
Take a virtual tour of “Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg”
Now through February 20Virtual
The Illinois Holocaust Museum has extended its popular “Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg” exhibit in virtual format, with public virtual tours now available through February 20.
Cost: $10
Do some ice curling at a local beer and bacon bar
Now openKaiser Tiger
A grand Chicago winter tradition returns, with the outdoor patio at Kaiser Tiger open for curling. Get out of the house, grab some beers, do some curling. It’s good for the soul.
Cost: $50 per lane per half-hour
Get inspired at Innovations at the 1893 World’s Fair from Chicago Detours
Friday 7 pmVirtual
Chicago Detours hosts this one-hour Zoom presentation covering inventions and exhibits at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago including technological innovations and giant food sculptures. Because what weekend is complete without a giant food sculpture?
Cost: $20-$35
'Bring on Summer' (again) at ChiTown Movies
Friday - SundayChiTown Movies
ChiTown Movies has extended last weekend’s “Bring on Summer” film series with a new round of drive-in screenings this weekend including Jurassic Park, Grease, and Friday the 13th.
Cost: $25-$33 per film
Get schooled (with drag queens) at Anarchy Americana: Virtual Cabaret
Friday - SundayVirtual
Join local drag queen/rapper/activist The Vixen and artists from across the country as they “respond to the current state of America” free of censorship or discrimination in this new quarterly event premiering this weekend.
Cost: $10 - $15
Get trippy at The Dreamscape from the Museum of Contemporary Art
Saturday 2 pmVirtual
Navigate through livestreamed music, video art, meditative performances, and intimate conversations with artists at this culminating event for The Long Dream. The pay-what-you-can event is structured in a “choose your own adventure” format and streams across multiple platforms.
Cost: Free-$30
Upgrade your stale kitchen game at Sepia’s Sunday Supper Series
Sunday 6 pmVirtual
Join Sepia’s award-winning chef Andrew Zimmerman at this home cooking event where guests will receive instruction as well as two fully prepared courses with all the ingredients needed to make at home. The event may also be paired with a Saturday wine dinner from Sepia wine director Jenni Wagoner.
Cost: $120
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Jay Gentile is an award-winning freelance journalist specializing in travel, food & drink, culture, events and entertainment stories. In addition to Thrillist, you can find his work in The Washington Post, The Guardian, CNN Travel, Chicago Tribune, Lonely Planet, VICE, Outside Magazine and more. Follow @thejaygentile.