(Ben Houdijk / Flickr)
1. Get down to the Staples
Singer-songwriter Mavis Staples returns home to celebrate her new album “Livin' on a High Note” and sing favorites from her 60-year career. With wide-ranging vocals that delve into blues, rock, hip hop and folk, Staples is known to transform concert halls when she performs. Check it out for yourself.
Details: 8 p.m. Friday at Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. $35-$75. | MAP
2. Travel
The new exhibition “50 x 50 Invitational/The Subject is Chicago” offers a peek at what life is like in each of Chicago’s 50 wards, through the eyes of 50 artists from every corner of the city using video, sculpture, photography and design.
Details: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Fridays through Saturdays through April 9 at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Free. | MAP
3. Sip, swirl, repeat
Test your knowledge of all things spirited at the Chicago Whiskey & Wine Festival, featuring samples of more than 40 whiskeys and wines. In honor of the democratic process, you’ll get a chance to vote for your favorite sippers. Food and additional drinks available for purchase at the bar.
Details: 1-5 p.m. Saturday at Joe’s Bar, 940 W. Weed St. $45; $60 VIP tickets available. | MAP
More than 40 wine and whiskey samples are available at the festival. (Dominick / Flickr)
4. Get crafty
Step into a world of artisan crafts, fashion and local food vendors at the Hyde Park Handmade Bazaar. DJ Sean Alvarez provides a jazz-inspired soundtrack.
Details: Noon-4 p.m. Sunday at The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. Free. | MAP
The second floor of The Promontory is stocked with artisan crafts and food from local vendors this weekend. (The Promontory / Facebook)
5. Skate
Lace up for an afternoon of family fun at the Black History Celebration Skate & Bowl. The facility includes an indoor roller skating rink, bowling lanes and a full arcade, not to mention an opportunity to show off your smooth moves.
Details: 2-7 p.m. Sunday at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park & Family Entertainment Center, 1219 W. 76th St. Free before 3 p.m.; $6.50 after 3 p.m. | MAP
Test out your skating skills at the Black History Celebration Skate & Bowl. (James Lee / Flickr)
6. Explore
Another Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but some local artists are still pondering passionate vibes. “Inside/OUT- A Love & Art Exhibit” features works by dozens of artists who address the contrasts between a couple of star-crossed lovers: Frida Kahlo, who was known to paint what she felt internally, and Diego Rivera, who often painted what he saw on the outside, such as politics and economic distress.
Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday through Feb. 26 at the Pilsen Outpost, 1958 W. 21 St. Free; donations accepted. | MAP
7. Celebrate
Local breweries are popping up all over the city – and we couldn't be more excited. Say cheers to the first anniversary of Hopewell Brewing Company with a special anniversary beer release and the debut of its first-ever bottle release, a Belgian quad called Squad. Also on tap: DJ Brasstax spins at 10 p.m., and sweet treats from Bang Bang Pie are available for purchase.
Details: 3 p.m. Saturday through 2 a.m. Sunday morning at Hopewell Brewing Company, 2760 N. Milwaukee Ave. No cover; prices vary. | MAP
Hopewell Brewing Company debuts its first-ever bottled beer in honor of its one-year anniversary. (Courtesy of Samantha Lee)
8. Dance
Come off your “High Horse” and hear Stephen Kellogg play his greatest hits as part of his Tour de Forty tour. In 2016, the former lead singer of Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers released “South, West, North, East” album that was recorded in different sections of the U.S., with different producers and musicians.
Details: 7 p.m. Friday at Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. $20. | MAP
9. Volunteer
Turn off Netflix and connect with organizations seeking volunteers when My Block, My Hood, My City (MBMHMC) hosts a Volunteer Meet & Greet. MBMHMC provides opportunities to underprivileged youth to explore city neighborhoods city beyond their own. Find out how you can support planning, chaperone explorations and volunteer for service projects before getting a guided tour of the DuSable Museum of African American History.
Details: 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Pl. Free. | MAP
10. Wander
The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild presents the Winter Wonderland of Beer, the group’s first outdoor beer festival. The event includes more than 60 beers from breweries across the state, including Band of Bohemia, Whiner Beer and Half Acre. Food is available for purchase on site.
Details: 1 p.m.-4 p.m. early session; 5 p.m.-8 p.m. late session Saturday at MB Financial Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. $35. | MAP
Events listed are subject to change. We recommend double-checking times and locations before you head out the door. Want to share your upcoming events with us for consideration in a future roundup? Send us an email.
