10 Things to Do This Weekend: Feb. 16-19

(Ben Houdijk / Flickr)(Ben Houdijk / Flickr)

1. Get down to the Staples

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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)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)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) 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)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.


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