10 Things to Do This Weekend: Feb. 17-20

(Chicago Auto Show)(Chicago Auto Show)

1. Cruise

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Classic cars, electric vehicles, the newest models and experimental autos park it at the Chicago Auto Show. Snap selfies with your faves, take a spin on one of the indoor test tracks or go for an outdoor test drive.

Details: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily through Sunday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday at McCormick Place, South Exhibit Hall, 2301 S. King Drive. $15; $10 for seniors and kids ages 4-12; free for kids 3 and under / MAP


2. Toast

Raise a glass (or two) at Winter Brew 2022, featuring more than a dozen breweries, including Begyle Brewing, Maplewood Brewery, The Norman Cider and Alarmist Brewing.

Details: Noon-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday along Lincoln Avenue between Eastwood and Wilson avenues. $5-$7 / MAP


3. Applaud

Chicago Tap Theatre puts its best foot forward in “For the Love of Tap.” Local musicians provide the soundtrack for the group’s fancy footwork, which include new works and company classics like “Moonlight” and “Flying Turtles,” choreographed by Brenda Bufalino – one of the pioneers of concert tap dance.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Athenaeum Center, Historic Main Stage Theater, 2936 N. Southport Ave. $23.80-$65 / MAP


4. Tune in

The 15th century Italian banker Cosimo de’ Medici was known for establishing his family in the world of finance, but he also collected music by the best Florentine composers. “Music Fit for the Medicis” draws from those collections and features performances by singers, medieval strings, harps, lute, percussion and organetto.

Details: 8 p.m. Friday at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1633 N. Cleveland Ave. $50 (Map); 8 p.m. Saturday at University of Chicago International House, 1414 E. 59th St. $50 (Map); 3 p.m. Sunday at Northwestern University, Galvin Recital Hall, 70 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. $50 (Map)


5. Acknowledge

Playwright August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean” explores the lives of African Americans at the start of the 20th century as slavery’s shadow looms large. Set in 1904 as tensions flare into riots across Pittsburgh’s Hill District, Ester Tyler, the keeper and transmitter of African American history and cleanser of souls, guides a suspicious traveler on a journey of spiritual awakening. Learn more about the production from Hedy Weiss.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; through Feb. 27 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. $35-$80 / MAP

Lisa Gaye Dixon (Aunt Ester) and James A. Williams (Solly Two Kings) in August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean” at the Goodman Theatre. (Liz Lauren photo) Lisa Gaye Dixon (Aunt Ester) and James A. Williams (Solly Two Kings) in August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean” at the Goodman Theatre. (Liz Lauren photo)

6. Unearth

Everything you need to know about growing plants indoors can be learned at Workshop: Intro to Plants, which will cover soil basics, repotting, watering, light, fertilizing, pruning and more. During the workshop, you’ll choose a 6-inch plant and planter to repot and take home.

Details:  11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday at Olson’s Ace Hardware, 700 N. Northwest Highway, Park Ridge. Free, RSVP required / MAP


7. Honor

Black History Month will be commemorated at “Malcolm X: Black Excellence: A Story of Resilient Culture,” which celebrates African culture through performance arts, including music and dance.

Details: Noon-8:30 -p.m. Friday at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. Free / MAP


8. Plan

Dreaming of a warm getaway? Turn those dreams into reality at the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show, where you can plan your next trip and get tips from travel experts like Pauline Frommer, editorial director of Frommer Guides and publisher of Frommers.com.

Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Hall F, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. $11-$16; free for kids 16 and under / MAP


9. Hunt

Update your wardrobe with unique threads found at Illinois Vintage Fest 6, where about 100 vendors will set up shop to showcase vintage clothing and home goods.

Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the DuPage Event Center & Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Free / MAP


10. Blossom

More than 10,000 orchid blooms take over an old secret garden, burst through walls, twine around pillars and spill over a 1900s-era piano in The Orchid Show: Untamed.  

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily through March 27 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. $7-$19; $5-$16 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and under / MAP

(Maria Rebelo Photography)(Maria Rebelo Photography)

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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