5 Things to Do This Weekend: Chicago Black Restaurant Week, Ski Jump Competition

Shrimp and grits at Taste 222, one of the restaurants participating in Chicago Black Restaurant Week. Taste 222 will offer a $25 prix fixe menu. (Courtesy of Taste 222)Shrimp and grits at Taste 222, one of the restaurants participating in Chicago Black Restaurant Week. Taste 222 will offer a $25 prix fixe menu. (Courtesy of Taste 222)

1. Sample

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Chicago Black Restaurant Week returns for a two-week run with nearly 30 eateries offering discounts and special menus across the city. From Creole flavors to vegan fare, there’s something for everyone.

Details: Sunday to Feb. 26. Prices, hours and locations vary.


2. Strum

There are two nights of music and 20 eclectic workshops at the University of Chicago’s 63rd annual Folk Festival. Listen to international folk performers and try your hand at anything from crankie puppetry to Scandinavian dance.

Details: Free workshops run 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Concerts are 8 p.m. Friday and 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St. $30 regular admission; $20 seniors; $5 students. / MAP


3. Jump

Watch ski jumpers from across the U.S. compete at Norge Ski Club's 118th annual Winter Ski Jump Tournament in jumps ranging from 40 to 70 meters. Keep warm with hot food off the grill and beverages from Lake Barrington’s Wild Onion Brewery.

Details: noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (gates open at 11 a.m.) at Norge Ski Club, 100 Ski Hill Road, Fox River. $20 in advance, $25 at the gate. Food and beverage prices vary. / MAP


4. Savor

Sip hot cocoa as you explore historic Long Grove during the village’s sixth annual Cocoa Crawl. Enjoy complimentary beverages from four hot cocoa tents and shop accompanying treats from local vendors.

Details: 12-4 p.m. Saturday. Pick up an event map at the Long Grove Visitor's Center, 145 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. Free. / MAP


5. Bloom

A 25-foot-wide orchid is one of the stars of the Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual orchid show, which features more than 10,000 orchid blooms. You'll find bright colors and bold beauty at Orchid Show: Magnified.

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday to March 26 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. $7-19 for adults; $5-14 for children ages 3-12; free for children under 3. / MAP

(Maria Rebelo Photography / Chicago Botanic Garden)(Maria Rebelo Photography / Chicago Botanic Garden)

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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