Stories by Erica Demarest

A performance by Deeply Rooted Dance Theater. (Matt Karas)

5 Things to Do This Weekend: Ritmo del Mar, Opera Premiere

A dance concert, film screenings and opera premiere usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in Chicago.

Visitors at Mozart Interactive: The Soul of a Genius. (Kyle Flubacker)

5 Things to Do This Weekend: Maple Syrup Festival, St. Patrick’s Day Stand-Up

Maple syrup, stand-up comedy and classical music usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

Dyeing the Chicago River green has been a St. Paddy's tradition since the 1960s. (Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade / Facebook)

5 Things to Do This Weekend: St. Patrick’s Day Parades, Physician Magician

Parades, magic shows and a film festival usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in Chicago.

Part of the "Bees Knees" exhibit at Garfield Park Conservatory. (Chicago Park District)

5 Things to Do This Weekend: Spring Flower Shows, Holi Festivities

Indoor garden shows, a wintry polar plunge and Holi festivities usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in Chicago.

Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso (Chicago Police Department)

Chicago Police Officer Fatally Shot in Exchange of Gunfire on Southwest Side, Officials Say

Chicago police Superintendent David Brown said the officer was a five-year veteran who had responded to a call of a woman being chased by a man with a gun. “This is something that no family should have to face.”

(Chicago Park District)

5 Things to Do This Weekend: Polar Adventure Days, International Carnivale

Carnivale, flamenco dancing and a polar adventure usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in Chicago.

A performance of "Les Misérables." (Johan Persson)

5 Things to Do This Weekend: Chicago Theatre Week, International Salsa Congress

Theater performances, an African American art exhibition and an international dance congress usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

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)

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

Restaurant specials, a ski jump competition and an orchid show usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in Chicago.

A still from "Alice Street," screening Saturday at the Architecture & Design Film Festival. (Chicago Architecture Center)

5 Things To Do This Weekend: Beer Festival, Small Print Show

A beer festival, jazz performance and small print show usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

(Hong Son / Pexels)

5 Things to Do This Weekend: Jan. 27-29

A musical, parade, seed swap and more usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.