Everything Fun to Do in Chicago This January, from the Polar Plunge to Restaurant Week
These are the must-hit festivals, openings, concerts, events, and general happenings to check out in Chicago.
Sorry, everyone. It’s winter. The leaves have fallen, and streets are filled with flannel-clad Chicagoans trying to not think about the fact that we’re knocking on the door of the next polar vortex. That said, there’s still plenty to do as the city freezes over, whether you want to check out the city’s best restaurants, take a trip to one of the city’s many nature spots to see the fresh snow, or have a romantic night out with your partner.
Chicago has something to offer everyone, from state parks to thrift shops to pop-ups. And if that’s not enough for you, it’s also well within driving distance of some wonderful day trip spots. Whether you want to hit the trails, relax at a spa, or test your friendship at one of our city’s escape rooms, the City of Broad Shoulders has you more than covered.
Knowing all this, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of weekend outings that are worth your time this January, from winter festivals to culinary experiences to concerts and beyond. Here are some of our can’t-miss favorites.
Festival Events in Chicago
January 17-21
Multiple Locations, Ticket prices vary
TNK is the city’s best, oft-overlooked music festival, organized as a series of individual concerts over five days. Featuring established and up-and-coming artists across four of Chicago’s best venues (Lincoln Hall, Sleeping Village, Gman Tavern, and the legendary Schubas), the festival is a must. This year’s lineup includes acts like Aisha Burns, Minor Moon, Rahill, Alice Longyu Gao, and dozens more. They’ve even made a handy playlist if you’re not familiar with the acts.
January 13-14
Tinley Park, Tickets start at $20
It’s not technically within the Chicago city limits, but how could we resist telling you about this family-friendly convention dedicated to brick-building toys of all shapes and sizes? Thousands of bricks await you, along with an area dedicated to Minecraft, buildable racecar derbies, and a slightly-painful-sounding giant brick pit photo op, full of over 200,000 bricks to (gently) hop into. There will also be appearances from LEGO Masters contestants.
January 13
Wrigleyville, Tickets start at $10
Do we need to sell you on a trip to Wrigleyville’s Old Crow Smokehouse to stuff your face with bacon while enjoying live music? The smokehouse will be featuring an overhauled, bacon-focused food menu for the event, as well as a bunch of bacon cocktails and mocktails. As if that weren’t enough already, tickets include giveaways, photo ops, and a complimentary “bacon-back” whiskey shot.
January 27
Oak Street Beach, $30
The Chicago Polar Bear Club is descending upon Oak Street Beach for the 23rd year running, to host some of the city’s most intrepid and brave souls as they plunge into a frigid Lake Michigan to benefit local families in need. Gird your loins and maybe grab a heated towel — it’ll be more shocking than your first Malort shot.
Food & Drink Events in Chicago
Through January 7
Wrigleyville, Cost varies
Wrigleyville’s Graystone Tavern is offering a welcome alternative to Santa Baby with their Eight Crazy Nights pop-up. Snap some photos at their ugly Hanukkah sweater wall, indulge in their boozy spin on classic sufganiyot (jelly-filled donuts), and round up a group of friends to perform what can only be referred to as a “menorah shotski.”
January 26, 27
Lincoln Square, Tickets start at $195
The Chicago Beefsteak is one of our city’s most incredible traditions, and it’s hard to describe in words. In short, it is a celebration. Suit and tie dress is required, and you will be provided with an apron when you walk in to the Chicago DANK Haus cultural center. There will be no utensils. The apron is for wiping your hands. Soon, after a robust course of cocktails and passed appetizers, trays upon trays of perfectly cooked and marbled beef will begin to appear, and you will be encouraged to eat as much as you can grab. Grab your reflux meds and embark upon a culinary adventure you will never, ever forget.
January 18-February 4
Multiple locations, prices vary, First Bites Bash tickets are $150
Chicago Restaurant Week is right around the corner, and what better way to kick it off than to trek down to the Field Museum for the First Bites Bash, a celebration of Chicago culinarians, complete with cocktails? After that event, participating restaurants like CheSa’s Bistro & Bar, Sunda, Volo Restaurant Wine Bar, and Cafe Robey will offer incredible fixed-price meals for your eating pleasure. A full list of participating restaurants can be found here.
Art & Entertainment Events in Chicago
Through January 7
Chicago Botanic Garden, $34 General Admission
It’s cuffing season, so let us make one gentle suggestion: take someone special to the Chicago Botanic Garden for the holiday lightscape. Walk the path through the gardens and take in the art installations, including the fire garden and the classic Winter Cathedral. There are few better ways to spend a chilly November evening—but be warned. Tickets sell out, and they sell out fast.
Through January 28
The Loop, Tickets start at $60
If you haven’t yet seen the show that simultaneously, singlehandedly, revitalized millennials’ interest in both musical theater and American history, now’s your chance. Lin Manuel-Miranda’s 11-Tony-Award-winning opus is playing at the James M. Nederlander Theatre through the end of the month. Tickets can be expensive, but if you’re willing to catch a weekday show, you don’t have to break the bank to see world-class theatre.
Through March 10
Maggie Daley Park, $16 (with skate rental)
Time to lace ‘em up. Tickets for Chicago’s newest, best winter tradition go on sale early in November, and they do sell out. The Ice Skating Ribbon offers beautiful views of the city, and is a fall/winter/early spring must-do, so be sure to check the official website as tickets release on a rolling basis. The first batch, covering visits from November 17 to December 3, goes on sale on November 6.
Through February 1
Loyola University Museum of Art, $23
Perhaps the most recognizable photographer of the generation, Steve McCurry has brought his critically acclaimed ICONS exhibition to Chicago, featuring over 100 of his most incredible photographs. And yes, that includes his stunning photograph of Sharbat Gula, the “Afghan Girl” featured on the cover of National Geographic. You should all know that it took everything we had not to fill this entry with “iconic” puns.