8 Things to do in the City & Western Suburbs: January 19

We know it’s cold as ice in Chicago this weekend, but don’t let that stop you from attending some of the hottest events that the city has to offer.  From works of art to tasty treats, Chicago never stops putting on a great show, no matter the weather! 

Warm Up with Cocoa & Coffee in Wheaton

Grab a friend or the whole family for a fun-filled day sampling a variety of unique hot cocoas and artisan coffees at your favorite Downtown Wheaton shops and restaurants! Event check-in begins at 11:30, be sure to get your wristband and a map of the tasting locations before you start. All beverages will be kid-friendly, so bring along your smallest chocolate lover if you’d like – there’s even a Unicorn Hot Chocolate on the menu! 

Date: January 20 
Time: 12-3PM 
Cost: $18 ea or $64 for 4 
Location: Check in at Wildflower Mercantile, 134 W Liberty Dr, Wheaton 
More info:tickettailor.com

Bowl with Elsa & Anna in Oak Brook

Bring the kids to Pinstripes in Oak Brook to bowl with their favorite Frozen friends! Tickets are required and include one hour of bowling and a kids meal. Choose from favorites like chicken tenders, mac & cheese, pizza, and more, for a delicious and fun afternoon that is sure to delight your little ones.

Date: January 19 
Time: Sessions from 10AM-1:45PM 
Cost: $20+ 
Location: Pinstripes, 7 Oakbrook Center Mall, Oak Brook 
More info:pinstripes.com

Be Moved by the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra

Don’t miss Celebration of the Dance at the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra! This lively performance includes selections from Lully, Telemann, Rameau, Praetorius, and Bach, conducted by Stephen Alltop, and featuring Craig Trompeter (Viola da Gamba) and  Mary Stolper (Flute). Warm up your winter evening with this movement that will move you – both figuratively and literally!

Date: January 20 & 21 
Time: 3PM & 4PM 
Cost: $12+ students, $35+ adults 
Location: Union Church of Hinsdale, 137 S Garfield St, Hinsdale (Saturday), and Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W Brush Hill Rd, Elmhurst 
More info: elmhurstsymphony.org

Enjoy a Winter Adventure at Big Marsh Park 

Calling all cold-weather explorers! Flock to Big Marsh Park this Saturday for a Polar Adventure day hosted by the Chicago Park District. Enjoy the wonders of nature in winter: take a guided bird hike, do a nature-inspired winter craft, see Husky teams mush around the park – then warm up around the bonfire to enjoy stories, music, hot cocoa, and more! 

Date: January 20 
Time: 12pm – 3pm  
Cost: Free 
Location: Big Marsh Park, 11559 S Stony Island Ave  
More info:chicagoparkdistrict.com

Cut Your Strings and Head to the Puppet Festival 

An enduring Chicago tradition makes its 6th annual appearance as the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival returns for eleven days of puppetry. Featuring performances, symposiums, workshops, and more, this festival highlights the world of puppets by featuring some of the world’s most prominent puppeteers.   

Date:  January 18 – 28 
Time:  Opening night at 7:30pm  
Cost:  $15+ 
Location:  Various locations  
More info:  chicagopuppetfest.org

Feast on Donuts at Stan’s Donut Fest 

A legendary purveyor of delectable donuts, Stan’s Donuts, is hosting their 10th Anniversary Donut Fest in River North this weekend.  Indulge your sweet tooth with Stan’s famous flavors including Blueberry Fritter, Lemon Pistachio, Tiramisu, and more! 

Date:  January 20 
Time:  11am – 3pm  
Cost:  $20+ 
Location:  Stan’s Donut Pop-Up, 155 W Kinzie St.  
More info:  eventbrite.com

Discover Chicago’s Newest Artists at Tomorrow Never Knows 

For over 10 years, Tomorrow Never Knows has gathered Chicago’s rising indie artists and given them a stage to put on a legendary show. Hosted by the teams at Schubas, Lincoln Hall, GMAN Tavern, and Sleeping Village, this festival gives a promising glimpse of the future of music in Chicago, that’s well worth the trip through the cold to see. 

Date: January 17 – 21 
Time: Various times  
Cost: $20+ 
Location: Schubas Tavern, Lincoln Hall, GMAN Tavern, and Sleeping Village 
More info: tnkfest.com

Go Behind the Curtain at the Auditorium Theatre 

This weekend, go backstage at Chicago’s famed Auditorium Theatre, to learn about the secrets and stories that make this space unique. Take a tour and discover the brilliance of the architecture, from the classical artwork to the 24-karat gold-leafed ceiling arches, as well as the hidden gems that make this theatre a true work of art. 

Date: January 21 (plus later dates) 
Time: 12pm  
Cost: $18 
Location: The Auditorium Theatre, 50 East Ida B. Wells Dr 
More info: auditoriumtheatre.org

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