Mardi Gras events, the Hockey City Classic, Theatre Week, the Chinese New Year's Parade, the Blackhawks, and so much more will keep you entertained this weekend, February 15-17, around Chicago. And in case you missed the Chicago Auto Show last weekend, it's still running until February 18.
Through Sunday, Feb. 17; showtimes varyLocations vary by performance
$5-$30
Be a part of history in the making as Chicago embarks on its first theater week. There are over 75 productions participating, with a show for everyone. There will be comedy, romance, Broadway, and more. Tickets are first-come, first-serve, so it's best to order online as soon as you know which show you would like to attend.
Friday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m., 9 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 16, 2 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.Prop Thtr
3502 N. Elston Ave., Chicago
$12 for online tickets, $15 at the door
Chicago's 24th Annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival, also the longest running Fringe Festival, is celebrating its last weekend with some great shows. There will be many different shows running, including "The Cater Family, Family Show," "The Soul Collector," "Baba Yaga/Folktale Hootenanny,"and more.
Friday, Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 16, noon, 7 p.m.Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
$47.90-$179 plus fees; $28.95 for kids ages 3-12
Let your romance blossom with a cruise full of lovers. The Spirit of Chicago hosts a Valentine's Day Weekend Cruise. There will be a buffet, Champagne toast, dancing, and roses. Boarding begins a half-hour before your scheduled cruise, and you can register online or by calling 866-273-2469.
Friday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m.Metro
3730 N. Clark St., Chicago
$18
Emilie Autumn's performances are definitely not the norm for a concert. She always impresses with a theatrical show full of rock, electric violins, pyrotechnics, and dark lyrics. She has performed on Leno and Letterman and toured with Courtney Love.
Saturday, Feb. 16, 1 p.m.Wrigleyville
$20
Festa Parties is hosting a Mardi Gras-themed pub crawl. They'll take you on a journey to collect as many beads as possible. Register online and pick-up BeadQuest packets at their office, located at 4314 N. Lincoln Ave., on Friday between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. If you need to pick it up on Saturday, go to O'Malley's Liquor Kitchen at 3551 N. Sheffield beginning at 1 p.m.
The Dancing Nudes Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, Feb. 16, 2 p.m.Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
$36 (includes museum admission)
This is an adults-only scavenger hunt arranged by scavenger experts Watson Adventures. You will be on a mission to find clues within the nude art at the Art Institute to solve a true Sherlock Holmes mystery.
Joffrey Ballet: American Legends
Saturday, Feb. 16, 2 p.m.; 7:30 p.m.Auditorium Theatre
50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago
$31-$152, plus fees
Joffrey Ballet's "American Legends" is a tribute to some of America's greatest artists. This performance showcases works by Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp, Gerald Arpino, and Stanton Welch. Live music will be performed by the Chicago Philharmonic.
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears
Saturday, Feb. 16, 9 p.m.Metro
3730 N. Clark St., Chicago
$21
There's still time to get tickets to Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears and their combination of blues, punk, and rock sound. Keep in mind that the concert is 18 and over.
Saturday, Feb. 16, 9 p.m.Double Door
1572 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
$10-$12
One of Chicago's favorite female rappers, Psalm One, will be helping to host this tribute to Dr. Dre along with Rich Jones. There will also be a photo booth, Crip Walk Contest, and a $20 sack pyramid game.
Sunday, Feb. 17, 12 p.m., 3:30 p.m.Soldier Field
1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, Chicago
$15-$85
Soldier Field is making history again by hosting its first outdoor hockey double-header. The college teams facing off will be the University of Notre Dame vs. Miami University at noon and the University of Minnesota vs. University of Wisconsin at 3:30 p.m.
Neighborhoods of the World: Bell'Italia
Sunday, Feb. 17, 12 p.m.Navy Pier's Crystal Gardens
600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
Free
If your family has always wanted to learn more about Italy, now is the time! Navy Pier's Neighborhoods of the World hosts a different part of the world each Sunday, and this week is Italy. You'll get to experience music, gifts, and food native to the Italian culture. The musical guest will be Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino.
Sunday, Feb. 17, 1 p.m.Wentworth Avenue and 24th Street, Chicago
Free
It's the Year of the Snake, and what better way to kick it off than a parade through Chinatown? There will be marching bands, colorful floats, dancers, dragons, and lions. This celebration is a good time for all ages.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. L.A. Kings
Sunday, Feb. 17, 2:30 p.m.United Center
1901 W. Madison St., Chicago
From $70 (re-sales)
The Blackhawks could be destined for the Stanley Cup this year with an unstoppable attitude and a record so far to prove it. Defending Stanley Cup holders the L.A. Kings may not as impressive this year thus far, but it's always a good time watching the Blackhawks play. For tickets, check the re-sales at the NHL Ticket Exchange.
Janoa Taylor is a freelance writer with a background in business and finance. She offers a unique local perspective gained from years as a Chicago resident.
