Chicagoans, are you ready for some Blackhawks games? Wait no longer, since this weekend kicks off the shortened NHL season. You'll also have the chance to get autographs from Cubs players, and for those of you who aren't big into sports or waited too long to buy a Grace Potter ticket, don't worry -- there are many other activities going on in the Chicago area this weekend, January 18-20.
Through Sunday, Jan. 20Six different locations
$5-$25
The Tomorrow Never Knows 2013 music festival kicked off on Wednesday, January 16, and will run until Sunday. There are many different shows at the following venues: Schubas, Lincoln Hall, Metro, Smart Bar, Hideout, and The Vic. Performers include Jessie Ware, Family of the Year, Bear in Heaven, Wild Belle, Niki & The Dove, and so many more great artists.
28th Annual Cubs Convention Friday, Jan. 18, 1 p.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 19, 9 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sunday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers
301 E. N. Water St., Chicago
$60
The Chicago Cubs Convention is probably the highlight of the baseball season, since going to the World Series hasn't been an option lately. At the convention, you'll find current and former players ready to sign your favorite memorabilia and question-and-answer sessions.
29th Annual Chicago Motorcycle Show and Parts Expo
Friday, Jan. 18, 1 p.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Pheasant Run Resort
4051 E. Main St., St. Charles
$12-$250
The Chicago Motorcycle Show is going to be spectacular this year. And for $250, you could have breakfast with Theo Rossi "Juice" and Tommy Flanagan "Chibbs" from "Sons of Anarchy." If you miss the breakfast, there will be a swap meet, live music, a beer tent, and a bike show featuring a lot of great Chicago vendors.
Saturday, Jan. 19, 11 a.m.The Beer Bistro North
1415 W. Fullerton, Chicago
This is the event for Chicago's beer connoisseurs. All 20 tap lines are being taken over by some of Chicago's most loved and sometimes hard-to-come-by stouts, like the Goose Island Bourbon County Stout. Also gracing the list will be Deschutes Obsidian Stout and many other great craft brews at a very reasonable $4. Some barrels are smaller than others, so I would advise getting there earlier to secure a taste of your favorite.
Saturday, Jan. 19, noon to 4 p.m.Northerly Island
1401 S. Linn White Drive, Chicago
Free, $3 limited cash-only parking
This one is for the kids and all dog lovers, since there will be live huskies, wolves, and other animals. The Old Town School of Folk Music will be on hand to entertain all the little ones. There will also be winter crafts and hot cocoa to sip while supplies last.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Los Angeles Kings Road Party
Saturday, Jan. 19, 1 p.m.Sheffield's Beer and Wine Garden
3258 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago
Even though the first game of the season will be held at the Staples Center in L.A., you might as well get out of the house and enjoy some hockey with like-minded fans! Watch our beloved Blackhawks take on the 2012 Stanley Cup victors, the Kings, at one of the nation's best craft beer bars, Sheffield's. You'll find a wide variety of crafts to choose from, including $4 Sierra Nevada drafts, and a hockey-loving crowd.
Sunday, Jan. 20, 8 p.m.-10 p.m.Revolution Brewery
2323 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
$30 at the door
Revolution Brewery will host the 21-and-over fundraising event for Yollocalli Arts Reach. The next best thing to helping others is two hours of unlimited appetizers, beer, and music. There will also be a raffle with great prizes, including $50 to Simone's and a free haircut at Maxine Salon.
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.
