1. Feast
Ring in the weekend with blues guitarist and singer Toronzo Cannon, who was recently nominated for four 2017 Blues Music Awards. A Chicago native, Cannon is partnering with his friend, River Roast chef John Hogan, to provide guests an a la carte menu to enjoy with the show.
Details: 8-10 p.m. Friday; doors open 7 p.m. at River Roast, 315 N. LaSalle St. $20; cash bar. | MAP
2. Mingle
Though it’s been an unseasonably warm week in Chicago, snow is on the forecast for Saturday – and it serves as the ideal backdrop for the final installment of Polar Adventure Days. Dress the part for winter activities and nature-inspired crafts, plus an opportunity to come face-to-face with Siberian huskies, wolves and other furry animals.
Details: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday at Northerly Island, 1521 S. Linn White Drive. Free. | MAP
3. Celebrate
Can’t make it down to New Orleans for Mardi Gras? Enjoy a Chicago-style celebration with a Crawfish Boil brought to you by chef Art Smith. Tickets include all-you-can-eat crawfish and cornbread, plus live music.
Details: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday at Chicago q, 1160 N. Dearborn St. $40. | MAP
4. Dive in
Some 50 dealers showcase a century of fashion at Chicago Vintage Clothing & Jewelry Show, offering textiles, clothing, shoes, jewelry, designer vintage and more from “all eras and prices from the 1880s to 1980s.”
Details: 3-10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at St. Andrews Greek Orthodox Church, 5694 N. Sheridan Road. $8. | MAP
5. Stomp
The 15th Annual Chicago Flamenco Festival kicks off this weekend with a reception and the U.S. premiere of Anabel Veloso’s “Secreto A Voces.” The five-week festival includes 11 performances from Spanish Flamenco dancers and musicians, and film debuts.
Details: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago, 31 W. Ohio St. $25-$35. | MAP
6. Indulge
If you have an affinity for art and happen to like breakfast for dinner, make a beeline for the Pancakes & Booze Art Show. More than 80 emerging artists exhibit their work alongside a free pancake bar, with live body painting to top it all off.
Details: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Reggies, 2105 S. State St. $5; $10 VIP. | MAP
7. Shimmy
Jazz bands throughout the country converge in the western suburbs for the 50th Annual Elmhurst College Jazz Festival. Headliners include Dee Dee Bridgewater and the New York-based Vanguard Jazz Orchestra; high school and college jazz bands also perform.
Details: 12:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday; 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday at Elmhurst College Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, 190 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. $12-$36. | MAP
8. Caffeinate
Running a marathon sounds fun, except for the part about 26.2 miles. Here's one that sounds a little more our speed (although comfortable shoes are still a must): The annual Chicago Dance Marathon returns for a (long) day of dancing and fundraising to benefit patients and families of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at Chicago Marriott Downtown, 540 N. Michigan Ave. $35; $500 minimum fundraising goal. to register. | MAP
9. Explore
The local youth development organization Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development (BUILD) hosts the art show Love & Hate: A Remix of Urban Experience. Peruse work by young and aspiring local artists before deciding where to double down for a silent auction. Includes wine and appetizers.
Details: 4-7 p.m. Friday at the BUILD Campus, 5100 W. Harrison St. $30. | MAP
10. Reminisce
Close out the weekend with a screening of the rock musical “Purple Rain” at PBR Movie Night. The first film starring the late, great Prince tells the story of a young singer born in Minneapolis who reaches the pinnacle of stardom.
Details: 8 p.m. Sunday at the Boiler Room, 2210 N. California Ave. No cover. | MAP
Events listed are subject to change. We recommend double-checking times and locations before you head out the door. Want to share your upcoming events with us for consideration in a future roundup? Send us an email.