1. Twinkle
Thousands of handcrafted light sculptures shine at Dragon Lights, the international touring exhibition showcasing Chinese arts and culture that’s custom built for Soldier Field’s giant south parking lot. See the space in a whole new light as dozens of illuminated displays take center stage. Additional entertainment includes two nightly stage performances (see music, juggling, martial arts and more), plus traditional handicraft demonstrations and more. Event takes place outdoors, rain or shine. Traditional Chinese fare and festival eats are available for purchase.
Details: 5:30-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 5:30-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays through May 6. Soldier Field South Parking Lot, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive. $20; $13 for children, seniors and military / MAP
2. Be cool
Poetry, puppetry and live jazz bring the story of one of Chicago’s most beloved figures to life in “No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks.” The 70-minute show explores Brooks’ city and how she navigated identity, craft and politics throughout her remarkable career.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday; 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave. $15-$25 / MAP
No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks (Courtesy of Manual Cinema)
3. Toast
Wrap up Women’s Month with stand-up comedy, music, craft beer and local vendors at Women’s History Night. A $5 suggested donation benefits Mujeres Latinas en Accion, an organization which helps women who struggle with domestic violence or sexual assault.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Saturday at Lo Rez Brewing, 2101 S. Carpenter St. $5 suggested donation / MAP
4. Look up
Candy falling from the sky is every child’s dream. That dream becomes reality – sort of – at the Marshmallow Drop. How it works: a helicopter drops thousands of marshmallows out of the sky, and kids (equipped with the baskets they are encouraged to bring along) scoop them up for a chance to win prizes. Note: The airborne treats are not meant to be eaten.
Details: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday at James Park, Dodge Avenue and Oakton Street in Evanston. Free / MAP
Wayne Marshmallow Drop in 2012 (Scott Calleja / Flickr)
5. Challenge
Spark a friendly competition with friends at International Game Night, where you can play games from Germany, Haiti, Greece, Japan and China. Test your wits in trivia (5 p.m.), enjoy an ice cream sundae bar and watch the NCAA Final Four Loyola vs. Michigan game on the big screen.
Details: 1-9 p.m. Saturday at DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave. $5 suggested donation / MAP
6. Hop along
Put on some shades, a pair of bunny ears and hit the pavement at Bunny Rock Chicago 5K & Egg Hunt. Strollers and walkers are welcome in this 5K (just start in the back of the pack), but dogs must be left at home. Little ones can participate in an egg hunt featuring more than 3,000 eggs and interact with ducks, goats, lambs and donkeys at a petting zoo.
Details: 9 a.m. Saturday at Montrose Harbor, 601 W. Montrose Ave. $15-$40 / MAP
(Bunny Rock Series / Facebook)
7. Groove
Get ready to dance to R&B, hip-hop and soul classics at Chicago 90’s Block Party. The live concert features performances by Faith Evans, Jagged Edge, 112, SWV and Guy featuring Teddy Riley.
Details: 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) Friday at Wintrust Arena, 200 E. Cermak Road. $39.50-$89.50 / MAP
8. Hunt
Hop downtown to The Great Chicago Egg Hunt at Maggie Daley Park, where kiddos can hunt for eggs, participate in knight training, watch a knight parade and make crafts. (The event is just one of many egg hunts hosted by the Chicago Park District happening in the city, get the full list here.)
Details: 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Friday at Maggie Daley Park, 337 E. Randolph St. $10 / MAP
(Pixabay)
9. Conquer
Wicker Park is one of the city’s trendiest and most iconic neighborhoods, but lately its history seems to be getting lost. Rediscover that history in Mansions, Merchants and Mystery: Hunting for the History of Wicker Park. Work as a pair or go solo in a scavenger hunt that’ll take you all over the 1st Ward. Organizers recommend wearing comfy shoes, dressing for cold weather and bringing a charged cellphone. (You can’t Google the answers, but you might need some help deciphering clues.) Event is held rain or shine.
Details: 7-10 p.m. Friday. Meet at Wicker Park Avenue and Honore Street. $35; $68 two-person tickets / MAP
10. Clink
Sample more than 35 types of wine and nibble on artisan cheeses at the Chicago Wine Fest.
Details: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday at Moe’s Cantina River North, 155 W. Kinzie St. $35-$50 / MAP
(Pixabay)
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.
