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Celebrate International Women’s Day And More In Chicago This Weekend
CHICAGO — Celebrate International Women’s Day with markets and music, kick off the Lenten season with the Northwest Side’s beloved St. Ferdinand Fish Fry (with a drive-thru), and pair Girl Scout cookies with mead at a local winery this weekend.
You can also watch a classic Gilbert and Sullivan opera in Hyde Park, attend Haymarket’s annual Sausagefest, try global wines at Uncorked (at a new venue), and catch special performances by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Here’s a roundup of 20 things to do in Chicago this weekend:
All Weekend Events
1. ‘The Pirates of Penzance’
📅 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
📍 University of Chicago’s Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St.
The Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company’s annual Hyde Park show returns this weekend with fan-favorite Pirates of Penzance. The Chicago company has been performing every work in the Gilbert and Sullivan canon for 61 years, alternating between signature operas and more obscure productions.
🎟️ Tickets: $12-$42, with student and group discounts available. Buy tickets here.
2. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
📅 7:30 p.m. Friday, 1 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday
📍 Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is back home in Chicago for a weekend of back-to-back shows. The 65-year-strong company is celebrating the life and legacy of Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison for its 2024-25 season. Longtime dancer Vernard J. Gilmore will also perform I Wanna Be Ready from Ailey’s Revelations at The Auditorium for the last time before he concludes his 30-year run with the company.
🎟️ Tickets start at $44. Buy tickets here.
Women’s Day Celebrations
3. International Women’s Day Market
📅 Saturday & Sunday
📍 The Joinery, 2533 W. Homer St.
Celebrate International Women’s Day by supporting female-owned businesses at this curated market. Local artisans and entrepreneurs will be selling handcrafted goods, artwork, and gourmet treats.
4. Women’s Day Music Festival
📅 Saturday, 6 p.m.
📍 Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave.
Enjoy a night of empowering music featuring female artists from various genres. The event includes live performances, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for women in the music industry.
Food & Drink Festivals
5. Sausagefest at Haymarket Pub & Brewery
📅 Saturday & Sunday
📍 737 W. Randolph St.
Indulge in a weekend filled with house-made sausages, local craft beer, and live music. This annual event at Haymarket is a must-visit for food lovers.
6. Uncorked: Chicago Wine Festival
📅 Saturday, 7-11 p.m.
📍 Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Sample wines from around the world at Uncorked, now hosted at a brand-new venue. Enjoy unlimited tastings of reds, whites, and bubbly from over 50 wineries.
🎟️ Tickets start at $60. Buy tickets here.
7. St. Ferdinand Fish Fry (Drive-Thru Available)
📅 Friday, 4-8 p.m.
📍 5900 W. Barry Ave.
This beloved Northwest Side tradition is back for the Lenten season. Enjoy crispy fried fish with classic sides and homemade desserts.
Family-Friendly Activities
8. Girl Scout Cookie & Mead Pairing
📅 Saturday, 2-6 p.m.
📍 Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery, 9030 S. Hermitage Ave.
Enjoy a unique pairing of delicious Girl Scout cookies with locally made mead, perfect for a fun afternoon outing.
9. Chicago Children’s Museum Free Day
📅 Sunday
📍 700 E. Grand Ave.
Families can enjoy free admission to the Chicago Children’s Museum, featuring hands-on exhibits, interactive play areas, and creative workshops.
Outdoor & Cultural Experiences
10. Chicago Riverwalk Walking Tour
📅 Saturday, 11 a.m.
📍 Starts at Michigan Ave. Bridge
Take a guided walking tour along the iconic Chicago Riverwalk and learn about the city’s history, architecture, and famous landmarks.
11. Winter Lantern Festival
📅 Friday-Sunday
📍 Navy Pier
Experience a dazzling display of illuminated lanterns inspired by Chinese traditions, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
Live Performances & Entertainment
12. Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Beethoven’s Fifth
📅 Friday-Sunday
📍 Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.
Enjoy a breathtaking performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 by the world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
13. Stand-Up Comedy at The Laugh Factory
📅 Saturday, 8 p.m.
📍 3175 N. Broadway
Laugh the night away with top comedians from around the country at this popular Chicago comedy club.