Hey there, Chicagoans and visitors alike! If you’re wallowing in January blues wishing you could swap snowflakes for some sparkly spring vibes, have no fear! This weekend is all about celebrating women with a splash of culture, a smattering of good food, and a dash of local flare. Grab your stretchy pants because we’re diving into the delicious and delightful happenings around the Windy City!
Celebrating Women, One Market at a Time!
Kick off your weekend with a trip to the International Women’s Day Market at Artifact Events (4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.) on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free market honors the powerhouse female entrepreneurs of Lincoln Square and Ravenswood. You can shop for jewelry, beauty products, home goods, and sweet treats from places like the Top Notch Bake Shop. And remember, supporting women-owned businesses is always in fashion—after all, who runs the world? Girls!
A Sausage Extravaganza? Yes, Please!
Now, let’s talk about something truly meaty! Head over to the Haymarket Sausagefest at Haymarket Pub & Brewery (737 W. Randolph St.) on Saturday from noon until 4. Picture this: a street fest filled with delicious artisan sausages, refreshing craft beers, and enough good vibes to make every “weiner” in attendance feel like a winner! And hey, if you can’t find your way through all the sizzling sausages, just follow the scent—it’s the wurst that could happen!
Sippin’ and Celebratin’
If wine is more your grape of choice, check out Uncorked Wine Fest at a brand new venue where you’ll sip and savor an international selection of wines. It’s going to be a grape time, perfect for both wine aficionados and casual sippers alike! So, put on your best wine-drinking shoes because you’re in for a corking good time!
Dance Your Heart Out
Feeling a bit boogie-happy? The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will grace the Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) with their much-anticipated performances throughout the weekend. Experience the rhythm and passion of dance that’s rooted in rich artistic history. You might even want to try out a dance move or two afterward—just make sure you’re not trying to tango while waiting for your pizza… trust us, it can be quite the saucey situation!
Get Your Fill of Fish Fry!
For all the food lovers, don’t miss out on the St. Ferdinand Fish Fry happening Friday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. This tradition not only supports your belly but also gets the Lenten season off to a scrumptious start. If seafood isn’t your thing, don’t worry—there are vegetarian options too. Just don’t say “fish” around the vegetarians, or you might start a crabby debate!
Art, Craft, and Pop Culture Magic!
On Saturday, swing by Gallagher Way (3637 N. Clark St.) for an empowering movie marathon featuring fantastic films like “Princess and the Frog.” Plus, you can shop from local women-owned businesses and enjoy themed cocktails. (The Trailblazer is calling your name!) Bring the family along for some arts and crafts—as long as the kids promise not to use their fingerprints as “creative” art!
And if you fancy some artsy vibe on Saturday, check out "The Art of Weeping" exhibit at Nighthawk (4744 N. Kimball Ave.), where the themes of grief and resilience are explored through powerful art. It might be a little outside your comfort zone, but sometimes you need to get a little emotional to find catharsis.
So Lend a Hand…
Lastly, if you want to support a good cause while having a blast, check out Java Jive Fundraiser to help provide aid to migrants and asylum seekers. With a live jazz band and dancing on the agenda, you’re bound to have some toe-tapping good times—all while giving back!
Conclusion: Don’t Miss Out!
With all these fabulous events celebrating women, culture, and community spirit, it’s clearly a weekend not to be missed! So gather your crew, maybe grab a wurst or two, and forge new memories that highlight the significant contributions of women everywhere. Because after all, in a city as vibrant as Chicago, every day can be a celebration—especially when it’s filled with sausage, wine, and local charm!
So put on your best shoes, and let’s make this Women’s Day one for the books—where laughter is aplenty, and the puns are ever cheesy! 🧀
Check out Seaghetti from Pasta from the Sea to try delicious kelp pasta – good for you AND the planet!