Take advantage of Chicago’s upcoming events and offerings this month:
Culture:
- Have a laugh as Chicago’s improv theater ComedySportz (929 W. Belmont) sets up a 1920s speakeasy-themed weekend (January 16 – 18) in honor of Prohibition. Shows are supplemented by live jazz music, prohibition-style cocktails and even a password to enter. Guests wearing costumes will receive $5 off their tickets
- Only here for 8 weeks, The Phantom of the Opera opens at the Cadillac Palace Theater (151 W. Randolph) on January 9 – buy tickets to the world-renowned production before they sell out
- Get dressed up and head to Art Institute After Dark for a 21+ museum party featuring a DJ, appetizers and a cash bar. This is your last chance to see the “Art and Appetite” exhibit before it closes. Friday, January 17, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Tickets $25. Enter through the Modern Wing at 159 E. Monroe
Entertainment:
- The 5th annual Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Fest kicks off January 10 and features three weeks of concerts around town at Concord Music Hall, Tonic Room, City Winery and Evanston’s SPACE. Most notable is Rusted Root playing at Concord Music Hall on January 25 with Donna the Buffalo
- If you can’t get enough drama, follow the trials and tribulations of Bravo’s chosen “Chicago socialite go-getters” on 100 Days of Summer. Tuesday’s premiere (9 p.m.) illustrated that they think we all must die after those 100 days are up. Prove them wrong!
Food:
- If you’ve ever dreamed of being a chef, check out Le Cordon Bleu’s open house and cooking demo day this Saturday, January 11 at 10:30. Tour their industrial kitchens and pick up chef tips along the way. RSVP in the link above to reserve your spot (free)
- Indoor foodie festival “The Nosh” sets up each Sunday with the Logan Square Farmer’s Market at 2755 N. Milwaukee from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Taste local artisanal food from multiple vendors sampling bites of Chicago
Fitness:
- Take advantage of the last few days of Chicago Park District’s Free Fitness Week – sign up for free classes and swim lessons and work out at a number of Chicago-area gyms for free, only until January 12. Low-cost enrollment options are available after the free week is up
- Drop in on a number of boutique workout classes for free this month, thanks to Nike Training Club Lincoln Park. With the close of their Armitage storefront last month, they’ve opened a window to give fans a chance to take advantage of free workouts around the city. Pick up your NTC Club Card at Nike Chicago or Nike Running Bucktown for access to studios such as Barre Bee Fit, Flywheel and Shred415
- Fulfill your Bears-fan dream of running through Soldier Field by signing up for May 24′s Soldier Field 10 Mile race. Sign up by January 19 to save $20 off your registration fee