The City of Chicago, in collaboration with Chicago cultural Organizations, the hospitality industry, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Tourism, is offering 100+ free family-friendly events, attractions, and daily happenings this winter.  

For a full list of events please visit Chicago’s official tourism website, www.ExploreChicago.org or call toll-free 1-(877)-CHICAGO.  Here is a brief list of events taking place in the 42nd Ward:

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park
Skating Rink
Through Sunday, March 15, weather permitting.
Open daily.
Monday - Thursday from noon - 9pm
Friday from noon - 10pm
Saturday - Sunday from 10am - 10pm
Michigan Avenue at Washington Street
312-742-5222
Skate Rental $10

Daley Bicentennial Park in Grant Park
Skating Rink
Through Saturday, February 28, weather permitting.
Open daily.
Monday - Friday from 8am - 10pm (senior skate 9-10am)
Saturday - Sunday from 9am - 5pm
337 E. Randolph Street
312-742-7650
Skate Rental $6

The Exquisite City
Thursday, January 15 - Sunday, March 15
Open daily.
Monday - Saturday from 10am - 6pm
Sunday from 10am - 5pm
Artists Reception:
Friday, January 30, 6-8pm
Workshop:
Saturday, February 21, 1-4pm
Chicago Tourism Center
72 E. Randolph Street
312-744-2400 (exhibit info)
312-742-8497 (workshop reservations)
Over 70 artists create a fantastic cityscape.  Mostly cardboard, each reflects the artist’s take on Chicago.  Participating artists will be present for a diorama workshop-demonstration (for adults and children 8 and up accompanied by an adult) taking place on Saturday February 21.

TOAST on the Magnificent Mile
Saturdays, Throughout February
Fireworks at 6:30pm
Chicago River
401 N. Michigan Avenue
312-642-3570
Fireworks illuminate the sky over the Chicago River.  With Moet & Chandon luxury champagnes, toast to a birthday, an engagement, a reunion or other special moments at participating restaurants, hotels and spas during the month.  

Frozen Fun Fest
Saturday, February 7 - Sunday, February 8
10am - 4pm
Millennium Park, Chase Promenade
Michigan Avenue at Washington Street
312-742-1168
Navigate a kid-sized ice maze, lay ice games and pose for an ice portrait while enjoying festive performances and warm drinks courtesy of Starbucks.

Honest Abe at Navy Pier
Saturday, February 7 from noon - 5pm
Navy Pier - Family Pavilion
500 E. Grand Ave.
312-595-PIER (7437)
Join Abe Lincoln for a gathering of all things “Abe” including a replica of the Lincoln Memorial Sculpture and historical-character appearances.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra:
Lincoln Bicentennial Tribute
Saturday, February 21, 8pm
Tuesday, February 24, 7:30pm
Symphony Center
220 S. Michigan Avenue
312-294-3000
Admission: $17 - $199 per person
James Earl Jones narrates Copland’s inspirational Lincoln Portrait, written as part of the 1942 patriotic war effort.  Also includes works by Robert Russell Bennet and the great American symphonic composer Roy Harris.     

Hidden Treasures: The Lane Tech Murals
Through Sunday, March 1
Open daily.
Monday - Thursday from 8am - 7pm
Friday from 8am - 6pm
Saturday from 9am - 6pm
Sunday from 10am - 6pm
Closed Holidays
Chicago Cultural Center - Chicago Rooms
77 E. Randolph Street
312-744-6630
In celebration of Lane Tech Prep High School’s 100th anniversary, this special exhibit presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs highlights 11 outstanding paintings from 1909 to 1913.  Progressive-era murals by George Brandt and others valued for their aesthetics, historical connect, and narrative will be featured.

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