Blue Skies Ahead: Restaurant Week, Polar Plunge, Go Run

Chicago is gearing up for its favorite event of the year — St. Patrick’s day. Hop over to the Irish American Heritage Center for a showing of Tea With St. Patrick, or visit the South Side Irish Parade. 

Not ready to celebrate quite yet? Instead, try out the many options available through Andersonville Restaurant Week or — if you’re feeling adventurous — take part in the Chicago Polar Plunge at North Avenue Beach. 

Andersonville Restaurant Week: Until March 2

Chicago’s Andersonville Neighborhood will host a restaurant week through March 2, offering diverse cuisine at various restaurants. Participating businesses include Big Jones, Minyoli, Anteprima and more.

Chicago Polar Plunge: March 2

North Avenue Beach, located at 1601 N. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive, will host the 25th annual Chicago Polar Plunge March 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free and attendance benefits programs enjoyed by the Special Olympics Chicago.

Go Run Chicago: March 1

Go Run is a community partnership between the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Area Runners Association which fosters engagement through an active lifestyle and volunteerism. They’ll host a run at Warren Park — located 6601 N. Western Ave. Admission is free, and those looking to attend can register on the Go Run website.

Chopin in the City: Until March 2

The 9th annual Chopin in the City will put on concerts inspired by composer Frederic Chopin at various venues across the city, including Green Mill cocktail lounge at 4802 N. Broadway Ave. and The Polish Museum of America at 984 N. Milwaukee Ave. Ticket prices are listed under $50.

“Clue” Production: Until March 2

Based on the 1985 cult-classic by the same name, this stage play is currently running at the CIBC Theatre, located at 18 W. Monroe St. Showtimes occur in the early afternoon and late evenings, and ticket prices range from $31 to $146. 

Chicago Irish Film Festival: Until March 9

The Chicago Irish Film Festival returns for its 26th annual run in Lincoln Park and will show over 40 short films, about a dozen feature films and will host a talk with former President of Ireland Mary Robinson. An online program will stream specially curated films not shown at the festival March 3-9.

Tea with St. Patrick: March 8

Actor Terry Lynch brings the patron saint of Ireland to life in this show, running from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 8 at the Irish American Heritage Center, located at 4626 N. Knox Ave. Lynch as St. Patrick will tell the stories of other saints like St. Bridget, St. Columba and others. Tickets are $15 for children under 12 and $30 general.

47th Annual South Side Irish Parade: March 16

The largest St. Patrick’s day community-based event outside of Dublin, Ireland — Chicago’s Southside Irish Parade will kick off at 103rd and Western Avenue in the West Morgan neighborhood March 16 at 12 p.m. The Big Shoulders Fund will be Grand Marshaling.