Blue Skies Ahead: Theatre Productions, Farmers Markets and Trivia

Don’t let the polar vortex get you down. Bundle up and head out to soak up the arts and all Chicago has to offer — even in the winter. 

Attend Loyola performances like “Notes from the Field” or the Dance Senior Solo Showcase. Looking to get off campus? Check out a production of Fun Home at the Porchlight Music Theater or Betrayal at the Goodman Theatre.

Celebrate Black History Month and support local businesses by exploring the restaurant options for Chicago Black Restaurant Week. 

Dog Day at the Music Box Theatre: Feb. 22

Chicago nonprofits Chicago Canine Rescue and SitStayRead are bringing a family-friendly screening of “The Secret Life of Pets” to the Music Box Theatre, located at 3733 N. Southport Ave., Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. All proceeds will go to the nonprofits. The rescue organization will introduce attendees to puppies and dogs eligible for adoption.

Dance Senior Solo Showcase: Feb. 22-23

Loyola dance majors will present their capstone projects in this “cherished” showcase 12 p.m in Palm Court Feb. 22-23. General admission is $15 and Loyola student tickets are $5. Standby tickets will be made available one hour before the start of sold-out shows.

Betrayal Production: Until Mar. 30

“Betrayal,” written by Harold Pinter and directed by Susan V. Booth, will run at the Goodman Theatre until March 30, located at 170 N. Dearborn St. Accoladed actors Helen Hunt, Robert Sean Leonard and Ian Barford will take up the story of Emma, Robert and Jerry, who have a rocky, intertwined history. Tickets range from $40 to $70, and production times are 2 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.

Indoor Farmers Market: Until Mar. 30

Water Tower Place, at 835 N. Michigan Ave., will host an indoor farmers market on the fourth floor every Sunday 12 to 4 p.m. until March 30. The market will host 75 vendors and feature interactive activities, kids play areas, live entertainment and gaming options. 

Notes from the Field: Feb. 20-23

Loyola Fine and Performing Arts will put on “Notes from the Field” Feb. 20-23 at the Newhart Family Theatre in the Mundelein Center. Written by Anna Deveare Smith, students will tackle issues of incarceration, police brutality and systemic educational systems, according to the production’s description. General admission is $25 and Loyola student admission is $10.

Trivia night at Beard and Belly: Feb. 24 

Beard and Belly, located at 6157 N. Broadway Ave., will host a trivia night and serve participants burgers and cocktails Feb. 24 8 to 10 p.m. The event will be hosted by Stewpendous Productions, a Chicago based entertainment business which delivers trivia shows to businesses around the city. Entry is free.

Chicago Black Restaurant Week: Until Feb. 23

In its tenth year of operation, the annual Chicago Black Restaurant Week supports local Black-owned businesses at various sites across the city. The full list of participating eateries can be found on their website. Listed businesses may offer special menus and discounts for patrons.

Ice Skating at Maggie Daley: Until Mar. 9

Visitors are welcome to ice skate Maggie Daley Park’s ribbon, reservations available through March 9. All skate sessions Mondays through Thursdays are free to attendees. Skate rentals are $17 online and $19 walkup. 

Winter Curl and Chill at The Gwen Hotel: Until Mar. 9

The Gwen Hotel at 521 N. Rush St. is hosting a “Winter Curl and Chill” event. Attendees can enjoy a game of curling and a seasonal menu. The hotel is a half-mile from Water Tower Campus. Tickets are $25.

“Fun Home” at the Porchlight Music Theatre: Feb. 19-Mar. 2
The Porchlight Music Theatre on the Near Northside will put on a performance of the Tony-awarded Broadway musical “Fun Home” Feb. 19 through March 2. Tickets range from $58 to $65.