Blue Skies Ahead: Ice Skating, Film Festivals and Walking Tours

The first snow has transformed the city of Chicago into a powdered winter wonderland, and the biting cold calls for cozy activities that warm the body and soul. The end of the fall calls for new means that will curve winter depression. 

As promised yearly, Maggie Daley Park’s skating ribbon has returned, where visitors can glide away on their worries. History buffs can experience the beauty of winter in Lincoln Park while learning about the hallmarks of the famous suburb during the Guns, Guitars & Gangster walking tours.

Learn about the foundations of Black culture in Chicago through the Black Harvest Film Festival, where speakers, comedians and changemakers will share their visual masterpieces with viewers. As the year slowly comes to a close, those looking to reflect on another year of life can attend Silver Room’s workshop, where childhood memories and experiences will be relived and relearned through therapeutic activities.

Black Harvest Film Festival: Nov. 7-16

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago is hosting their 31st annual showcase for Black film. Throughout the week, the Gene Siskel Film Center will be honoring Black legacy – from South Side storytellers and history of black house music to stories about black queer life, the event will highlight the greatness of Chicago history through Black contributions.

Lincoln Park: Guns, Guitars & Gangster Tour: Year-round

Looking to explore the magic of famous Chicago suburbs? Every Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m., Tours by Foot will be hosting a two-hour walking tour through Lincoln Park. Participants can retrace the footsteps of Chicago’s notorious gangsters while learning about the prohibition’s historical effect on the city. 

The walk will highlight the gems of Lincoln Park: DePaul University, Biograph Theater, Oz’s World Park Fair, Lincoln Park Zoo and more. The tour starts at the intersection of North Lincoln Avenue, North Halsted Street and West Fullerton Avenue at DePaul University’s courtyard. Tickets can be purchased on Tours by Foot’s website.

Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon: Nov. 14 – Mar. 8

Grab your skates and get ready for the annual opening of Maggie Daley Park’s skating rink, where visitors can loop around an icy course with a striking view of the skyline.

For those with skates, skating sessions are free Monday-Thursday and $5 from 5-8 p.m. during the holiday season. Holiday and weekend skate rentals are $21 online and $23 for walk-ups, and $17 with registration and $19 for walk-ups Monday-Thursday. Skating ribbon hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day and registration is encouraged.

Silverroom Workshops: Befriending and Healing your Inner Child: Nov. 4 – Nov. 23

The Silver Room is hosting a therapeutic event for those looking to revisit their younger self and heal past wounds. The event will be hosted by Ammie Kae, licensed social worker, clinical therapist and founder of Granddaughters, a private practice that aims to provide mental health care centering.
 The first event will focus on meaningful discussions, accompanied by an art activity. In session two, participants will express their vulnerability by discussing their childhood wounds and how to heal oneself through self care and intentional action.