Blue Skies Ahead: Nov. 13

As autumn turns to winter and November summons colder temperatures, there are still plenty of festive activities around town to lure you outside and out of bed.

Grab your mittens and scarves and head to Millennium Park for opening day of the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, or get into the holiday spirit at the Film Workers’ market. If winter isn’t your thing, hold on to the last few weeks of fall at the Vedgewater Harvest Party. 

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink Opening: Nov. 15

Sooth your impending winter gloom with a pair of ice skates and a view of Chicago’s illustrious Cloud Gate in Millennium Park. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink will open its gates for the first time this winter season Nov. 15, staying open through February as weather permits. 

Admission to the rink is free, but reservations, available on Chicago.gov, are required. Skate rentals are available for $16 Monday through Thursday and $20 Friday through Sunday and on holidays.

Film Workers’ Holiday Market: Nov. 16

‘Tis the season! Get your holiday shopping done early by joining the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 476 Women’s Committee Nov. 16 for a merry holiday market. The vendors — all local filmmakers — will be selling their wares in a mix of arts and crafts as well as vintage sales. 

The market will run 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will include food, music and even a visit from the jolly old man in the sleigh. Admission is free, and the event will be hosted at ​​the CineCity Studio on 2429 W. 14th St.

Vedgewater Harvest Party: Nov. 16

The Vedgewater Community Garden at 6300 N. Broadway is welcoming neighbors to a Harvest Party this Saturday, Nov. 16. Interested volunteers are invited to help collect the harvest from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., according to the Edgewater Environmental Coalition, who operate the garden.

Crops harvested from the garden during the event will be donated to Care For Real, a non-profit organization with food pantries throughout North Side Chicago according to their website. If getting a little dirty while putting in some work sounds interesting, RSVP to the event for free online.