Blue Skies Ahead: Lunar New Year, Architecture and Film and Book Discussions

As we progress into the second semester and become more comfortable with our class schedules, the opportunity to explore the city arises — an option The Phoenix’s news team always thinks is worth taking. 

Explore outside of Rogers Park this week with a trip to Andersonville to participate in their annual Fiak Fest, or stay local and observe the Loyola Lunar New Years Celebration by donning red outfits for good luck.

Prophet Song by Paul Lynch Book Discussion: Jan. 29

The Chicago Public Libary Rogers Park branch, located at 6907 N. Clark St., is hosting a book discussion of “Prophet Song” by Paul Lynch 6-7 p.m. Jan. 29. 

Fika Fest: Feb. 1-2

Fika Fest returns to Andersonville this weekend with a series of coffee and puzzle events. In Swedish, “fika” means “a coffee and cake break” and is considered an essential part of the day by many Swedes, according to the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce.

Explore the available coffee and baked goods in Andersonville Feb. 1 on the Coffee & Cocoa Crawl. Check-in for one of the two available routes begins at 9 a.m. at the Swedish American Museum at 5211 N. Clark St. 

Attendees can either embark on the Bean Route to discover local hot chocolates or the Brew Route to taste fine coffees, according to the event page. 

Head back to the Swedish American Museum Feb. 2 with a jigsaw to participate in the Great Andersonville Puzzle Exchange from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Extreme puzzle enthusiasts can even sign up online to volunteer at the event and the following the Great Andersonville Puzzle Throwdown, where contestants race to finish a puzzle while spectators cheer them on.

Loyola Lunar New Year’s Celebration: Jan. 31

Loyola’s Department of Programming is hosting the 2025 Lunar New Year’s celebration Jan. 31. Students can enjoy dumplings, a traditional lion dance and Chinese calligraphy — among other things. Students are strongly encouraged to dress formally or in red to celebrate. The event will take place in the Damen Multipurpose Room 6-8 p.m.

Architecture and Film Festival: Jan. 29 to Feb. 2

A touring film festival returns to Gene Siskel Film Center, located at 164 N. State St., to showcase films spanning many architecture and design topics. Tickets are $8 for students. To buy tickets and access more information, check out the festival’s website. 

Restaurant Week: Jan. 24 to Feb. 9

The 18th annual Chicago Restaurant Week is currently taking place and features more than 500 participating restaurants with fixed menus and affordable prices. 

Breakfast and lunch menus are $30, while dinner menus have the option of being either $45 or $60. Restaurant options range from fine dining to hidden neighborhood locations. 
For more information on the event, visit the Chicago Restaurant Week website.