Greetings from your local event oracle. We looked into the crystal ball and saw a local indie fest kicking off, a green shamrock crawl, and a puzzle exchange. But that’s not all, keep reading.

You could be up close and personal for Chicago Magic Lounge’s most unpredictable night. We’re giving away a pair of tickets to The Showcase on Tuesday, January 20th, where close-up table magic meets bold, experimental stage performances you won’t see anywhere else. Enter to win now.*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• RITUALS returns to Morgan MFG for an insane set with techno legend Stephan Bodzin on Friday, January 16th. Featuring his custom designed midi controller, MOOG sub 37, and his signature sound. Wanna win some tix?*

• Nikki Glaser is hilarious, and not afraid to say anything. Catch her latest tour at The Chicago Theatre this November. Tickets on sale Friday.

• Bruno Mars is back, and his tour hits Soldier Field on Saturday, May 16th. And yeah, you’re gonna scream every lyric like it’s therapy. Tickets on sale next week.

• Shiver and shake. Music Frozen Dancing returns Saturday, February 21st with Los Thuthanaka, Good Flying Birds, Lip Critic, and more. It’s free and loud. See the full lineup.

• Plus other just announced shows from Royel Otis, The Wailers, Peach Jam, Let’s Go Girls, Jammy Buffet, Dana, Solya, The Hoyle Brothers, Wild Zero, Tanner Usrey, Dark Star Orchestra, Derrick Carter, yetep, VNSSA, and more!

WHERE TO SIP ON MOCKTAILS

You don’t have to drink to go out. You don’t even have to pretend to. Our mocktail guide has all the spots doing zero-proof cocktails that still slap, and honestly, some of these menus might be better than the real thing.

WHENEVER

LOCALS ONLY

• Chicago Magic College kicks off Saturday with Chicago Magic Lounge. Sign up for the six-week course to add some tricks to your sleeve.*

• Get ready to explore unique handmade treasures at the 2026 Aurora Midwinter Arts and Crafts Show in person! Shop January 30th-February 1st.

• Drop off a puzzle. Take a puzzle. The Great Andersonville Puzzle Exchange is coming up on February 2nd at the Swedish American Museum. Dive into it.

• Ring in the Year of the Horse with a lion dance, drinks, snacks, and freebies at Jewel-Osco on February 6th. Get the details.

WIN STUFF

FEATURED

It’s raining, it’s pouring, Chicago’s never boring.