2012 International Kennel Club Chicago Dog Show

Is it still too cold to participate in any outdoor family-friendly activities? Fear not! The International Kennel Club of Chicago (IKC) will be hosting the 2012 Chicago Dog Show this weekend, February 24-26, at Chicago’s McCormick Place Lakeside Center.

One of the largest benched dog shows in the country, top dogs from across the United States and Canada come to compete for various prizes and the coveted “Best in Show” title. Come observe more than 150 breeds of dogs demonstrate their agility and obedience skills in a variety of judged competitions and demonstrations. And using IKC’s unique “Chicago-style” format, guests are encouraged to meet and greet with the dogs and their handlers when they are not competing!

The 2012 Chicago Dog Show will also feature over 125 canine-related vendors, where guests can shop, learn more about recue information from non-profit groups and watch performances by the Purina Pro Plan Canine Team.

So don’t just sit at home this weekend. Come to the 2012 Chicago Dog Show! To learn more about this event, check out IKC’s official press release.

Chicago Restaurant Week 2012

It’s that time of year again—the 5^th Annual Chicago Restaurant Week is here! Come discover why the city of Chicago is a top destination for foodies.

From February 17-26, more than 200 restaurants will come together to give you ten days of pure dining pleasure. Whether it’s exploring new territory or revisiting your favorite table in the city, these participating restaurants will be offering special prix-fixe menus for the same price—$22 for lunch and$33/$44 for dinner (beverages, tax and tip not included). This event is a once-a-year chance to sample cuisine from the city’s, and world’s, most renowned chefs at a great price! Many of these restaurants fill up fast, so it’s recommended to make reservations as early as possible.

Choose Chicago is right—not only is this is one amazing week of dishes, it’s one amazing week of not having to do the dishes. To learn about all participating restaurants, check out more on Chicago Restaurant Week 2012!

Valentine’s Day 2012 Activities and Events

With Valentine’s Day coming up this week, you want to do something special for your loved one. Yes, flowers, candy and a candle-lit dinner are nice, but you want to do something different. There are a ton of events going on in Chicago that can make Valentine’s Day 2012 an exciting one. Single? No worries! There are plenty activities that include you, too!

Make Your Own Heart February 10-12, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Bring out your inner artist and make something for your Valentine, or yourself, this year! Artisan Peter Patterson teaches glass-blowing essentials to craft heart-shaped paperweights.

Puppy Love 2012 February 11, 8 p.m. – 3 a.m.

Spend your Valentine’s weekend with your true love—your dog! Make your pooch your date and bring them to The Copa’s Valentine’s Day party. While your four-legged friend munches on complimentary treats, you can enjoy specialty cocktails.

Truffle Making Party February 12, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Become the next great candy maker! Take lessons from Katherine Duncan, founder of Katherine Anne Confections, as you learn to hand-roll your own truffles. The party starts with appetizers and wine, followed by creating, designing, melting, chilling, scooping and rolling your own truffles. Each guest will leave with a sample of four of their creations.

I Love the Bloomingdale February 13, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Fall in love with the Bloomingdale Trail this year. The Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail and the Trust for Public Land invite you to their fundraiser, where you can enjoy appetizers and an open tap and even pose in the photo booth! All proceeds will support the Friends of the Bloomingdale Trail’s Docent Program.

Kurt Elling: Passion World February 14, 8 p.m.

One of the most recognizable voices in contemporary jazz, Kurt Elling, comes to Symphony Center to take you on a journey through love songs from around the world. Joined by jazz violinist, Regina Carter, and clarinetist and saxophonist, Anat Cohen, the trio will perform a romantic evening of famous love songs from various countries and eras.

2012 Chicago Auto Show

Looking for a new car can be exciting…and tedious. Driving to and from numerous dealerships, the salesmen asking you a multitude of questions or going after hours and not being able to sit in the model. Don’t put yourself through that much trouble! Running February 10-19, the Chicago Auto Show draws almost every possible automaker to McCormick Place to show off their line of cars and concept vehicles.

Known to being the largest auto show in the United States, there are about 1,000 different vehicles—cars, trucks and SUV’s—covering 1.3 million square feet of the exhibit space. Visitors can climb in and out of a number of different models and get the true feeling of being behind the wheel (unfortunately, no test driving allowed). In addition, attendees have the opportunity to view numerous accessories and auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles and project, antique and collector cars. But the main attractions are the concept cars and the unveiling of new production models, which make their debuts at the show.

 

 

Need more information? Check out more about the 2012 Chicago Auto Show today!

Chicago Chinese New Year Parade 2012

Is New Years Eve your favorite holiday of the year? Are you sad that you have to wait another 340 days to celebrate again? Well, fear not, because the Chinese New Year celebration has arrived!

On January 29, the 2012 Chinese New Year Parade will celebrate the “The Year of the Dragon,” and march through the heart of Chicago’s Chinatown. This vibrant parade features marching bands, elaborately decorated floats, lion dance teams, the winner of the Miss Friendship Ambassador Pageant and a 100-foot long mystical paper dragon made of silk, paper and bamboo. This year’s parade is special because it also kicks off the celebrations for Chinatown’s Centennial (1912-2012)!

Celebrate the Lunar New Year, and check out Chicago’s Chinatown for more information on the Chinese New Year Parade. Kung hei fat choi! Congratulations and be prosperous.

Snow Days Chicago

The month of January can only mean one thing: SNOW! Don’t plan on hibernating at home on the weekend of January 27-29—instead, bundle up and head on down to Chicago’s Navy Pier and enjoy Snow Days Chicago.

With an abundance of activities going on, adults and children alike will find something to enjoy. View professionals from around the world compete to create the most jaw-dropping snow sculptures; observe young snowboarders demonstrate their professional skills as they jump and twist on a full-size rail and ramp at the Snowboard Rail Jam; and watch Dog Sled Racing and Weight Pulling Demonstrations. You can even pet the lovable pups when they’re on break! Kids can also enjoy interactive activities like ice bowling, basketball, hockey, football and snow painting.

But wait! Your weather app doesn’t call for snow, you say? No need to worry! The city of Chicago will make some! So when it starts to fall, don’t scowl at that “dreaded white stuff.” Instead, celebrate it at Chicago’s winter wonderland! Discover more about Snow Days Chicago today!

Jellies

 

We live on land every day. Explore a different world and “dive” into Shedd Aquarium’s magical, colorful and mysterious world of sea jellies!

With over ten different species of these translucent creatures throughout the exhibit, guests will learn fascinating facts like how a single jelly can devour enough food to double its weight each day; how their bodies are 95% water and their feeding arms can grow up to eight feet long; how drifting with a current, they travel thousands of miles; and how the tiniest jelly could cozy up into a contact lens, while the largest couldn’t even fit in an entire minivan.

With the incorporation of videos in its lifestyle display and illuminations of their simple yet captivating bodies, the Jellies exhibit is a treat for the eyes. They may have been exploring the depths of the world’s oceans for millions of years, but will only be visible for a limited time in Shedd Aquarium.

To find out more about the Jellies exhibit, check out Shedd Aquarium today!

The 27th Annual Cubs Convention

Are you a die-hard Cubs fan? Well the Cubs Convention is perfect for you! Come hang out with current and former Cubs players and other fans who are as die-hard as you!

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 13-15, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and talk with some of your favorite Cubs players. You’ll also have access to all the exhibit halls which include autograph and photo sessions, question and answer seminars and memorabilia and vendor booths.

The convention will be located at the Hilton Chicago located at 720 S Michigan Avenue, and passes are $60 each. Passes can be purchased at cubs.com or by calling 1-800-THE-CUBS. All proceeds from the convention benefit Chicago Cubs Charities. To date, the convention has raised nearly $4 million.

To get a full list of Cubs attending and the weekend schedule be sure to check out cubs.com today! This is one convention you won’t want to miss!

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights

Looking for some great holiday fun for the whole family? A trip to Lincoln Park Zoo might be the perfect thing! Right now, the park is featuring its annual light display free for all!

The zoo is open nightly from 5-9 p.m. through Jan 1^st, (closed Dec 24 & 25). Aside from all the fantastic lights, the park also features visits from Santa Claus, animals from around the world, live ice carvings, holiday crafts, delicious food, spiced wine and unique holiday shopping.

So pack up the kids and head to Lincoln Park Zoo for a night that’s guaranteed to sparkle and shine. To find out more about the zoo, check out ZooLights today!

Christkindlemarket

Looking to stick to your German roots this year to celebrate? Or maybe you just love the holidays! Well, here is something you won’t want to miss out on this year.

The Christkindlemarket is back for another year of Christmas fun in the city. It’s the largest German market of its kind in the country, with over half a million visitors. If you’ve never been, you’re in for a real treat. The market offers a unique shopping experience with most items being handcrafted. You can find anything from hand-blown glass ornaments to nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks, jewelry, clothes and more! Many vendors even offer demonstrations on how to make their items.

Although shopping can be a blast, you must also stop and get some real German cuisine! Indulge in potato pancakes, German sausage with sauerkraut and of course German pastries. And don’t forget to try out the German beers and hot-spiced wine, also known as Glühwein.

All the fun can be found in Daley Plaza at Washington and Dearborn. It is open from now until Christmas Eve, and admission is free!

This is a one of a kind holiday experience, so be sure to add it to your list of holiday activities this year!