Rejoice, chosen people of Chicago, because our groundhog has dealt us a better deal than the rest of the country. If that doesn't take out the sting of a Bears-free superbowl this weekend, maybe some of the city's other big victories will. Either way, there's still plenty to celebrate, and plenty of ways to do it; so check out our top picks and fill up that social calendar. (Though if you were at Brick's Sports Bar last night, it might be worth taking this weekend off.)
ALL WEEKEND
Chicago Motorcycle Show
Love the rev of an engine and the sparkle on a classic Harley? Riders, mechanics and aficionados can check out some two-wheeled eye candy, and swap hard-to-find and vintage parts and accessories at the Chicago Motorcycle Show and Parts Expo. The world's largest indoor show and expo will also feature celebrity appearances, food and drinks, and a leather and laced fashion show.
Where: Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Dr., Tinley Park
When: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb 4
Price: $10 per day
FRIDAY
Pedway Pub Crawl
Learn your way around the Pedway--and try to remember what you've learned--with Chicago's River Walk Tour group's Pedway Pub Crawl. Join the "Urban Safari" tour of the underground walkway system to hear tales of Chicago's past and present in between sips at some of the Pedway's most infamous watering holes.
Where: 111 East Wacker St., Chicago
When: 3:30 PM Friday, Feb. 3
Price: $32 adults, $25 seniors
Wade in the Water by Chicago A Cappella
The first weekend in February also marks the first weekend of Black History Month. Celebrate the legacy of African-American spiritual music with Chicago a cappella's performances of "Wade in the Water." Preview the themed performance at Chicago a cappella's website.
Where: Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4
Price: $22-$35
SATURDAY
Elvis Lives
There are many opportunities to pay tribute to The King, but how often can you celebrate the people who pay tribute to The King? Four different performers will take turns with a live band and back-up dancers at "Elvis Lives: The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Event" at Rosemont Theatre.
Where: Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4
Price: $24.50-$49.50
F This Movie Film Festival
Join the F This Movie! podcast masterminds and fans in the worldwide, remote-access F This Movie Film Festival. Log into your Netflix account and queue up some of the best movies from 1982 for a back-to-back screening. Picks include Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Participants are encouraged to compare notes, commentary and snide remarks on Twitter. Be sure to enter the contest before things kick off.
Where: Everywhere
When: 12 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4
Price: Free
SUNDAY
Super Bowl at Will's Northwoods Inn
It may be a Packer bar, but swallow your pride, Bears fans, and bury the hatchet to watch the Super Bowl at Will's Northwoods Inn this Sunday. Stop by early to check out the annual chili cook-off, and stay for the whole "Sunday Fun-Day" full of activities. (Psst... foursquare users, check in for a deal!)
Where: 3030 N. Racine Ave., Chicago
When: Doors open 9:30 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 5
Price: Free
Super Bowl Bash with Signal Ensemble Theatre
More interested in the quality of the commercials than the game itself? Join your kindred spirits at Signal Ensemble Theater for a matinee screening of "Motion," followed by "lobby-gating" during pre-game TV. Keep the game interesting with Super Bowl Squares, where players will be vying for prizes including theatre packages, dinners at local restaurants and more.
Where:Signal Ensemble Theatre, 1802 W. Berenice St., Chicago
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5
Price: $30