It's been a big week, Chicago, and you deserve a break. You've been unpacking and repacking your seasonal wardrobes, dodging politician's robo-calls, heck, a few of you even voted! (We know. It's exhausting.) So kick back and relax this weekend with some of our top picks out on the town. (If you were planning to finally get to your FAFSA this weekend, we'd recommend going to all of them.)
ALL WEEKEND
Maple Syrup Festival
As temperatures rise, the prospect of leaving a cozy bed before noon becomes just bearable enough that Chicago can return to a life filled with breakfasts and brunches--neither of which would be complete without a hearty maple syrup drizzle. To kick off the season right with your own, home-tapped variety, swing by the Maple Syrup Festival at the North Park Village Nature Center, where they'll walk you through every step from tap to table.
Where: North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd., Chicago
When: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25
Price: Free
FRIDAY
Frank Sinopera
Mashing up musical styles is a simple enough feat on a laptop, blending pop; fusing jazz and opera in a live performance promises to be a significantly more challenging feat. But worry not--Phil Stefani's 437 Rush can deliver at Friday's Frank Sinopera, a three-singer showcase with piano accompaniment that comes with a four-course wine dinner.
Where: 437 N. Rush St., Chicago
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 23
Price: $120
Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament
In the event that a tough, long week made you want to punch somebody, save your knuckles and leave it to the pros--spectating can be cathartic, too. Watch more than 400 amateur boxers compete for the right to represent Chicago at the national boxing tournament in Nevada later this year.
Where: Gordon Tech College Prep, 3633 N. California Ave., Chicago
When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 23
Price: Varies by fight level
SATURDAY
Third and Delaware: The Ultimate Roseanne Dance Party
Chicago fans of the long-running television show "Roseanne" may not be able to visit her "home" in the fictional Illinois town of Lanford, but there's another way to pay homage to the series: dress up and boogie down at "Third and Delaware," a tribute dance party at Parlour on Clark Saturday, hosted by The Qu and Xandra Fairfield.
Where: Parlour on Clark, 6341 N. Clark St., Chicago
When: 10 p.m. - 3 a.m. Saturday, March 24
Price: Free
Standard Market Open House
Who said grocery shopping had to be boring? Certainly not the new suburban foodie destination Standard Market, which will celebrate its recent opening Saturday with cooking demonstrations, tastings galore, and entertainment including stiltwalkers, live music and more.
Where: Standard Market, 333 E. Ogden Ave., Westmont
When: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday, March 24
Price: Free
SUNDAY
Nerds @ Heart
Looking for that perfect soulmate who can finish your sentences...in Klingon? Flaunt your brains along with your beauty at Nerds @ Heart's singles event. Cocktails, prizes and giveaways guaranteed; string theory debates more than likely.
Where: 404 Wine Bar, 2852 N. Southport Ave., Chicago
When: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday, March 25
Price: $30 with RSVP