We had our few days of false spring, didn’t we? The sunshine teased us, patios started whispering our names, and then Chicago reminded us who’s really in charge. Which means we need plans that get us out of the house without feeling like a major production. If you’re looking for things to do in Chicago this weekend, here are four solid options across the city.
Two are kid-friendly. Two are adult-focused. All are very Chicago.
🍽️ North Side Restaurant Week (Adult Option)
If you love trying new spots but do not love overthinking where to go, this is your weekend. North Side Restaurant Week kicks off and runs through March 8, with prix fixe menus across neighborhoods like Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, North Center, Edgewater, Rogers Park, and more.
This is an easy way to plan a date night or a friends night out while supporting local restaurants.
Why it works:
• Built-in plan with prix fixe menus
• Fun excuse to try a new neighborhood spot
• Great for couples or groups
👉 More info: https://northsiderestaurantweek.org/
📸 Photo credit: North Side Restaurant Week
🎭 ChildISH “The Weekend” at SpaceISH (Kid-Friendly Option)
This one is for kids who love performing, or kids who are curious about acting, modeling, singing, or dance. ChildISH “The Weekend” is a multi-day entertainment industry experience with workshops and panels. Friday includes a parent-focused panel, and Saturday includes workshops for kids.
If you have an outgoing kid who loves the spotlight, this is a really unique weekend option.
Why families love it:
• Perfect for creative kids who love performing
• Structured, guided experience
• Strong for ages 8–12
👉 Details and registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/childish-the-weekend-a-3-day-entertainment-industry-experience-for-kids-tickets-1977400813062
📸 Photo credit: SpaceISH Chicago
🍸 Shake & Stir Cocktail Party (Adult Option)
If you want a true night out, Shake & Stir is happening Friday night. It’s an upscale cocktail party fundraiser with music, dancing, and that dress-up energy we all need once in a while, especially in February.
Perfect for a girls night, a date night, or a group night out.
Why it works:
• A real event vibe, not just dinner
• Cocktails, music, and dancing
• One-and-done plan for Friday night
👉 Tickets and details: https://www.chicagoyouthcenters.org/shake-stir-2026
📸 Photo credit: Chicago Youth Centers
🎶 Common Pantry Gospel Brunch at Martyrs’ (Kid-Friendly for Teens)
This is a great weekend plan if your kids are older and you want something that feels special. Common Pantry’s Gospel Brunch is a ticketed fundraiser with live vocal performances and southern comfort food, and it’s listed as appropriate for kids 12 and up.
It’s warm, uplifting, and a fun change of pace from the usual weekend routine.
Why it works:
• Unique winter weekend outing
• Great for teens and older kids
• Food, music, and a cause
👉 Event info and tickets: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/commonpantryevents/event/commonpantrysgospelbrunch2026/
📸 Photo credit: Common Pantry
Weekend Planning Tip
Here’s an easy way to structure it:
• Friday night: Shake & Stir, or a North Side Restaurant Week date night dinner
• Saturday daytime: ChildISH workshops or Gospel Brunch for older kids
• Saturday night: Restaurant Week family night out
• Sunday: Slow morning, coffee, reset
False spring may have come and gone, but that doesn’t mean we hibernate. Chicago still delivers every weekend if you know where to look. Bundle up, make a plan, and don’t let the cold season win. We’ll save patio season for later.
Keep following along: Updated weekly with current Chicago weekend events.Enjoy Chicago,
Juliana