Visit Chicago in January? We say YES. Crowds are lighter, room rates are lower and there are so many things to do. You've got the classics that Chicago is known for such as shopping, dining, theatre and world-class museum but we wanted to dig deeper. We've complied a list of things that are ONLY available either in or through dates in January! Put on you hat and gloves and lets do this! Andy Warhol – From A to B and Back Again, Now – January 26, 2020, Art Institute This major retrospective—the first to be organized by a US institution in 30 years—builds on the wealth of new research, scholarship, and perspectives that has emerged since Andy Warhol's early death at age 58 in 1987. More than 400 works offer a new view of the beloved and iconic American Pop artist, not only illuminating the breadth, depth, and interconnectedness of Warhol's production across the entirety of his career but also highlighting the ways that he anticipated the issues, effects, and pace of our current digital age. Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, January 9 -19, 2020, Stage 773 The first few weeks of the new year in Chicago are usually cold and dark, so having an excuse to laugh is probably a good thing. You'll find plenty of funny folks onstage at the country's largest sketch comedy festival, where more than 120 shows will be presented over the course of eight days. This year's lineup features Parv and Pudi (featuring Danny Pudi from Community), recent subjects of an HBO documentary Asperger's Are Us, Los Angeles-based absurdists Billionaire Pity Party and local physical comedy troupe Comedy Dance Chicago. It all takes place at Stage 773, where you can buy a ticket to a single show or snag a pass for an entire evening (or weekend!) of entertainment. Chicago Ale Fest, January 11, 2020, Navy Pier You'll never go too long without a good beer festival in Chicago, thanks to Chicago Ale Fest. The winter edition of this boozy event takes over Navy Pier with more than 100 brews to sample, a lineup of local food trucks and music to listen to while you drink and eat everything in sight. You can look forward to sampling beers from Three Floyds, Maplewood, Pilot Project and Whiner while enjoying Detroit-style pizza from Five Squared and Italian cuisine from Fat Tomato. Snag the early entry ticket to get an extra hour of sampling. Cubs Convention, January 17-19, 2020, Sheraton Chicago Hotel With former Cubs catcher David Ross recently installed as the team's new manager (replacing Joe Maddon), there will be plenty to talk about at the North Siders' annual convention, which features panels, autograph sessions and interactive experiences. If you're a die-hard Cubbies fan, this is just as important as a pilgrimage to the Friendly Confines. Polar Adventure Days, January 24 & February 29, 2020, Northerly Island Enjoy a free journey through Chicago's natural winter wonderland during one of three Polar Adventure Days on Northerly Island. Visitors will be able to check out birds of prey from the Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation, make nature-inspired winter crafts and see Siberian huskies and wolves. If there's snow on the ground, you can also strap on a pair of snowshoes and trudge around the island. Mean Girls, Now – January 26, 2020, James M Nederlander Theatre After debuting on Broadway in 2018, the musical version of Tina Fey's high school comedy Mean Girls is going to try to make 'fetch' happen in Chicago. The James M. Nederlander Theatre will host the touring production of the stage adaptation for a five-week engagement from December 25, 2019 to January 26, 2020. Boasting a book by Fey, the Mean Girls musical follows home-schooled teenager Cady Heron as she begins attending a high school in the Chicago suburbs and contends with Regina George, the most popular (and meanest) girl in her class. Winter Wonderfest Now – January 12, 2020, Navy Pier Packed with indoor family fun, Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest is a delightful family tradition featuring 170,000 square feet of attractions, including rides, giant slides and indoor ice skating. Toys R Us Adventure, Now through January 26, 2020, 830 N Michigan Ave. Toys“R”Us and Candytopia are excited to present an all-new, totally immersive, fill-up-your-photo-album super-experience! Grab the family, and escape to a land where imaginations run free and you're placed in the centre of a larger-than-life toy box. Throughout this 90-minute immersive family experience, you will make your way through magical worlds with a whole lotta fun and play along the way. Recommended for families with kids 12 and under. This is a guided experience and all kids must stay with parental guardians for the duration of the event.
