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Eight Things To Do in the City and Western Suburbs: Jan. 16 to 18, 2026
New year, fresh plans. Bundle up and make the most of a winter weekend near you.
Spend the evening at Appalachian Spring.
The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra presents Appalachian Spring, a program anchored by Aaron Copland's enduring score that captures a distinctly American sense of optimism and openness. The concert pairs the familiar with the refined, offering a thoughtfully curated evening for classical music fans and those looking to experience a cornerstone of 20th-century orchestral repertoire.
Date: Jan. 18
Time: 3–5 p.m.
Cost: $35+
Location: Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, 149 W. Brush Hill Rd., Elmhurst
More Info: elmhurstsymphony.org
Sing along at Jazz After Dark: Michele Thomas Quartet.
After the library closes for the night, the Michele Thomas Quartet takes over for an intimate jazz performance presented in partnership with WDCB, Chicago's Home for Jazz. Thomas blends gospel influences with jazz, R&B, and folk, creating a sound that feels both rooted and contemporary.
Date: Jan. 16
Time: 7–8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Hinsdale Public Library, 20 E. Maple St., Hinsdale
More Info: hinsdale.libnet.info
Get cozy at Family Fort Night.
Presented with the Prairie Area Reading Council, this after-hours library program invites families to turn the space into a temporary fort-filled landscape using their own blankets, sheets, and flashlights. Once forts are built, gather for songs around a "campfire" before settling in for family reading time.
Date: Jan. 16
Time: 4:45–6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free with Registration
Location: Westmont Public Library, 428 N. Cass Ave., Westmont
More Info: westmontlibrary.libcal.com
Spend a night at the museum at Dozin' With the Dinos.
The Field Museum opens its doors after hours for an overnight experience that blends science, storytelling, and hands-on exploration. Rotate through activities like fossil formation, animal tracking, and owl pellet dissection before setting out with flashlights once the galleries go dark.
Date: Jan. 17–8
Time: 5:30 p.m.–9 a.m.
Cost: $90
Location: Field Museum
More Info: fieldmuseum.org
Have a good time at the Alcohol-Free Cocktail Competition & Tasting.
This Dry January tasting event puts alcohol-free cocktails in the spotlight as Chicago bartenders compete with zero-proof creations. Sample drinks, cast votes for your favorites, and explore offerings from non-alcoholic spirits, wine, beer, and seltzer brands. The event also supports Ben's Friends, a nonprofit serving food and beverage professionals impacted by addiction.
Date: Jan. 18
Time: 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Cost: $20
Location: Artifact Event, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.
More Info: eventbrite.com
Share your ideas at Coffee & Crits.
Hosted by AIGA Chicago, this morning meetup offers designers a chance to share portfolios, websites, or works in progress over coffee. The format is informal and discussion-driven, encouraging thoughtful feedback from fellow creatives.
Date: Jan. 18
Time: 12–3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: KOVAL Tasting Room, 4241 N. Ravenswood Ave.
More Info: eventbrite.com
Skate away at Winter Wonder Fest.
This outdoor winter festival combines open skating, ice bocce, and seasonal games with music and complimentary snacks. Festive characters will roam the rink, while sled-assisted skating options allow participants of all abilities to take part.
Date: Jan. 18
Time: 3–6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Midway Plaisance Park, 1130 Midway Plaisance
More Info: chicagoparkdistrict.com
Catch a rare bird at Snowy Owl Irruption!
Chicago Ornithological Society explores the phenomenon of winter "irruptions," when Snowy Owls and other Arctic birds migrate south in unpredictable numbers. The program breaks down what causes these movements and how birders can spot rare visitors locally.
Date: Jan. 17
Time: 10–11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Location: North Park Village Nature Center Park, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd.
More Info: chicagoparkdistrict.com
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