March Madness is fully underway with the Sweet 16 starting today. While owners of Chicago condos probably already have their game-viewing destination picked out, weekend plans could still be up in the air, especially if your team doesn’t happen to win! Here are some of the best things to take advantage of in the city this weekend, whether you are rooting for the #1 seed or the Cinderella story.
Events
For some of us, it’s sports. For others, it’s shopping. Luckily in March there are tons of both. While others are watching basketball this weekend, maybe you should check out a market — Green City Market will be open Saturday at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, bringing together around 30 farmers to sell local produce and goods.
Also on Saturday, stop by the new monthly craft fair in Pilsen, Post Pilsen Market, where you can find the goods of 20 to 30 crafters and everything from screen printed t-shirts to vintage jewelry. DJs spin while you shop.
If you think too much basketball will send you searching for the quiet tranquility of the museum, head to the Art Institute this weekend to see the new exhibit on the modern master, Henri Matisse. Matisse: Radical Invention, 1913-1917 will be at the Art Institute from March 20 to June 20 and examines an often overlooked period in the painter’s career.
Chicago native and Friends-alum David Schwimmer brings communications technology to the stage in his play Trust. Written and directed by Schwimmer and showing at the theater company he co-founded, the drama incorporates projection, video, photos, texting and live chat. Learn more at the Lookingglass Theater website.
Restaurants & Bars
Chicago Chef Week ends this Sunday so make sure to take advantage of the $30 3-course meals at one of the participating restaurants this weekend! See the chefs and make reservations here.
Craving a burger? There are two recently opened spots to try in Chicago. On the Gold Coast, swing by M Burger, a new offering from the Lettuce Entertain You group. Right off Michigan Ave., the joint is great for a cheap lunch (everything under $5) and the burgers, cheeseburgers and chicken sandwiches are fresh enough that they won’t put you into a food coma.
Also new is the home of the “non-wimpy burger,” Wicker Park burger joint J. Wellington’s. The BYOB eatery is named after Popeye’s burger-loving sidekick J. Wellington Wimpy, and the gourmet burgers are topped with everything from just cheese to a fried-egg, applewood bacon, blue cheese and sriracha mayo on one sandwich. That sounds worth a shot even if it gets a little messy.
Movies
Although you might not believe it, Hot Tub Time Machine starring John Cusack is getting great reviews. It blends classic 80s high-concept movies with sloppy 21st century Old School-style humor.
And if you don’t feel like making it off the couch this weekend — everyone needs one of those weekends once in the while! — here are the top 10 trippiest time travel movies according to Metromix. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure is our favorite and definitely worth revisiting, so stop by Blockbuster and get comfortable in your Chicago condo for a relaxing night in.
Have a totally excellent weekend!
