It’s AHOY! Weekend. For those that couldn’t get into The Salt Shed, or for anyone who wants to throw down before Brian & Justin’s biggest part of the year, The Weekend Q101 has everything you need to know about what’s going on this weekend in Chicagoland.
Friday:
Local H at Metro: Chicago’s favorite band, Local H, brings their raucous act back to the Metro for a headlining set. They will be joined by Shiner and Heet Deth. Tickets are available here.
Steve Aoki at the Aragon: Legendary EDM artist Steve Aoki is bringing his energetic live set to the Aragon as a part of his Hiroquest: Genesis Tour. Tickets can be purchased here.
Viagra Boys at The Salt Shed: If you want to get some eyes on the brand new Salt Shed before AHOY!, limited tickets are still available for Sweden’s most eclectic band, The Viagra Boys. At press time, there are exactly four tickets remaining for what should be a spectacular show. Those tickets can be purchased here.
Bulls vs. Brooklyn Nets: If you aren’t ready for live music just yet, the Bulls host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday evening at the United Center.
Saturday:
International Carnivale: Navy Pier will commemorate International Carnivale with a free celebration for guests of all ages. The one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras event will feature interactive art-making activities, and live music and dance performances inspired by festivities in Brazil, Puerto Rico, and North America. Additional information can be found here.
Polar Adventure Days: Have fun while enjoying all the wonders of nature at the annual Polar Adventure Days at Northerly Island. This free event includes tours of the island, nature-inspired crafts, hot cocoa, bonfires, animal encounters, and more. A full rundown can be found here.
Winter Brew (Saturday and Sunday): Winter Brew is Chicago’s first winter street festival, setting up in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood. More than a dozen breweries will line the street, alongside several local businesses. More details can be found here.
Cupid’s Undie Run: This annual tradition challenges participants to jog a chilly mile through Wrigleyville in their skivvies, all in the name of raising money for neurofibromatosis research, before retiring to Slugger’s for some scantily-clad drinking. Those who don’t want to run can donate to the cause instead. Info can be found here.
Music Frozen Dancing featuring Meat Wave, MSPAINT, and more: Goose Island Beer Co & Empty Bottle present Music Frozen Dancing 2023, the annual winter block party featuring some of the best artists from around the country that are bold enough to brave the arctic freeze of the Chicago streets in February. MSPAINT is one of the most exciting underground bands going right now. We fully endorse stopping by before AHOY! This is a free event.
Sunday:
Bulls vs. Washington Wizards: The Bulls host a Sunday matinee against the struggling Washington Wizards on Sunday. Maybe they can win this one!
Bayside at Metro: Legendary New York punk band headline the Metro to close out the weekend. Get there early to enjoy up-and-coming hardcore heavyweights Koyo, a band that should be on everyone’s radar.