Santa Claus riding a bicycle with gift box with coming soon lettering

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Coming Soon to Your Neighborhood!

Santa Claus riding a bicycle with gift box with coming soon lettering

This weekend is the last “lull” before the holiday season swings into high gear here in Chicago and the Chicagoland area! Enjoy it!!

Take a madcap tour of the Museum of Science & Industry (5700 S. Dusable Lake Shore Dr.) in the Hyde Park neighborhood this Saturday (1 p.m.-3 p.m.) for Watson Adventures’ unique Twisted Science Scavenger Hunt.  As you explore a World War II German submarine, the Whispering Gallery, a vintage 1930’s train, a Boeing 727, antique robots, and many other crazy and amazing sights from the museum’s scientific smorgasbord, you’ll also be following clues and answering tricky, humorous questions in your quest to win this scavenger hunt.  Remember, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to participate.  You just need a set of sharp eyes and a great team to work with.  So, if you like surprises and variety, this hunt is your cup of tea!  Advance purchase is required.

Get ready to grab a slice of heaven at the West Loop Beer & Pizza Fest this Saturday (1 p.m.-4 p.m.) at PB&J: Pizza Beer & Jukebox (205 N. Peoria Ave.).  Enjoy an afternoon dedicated to the unbeatable combo of pizza and beer as attendees get to sample 15-20 brews and 5 different pizzas.  Upgrade to a VIP ticket for an extra hour of beer tastings.  If you’re looking to get out and have a good time with friends, this fest will not disappoint!

Enjoy a wonderful evening of wine and wildlife at the newly renovated Discovery Center at Brookfield Zoo (8400 31st St.) in Brookfield as they host Wines in the Wild this Saturday (6 p.m.-10 p.m.).  Guests will have an opportunity to sample wine/liquor tastings from a variety of wineries and distilleries throughout the United States as well as enjoying some delicious food from their catering team.  In addition, a silent auction will be held with unique travel, wine, and Zoo-centric items.  Plus, proceeds from this event will support the Women’s Board of Chicago Zoological Society.  It’s an evening you don’t want to miss!

As I’ve said many times before, it’s never too early to begin your holiday shopping!  And it just so happens that this weekend is offering two events so you can begin working on that holiday gift list of yours.

The fall edition of the Renegade Craft Fair will take over Morgan Manufacturing (401 N. Morgan St.) in the West Town neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.).  Shop handmade wares from over 170 vendor booths selling everything from candles and jewelry to screenprints and pottery.  Plus, you won’t have to go hungry or thirsty as you shop since this fair has food and drinks to offer from local restaurants.  It’s one of Chicago’s best shopping events of the season!

Kick off your holiday shopping at North America’s largest toy and game fair at this year’s Chicago Toy & Game Fair this Saturday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N. River Rd.) in Rosemont.  This fair is open to the public featuring immersive events, interactive exhibits with the hottest holiday toys and games, giveaways, characters, and so much more for all ages.  This year also marks the 19th annual Young Inventor Challenge for kids ages 6-18 to showcase their toy and game inventions to toy and game industry execs, the media and the public.  Plus, there will be a beer and board game garden for adults.  And you thought you couldn’t have fun shopping!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago