Weekend picks: The shadow knows if spring is coming
Shadow celebration
There's a chili cook-off, a charity dinner, bowling events, trivia contests, film screenings and a whole lot more all tied to Groundhog Days this weekend at various locations in Woodstock. Some events are free, but others range from $15 to $55 to participate. (815) 334-2620 or woodstockgroundhog.org. Various times for events Thursday, Jan. 29, through Monday, Feb. 2
Catch & release
Meet with fishing tackle manufacturers and local fishing retailers and see more than 100 fishing boats at the Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo starting Thursday at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center, 1551 North Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. $12; $3 kids ages 5 to 11. (847) 303-4100 or sportshows.com/chicago. Noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Jan. 29 and 30; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1
Spare the Rod
If you love the TV comedy performances of Rod Man (Rod Thompson) from "Def Comedy Jam" or "BET's Comic View," then don't miss him performing live starting Thursday at the Improv Comedy Showcase at Woodfield Mall, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. $22 plus a two menu-item purchase. (847) 240-2001 or chicago.improv.com. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29; 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30; and 7 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31
FRIDAY
Chill out
Check out family games, crafts, free ice skate rentals and more at Winterfest at Central Park West, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook. No admission charge. (630) 990-4233 or obparks.org. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30
Drive-in Movie
The Prospect Heights Park District hosts a Drive-in Movie family event at the Gary Morava Recreation Center, 110 W. Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights. Children can create their own "car" made from cardboard and then watch the film "Despicable Me" in their vehicle. Admission for kids is $6; adults are free. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Snacks will be available for purchase. (847) 394-2848 or phparks.org. 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30
Cry Uncle
Chicago-area comedian Larry Reeb, informally known as "Uncle Lar," sarcastically expounds on all kinds of controversial topics this weekend at Zanies at MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont. $22 plus a two menu-item purchase. (847) 813-0484 or zanies.com. 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31
SATURDAY
'Groundhog Day'
Watch the 1993 film "Groundhog Day," starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, at the Woodstock Theatre, 209 Main St., in downtown Woodstock. The screenings are part of Woodstock's annual Groundhog Day activities. Many of the PG-rated film's scenes were filmed in downtown Woodstock. Free. classiccinemas.com. 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, and Sunday, Feb. 1
Fatal attractions
An alcoholic poet proves to be repeatedly luckless in love in the Metropolitan Opera's Live in HD simulcast of Offenbach's fantastical "The Tales of Hoffmann" ("Les Contes d'Hoffmann") on Saturday at select movie theaters in Lincolnshire, Gurnee, Batavia, Naperville and other Chicago-area locations. Sung in French with English subtitles. $24; $22 seniors; $16 kids. fathomevents.com. 11:55 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31; encore screening 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4
Museum magic
Magician Jason Jourdan presents a family-themed magic show at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, at 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights. Jourdan will incorporate the museum's history into his act. Following the show, guests can tour the museum. Magic show is free. Tours are offered for $2-$4. (847) 255-1225. 1:45 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31
Made in Chicago
The Windy City's own internationally famous Giordano Dance Chicago performs a repertory concert featuring the world premiere of Ray Mercer's "Shirt Off My Back," Autumn Eckman's revised "Moving Sidewalks" and revivals of other works on Saturday at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. $27-$67. (800) 982-2787 or auditoriumtheatre.org. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31
Concept concert
The Music Theatre Company in Highland Park shines a light on a lesser-known 1947 Broadway musical in the concert "Oscar and Richard and Joe: An evening about Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'Allegro'" on Saturday at the Ravinia Festival's Bennett Gordon Hall, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. $10; $45 dinner package. (847) 266-5000 or ravinia.org or themusictheatrecompany.org. 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31
Grateful Dead tribute
Completely Dead, a Grateful Dead tribute band, performs a special musical tribute to the Grateful Dead at the Cairo Ale House, 2009 Franciscan Way, West Chicago. The program features selections from the Grateful Dead's three 1978 concerts at the great pyramids in Egypt. $5. (630) 876-9600 or cairoalehouse.com. 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31
SUNDAY
Breweriana show
The Bullfrog Chapter of the BCCA Brewery Collectibles Club of America hosts its Super Bowl Sunday Beer Can and Breweriana Show at the American Legion Hall, 514 S. Main St., Wauconda. A variety of beer cans and other breweriana will be showcased. Admission is $1. For information, call Ken at (847) 202-1877. bcca.com. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1
Vintage vehicles
Snow or no snow, the 7th Annual Vintage Snowmobile Ride & Show is set for Sunday at Cook Park, 600 N. Main St., Wauconda. Admission is free to see the vehicles, though there are fees ranging from $3 to $10 for vintage snowmobile registration. (847) 682-9110 or ilsnowmobile.com/Clubs/wsc.htm. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1