CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- National Oreo Cookie Day is Friday! And with St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, I thought that an Oreo Mint Martini would be the perfect cocktail of the week. And if you love mint and Oreo cookies, you will love this martini! It is made with Crème de Cocoa, Crème de Menth, Whipped Cream Vodka, and Half and Half, plus a crushed Oreo cookie rim and a cookie for garnish. It’s the perfect drink to kick of March and get you ready for the Irish holiday.
Besides the cookie fun, there are a lot of great events going on this weekend in and around Chicago. Jurassic Quest roars into Navy Pier this weekend; CHIditarod XV is Saturday in West Town; Elmhurst's annual St. Patrick's Day parade is also Saturday; it is one of the final weekends to go ice skating downtown; plus, so much more.
Jurassic Quest roars into Navy Pier this weekend. Whether your kids love dinosaurs, or if you are a dino-lover yourself, you have to check this out. Jurassic Quest features life size dinosaurs, baby dinosaurs, and fossil digs. Plus, kids can ride on the back of a T. Rex or a Carnotaurus. There will also be numerous attractions and activities for everyone big or small, young or old. It is America’s largest and most realistic dinosaur event, so don’t miss it! More info.
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
When: Friday, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Grab your friends, some wacky costumes, and a cart and join this year’s CHIditarod! What is CHIditarod? It’s a mix between a food drive, a shopping cart race, a beauty pageant, a bar crawl, a talent show, and a fundraiser. And if you are intrigued, you have to check it out, even if it is just as a spectator! There is nothing quite like it. The race benefits the Greater Chicago Food Depository and takes place Saturday, stepping off at the corner of Fulton Market and Justine Street in West Town. Take a look at the Chiditarod website for a complete map of the course, including the best places to watch the action. More info.
Where: Cobra Lounge, 235 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago
When: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. (check-in begins at 9:45 a.m.)
Join Elmhurst for their 24th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. The parade will begin at the intersection of Wilson Street and Spring Road and continue north on Spring Road. The parade features floats, marching units, and animated characters, along with local organizations, businesses and clubs. Don’t miss you chance to see over 80 floats, Irish dancers, the Shannon Rovers, local team mascots – Benny the Bull, Southpaw, and Tommy Hawk, and more. More info.
Where: South Spring Road, Elmhurst
When: Saturday, noon
Set course for your next adventure at the Northern Illinois Boat Show, revving up spring fun all weekend. The show showcases a variety of boats and boat accessories, from ski boats to cruisers to pontoon boats and more. Over 30 exhibitors are also featuring a huge selection of boat trailers, parts, and accessories. More info.
Where: New Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Rd., Grayslake
When: Friday, noon-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Are you dreaming of a vacation, but can’t getaway? Onward in Rogers Park is hosting a Florida Keys Week Fundraiser, bringing some of the warmth of Florida to Chicago. The restaurant has completely transformed its food and drink menu, transporting guests to the beach destination. The fundraising event benefits the Dolphin Research Center and Marathon Turtle Hospital. More info.
Where: Onward, 6580 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago
When: now-March 8
It may be cold outside, but it is warm inside at the Orchid Show! The Chicago Botanic Garden plays with color in artistic installations and feature 10,000 brilliant blooms in unexpected ways: via a towering kaleidoscope, a floating carpet, and a dramatic chandelier, designed to be lit and transformed by the winter sun. Every weekend during the show, orchids are for sale at the Orchid Marketplace. And on Thursdays, check out Orchids After Hours. More info.
Where: Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
When: Saturday, Feb. 8-Sunday, March 22; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Skate under the Chicago skyline at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. Admission to the rink is free, and you can rent skates for $13–$15. The most popular time to hit the rink is in the evening, so show up earlier if you don't feel like waiting in line for your chance to slide around. Take advantage of free skating lessons on Fridays at 11 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 9 a.m. If it seems too warm to skate, call ahead—this rink is open through March 8, weather permitting. More info.
Where: Millennium Park, 55 N. Michigan Ave.
When: Friday, Nov. 15-March 8 (weather permitting)
Situated in the heart of downtown Chicago, with the city's sweeping skyline as a backdrop, the Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is a winter attraction unlike any other. The skating ribbon is dramatically different from typical civic ice rinks, creating a multi-sensory activity that is integrated into the landscape. Skaters can experience “alpine in the city” as they lace up their ice skates and follow a path twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink. More info.
Where: Maggie Daley Park, 337 E. Randolph St.
When: Friday, Nov. 15-March 15 (weather permitting)
Cheer on the Chicago Bulls this weekend when they hit the court to play the Indiana Pacers at the United Center on Friday! More info.
Where: United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
Cheer on the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday when they take the ice to play the St. Louis Blues at the United Center! More info.
Where: United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago
When: Sunday, 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Varies