WELCOME TO THE

Weekender

Art shows, sales and workshops, new menu items at your favorite local restaurants, author meet & greets, live music, and the National Wrestling Alliance live in Downtown Highland Park... We've got all the details and more in this edition of the Weekender.

📸: Don't miss the Ocean Drive Maki by Chef Moon at Sushi Badaya!

600 Central Ave., Ste. 101 / 847.266.7302

Find more restaurants with our dining guide.

BLUEGRASS

Sunday Shrimp Boil

MAR. 2 | 11:30 AM - 2 PM

Head to Bluegrass on March 2 for a low country shrimp boil. Savor a delicious shrimp, corn, andouille sausage, potato, and Zatarain's seasoning boil. Plus, indulge in a selection of wines from Stolpman Vineyards, beers from the Michelin-starred Moody Tongue Brewery, corn and shrimp soup, Cajun mac & cheese, and a very special dessert from Chef Jorge.

Call Bluegrass to place your reservation.

$75

1636 Old Deerfield Rd. / 847.831.0595

KALEIDOSCOPE HEART MARKET

Young Artist Fest

MAR. 1 | 11 AM - 3 PM

Kaleidoscope heART Market will host a special showcase of artists, artisans, makers and creators - all under the age of 18! Support youth arts and be amazed at their incredible talent and creativity on March 1.

FREE

599 Central Ave. / 847.521.6782

SECRET WORLD BOOKS

Author Meet & Greets

MAR. 1 & MAR. 2

Secret World Books has five authors in-store this weekend!

MAR. 1 | 2 PM

James Tehrani presents Alfalfa: The Rascal You Knew, the Character You Never Knew.

MAR. 1 | 4:30 PM

Meet small press authors Vincent Francone, Paul Teodo, and Emily Wunsch, and learn about their latest work.

MAR. 2 | 2 PM

Kathryn Kruse (pictured) presents her short story collection To Receive My Services You Must Be Dying and Alone. 

FREE

1774 Second St. / 847.469.4875

PETS4LIFE

Iditarod Race Event

MAR. 1 | 11 AM - 2 PM

Get ready for a howling good time at Pets4Life on March 1! Learn about the history of the Iditarod sled dog race in Alaska, watch the 2025 race, and meet a furry, friendly husky!

FREE

661 Central Ave. / 847.434.2745

LIFE RHYTHMS

Musical Brunch at Madame ZuZu's

MAR. 1 & MAR. 2 | 11 AM - 2 PM

Life Rhythms presents Musical Brunch this weekend, March 1 and 2, at Madame ZuZu's. Enjoy a delicious, plant-based brunch while listening to the signature Americana sounds of the Jared Rabin Duo on Saturday. Head back on Sunday for honky tonk classics from Billingsley & Earp (pictured).

FREE

Madame ZuZu's - 1876 First St.

THE CHUNKY SCONE

Vegan Pop Up

MAR. 1 | 11 AM - 3 PM

Aztec Vegan Kitchen will serve up delicioso vegan Mexican food at The Chunky Scone on March 1. Indulge in tacos, tamales, and more - all vegan! Stop by before they sell out!

733 St. Johns Ave. / 847.780.3838

WAYFARER THEATERS

JCC Chicago: Jewish Film Festival

MAR. 1 - MAR. 23

Wayfarer Theaters is set to host the 2025 JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival from March 1 - March 23. 19 culturally diverse, Jewish-inspired films will captivate audiences across generations and backgrounds. Catch the following films this weekend:

Technion 10² | MAR. 1 | 1 PM

This documentary traces the remarkable 100-year journey of the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology.

The Glory of Life | MAR. 1 | 4 PM

In 1923, as Franz Kafka battles tuberculosis, he finds unexpected happiness in a profound romance with a free-spirited Polish Jewish woman.

Midas Man | MAR. 1 | 7 PM

The film showcases the legendary career of Beatles manager Brian Epstein.

Neither Day Nor Night | MAR. 2 | 1 PM

Follow a French Sephardic family navigating life within a predominantly Ashkenazi community.

October H8te | MAR. 2 | 4 PM (pictured)

This documentary details the explosion of anti-Semitism on college campuses, social media, and in the streets of America in the aftermath of October 7.

$15 in advance / $18 at the door

Film passes are also available

1850 Second St. / 872.873.1030

GUYS & CO.

End of Season Clearance

THROUGH MAR. 2

Save on sport coats, suits, dress pants & shirts from all your favorite designers this weekend at Guys & Co. Find amazing deals on apparel for boys and men throughout the store like 40% off of one item, 50% off of two items, and 60% off of three or more items. There's never been a better time to stock your closet!

1438 Old Skokie Rd. / 847.940.4897

ROSS'S HIGHLAND PARK

Oscar-Worthy Giveaway

THROUGH MAR. 1

The Academy Awards are this Sunday. Share your picks for which films and actors will take home Oscars at ROSS's Highland Park through March 1 and be entered to win an incredible hair and skincare basket valued at $100. No purchase necessary.

625 Central Ave. / 847.433.4340

THE VAULT CREATIVE

Mardi Gras Tag Sale

MAR. 4

Forget the beads, celebrate Mardi Gras with The Vault Creative on March 4. Shop discounted finds from top Chicago designers like Jennie Bishop of Studio Gild, Christina Karvelas of CKS Collective, Kristin Nelson of Nelson Collective, and more. Discover unique, aesthetic works of decorative art for your home or office at a great price. 

1894 Sheridan Rd. / 847.748.4568

ONCE UPON A BAGEL

NEW! Scones

AVAILABLE NOW

Introducing the newest treats at Once Upon A Bagel: blueberry and strawberry rhubarb scones! These pastries are a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors. Don't miss these buttery, flaky, baked-to-perfection sweet treats, bursting with fruity goodness!

1888 First St. / 847.433.1411

CENTRAL CAFE

NEW! Focaccia, Soup, & Dessert

AVAILABLE NOW

Central Cafe has two exciting new menu items you've got to try. Start with the savory vegetable medley soup paired with cheesy focaccia (pictured) - perfect for blustery winter days. Follow it up with a delectable strawberry tarte à la bouillie.

664 Central Ave. / 847.748.4183

RAVINIA FARMERS MARKET

Indoor Winter Farmers Market

SATURDAYS THROUGH APR. 26 | 10 AM - 2 PM

Ravinia Farmers Market and Wayfarer Theaters have teamed up to present Highland Park's first-ever indoor Winter Farmers Market! Discover dozens of vendors offering fresh, local foods and artisan products in the lobby of Wayfarer Theaters. This family-friendly event offers a welcoming space to connect with local vendors, shop quality foods, enjoy a matinee, and celebrate the vibrant downtown Highland Park district. Don't miss the next market this weekend, March 1. Subsequent markets will be held 10 AM - 2 PM each Saturday through April 26.

Wayfarer Theaters - 1850 Second St. / 847.579.9080

STUDIO ONE

NWA: Road to Gold

MAR. 7 | 7 PM - 10 PM

Attention wrestling fans! Studio ONE will host the NWA's (National Wrestling Alliance) Road to Gold live on March 7. Get ready to witness thrilling matches, jaw-dropping moves, and unforgettable moments as the old-school meets the modern. This electrifying event will keep you on the edge of your seat. Grab your tickets now and experience the excitement firsthand!

$20+ with discount code DISCOKING

1799 Green Bay Rd. / 833.788.3464

MADAME ZUZU'S

Frank Catalano's Jazz Birthday Bash

MAR. 8 | 8 PM - 9:30 PM

Madame ZuZu's is proud to welcome legendary saxophonist, Frank Catalano, and his all-star band on March 8. Celebrate Frank's birthday with songs from his new #1 Billboard charting album, Set Me Free, plus classic fan-favorites. The ZuZu's bar will be open throughout the event; tea, pastries, and shopping will also be available.

$50 - $65

1876 First St. / 847.926.7359

TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Artemis Chamber Orchestra: All Bach

MAR. 9 | 3 PM

Catch a free concert with the Artemis Chamber Orchestra at Trinity Episcopal Church on March 9. Enjoy the following works by Johann Sebastian Bach:

Vier Duette

Diana Economou, clarinet

Herine Coetzee Koschak, cello

Bassoon Concerto in C Major

Julia Paine, bassoon

Brandenburg Concert No. 5

Kaissy Yau, flute

Jinty McTavish, violin

Stephen Alltop, harpsichord

FREE

425 Laurel Ave.

LYNFRED WINERY

Cheers to Pi Day

MAR. 14

The number Pi is a mathematical constant that math teachers always insisted we were going to need to know one day. That day has finally arrived! Lynfred Winery is offering a special Pi Day discount of $3.14 off any wine glass purchase on March 14.

1823 St. Johns Ave. / 847.780.3853

FT. SHERIDAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Fort Sheridan Celebrates 138 Years!

MAR. 3 | 9:30 AM

Fort Sheridan is turning 138 years old on March 3. Join the Fort Sheridan Historical Society at the parade ground flagpole for Reveille and Taps. Plus, prizes will be given for the Fort Sheridan door decorating contest. See who will take first place for "Most Appropriate Use of the American Flag," "Best Front Door Display," and "Best Overall."

FREE

Ft. Sheridan Parade Ground Flagpole

SOULSHINE BOUTIQUE & HEALING SANCTUARY

Pendulum Workshop

MAR. 6 | 7 PM - 8 PM

A pendulum can be an elevator to communicate with your soul and your spirit guides. Soulshine Boutique & Healing Sanctuary and Laura Rategan will teach pendulum dowsing techniques, how to cleanse and charge pendulums, and how to receive and interpret information received through your pendulum. Connect with your higher self during this March 6 workshop.

$35

459 Central Ave., Second Floor / 224.805.1390

THE ART CENTER

Stained Glass Workshop

MAR. 2 | 10 AM - 4 PM

The Art Center and Isabel Badalpour are teaming up to present a stained glass workshop on March 2. Learn the fundamentals of stained glass including pattern selection, cutting glass, foiling, and soldering. Isabel’s unique approach guides students through a seamless modality of design and artistic execution, while keeping the class engaging and fun!

$166.25 Members / $175 Nonmembers

1957 Sheridan Rd. / 847.432.1888

PARK DISTRICT

Maple Syrup Harvest

MAR. 1 | 10 AM - 1:30 PM

Join the Park District of Highland Park on March 1 and harvest sweet syrup from the maple trees at The Preserve of Highland Park. Take a short hike to learn about identifying the right tree, how to tap a tree, and the process of making syrup. Finish the day by sampling harvested syrup paired with delicious pancakes by a cozy fire. Two sessions are available: 10 AM - 11:30 AM and 12 PM - 1:30 PM.

$14

The Preserve of Highland Park - 1207 Park Ave. W / 847.831.3810

HIGHLAND PARK PUBLIC LIBRARY

Grab & Go Craft: Truffula Trees

MAR. 3 - MAR. 9

March 2 is Dr. Seuss’ birthday and what better way to celebrate than by making your own Truffula Trees from The Lorax? Kids aged 5 - 14 are invited to head to the Library March 3 - March 9 to pick up a craft kit at the Youth Services desk, while supplies last.

FREE

494 Laurel Ave. / 847.432.0216