CHICAGO — Some of the many things to do this weekend include ice skating at the zoo, drinking green beer way ahead of St. Patrick's Day at Joe's Bar, seeing music shows at Lincoln Hall, taking the Polar Plunge and partying at Oscars-viewing bashes.
Weekend-long
Ice Skating at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., 4–8 p.m. on Friday and noon–8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Perhaps one of the only nice things about this season's absurdly cold weather is that the city extended its outdoor ice skating rinks for one more weekend. The Farm-in-the-Zoo rink costs $5 for admission and $5 for skate rental.
Friday
Turnpike Troubadours with American Aquarium at Joe's Bar, 940 W. Weed St., 8:30 p.m.
Tahlequah, Okla.-based band Turnpike Troubadours plays along with alt-country band American Aquarium. The show is $12 and for those 21 and older.
Saturday
Green Beer Day 2014 featuring DJ JEM at Joe's Bar, 940 W. Weed St., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
For $40, drink green draft beer, well drinks, wine and soda from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Joe's Bar (doors open at 8:30 a.m.). DJ JEM will play the music for this very early St. Patrick's Day event.
St. Paul & the Broken Bones with Steelism at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., 9 p.m.
Birmingham, Ala.-based soul band St. Paul and the Broken Bones performs along with instrumental band Steelism. Tickets are $14, and the show is just for those 21 and older.
Sunday
Chicago Polar Plunge at North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Even comedian Jimmy Fallon (or SwimmyFallon, as he's become known on Twitter) is joining in for this frigid dip in the lake.
The 14th annual event costs $150 and benefits the programs of Special Olympics Chicago. Plungers 16 and older can choose to go into the water up to the knees, waist high or all-in. The Chicago Park District provides a free round-trip bus to the event, and those who take part get a free T-shirt and a towel. Visit the park district's website or call 312-742-5121 for more information.
Oscars at Sedgwick's Bar & Grill, 1935 N. Sedgwick St., evening
The watch party includes Oscars-themed drinks, a $5 special for microbrews and free popcorn and candy. If it's a less formal themed party you're looking for, this one might be your best bet.
A Night at the Oscars 2014 at Duffy's Tavern & Grille, 6-10 p.m.
This Oscar soiree, hosted by Bard and Fool Theater Group and Bar1 Events, is $40 in advance and $50 at the door. Tickets include drinks, hors d'ouevres, a light dinner buffet and a chocolate fountain. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Bard and Fool.
Center On Halsted On The Red Carpet at Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave., 7:30 p.m.
Center on Halsted hosts this Academy Awards watch party complete with cocktails, buffet dinner, silent auction and a raffle. Last year's event helped raise more than $60,000 toward programing, according to the center. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the party is for those 21 and older. Tickets range from $40-$125. For more information, email special events manager Dustin Erikstrup at derikstrup@centeronhalsted.org or by call 773-661-0957.
We Were Promised Jetpacks with Honeyblood at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., 8 p.m.
If you'd rather ignore the Academy Awards, see Scottish alt pop band We Were Promised Jetpacks along with opener Honeyblood at Lincoln Hall. Tickets are $20 and for those 18 and older.
