You know that moment when you visit with family and friends over the weekend and someone asks, "So, what do you want to do?" Use The Weekender to help answer that question. Whether you’re looking to warm up inside watching a dance performance or go for a brisk hike outdoors, there is something to do for all interests
Just Beyond the City Limits.

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Arts & Culture

Saturday, February 6th
THODOS DANCE CHICAGO
Dorothy Menker Theater at Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center
9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills
(708) 974-5500
Thodos Dance Chicago, the acclaimed contemporary company with a distinct American choreographic voice, presents an exhilarating evening of dance. Leading the program is the critically celebrated story-ballet, A Light in the Dark: The Story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan, co-choreographed by Melissa Thodos and Broadway legend Ann Reinking with an original score by Bruce Wolosoff, named one of the Top-10 Dances of 2013 by the Chicago Sun-Times. The second act features works from its vibrant repertoire showcasing the company’s award-winning style described as “breathtakingly athletic” and “powerfully beautiful.”
7:30PM

Saturday, February 6th
ENSEMBLE ESPANOL SPANISH DANCE THEATER
Governors State University Center for Performing Arts
1 University Parkway, University Park
(708) 235-2222
Go on an epic journey through Spain with Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater's celebration of Flamenco, classical, folkloric and contemporary dance, set to traditional Spanish rhythms. In this 40th anniversary tribute, the company highlights Maurice Ravel's most popular work, the Bolero, which premiered in Paris in 1929. Combining flamenco and contemporary dance styles, choreographer and rising star Ron de Jesus creates Mil Clavos - One Thousand Nails. Mil Clavos presents traditional Spanish dance in a modern context, referencing the clavos, or the nails that are pounded into the bottom of the dancer's shoes. It affirms that the nail that holds time-honored traditions and modern sensibilities together is found in the artist's dedication to their craft.
8PM

Eat! Eat! Eat!

Friday, February 5th
FISH FRY FRIDAYS
Stony Creek Golf, Restaurant & Banquets
5850 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn
(708) 857-2433
Beginning before lent on Friday, February 5th and including Ash Wednesday, their Fish Fry will continue to March 25th. The all-you-can-eat buffet menu price includes freshly made England Clam Chowder, house salad, warm dinner rolls, homemade coleslaw, lightly seasoned and breaded fresh fish, homemade hush-puppies and baked potato with your choice of toppings.
4-8PM

Explore Nature

Saturday, February 6th
WEE WONDERS SERIES: NATURE PUPPET SHOW
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Children ages 3-6 are invited to their very own nature program. They'll explore a different seasonal subject each month.
10AM

Saturday, February 6th
LIVE HEALTHY, DISCOVER NATURE! HIKE
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Join their monthly hiking club where a naturalist will lead a vigorous, two-mile hike on the trails.
1:30PM

Saturday, February 6th
CLUES THEY LEAVE BEHIND
Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
(708) 839-6897
Investigate how animal tracks and scat can be used to learn about animal behavior during cold months. Indoor/outdoor program. Registration required. Limit 25.
1:30-3PM

Sunday, February 7th
PIONEER LIVING
Sand Ridge Nature Center
15891 Paxton Avenue, South Holland
(708) 868-0606
Have you ever wondered what life was like 200 years ago? Visit their cabins and find out what Illinois’ pioneers experienced.
1:30PM

Family Fun

Saturday, February 6th
WINTERFEST
Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens
7402 Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights
(708) 361-1873
There will be hayrides, winter hiking, childrens crafts, face painting, special animal guests, wonderful music, snowshoe rentals, children's ice sculpting and ice rescue demonstrations. Small entry fee. No fee for children three and under.
4:30PM

Saturday, February 6th
CINDERELLA'S BALL
Orland Park Civic Center
14760 Park Lane, Orland Park
(708) 403-7275
The enchanted evening is open to children ages three and older and all children are to be accompanied by an adult. The royal ball includes a DJ, lots of dancing, a craft and light refreshments. Children are encouraged to dress up for this magical night.
4:30PM

Learn Something New

Saturday, February 6th - Sunday, February 7th
BEGINNER CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
12545 West 111th Street, Lemont
(630) 257-2045
Learn to ski with a professional instructor. Lessons cover the basic skills of flatland skiing and getting up and down easy hills. Ages 12 & up. First come, first serve. Limit 12. Reservations not accepted. Please arrive by 9AM for registration and equipment fitting. $20/person
9:30AM

Ongoing
ABRAHAM LINCOLN: SELF MADE IN AMERICA
Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis
700 East Tri-State Tollway, South Holland
(708) 596-8300
Last year the exhibit, "Abraham Lincoln: Self Made in America" came to the Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis. The traveling exhibit was created by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. The exhibit features eight kiosks and covers Lincoln's childhood, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, the 1860 Presidential election, the Civil War, the 27th Amendment and Emancipation Proclamation, his assassination and other important periods and events in his life. This is a temporary exhibit, so don't miss the opportunity to learn about a famous part of America's history!
Open 7 days a week

Poker

Friday, February 5th - Saturday, February 6th
CHARITY POKER TOURNAMENT
TOYOTA PARK
7000 South Harlem Avenue, Bridgeview
(888) 715-4837
Come by TOYOTA PARK in Bridgeview for a Charity Poker Tournament. All events are open to the public. Must be 18+ to play. Live cash games start at 2PM and run all event long. If you have any questions contact them at (888) 715-4837 or [email protected].
2PM-1AM

Shopping for Deals

Friday, February 5th
JERRY ROSSEN PUBLIC AUCTIONS
Will County Fairgrounds
710 West Street, Peotone
(708) 997-0245
Auctions will include antiques, collectibles, furniture and more!
6PM

Saturday, February 6th - Sunday, February 7th
SWAP-O-RAMA FLEA MARKET
The Great Hall at the Tri-State Swap-O-Rama
4350 West 129th Street, Alsip
(708) 344-7300
Chicagoland's most modern indoor/outdoor permanent flea market. Over 800 individual booths of merchandise at bargain prices.
7AM-4PM

Sunday, February 7th
SPORTS COLLECTIBLE SHOW
Orland Park Civic Center
14750 Ravinia Avenue, Orland Park
(708) 423-1758
The sports collectible show offers you the opportunity to trade sell, buy sports cards, collectibles, nascar and more. New dealers are welcome.
9AM-1PM

If you’re planning further ahead, please check our calendar.