Saturday, February 25, 2017

Mardi Gras events for the family in Chicago 2017

Mardi Gras is a holiday that will be celebrated around the world on the weekend of Feb. 25-26, 2017 and on Fat Tuesday, which will be Feb. 28, 2017. People in the Chicago area will not find the events found in the southern cities of New Orleans and Mobile, but there will be opportunities for family-oriented fun on Mardi Gras weekend.

New Orleans hosts the most famous Mardi Gras in the U.S., but people in Chicago will enjoy parties and special menus at restaurants. There are family-friendly events in Chicago this weekend, so take the family to Navy Pier or Adler Planetarium or the Field Museum for a special weekend.



Neighborhoods of the World: Celebrate Brazil’s Carnival
Feb. 26 @ 12 p.m.
Crystal Gardens, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, Ill.
Navy Pier in partnership with Chicago Samba, will present Brazil’s Carnival as part of the Neighborhoods of the World. The series will celebrate the rich tapestry of the diverse communities in Chicago. This small festival will entertain the family with live folk music, traditional dance demonstrations, face painting, artistic crafts, and ethnic cuisine. Chicago Samba is a  Brazilian music ensemble with the flavor of Carnival. This is a seven-week series and the celebrations of Italy, Lithuania, Mexico, and Greece will be held in future weeks. 

Mars-DI Gras
Feb 25 & 26 @ 9:30 a.m.
Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, Ill. 60605
Mars-di-Gras is Mardi Gras event that will be free along with paid admission to the Adler Planetarium. Dust off your imagination to take a trip to the Red Planet and masquerade as the first Martians. Imagine the experience of life on Mars.  The Adler super krewe will present a Mar-di-Gras extravaganza that will be fun for the family. Adler will bring the beads, band, and science to their carnival of activities that combine space exploration and Mardi Gras. The Martian Masquerade will ask what a Martian in a disguise might look like. Guests will be able to design and wear a Martian mask to wear in the Mars-di Gras parade. The Rover Robotics will allow you to program your Rover to travel around Mars. For additional information see the Adler Planetarium website.

Free Admission Days at Field Museum
Feb. 1 -28 @ 9 a.m.
Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, Ill. 60605

Field Museum is offering free admission for Illinois residents through the end of February. This will be a great time to take the family to explore the treasured exhibits and ignite curiosity with displays of dinosaurs, fossils, science, mummies, gems, and many other mysteries of the world. Take advantage of the free admission special for a fun and educational experience at the Field Museum.

Grand Masquerade Ball – Gala Maskenball
Feb. 25 @ 6 p.m.
European Crystal Banquets, 519 E. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Hts, Ill. 60005
The KG. Rheinishcher Verein Chicago 1890 – Mardi Gras Society of Chicago will present a Masquerade Ball. Join the party to enjoy the German Karneval traditions, also known as Fasching. Music will be played by German bands Phoenix, Paloma, Fanfarencorp and Amazonen.  Tickets will be $65 for adults and $40 for people 18 years and younger.

Morton Arboretum

Feb. 11-Mar. 26
1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe, Ill. 60022

Chicago Botanic Garden is holding their Orchid Show, so take the family to see thousands or orchids is every colors, shapes, and size. Admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden is free. Parking $25/car, $30/van. 

Mardi Gras Paw Party at Trader Todd's
Feb. 28 @ 6 p.m.
Trader Todd's, 3216 N.Sheffield, Chicago, Ill. 

This event will benefit the dogs and cats at the shelter.  Enjoy food and drinks with the family. The fee of $20 benefits the FCACC.


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