North Shore Do List January 2022

“Brrrrrr” stands for “brilliant” as the North Shore ushers in the new year with sizzling sporting events, witty and wonderful shows, engaging exhibits, super sales and great eats. Check out more January Events and Hotel Deals. 

Northwestern Men's Basketball, Evanston

Big Ten Basketball at Northwestern 
Welsh-Ryan Arena, Northwestern University, 2705 Ashland Ave., Evanston
Various dates
Catch some exciting NCAA Division I college basketball with NU home games in their completely renovated, world-class Welsh-Ryan Arena (now proudly the most accessible in all college athletics). Big 10 hoop challenges see the Wildcats Men’s Basketball team bring their defensive energy to the courts (Jan. 2, 5, 12, 18 and 29). The Women’s Basketball Wildcats continue their winning season with five home games this month (Jan. 3, 9, 20, 27 and 30). Both teams kick off the new year taking on their counterparts from Michigan State. 
 

DC Reflecting Fools, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie

D.C.’s Reflecting Fools (formerly Capitol Steps)
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie
Jan. 28–30, 2022
Please don’t storm the Capitol Steps! The stairway to heavenly political satire originally laid by those legendary comic Steps continues upward with DC’s Reflecting Fools—the new musical parody group created by the performers and co-writer from the Steps. Familiar funny-faces perform beloved bits, the mind-boggling, backward-talking spoonerisms, break-neck costume changes, over-the-top impressions, and all-new song parodies reflecting today’s most foolish news. 
 

Insidewalk Sale, Downtown Evanston

Insidewalk Sale
Downtown Evanston
You don’t need to wait for summer to take advantage of a sidewalk sale spectacular. Evanston just transported the savings indoors to keep the icicles off the merch (and our noses). Stock up on winter outfits or treats for your family to spruce up a cold stretch. Get your cozy on with a stack of books to read, snazzy scarfs and hats to warm up, and wintery snacks, bevvies and spices to get toasty from the inside out. Local merchants will have special offers and treats, too.
 

Fireflies, Northlight Theater, Skokie

Fireflies
Northlight Theater, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie
Jan. 20–Feb. 20, 2022
Hailed by critics as “jaw-dropping” and “explosively dramatic,” Fireflies is “a powerful tale of love flashing its light in the dark.” As the Civil Rights Movement ignites the South, charismatic Rev. Charles Grace needs a new speech to galvanize the people. But it is Olivia, his pregnant wife, who writes those fiery speeches, and playing the supporting role is wearing thin for her. As the growing weight of secrets threatens her marriage—and a nation’s hatred threatens her child’s future—Olivia must rediscover the place that love has in her world.
 

Stonewall Exhibit, Illinois Holocaust Museum, Skokie

Rise Up: Stonewall and the LGBTQ Rights Movement
Illinois Holocaust Museum, 9603 Woods Dr., Skokie
Through May 8, 2022
The summer of 1969 saw the modern gay rights movement in the U.S. ignited by a police raid of the Stonewall Inn. After what became known as the “Stonewall Uprising,” America’s LGBTQ+ population continued to fight for equal rights and representation. Rise Up shares the voices and stories of this movement showcasing 85 historic images and artifacts, including a rainbow flag in its original colors, signed by its creator Gilbert Baker and posters from Harvey Milk’s campaign for public office in San Francisco.
 

Pit and Tap, Wilmette

Warm Up with Great BBQ on the North Shore
Various locations
Savor the flavors of smokehouse sensations and run your own taste test in North Shore BBQ restaurants. From the “true Texas” style of Pit & Tap (1168 Wilmette Ave. Wilmette) to the signature smokehouse of Soul & Smoke (1601 Payne St., Evanston), mouthwatering meats and classic sides will thrill your tastebuds. Hit up all the wings and things at Grill House (3061 Dundee Rd., Northbrook) or feast on the Sunday BBQ sampler at Stormy’s Tavern (1735 Orchard Ln., Northfield). Smylie Brothers Brewing Co. (1615 Oak Ave., Evanston) adds a brewhouse vibe while the zesty, New Orleans-style Hecky's Barbecue sauce (902 Green Bay Rd. Evanston) satisfies a craving.
 

Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University, Evanston

A Site of Struggle: American Art Against Anti-Black Violence
The Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University, 40 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston
Opening Jan. 26
How has art has been used to protest, process, mourn and memorialize anti-Black violence in the United States? A Site of Struggle explores how artists have engaged with the reality of anti-Black violence and its accompanying challenges of representation in the U.S. over 100+ years. The exhibit takes a new approach to looking at the intersection of race, violence and art by investigating the varied strategies American artists have used to grapple with anti-Black violence.
 

UPCOMING FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS

North Shore Restaurant Month
Various locations
Feb. 1–28, 2022
February means North Shore Restaurant Month and the best time of year to check out restaurants you’ve been meaning to visit and enjoy some delightful specials at old favorites. With dining deals for days, several of the North Shore’s best restaurants entice with must-taste offers and family meal deals. Plan your celebrations, gather up the family or pick a date to catch-up with friends and meet for a delicious night to remember. Great reason to skip cooking some nights, too! Watch for details coming in January.

Untamed: The Orchid Show
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
Feb. 12–Mar. 27, 2022
No matter how things change, nature finds a way to thrive and dazzle. The annual Orchid Show takes a twist to celebrate the unexpected verve of wild orchids. See what happens when sweeps of these flowering beauties take over an old secret garden, twine around forgotten pillars, and break through the whimsical spaces of our imagination. In the quiet of winter, come bask in the extraordinary colors and fresh blooms of thousands of orchids and other tropical plants at this stunning display.