The holidays are officially over, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! “77 Flavors” co-hosts Dario Durham and Sara Faddah join the City Cast Chicago podcast to share how they’re starting off 2025 on a good note.
New Year’s Resolution Inspiration
A lot of folks go into the new year with new goals like wanting to learn a new language, join a book club, or get into composting.
But this year, we want to be in Chicago neighborhoods at smaller museums like the Children’s Museum of Art and Social Justice in Pilsen or art galleries like Gallery Guichard in Bronzeville or Jackson Junge Gallery in Wicker Park.
Make Your Restaurant Week Reservations Now
Now is the time to figure out which of the 470-plus participating restaurants you want to dine at during the 17-day promotion starting Jan. 24. Check out tips from influencer Paige Serena who is keeping it real on the spots worth checking out, prices going up, and more.
Embrace the Indoors
Who said farmers markets are only for Summertime Chi? Hit up an indoor one at Green City Market in Avondale or 61st Street Farmers Market in Woodlawn. Remember not to make these mistakes at winter markets, too.
While you prepare to take in great art during Chicago Theatre Week — tickets drop next week — make art at the Beverly Art Center, a queer quilting workshop in Rogers Park, or at parks and libraries near you.
More Celebrations Incoming
Mark your calendars to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 20 at family-friendly events at the Chicago History Museum and Hyde Park Art Center. Plus, the Cook County Forest Preserve and City Year are hosting days of service around that time.
Lunar New Year is Jan. 29, and parades on the North and South sides are next month. Until then, book a festive dumpling-making class in Chinatown.
Goodish news: The reversible express lanes on the Kennedy should reopen this month! (Scott Olson / Getty)
Other Things You Should Know This Month
The Kennedy Expressway’s reversible express lanes are now expected to open the week of Jan. 13 after transportation officials originally said they’d reopen in the fall. The final phase of the project is set to start in the spring.
Voting for the new state flag is now open! Be sure to vote in our poll so we can see where you all are leaning, too.
If you want to name a Chicago snow plow, you have until Saturday to get your submission in. Chicagoans will start voting on winners next week.
