by Kimberly Peiffer - 51 Reviews - 84 List
Now that the bitter cold is finally starting to wind down and the anticipation of Spring is building, it's time to come out of hibernation and begin to take the city by storm. Here's our list of things to do in Chicago in March, from new events happening to just-opened places to check out. (Photo: Art Institute of Chicago)
Updated: March 10, 2011
MARCH 8, 15, 22, 28: Sax Chicago nightspot Crimson Lounge offers "Class Tuesdays," in which local party hosts Stormy, OH MY!, and members of Front312 bring back the days where a plethora of musical genres can be heard any given night. Expect a weeknight jolt of eclectic House, Electro, Disco, New Wave and Synth-Pop classics to go along with $4 draft beers and $6 Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea vodka drinks.
MARCH 1-17: Can't wait until March 17 to celebrate St. Patrick's Day? You don't have to, thanks to Mrs. Murphy's 17-day festival with different Irish-themed events every evening in March leading up to March 17.
MARCH 30: Head to the Museum of Contemporary Art at the end of the month; the MCA Women's Board is hosting ArtSmart, an evening event geared toward young professionals interested in learning more about contemporary art. The evening includes cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a tour of "Without You I'm Nothing: Art and Its Audience." Tickets, $40.
MARCH 5-13: The Chicagoland Flower and Garden Show at Navy Pier makes us have hope that Spring is near. The show features more than 100 exhibitors showing off the latest and greatest in gardening products and services, just in time for the flowers to bloom. Green thumbs will also love the schedule of gardening seminars available throughout the show.
MARCH 3, 10, 17, 24: Score free (yes, free!) admission to the Art Institute from 5pm to 8pm on these select days in March. If you do during the day and have got time for a leisurely lunch, try Italian restaurant Terzo Piano, inside the museum's chic modern wing--chef Tony Mantuano whips up house-made pastas and desserts you won't want to miss.
MARCH 11: Head to Pilsen for Artwalk, a free gallery event showcasing works from Chicago artists, set for 6-10pm. Wine and cheese will be offered.
MARCH 26-27: The Illinois Orchid Society presents its Spring show and orchid sale. The show will take place both days from 10am-5pm, with a free, covered trolley available to transport you and your plants between the exhibit hall and the parking lot.
