How’s your March Madness bracket doing?
The NCAA Basketball Tournament is only one day in but mine already took a significant blow when Miami got upset by Loyola. Serves me right for sending a team from Florida to the Elite Eight when they played a Chicago-area team in the first round. The colleges around here don’t always make a lot of noise in the big dance (with the exception of last year’s Northwestern team) so that will teach me to be more supportive in the future.
Basketball aside, there’s a big holiday happening this weekend in which everyone feels a little more green, and a lot more outgoing. St. Patrick’s Day is a great reminder to put yourself out there with a bit of a spring in your step. After all, the season officially begins on Tuesday, so now is the perfect time get into that “new life” mindset.
As always, here’s a list of ideas to help make the most of your weekend Around Oak Park.
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St. Patrick’s Day Options
Irish Dancers at Barclay’s
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Barclay’s American Grille. The restaurant will have a performance by the Maiden Street Irish Dancers at 6 p.m. on Saturday while specials for the entire weekend include Guinness & Cheddar Soup at $7 and Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner at $22. Barclay’s is located at 1120 Pleasant Street, Oak Park.
Annual St. Pat’s Bash at Bar Louie
If you’re looking for an alternative holiday option, Bar Louie Oak Park is hosting their annual St. Pat’s Bash on Saturday starting at 11 a.m. Wear green, feel lucky, and take advantage of $4 green beer and $6 Jameson shots. Bar Louie is located at 1122 Lake Street, Oak Park.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Wild Onion
Wild Onion Tied House is one of the village’s newest spots and they will be hosting their first St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. The restaurant will have a buffet at $28 per guest ($12 for kids). While you eat, enjoy live music from The Bart Attacks who will be playing a mix of folk, Irish, and rock. Wild Onion is located at 1111 S. Boulevard, Oak Park.
Live Entertainment
“The Pavilion” at Open Door Theater
If you haven’t gotten the chance to see “The Pavilion,” this weekend is your last chance! This play brings together an ensemble of local television and theater actors to present Craig Wright’s thoughtful, lyrical performance, directed by Jeff-Award winning director Jason Gerace, an Oak Park resident, according to the Open Door Theater website. The last two shows will be playing Friday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $27 for general admission, $24 for seniors, $22 for groups of eight or more, or $15 for students. Open Door Theater is located at 902 S. Ridgeland Avenue, Oak Park. Get your tickets here.
Family-friendly live music at Wonder Works
Wonder Works’ Concert Series provides families with live, affordable entertainment, allowing children and parents to sing, dance, and play together with some of the best children’s artists in the country, according to the Wonder Works website. Sunday will feature the classic rock n’ roll stylings of The Boogers, a three-part band that performs original and classic children’s music. Tickets are $8 per member and $11 for non-members. Wonder Works Children’s Museum is located at 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park. The show will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday.
The Back Room Storytelling
The Back Room is a curated show that features stories from the hearts and minds of gifted storytellers from diverse backgrounds. The next show from the event organizers will take place Sunday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Oak Park Brewing Company, 155 S. Oak Park Ave. Listening to these gifted storytellers is a great way to wind down from the weekend’s many activities and get in the right frame of mind before the work week begins again on Monday.
Shopping
Thrift Shopping Sale at Economy Shop
In case you didn’t already know, Economy Shop Oak Park is a local thrift store gem located in a Victorian-style house that only opens on special days. Lucky for us, this Saturday is one of those days called Happy Day of Awesomeness, where shoppers can peruse 15 different departments on three floors to find all kinds of vintage goods. Economy Shop is located at 103 S. Grove, Oak Park. The event is open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
