Chicago Restaurant Week Jan. 23-Feb. 8

The 19th annual version of this city-wide culinary celebration runs Jan.23-Feb. 8 with a variety of affordable prix-fixe opportunities at a record 550+ participating restaurants across the city (including 19 new additions).

That’s a total of 17 days of dining deals to delight even the pickiest of palates throughout Chicago and the near suburbs.

This much-anticipated event is ideal for sampling a variety of what Chicago’s impressive gastronomic scene has to offer, featuring special prix-fixe menus starting at $30 for lunch and $45 or $60 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity).

Dry-aged steaks, hearty American comfort food, modern Japanese creations, traditional Italian recipes, Spanish tapas, French delicacies or Thai spices — the world is at your fork at hundreds of downtown hotspots and cozy neighborhood favorites.

For more information on the restaurants taking part and menu options, visit ChooseChicago.com

Road Full of Promise benefiting Med13L Foundation Jan. 24

The second annual Road Full of Promise fundraiser benefiting the MED13L Foundation is coming up Saturday, Jan. 24 at Joe’s Live in Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park.

Last year’s event — with 500+ guests and more than $250,000 raised — was a tremendous success for pediatric research benefiting MED13L. Now the goal is to help reach even more families, continue funding critical research, and bring hope to children with MED13L Syndrome around the world.

Join the Boychuck family and the community of Park Ridge for an unforgettable evening of music, community and purpose. VIP dinner begins at 6 p.m. and general admission (including open bar and The Sofa Kings concert) is at 7:30 p.m. For more information, tickets and donations, visit RoadFullofPromise.com

Preschool & Enrichment Fair at the Park Ridge Public Library Jan. 24

Is preschool right around the corner for your family, or maybe a year away? Stop into the Park Ridge Public Library on January 24 to learn about some of the wonderful daycare, preschool and enrichment facilities in the area, all in one place. From 10 a.m. to noon, representatives from 34 schools and organizations will be available to answer your questions. There’s no need to register, just stop in.

Winterfest at Mikerphone Brewing Jan. 24

This annual event at the popular Mikerphone Brewing in Elk Grove Village runs from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24. (In case you hadn’t heard, they’ll be opening a second taproom on Devon Avenue right here in Park Ridge in the coming months.)

Beer and Loathing will provide plenty of rock tunes, food will be served by Greece Smoked Meats, and there will be hot poked beers, s’mores and games. FYI — with seriously cold temps predicted for Saturday, all of the fun is expected to move inside at Mikerphone.

Also worth noting, Mikerphone has converted their original tasting room into a cozy dive bar on Mondays during January and February, where you can play free darts, foosball and shuffleboard while enjoying award-winning beers, Wisconsin-style old fashioneds, Malort, bar snacks and more.

121 Garlisch Drive in Elk Grove Village. MikerphoneBrewing.com

Parent Teacher Bingo Night fundraiser with the Lincoln Middle School PTO Jan. 29

The Lincoln Middle School PTO’s annual Parent Teacher Bingo Night is coming up Thursday, Jan. 29 from 6-9 p.m. at Harp & Fiddle.

Your $25 ticket gets you a night of fun BINGO, Harp & Fiddle appetizers, one drink ticket (cash bar available as well), 50/50 raffle and prizes.

All proceeds go to the Lincoln Middle School Parent Teacher Organization. For tickets, click here.

Patina Wine Bar hosts complimentary wine tasting Jan. 31 and is now open for lunch seven days a week

Sure, you’ve enjoyed their delicious small bites, impressive wine selection and cozy vibes, but were you aware that Patina Wine Bar is now open for lunch seven days a week? Swing in as early as noon from Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m. on Saturdays. Feel free to bring the laptop and get some work done too (yes, they have coffee as well).

Also, Patina is hosting their monthly complimentary wine tasting on Saturday, Jan. 31 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

112 S. Prospect Ave. PatinaWineBar.com

Pokemon Trade Night at the new Park Ridge Coin & Collectibles Jan. 31

The new Park Ridge Coin & Collectibles at 1208 S. Fairview in South Park is having their second Pokemon Trade Night on Saturday, Jan. 31 from 3-6 p.m. Bring the kiddos, and their binders, and swing in for a night of trading fun. They also have a nice selection of sports cards as well.