Guinness Open Gate Brewery opened this fall

The anticipation: Diageo, owners of the internationally renowned Guinness family of beers, took on a two-year project of renovating a 120-plus-year-old former railroad building in the Fulton Market District just north of the West Loop’s Restaurant Row. “Combining over 260 years of Irish brewing experience with American beer creativity” is the master plan for the company’s second U.S. brewery.

The goods: Not only are we talking a cavernous brewery and taproom, but Chicago also got its first ever Guinness bakery, where you can grab an Intelligentsia coffee and a pastry, as well as a full restaurant and merchandise store — all right in the heart of one of the hottest neighborhoods in the country. You may not even need to leave: Work from here in the morning, lunch meeting over a pint during the day, and then happy hour and dinner with friends or colleagues. It also figures to be quite the tourist attraction. The venue features a private event space for 94 and a 136-seat patio that surely will be one of the city’s more sought-after spots next summer.

The two-year project of renovating a 120-plus-year-old former railroad building in the Fulton Market District is finished, and the 7,700-pound wooden harp above the bar is an Instagram-worthy photo op.

Food and drink: Off the menu, the beer-battered halibut, curry chicken salad sandwich and Guinness beef stew sound right up our alley, and you can grab a traditional Irish breakfast or fresh crab Benedict at weekend brunch. Besides the iconic nitrogenated dry Irish stout, you can also find options like a piney-citrus West Coast IPA, pineapple coconut porter or mango Chile ale with a nice kick on the back end.

Did you know?
The 7,700-pound wooden harp above the bar is sure to be an Instagram-worthy photo op.

901 W. Kinzie Street in Chicago
GuinnessBreweryChicago.co

Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol celebrates 46 years, stars Park Ridge 7th grader

The holiday classic A Christmas Carol is back for a 46th year at the Goodman Theatre in downtown Chicago, and acclaimed Chicago artist Jessica Thebus returns for her fourth season directing a cast that stars Larry Yando in his 16th year as Ebenezer Scrooge. But most importantly here is a local spin — the emergence of Leighton Tantillo, a 12-year-old rising star from Park Ridge who has trained at The Joffrey Ballet, Lynette’s School of Dance, IMPACT and Actors Training Center and whose credits include School of Rock at the Paramount Theatre.

The seventh grader at Lincoln Middle School (who happens to be able to play the piano, drums and guitar in addition to sing and dance) is playing the role of Boy Scrooge and Peter Cratchit in the annual family favorite. Catch Leighton and this talented cast on stage through Dec. 31.

For tickets ($33-$159), visit GoodmanTheatre.org or call 312-443-3800.

Pompeii: The Exhibition extended to January at the Museum of Science and Industry
Visitors to the Museum of Science and Industry now have a bit more time to journey back in time and experience the captivating story of ancient Pompeii and the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The museum announced earlier this fall that it will extend the stay of Pompeii: The Exhibition and unveiled three artifacts from Pompeii that are new to the exhibit.

Since its arrival to Chicago last February, Pompeii: The Exhibition has captivated audiences with its extraordinary collection of over 150 authentic artifacts, including well-preserved frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures that have survived the test of time. The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the daily life, culture, and tragedy of the ancient Roman city, frozen in time by the catastrophic volcanic eruption in 79 A.D.

It is now slated to close January 15, 2024. The Museum of Science and Industry is located at 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive. MSIChicago.org

The Magic Parlour takes up residence at Petterino’s
Chicago’s longest-running magic show, The Magic Parlour, has taken up residence adjacent to the Goodman at 50 W. Randolph, Petterino’s newly remodeled lower-level space, presented by the Goodman and Petterino’s. The move builds on Dennis Watkins’ 15-year success, which has entertained 50,000+ guests with jaw-dropping magic during 1,600 live performances.

While maintaining his signature up-close, intimate magic-packed experience for 60 guests, “Chicago’s official magic man” will have six performances per week. Tickets to performances of The Magic Parlour at 50 W. Randolph are on sale now at TheMagicParlourChicago.com