Chicago Weekend: Bacon, Margaritas, Galas
This weekend in Chicago features several major events, including the Chicago Bacon Fest at Old Crow Smokehouse and a West Loop Margarita Fest. For a more formal crowd, the Junior Council's 37th Annual Snowball Gala is being held at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel.
The Junior Council's Snowball Gala is a long-standing philanthropic event in Chicago, now in its 37th year. All proceeds from the evening, which includes a silent auction, live music, and tastings from various Chicago restaurants, benefit the Pediatric & Adolescent HIV/AIDS Clinic at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Funds raised at the gala provide essential services for patients, including transportation to the clinic, scholarships, and covering the costs of testing and medication for uninsured or low-income families. The event is organized by the Junior Council, a group of young professionals dedicated to supporting the hospital's program. This year's gala is being held at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, a venue with over 40,000 square feet of event space and a grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,100 guests. The hotel is accustomed to hosting large-scale charity and corporate events. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bacon Fest at Old Crow Smokehouse in Wrigleyville offers a more casual weekend option, featuring over a dozen bacon-infused dishes, whiskey, and live music. The venue, known for its award-winning BBQ, has a total capacity of 900, including a rooftop that holds 120. The West Loop Margarita Fest provides another informal choice, with tickets including five unique margarita tastings and five slices of pizza. This event taps into the vibrant and trendy atmosphere of the West Loop neighborhood.
