In Need of Weekend Plans?

It’s that time of the week again and since there are no sub-zero temperatures in the forecast, even more reason to get out of the house this weekend! From concerts to cooking classes to St. Patty’s Day festivities, we have compiled a list of noteworthy events and fun activities to fill up your planner!

Thursday:

Bourbon Bracket (Bub City) All Day

Spark Chicago's Third Annual Sugar Rush Benefit (171 W. Randolph) 6pm-9pm

Elements Girls’ Night Out (Bloomingdales’s, 900 N. Michigan) 6pm-8pm

Imagine Dragons (Allstate Arena) 7pm

Friday:

Demi Lovato (Allstate Arena) 7:30pm

Borris Powell “Freedom” Show (108 N. State St.) 8pm-12am

Women in Travel Summit (17 E. Monroe) 7pm-12am

Rock of Ages (Bank of America Theatre) 7:30pm

Saturday:

Chicago Flower and Garden Show (Navy Pier) All Day

St. Pat’s Trolley Crawl (Lion Head Pub, 2251 N. Lincoln) 8am

Tap O’ The Morn’ (400 N. State St.) 8am-12pm

Spectacle Lunatique (2120 S. Jefferson St.) 8pm-2am

Sunday:

Nick Sturms (Bub City) 12pm-1:30pm, 2pm-3pm

Columbia College Big Band with Special Guest Petet Saxe (Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Ct.) 4pm and 8pm

The Irishman Cooking Class (4747 N. Lincoln) 5pm-7pm

Drop-In Improv Class (Donny’s Skybox Theatre, 1608 N. Wells) 6pm

How are you spending your St. Patrick’s Day? Share us by leaving a comment or by tweeting us at @MonikaDixonPR!

By Marisa Coulter, MDPR Contributor

I Fly First Class Supports the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer

In need of a vacation or a flight in a pinch? Book through luxury travel concierge I Fly First Class and do your part in supporting the fight against pediatric cancer!

During the month of March, I Fly First Class, will be donating $30 for every ticket sold to Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Bear Necessities’ mission is to eliminate pediatric cancer and to provide hope and support to those who are touched by it.

I Fly First class offers discounted business class and first class airfare on all major airlines that fly to Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. If you're planning an international trip for pleasure of business, take advantage of this unique opportunity to help brighten a sick child's day.

It's Time to #GetPlanty

The day we have been waiting for is approaching soon! We're excited to announce the new date for Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen Goes Planty, hosted by Alexis Cozzini of Citizen Stone and Jessica Murnane of One Part Plant, is Tuesday, March 25 from 5-10 pm!

We can not wait to dive into the world of plant-based dining and you can be among the first to sample new menu items exclusively crafted by Doc B’s Executive Chef Ed Mcintosh. From the Housemade Guacamole and Herbed Vegetable Chips to the California Kale Salad, we can’t decide which dish we are more excited for!

Come hungry and ready to #GetPlanty! Tickets for Get Planty are available for $40 and can be purchased on Eventbrite (getplanty.eventbrite.com). RSVP early to make sure you snag your seat.

Beat the Cold This Weekend

With all of the amazing events this weekend, even the cold can’t keep you at home! Between charity events, comedy shows and music, the city is overflowing with fun and entertaining possibilities. Not sure which events to choose? Let us help with a list of noteworthy events that should be added to your weekend calendar!

Thursday:

Thresholds Charity Poker Tournament 2014 (315 N. LaSalle) 5pm

L.K. Bennett Styling and Shopping Event (900 N Michigan) 6pm-8pm

LUNAFEST (360 N. State) 6pm-9pm

Corey Cox (Bub City) 10pm

Friday:

Tickled Pink for Bright Pink (108 N. State) 7pm-12am

PAWS Chicago's 8th annual Animal Magnetism Event (816 W. Erie) 8pm

Wayne Brady (Chicago Theatre) 8pm

Ballroom Dance Party (3868 N. Lincoln) 8pm

Carnival 2014 (325 W. Huron) 11pm-2am

Saturday:

Being a Chef: Fat Tuesday (810 N. Dearborn) 10am-1pm

Broadway in Chicago Historic Theater Tour (24 W. Randolph) 11am

NHL Stadium Series (Soldier Field) 7pm

CHICAGO (Bank of America Theatre) 8pm

Sunday:

Chicago Polar Plunge (1600 N. Lakeshore, North Ave. Beach) 10am

Texas Independence Day at Bub City (Bub City) 11am

Chicago Jazz Composers Collective (Green Mill Jazz Club, 4802 N. Broadway Ave.) 2pm-4pm

Cheeky + Untitled Red Carpet Oscar Bash (111 W. Kinzie) 6pm-12am

What are your favorite ways to spend your weekend? Share them with us by leaving a comment or by tweeting us at @MonikaDixonPR!

By Marisa Coulter, MDPR Contributor

How to Turn Your Instagram Name Into a Link

We have a few favorite Instagram accounts that we check on a daily basis. During one routine 'gram session we noticed something odd. When typing one person's name, two caret symbols showed up before and after their name. 

After looking at their profile, we noticed their name was actually a link. Thinking this must be a fluke, we dug through forums and discovered you can make your Instagram name linkable. As any social media manager knows, the more opportunities you give users to click through to your content, the better. 

Here's how it's done:

1. Click edit your profile. Add the caret symbols before and after your name. For example, MDPR is now ^MDPR^ 

Hit done.

2. Your name should turn into a link within a few minutes. The caret symbols only show up when you type someone's name in search, not your actual profile.

3. The link will go to the address you have in your profile. For example, MDPR links to monikadixonpr.com.

Do you have any other tips on driving traffic with Instagram? Leave a comment!

By Allison Sickert, MDPR Publicist 

Brighten Up Your Weekend

Don’t let this drab weather strand you inside this weekend when our beautiful city has plenty of events to offer! Start by brightening up your weekend with Get Planty at Doc B’s and then see where our list of fun-filled events will take you.

Thursday:

Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen Goes Planty (Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen, 100 E. Walton) 5-10pm

Concert for a Cause (House of Blues Chicago) 7-11pm

Phantom of the Opera (Cadillac Palace Theatre) 7:30pm

32 Below (Bub City) 10pm

Friday:

Gypsy (Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Navy Pier) 7:30pm

Jason Aldean with Florida Georgia Line (US Cellular Coliseum, Bloomington, IL) 7:30pm

Frank Catalano Sextet (Green Mill Jazz Club, 4802 N. Broadway Ave.) 9pm-1am

Second City’s 102nd Mainstage Revue (Second City) 11pm

Saturday:

Country Brunch (Bub City) 10am-3pm

Makeup for the Museum (Edith Hart Boutique, 1917 N. Damen Ave.) 1-5pm

The Field of Screams Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt (Field Museum) 1:30pm

Sushi Workshop at The Chopping Block (222 Merchandise Mart Plaza) 7pm

Sunday:

The Nosh Chicago (Logan Square Farmers Market Grassy Knoll) 10am-3pm

Christopher Wool Exhibition (Art Institute Chicago) 10:30am-5pm

CHICAGO The Musical Brunch (Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted St.) 11am-4pm

Ice Skating at Lincoln Park Zoo (Lincoln Park Zoo) 12pm-8pm

What fun events are on your agenda for the weekend? Share them with us by leaving a comment or by tweeting us at @MonikaDixonPR!

By Marissa Coulter, MDPR Contributor

Find Your Pearl

Valentine’s Day can be a lonely holiday for those not in a relationship. Thankfully, we’ve got the perfect place to enjoy a stress-free Valentine’s Day and perhaps meet that special someone!

Stop by Pearl Tavern to Find Your Pearl and enjoy 1930s inspired evenings on February 14^th and 15^th. The evening will commence at 9 p.m. (both nights) and keep swinging until close.

Dolls bring your dames and gentlemen bring your fellas, all will enjoy a night of lighthearted fun. With a nostalgic selection of music, décor and cocktails, there’s no telling what the night could bring. Gentlemen, break the ice and bring the lucky lady that catches your eye a creative 30s inspired cocktail. May we recommend the Angry Mermaid?

 Be sure to arrive early to grab the best seats in the house! Don’t miss out on this 30s style soirée and a night to mingle with Chicago’s most eligible bachelors and bachelorettes. 

Join the event on Genuine Entertainment Chicago’s, Find Your Pearl event page and get ready to have a ball!