Whether you prefer the quiet calm of nature or want to party hardy as they do in New Orleans, upcoming events have you covered.
*Joliet Restaurant Week, various locations; www.jolietrestaurantweek.com.
Prix-fixe dinners and other meal deals are being offered at more than a dozen restaurants in Joliet, Plainfield, Morris and Bolingbrook through Feb. 26 for the inaugural event.
*Morning Bird Hike, Monee Reservoir, 27341 Ridgeland Ave., Monee Township; 708-946-2216 or www.reconnectwithnature.org.
A free bird hike led by a naturalist will be offered from 8 to 10 a.m. Feb. 25. The program is open to ages 18 and older and requires advance registration.
*Fat Tuesday with the Mudcats, Maple Tree Inn, 13301 S. Olde Western Ave., Blue Island; 708-388-3461 or www.mapletreeinnrestaurant.com.
Celebrate Fat Tuesday at the renowned Louisiana brasserie with Dixieland jazz by the Mudcats and a special menu from 3 to 10 p.m. Feb. 28. Reservations are required for dinner while the bar is first-come, first-served.
*Oscar Viewing Party, Opera House Steak & Seafood, 15060 S. Illinois St., Plainfield; 815-782-5916 or www.operahouseplainfield.com.
Walk the red carpet and take a photo with an Academy Awards-style backdrop at the party starting at 5 p.m. Feb. 26. Tickets are $35 and include a Champagne toast and appetizers. Prizes will be awarded for best costume and best red-carpet outfit.
*The Prince Experience, Skooter’s Roadhouse, 700 W. Jefferson St., Shorewood; 815-799-4700 or www.skootersroadhouse.com.
The Milwaukee-based Prince tribute show featuring Gabriel Sanchez will be staged at 9 p.m. Feb. 25. Tickets are $18.
Coming Up …
South Side Irish Parade Film Fest, Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago; 773-445-3838 or www.beverlyartcenter.org.
Tickets are on sale for the March 4 event that starts with a matinee of “On Broadway” at 3 p.m. The annual event, which sold out in 2016, will include “Sing Street” at 7 p.m. and receptions before and after with a cash bar. Tickets are $9 to $25.
Vickie Jurkowski is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
