If you’re in the 98% percentile of Americans who have never seen a turtle race, this is definitely worth a visit. Friday night at this Lincoln Square watering hole every dollar you spend on drinks buys you a raffle ticket, which positions you one step closer to sponsoring a turtle.

The 4 moon Tavern is a step up from a dive bar. The low lights, wooden paneling and eccentric knick-knacks (See: Longhorn Cow Skulls and a 1940’s cash register), embody a vibe of comfort and familiarity.

‘That’s Weird Grandma” is an hour-long sketch show of physical and musical comedy based on the ideas of disadvantaged Chicago Public School students.

The Blues classic “Sweet Home Chicago” says it all… find out what that means to the UPchicago staff, as we tell you a little bit our favorite spots, and what makes this city our home.

The Moth Story Slam happens at Martyrs’ Bar in Chicago on the last Tuesday of every month. Ten brave souls who have dropped their names in a hat at the door, are chosen to come on stage to deliver a 5 minute story.

“Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind”  is performed by the Neo Futurists and is currently the longest running show in Chicago. Plays are written by the cast members themselves with only one rule: brutal honesty.

Working Bikes Cooperative is a non-profit organization repairing land-fill bound bicycles to sell locally and donate to impoverished countries. The organization not only reinvents ‘junk’, but also redefines the way we think of it.

I stood on the frozen sand of North Avenue Beach two winters ago, looking out on the ice glazed lake. I remember going into complete warrior mode. Inspired by the hundreds of soliders beside me, we were all braced for the same, insane, arctic challenge. It was my first Polar Plunge.