Five Things To Do in the Northern Suburbs: Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, 2026

Don't let the cold hold you back — these weekend events are worth layering up for. See what's happening near you.

Set for the mountains at Alpine Fest.
This winter festival leans into Alpine traditions with a lineup of regional food, live folk-style music, and themed games throughout the day. Hosted at Buffalo Creek Brewing, the event is designed as a walk-around celebration where food, drinks, and music overlap. Expect a fun time that nods to mountain culture without leaving the neighborhood.

Date: Jan. 30–31
Time: 4–10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Buffalo Creek Brewing, 360 Historical Ln., Long Grove
More Info: buffalocreekbrewing.com

Get race-ready for the Frozen Tundra 5K.
The Frozen Tundra 5K brings runners together for a cold-weather race built around endurance and seasonal grit. Designed for all experience levels, the course offers a winter run to keep moving during the coldest stretch of the year.

Date: Jan. 31
Time: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Cost: $25+
Location: Half Day Brewing, 200 Village Green St., Lincolnshire
More Info: frozentundra5k.com

Bring your appetite to Wing Fest.
Wing Fest brings all O'Toole's Pub Group locations together for a friendly, in-house competition centered on one thing: wings. Each kitchen serves multiple flavors created specifically for the event, alongside a house classic, giving attendees a chance to sample and compare across teams. Guests vote for their favorites as the competition unfolds.

Date: Jan. 31
Time: 12–3 p.m.
Cost: $45
Location: O'Toole's, 412 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville
More Info: timothyotooles.com 

Bundle up for Winterfest.
Winterfest at the Glenview Community Ice Center combines sports, skating, and seasonal attractions into a full-day indoor and outdoor event. The schedule includes multiple hockey matchups, a public skate, bumper cars, and new additions like tastings and live music. Food and drinks are available throughout, with proceeds benefiting the Glenview Park Foundation.

Date: Jan. 31
Time: 3–10:30 p.m.
Cost: $5
Location: Glenview Community Ice Center, 1851 Landwehr Rd., Glenview
More Info: glenviewparks.org

Learn more about Chicago's Roller Skating History.
This talk traces Chicago's long relationship with roller skating, from its earliest rinks in the late 19th century to its lasting influence on skating culture today. Presented by author and historian Marcie Hill, the program blends local history with cultural storytelling.

Date: Feb. 1
Time: 2–3 p.m.
Cost: Free with Registration
Location: Grayslake Area Public Library, 100 Library Ln., Grayslake
More Info: grayslake.librarycalendar.com