Forget basketball. This month, Rebellious is championing Women’s History Month, Hollywood’s Award Season, and Andersonville’s Restaurant Week. From curated cuisine to celebrated cinema with plenty of female-focused activities in between, the Windy City is popping with opportunities to support local establishments, watch critically-acclaimed films, and honor trailblazing women. It’s a win-win-win for every Chicagoan.
The Women Who Built Chicago bus tour offers an immersive journey into the heart of Women’s History Month. In collaboration between Ancestry.com’s Stories of Us and Chicago historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas, the tours (March 21, 22, 28) weave together genealogical records with physical landmarks—tracking nine pioneering women whose visionary contributions to education, civil rights, the arts, and healthcare helped shape American progress.
Violet Surprise Theatre is bringing introspection and audacity to intimate Chicagoland venues with The Revolutionists, opening in March to celebrate Women’s History Month and running through July to commemorate Bastille Day. Written by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Iris Sowlat, the French Revolution farce pays homage to Olympe de Gouges, Charlotte Corday, Marianne Angelle, and Marie Antoinette for putting the “rad” in comrade. Performance spaces include Antioch Public Library (March 7), White Eagle Owners Club of Naperville (March 8), Niles Public Library (March 9), First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn (March 13), Rakow Center of the Dundee Township Park District (March 14), Plainfield Congregational United Church of Christ (March 21), Pilgrim Congregational Church of Oak Park (March 22), Deerfield Public Library (March 28), Wauconda Park District (March 29), and James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake (March 20) which offers a sensory-friendly show.
Wicker Park & Bucktown Chamber of Commerce is partaking in Women’s History Month with Lunch & Learn: Give to Gain—The Power of Reciprocity (March 12) featuring a panel discussion on female leadership, resilience, innovation, and empowerment.
Alma at Hotel Zachary continues its annual Women’s History Month tradition of spotlighting female-owned businesses. This year, the venue is partnering with Madame ZuZu’s for Afternoon Tea takeovers on Sundays through March 22. Founded by Designer Chloé Mendel Corgan and musician Billy Corgan, Madame ZuZu’s plant-forward teas complement Alma’s Lakeview space which will temporarily include a vinyl pop-up from Madame ZuZu’s record collection.
The special vegan and gluten-free menu features chickpea salad, vegan “egg” salad, roasted red pepper and hummus, mini vegan ceviche tostada, cucumber and dill cream cheese, carrot and ginger spread—all served on vegan bread and flatbread. These savories are paired with Madame ZuZu’s signature tea blends (Lemon Berry Meritage, Vanilla Daydream, Earl Grey, and Sakura Kyoto Cherry Blossom) and mini cookies. For reservations, visit OpenTable.
Thanks to the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce, Andersonville Restaurant Week (March 15-29) promotes prix fixe meals at Clark Street establishments: Anteprima, Bar Roma, Big Jones, Kopi Cafe, Lady Gregory’s, Minyoli, Oda Mediterranean Cuisine, Replay Andersonville, Smack Dab, Swedish American Museum, Tala House, Tanoshii Sushi, and Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar as well as Fireside Restaurant & Lounge on Ravenswood Ave. and Ranalli’s on Berwyn Ave.
Chicagoans can prep for the Academy Awards (March 15) with a viewing of Sirât (2025), which opens on March 6 at Music Box Theatre. The Spanish-language drama about a father’s search for his daughter is nominated for Best International Feature Film and Best Sound. Through March 12, the historic venue is also screening the Oscar-nominated animated shorts, documentary shorts, and live-action shorts, including the 12-minute comedy Jane Austen’s Period Drama by Julia Aks and Steve Pinder.
Come Oscar evening (March 15), Logan Theatre is rolling out the red carpet for a lounge-style viewing party with popcorn, movie-themed cocktails, bingo and trivia (doors open at 4:30pm). The 98th Academy Awards can also be seen at the Arrogant Frog Bar’s community-focused watch party (6-9pm) organized by the Chicago Film Scene group.
Guests can brush up on their Oscar knowledge (and boost their chances of winning party trivia games) by clicking here. Good luck!
