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The Weekly Grind - February 16th, 2026 Newsletter

  • Writer: Critical Grind Gaming
    Critical Grind Gaming
  • 5 days ago
  • 3 min read

UPDATES


HIGHLIGHTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:

We had a great time over the weekend at Polar Vortex Convention in Lisle. This was Polar Vortex' 10th year. It's usually the 2nd weekend in February so, mark your calendars for next year! Meanwhile, back at the cafe, the team rocked a great weekend full of events including the Lorcana Winterspell Prerelease Pack Rush, Kids RPG Night, My Bloody Valentine on the Clocktower, and more!

We're introducing a new series of events: UNLOCKED After Hours. Once a month we're going to host an after hours event on a Wednesday night. Last month we had a floor painting party. This month we're hosting a Date Night for Valentine's Day.

This Wednesday, February 18th from 6pm - 9pm. It's only $35 per couple. We'll be highlighting 2-player games with a Game Master to help teach the games, and 2 Specialty Toasts from a Special Menu, made just for the occasion.

And for the first time ever, we're allowing BYOB. $10/bottle of wine & $4/can or bottle of beer, cinder, seltzer, etc.

Get your tickets here to save your seats.


This Week's Event Highlights

This is a quick look at this week's events. And of course any day is Game Day at Critical Grind. Just stop in anytime and find your next favorite game.

Follow our newsletter and socials to never miss an event!


Every link you need to follow us is right here:


SPECIAL EVENTS OF NOTE THIS WEEK:





This Week's Events Flyers/Details

This Month's Calendar & Specials

FEBRUARY SPECIALS --

Underworld Berry: Berry Milk (your choice of berry), topped with Cold Brew

Matcha Love: Strawberry & Raspberry Matcha

Lav-Berry Italian Soda: Lavender & Strawberry Italian Soda w/Blue Curacao Cold Foam

Dubai Chocolate Toast: Nutella, Pistachio, Crunchy Wafers, & Dark Chocolate Drizzle

Cupid's Fire Toast: Avocado, Raspberries, Strawberry Balsamic Glaze, & Red Pepper Flakes

February Calendar
February Calendar

Special Events

We are SO excited to welcome local author, Christal Marie Gonzalez on Saturday, February 21st for a book signing. We will have drink specials inspired by the book, signings, photo ops, & oracle readings. Christal will also have copies of the book available for purchase on-site. Tickets are encouraged to guarantee seating, and include a cafe beverage but you may show-up day off and simply make a cafe purchase.

RPG Event Updates!


--> KIDS RPG NIGHT

How it normally works: I email the parents directly, hopefully on the Monday before Kid's RPG Night with the link for sign-ups and session descriptions. So if you are a Kid's RPG Night parent, please fill out this form. (if you haven't already)


Please remember Kid's RPG Night takes place the 2nd and 4th Fridays, GMs permitting.



--> Discord Looking For Party

Join our Discord and find your next gaming group.

We play RPGs every Tuesday and Thursday, but people will plan meet-ups outside those times as well. Join our Discord and see what games are being played.


Tip: When you join, go to Rules to get verified. Then, VERY IMPORTANTLY: go to Roles-and-Info to select your interests. This is what will unlock the channels.




SAVE THE DATE!

Free RPG Day is back on Saturday, June 27th!


TCG Event Updates!

Magic League on Mondays and Lorcana League on Sundays (Kicks back off on the 22nd) (Join the Discord for the League Goals)!

To sign up for a TCG Event, just click the photo.


Monthly Mini Painting Contest

Whether you're participating in our contests or just looking for a space to hang out and paint, stop by any Tuesday or Thursday for our Mini-Painting drop-in between 3pm & 8pm. $5 for all you can paint, access to our brushes, and paints, and a free figure to practice on. Or pick up additional figures for only $5 each. Entries are due THIS Sunday, February 22nd by 6pm.

Signing Off


Thanks so much for taking the time to read this week's Weekly Grind. If there's anything specific you want to hear about at the cafe, let me know!


"Censorship ends in logical completeness when nobody is allowed to read any books except the books that nobody reads." - George Bernard Shaw

 
 
 
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