When it comes to bringing outside food to your home during a pandemic, it is impossible not to worry whether or not your food may be contaminated. Fortunately, Makina Sushi, a new Sushi Restaurant that specializes in minimum-contact food preparation is opening on September 15th.
Sean Hannon, owner and chef at Makina Sushi, has launched multiple start ups and has a passion for making sushi fast and fresh. He is now bringing to Chicago a worry-free and delicious menuthat will be delivered straight to your home.
“We specialize in delivering maki to sushi-lovers faster and safer. Fresh ingredients are prepped in our low-touch kitchen to deliver all your favorite rolls on the fly.”
Makina Sushi will be ready to take orders on September 15th and to celebrate they will be giving away delicious rolls to participants on social media. Make sure to follow @MakinaSushion instagram and Facebook@MakinaSushi for offers and giveaways.
You can place your order by visiting www.makinasushi.comor any of your favorite food delivery apps.
People across the city will celebrate Juneteenth this Friday with car caravans, rallies and online parties.
Though yet to be recognized as a holiday locally and nationwide, Juneteenth is a holiday that celebrates the day in 1865 when troops arrived in Texas to free enslaved Americans — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
The holiday is always celebrated on June 19.
Here are this year’s celebrations in Chicago:
South Side
Chicago Peace And Equality Juneteenth Rally & Celebration 2020 Where: South Loop Green Space, 2400 S. State St. When: 6 p.m. Friday What: Roses4Austin and EqualityShouldBeNormal are hosting a rally and celebration. You can email chicagopeacemarch@gmail.com or go to the organizers’ Facebook event page for more information.
Juneteenth Celebration ReBuild Black Wall Street Where: 35th Street and King Drive When: 1-7 p.m. Friday What: There will be a mobile parade with Black-owned business owners, HBCUs and community members. More information here.
Holiday March Where: 5531 S. King Drive When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday What: This is the organizers’ first annual Juneteenth Chicago March. more information here.
Roll N Peace Critical Mass Bike Tour/Juneteenth Celebration Where: Englewood Sqaure, 63rd and Halsted streets When: Registration at 4 p.m. Friday, tour at 8 p.m. What: Participants will take a bicycle tour through Englewood. It will end with a celebration at the Chicago Firehouse Engine Company. Free bike rentals will be provided by Divvy.
UIC’s Bridging The Gap Unity In The Community Juneteenth Event Where: The D Center, 6031 S. Halsted St. When: 2 p.m. Friday What: There will be food, music, giveaways and live entertainment. People are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings.
Juneteenth The Celebration Where: Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. King Drive. When: 1 p.m. Friday What: There will be African dancing and drumming, food, live entertainment, workshops and giveaways.
Juneteenth Car Parade Where: Meet in one of four locations: South Side (87th and Dan Ryan), East Side (75th and Stony Island), West Side (Hamlin & Madison) or North Side (North Ave. & Halsted) When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday What: Participants should bring flags and families for a car parade that will go through the city, celebrating ancestors and a day of emancipation.
Social Change Juneteenth Giveaway Where: DuSable Museum, 740 E. 56th Place When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday What: Families can walk or drive up to get free food. The first 19 families will receive a one-year museum membership.
2nd Annual Juneteenth Family Festival
Where: Dan Ryan Woods, 8700 S. Western Ave. When: noon-5 p.m. Saturday What: There will be live performances, arts and crafts, artists, face painting, food vendors, DJs and games and activities. Admission is free.
Juneteenth 2020 Census and Free Lunch Giveaway
Where: South Central Community Services, 83rd Street and Ellis Ave. When: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. What: Get a free lunch for completing the 2020 Census, compliments of SCCS and BarTucci Italian Foods. Available on a first come, first served basis. Guardians of The Angeles will also be distributing free masks and gloves.
The People’s Free Food Program – Original Soul Food Vegetarian Edition When: Friday, June 19th; noon – 4 p.m. Where: 203 E. 75th Street What: The restaurant will be giving away hot vegan meals, groceries, produce (donated from Gary Come Youth Center’s farm), household essentials, and baby products.
Roseland Matters Juneteenth Celebration
When: June 19th; 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Where: 11040 S. Michigan Ave. What: Organizers will be giving out a variety of foods, including fresh spring rolls, sandwiches, jerk chicken, and a variety of homemade sorbets. Along with these tasty treats, they will also have grocery giveaways, and will be handing out feminine hygiene packs for the ladies. COVID-19 restrictions will be enforced.
West Side
Black Culture Week Juneteenth Caravan When: noon-7:30 p.m. Friday What: The Juneteenth Caravan will start on the West Side and pass through historic neighborhoods and sites on its way to the South Side’s A. Phillip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum. The caravan ends with a recognition ceremony and spoken word concert.
Juneteenth Celebration Where: Grace Memorial Baptist Church, 1457 S. Keeler Ave. When: 2 p.m. Friday What: There will be free food, music and giveaways.
Juneteenth Rally Where: Austin Peoples Action Center, 5125 W. Chicago Ave. When: noon-6 p.m. Friday What: A rally will be held in honor of George Floyd. There will be food, live music and free coronavirus testing.
Juneteenth Celebration Where: Firehouse Community Arts Center, 2111 S. Hamlin Ave. When: 4-8 p.m. Friday What: There will be free food and music.
North Side
DePaul University Students and Service Workers March and Rally Where: Trebes Park, Northeast corner of Webster and Clifton When: Friday, June 19; 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. What: Students and service workers are joining together in the spirit of Juneteenth to commit to supporting each other as family, friends, and co-workers.
Gallery Café Juneteenth Celebration In Wicker Park Where: Gallery Café, 1760 W. North Ave. When: Friday, June 19; 8 a.m.-3 p.m. What: Free coffee and $5 sandwiches; proceeds will benefit My Block My Hood My City
Juneteenth Caravan What: The event is organized by the Northwest Side Coalition Against Racism and Hate. More details to come. Contact the organization here for more information.
Downtown
One Million Man March Where: City Hall, 1224 S. Wabash Ave. When: 11 a.m. Friday What: There will be a march for equality, systemic reform and justice. To register, go here.
Juneteenth Restaurant & Bar Crawl
Where: Varies When: 1-3 p.m. Friday What: There are three routes. One starts at The Grail Cafe, 715 S. Dearborn Ave.; the second starts at Momentum Coffee, 2119 S. State St.; and the third starts at Harold’s Chicken No. 88, 1450 S. Michigan Ave. Participants will go to various restaurants and bars and will meet at the Teapot Brew Bakery, 1803 S. Wabash Ave.
Online
Rebuild Foundation’s Juneteenth Quarantine Concert When: 5:30 p.m. Friday What: The Rebuild Foundation and Edgewater-based Experimental Sound Studio is hosting a special Juneteenth edition of its virtual quarantine concert series. Performers will include YAW, Meagan McNeal and avery r. young. Proceeds will go toward the creation of the Tamir Rice Afrocentric Cultural Center. For more on the event, click here.
Old Town School of Folk Music’s Virtual Juneteenth Concert When: 8 p.m. Friday What: The concert will feature the Live the Spirit Residency and the Great Black Music Ensemble. Proceeds will be donated to the Chicago Torture Justice Center. The concert can be watched online.
Juneteenth Live Discussion With D-Composed When: 6-7:30 p.m. Friday What: Viewers can join John Dunson, Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Overture Council president, for a conversation with D-Composed, a Chicago-based chamber music experience that highlights musicians and composers within the African diaspora. The event will be on Zoom.
Liberatory Practices By Seed Lynn and Sadie Woods When: noon-1:30 p.m. Friday What: Artists Seed Lynn and Sadie Woods will explore diasporic emancipatory celebrations through photography and music. The program will end with a DJ set by Sadie Woods, aka Afrodjia, and the launch of a month-long, Virtual Juneteenth Marketplace supporting Black-owned, South Side businesses. The event will be broadcast on Facebook Live.
Black Census Day Juneteenth Celebration When: 7-8:30 p.m. Friday What: The celebration will feature music and information about the 2020 Census. It will be hosted by DJs Tone Kapone and Sean Mac. Viewers can watch on Instagram Live from either DJ’s account: @ToneKapone33 and @SeanMac.
Source: Blockclubchicago
Posted on
5 Things To Do in Chicago for St. Patrick’s Day
1. St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast Buffet and Green Beer
“You can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the mornin’”
On March 14, over a half a dozen bars in Chicago will come together to celebrate St. Patricks Day the Chicago way! They are offering an all-inclusive St. Patrick’s Day experience breakfast buffet!
4 Hour Food & Premium Drink Package
Premium Vodka Bloody Marys, Screwdrivers & Mixed Cocktails
Green Miller Lite & Coors Light Draft Beer
Massive Breakfast Buffet that includes: Scrambled Eggs, Hash Browns, Bacon, Ham or Sausage, Toast and/or Bagels, A Variety of Fruit… and more!
Expedited Guest Entry.
A DJ will spin your favorite hits and mashups to christen the Irish morn’
Beads, Drinking Gloves, Hats, Shamrocks, and more!
Saturday March 14th, Morning start, Early Bird Special $25.
2. Chicago River Dyeing
Photo via Instagram @mike_gano
The’s nothing like the emerald glow of the Chicago River on St. Patrick’s Day. It is best viewed from the east side of Michigan Avenue, the west side of Columbus Drive or upper and lower Wacker Drive between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive.
This year, the Chicago Dying starts at 9:00am on March 14th.
How did Chicago started this tradition? The dye originally had a functional use. In 1961, it was being used to avoid leaks into the river, when the plumber’s union manager realized it was the perfect shade of emerald green.
Is it safe for the environment? It’s eco-friendly! The dye itself is an orange powder, derived from an environmentally-friendly vegetable base. The exact formula is a closely guarded secret.
How long does the dye last? The boats will start dyeing at 9 a.m., and the dye only lasts for about five hours
3. Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Photo via Instagram @snoylekimchi
The 65th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will feature variety of entries, including dancing troupes, traditional Irish bands, school marching bands, the parade queen and more.
The procession travels north on Columbus Drive, beginning at Balbo Drive and ending at Monroe Drive. Plan on seeing plenty of colorful floats waving their Irish flags high, troops of Irish step dancers, marching bands, bagpipers, and more during the three-hour celebration.
Just make sure you secure a spot before the parade starts at noon.
4. St. Patrick Festival at Irish American Heritage Center
Photo via irish-american.org
Celebrate all things Irish at the annual St. Patrick’s Fest on Saturday, March 14, 2020. The celebration is one of Chicago’s largest St. Patrick’s Day events and takes place under one roof at the IAHC.
The celebration follows the downtown Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade and runs from 1pm to midnight and features traditional and contemporary Irish music, dance, food and drink for purchase, children’s activities and an Arts and Craft Fair, with vendors selling Irish gifts. Visit the Library, Art Gallery and Museum for programming and exhibits, such as Irish language lessons, a genealogy workshop and a book sale.
Tickets are $15 for adults, or $12 for advance purchase through March 12. Children 12 and under are free.
5. St. Patricks Day at Navy Pier Lunch and Dinner Cruise
Photo via Instagram @navypierchicago
Chicago’s best St. Patrick’s Day party is on the water! Corral your crew and join Spirit of Chicago in your best green gear out on Lake Michigan. Celebrate the luck of the Irish and enjoy a freshly prepared St. Paddy’s Day lunch buffet, green beer* and amazing skyline views, plus dancing and onboard entertainment galore.
Top picks of Things To Do In Chicago for the 2019 Holiday Season!
1. Christkindlmarket
Photo via facebook.com/christkindlmarket
Sipping hot mulled wine out of a boot-shaped mug is a Chicago tradition if there ever was one. This German-inspired open-air market has been bringing holiday joy to locals since 1996. Its flagship location sets up shop in Daley Plaza every winter and runs through December 24. Even if you’ve already wrapped up your holiday shopping for the season, Christkindlmarket’s food and drink options still make it a fun place to wander with someone you’re sweet on. From November 15th -December 24th.
2. Walk The Magnificent Mile & Check Out The Macy’s Window Displays
Photo courtesy of The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Chicago’s Magnificent Mile—the stretch of Michigan Avenue between
Oak Street and the Chicago River—always looks especially stunning during the holidays, with tons of lights, store window displays and carriages lining the streets. It makes for a beautiful nighttime stroll. Don’t forget to make a stop to visit the city of Chicago’s official tree—a 60-foot spruce decorated and on display.
Free, family fun culminates in the grand Tree-Lighting Parade down North Michigan Avenue with grand marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World®
Friday, November 22 4:00 – 8:00PM: Lights Festival Lane in Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Avenue) opens the evening before the parade with more than a dozen family-friendly activities from Chicago favorites and popular brands—plus live music and a visit with Santa Claus! Explore an interactive wonderland of holiday-themed activities, and sample treats from crowd favorites Garrett Popcorn, Frango, The Eli’s Cheesecake Company, and more.
Saturday, November 23
11:00AM – 4:00PM: Explore an interactive wonderland of holiday-themed activities at Lights Festival Lane in Pioneer Court (401 N. Michigan Avenue), including the BMO Harris Kid’s Zone. Santa Claus is always ready to greet guests, alongside more than a dozen holiday-themed activities.
Tree-Lighting Parade
North Michigan Avenue, from Oak Street to Wacker Drive.
The tree-lighting parade stepped off at Oak Street on Saturday, November 23, heading south on Michigan Avenue to Wacker Drive.
3. Experience Holiday Lights from the sky with VertiPort.
Image via Instagram @zackkravits
For the best Chicago Holiday Experience make sure you book your helicopter tour and capture the entire view of the holiday lights that decorate the entire city. From The Lincoln Park Zoo Lights, Navy Pier, and downtown buildings and more, you will have front seat to admire Chicago’s architecture as no other season.
Use promo code “thingstodochicago” for a discount when booking your tour.
Enjoy gigantic balloons, the nation’s finest marching bands, majestic horses, festive floats, incredible performance groups, celebrities, and an appearance from Santa Claus! The parade starts at 8:00am Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 28 on State Street in downtown Chicago. Individual Sponsorships for the VIP Experience are available at www.chicagothanksgivingparade. Can’t make it down to State Street? Enjoy #ChiParade at home by watching the live broadcast on WGN 9 Chicago or WGN America.
5. Enjoy Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theater.
Photo Via Facebook.com/goodmantheatre
The story of A Christmas Carol is a classic in any city, but the Goodman’s production is a longstanding favorite and 41 years into its annual run.
We’re always down to hit up Lincoln Park Zoo and hang with snow monkeys and sloths and penguins, but what about when they’re illuminated by 2.5 million holiday lights?! It’s even better. Plus, there are family-friendly activities scheduled throughout the month (and adult beverages for sale, too).
7. Experience The Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
Photo Via Facebook.com/mortonarboretum
The Morton Arboretum’s annual tree lighting display, “Illumination,” projects beautiful hues onto the mile-long walking stretch through January 1st. Wintry activities like marshmallow roasting also abound here.
Walking is great and all, but let’s not forget that December is kind of cold. Stay warm(er) with the Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co.’s holiday lights tours—bussing you to all of the best displays.
Tours start 11/29/2018. Private rentals are also available. Pre-sale tickets are available only at www.ChicagoTrolley.com. Limited tickets will be available on the day of the tour.
9. Go Ice Skating At Millennium Park
Photo via instagram.com/barrybutler9
The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is one of the most picturesque rinks in the city, surrounded by twinkling skyscrapers and nestled under The Bean. Let’s not forget that admission is also free! (However, skate rentals do cost between $13 and $15.) Thanks to the Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon, you now have another ice skating option nearby if your tradition needs a slight changeup.
$15 Skate Rental Friday–Sunday and Holidays listed below
$10 Skate Aid Rental (for new skaters under 42 inches tall)
$9 Skate Sharpening
Coin-operated locker rentals are available for $1 (4 quarters).
Regular Hours (weather permitting):
Mondays–Thursdays, noon–8pm
Fridays, noon–10pm (ice skating lesson at 11am)
Saturdays & Sundays, 10am–9pm (ice skating lesson at 9am)
Free Ice Skating Lessons:
The Winter Workouts program will offer free skating lessons for all ages and skill levels, one hour before the rink opens, on
Fridays, 11am
Saturdays & Sundays, 9am
Chicago Public School’s Winter Break (December 23—January 3, except December 25 and January 1), 9am
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 20), 9am
Presidents’ Day (February 17), 9am
10. Watch The Joffrey Ballet’s Performance Of ‘The Nutcracker’
Photo Via Facebook.com/thejoffeyballet
We’ve come to expect a fresh take on old classics from the Joffrey Ballet and they continue to prove us right with the company’s production of The Nutcracker, retold with a Chicago twist.
Journey to Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair with Wheeldon’s holiday masterpiece. Magic is on the horizon for young Marie and her mother, a sculptress creating the iconic Statue of the Republic. As they prepare for their annual holiday celebration, a visit from the charming but mysterious Great Impresario sets off a Christmas Eve dream of whirlwind romance and adventure. Wheeldon’s Nutcracker is a must-see tradition boldly reimagined for a new generation.
It’s the only time of year you’ll race to catch a certain train for reasons other than running late to work. The Chicago Transit Authority’s holiday train and bus are backed and more decked out than ever.
Train schedule
The train will travel all ‘L’ lines in late November and December as part of regular rail service. Normal CTA fares apply.
The train generally operates from about 1pm to 8pm on weekends and 3pm to 7pm on select weekdays (schedules for each rail line will vary), and will make stops at all stations along the respective routes. And every Saturday the Holiday Train is in service, the Elves’ Workshop Train will follow to allow more riders to enjoy this one of a kind holiday experience.
Here’s a look at the full schedules:
BUS:
NOTE: Schedule times are approximate
Tue 11/26
#56 Milwaukee
12:28p
NB from Madison/Wabash
Wed 11/27
#56 Milwaukee
1:15
SB from Jefferson Park Blue Line
Photo session:
Jefferson Park Blue Line
approx. 4:20p-5:20p
Fri 11/29
#22 Clark/#97 Skokie
12:38p
WB as #97 from Howard Terminal to Old Orchard
Photo session:
Old Orchard
approx: 1:35p-2:30p
2:46p
EB from Old Orchard
3:55p
SB as #22 from Howard Terminal to Harrison/Clark
Sat 11/30
#22 Clark
12:30p
SB from Howard Terminal (Red/Purple/Yellow lines)
Photo session:
Howard Terminal
approx: 4:10p-5:05p
Sun 12/1
#92 Foster and #91 Austin
12:13p
WB as #92 from Berwyn Red Line to Jefferson Park Blue line
1:05p
SB as #91 from Jefferson Park Blue Line
5:40p
EB as #92 from Jefferson Park Blue Line to Berwyn Red Line
Tue 12/3
#66 Chicago
12:04p
EB from Chicago/Austin
Photo session:
Navy Pier
approx. 4:15p-5:15p
Wed 12/4
#66 Chicago
12:24p
EB from Chicago/Austin
Thu 12/5
#126 Jackson
1:00p
EB from Jackson/Austin
Fri 12/6
#12 Roosevelt
1:40p
EB from Harrison/Central
Photo session:
Harrison/Central
approx. 4:10p-5:10p
Sat 12/7
#12 Roosevelt
1:10p
EB from Harrison/Central
Wed 12/11
#62 Archer
12:40p
SB from Kinzie/Sate
Thu 12/12
#62 Archer
1:10p
NB from Midway Orange Line
Photo session:
Midway Orange Line
approx. 4:05p-5:05p
Fri 12/13
#49 Western and #X49 Western Exp.
12:39p
NB as #49 from 79th/Western
2:30p
SB as #X49 from Berwyn/Western
5:50p
NB as #X49 from 79th/Western
7:40p
SB as #49 from Berwyn/Western
Photo session:
79th/Western
approx. 4:25p-5:40p
Sat 12/14
#79 79th
12:44p
EB from 79th/Western
1:55p
WB from 79th/Lake Front
to Ford City Mall
Photo session:
Ford City Mall
approx. 3:25p-4:25p
Wed 12/18
#3 King Drive
1:35p
SB from Ontario/Fairbanks
Photo session:
@ 95th/Chicago State U.
approx. 3:20p-4:20p
Thu 12/19
#3 King Drive
12:20p
NB from 95th/Chicago State U.
Fri 12/20
#28 Stony Island
1:10p
NB from Olive Harvey College
to 47th/Lake Park
3:08p
NB from Olive Harvey College
to Union Station
Photo session:
Union Station
approx. 4:45p-5:45p
Sat 12/21
#29 State
12:03p
NB from 95th Red Line
Photo session:
Navy Pier
approx. 4:15p-5:15p
Sun 12/22
#29 State
12:30p
NB from 95th Red Line
Mon 12/23
#J14 Jeffrey Jump
11:17a
NB from 103rd/Stony Island
TRAIN:
* = Elves’ Workshop Train to follow
Green Line & Orange Line Fri 11/29
Green Line Sat 11/30*
Green Line & Orange Line Tue 12/3
Orange Line & Brown Line Wed 12/4
Orange Line & Brown Line Thu 12/5
Orange Line & Brown Line Fri 12/6
Orange Line & Brown Line Sat 12/7*
Pink Line Tue 12/10
Pink Line Wed 12/11
Blue Line Thu 12/12
Blue Line Fri 12/13
Blue Line (+ photo-only stop on Pink Line) Sat 12/14*
Navy Pier’s Festival Hall gets decked out in holiday spirit again this year. Hundreds of trees, thousands of ornaments and a full-sized ice skating rink make up this family fun zone. You can also fill the day with activities like cookie decorating, cliff hanger ride, a festive carousel, and inflatable rides.. Who knows? You might even spot Santa!
DECEMBER 6, 2019 – JANUARY 12, 2020 / FESTIVAL HAL
Packed with indoor family fun, Fifth Third Bank Winter WonderFest is a delightful family tradition featuring 170,000 square feet of attractions, including rides, giant slides, indoor ice skating, and holiday decor that is sure to get you into the holiday spirit!
Photo Via Facebook / Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum Of Science and Industry’s yearly holiday celebrations “Christmas Around The World” and “Holiday Of Lights” are back through
January 5th. More than 50 holiday displays representing cultures and traditions from around the globe are on display now with special performances happening every weekend!
Opening November 14, 2019
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light open on Thursday, November 14 and will run through Sunday, January 5, 2020.
Daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. except as noted below.
Extended Hours and Exceptions
November
Thursday, November 28
CLOSEDFriday, November 29 – Saturday, November 30 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
December 2019
Sunday, December 1 Saturday, December 7 – Sunday, December 8
Saturday, December 14 – Sunday, December 15 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.Saturday, December 21 – Sunday, December 22 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.Monday, December 23 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.Tuesday, December 24 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.Wednesday, December 25
CLOSEDThursday, December 26 – Monday, December 30 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.Tuesday, December 31 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
January 2020
Wednesday, January 1 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.Thursday, January 2 – Friday, January 3 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
15. Attend the “Lightscape” Debut at the Botanic Garden
Image via chicagobotanic.org
Spectacular New Magic for the Holidays
Wander into a festive world of wonder and light. Along a mile-long path, the night comes alive with color, imagination, and sound, from a playful choir of singing trees to a spectacular waterfall of light. At times, you’ll find yourself in the center of it all — stepping inside a cathedral of golden light, walking down an avenue of luminous linden trees, moving through colorful ribbons of light.
Exclusive U.S. Experience
Direct from London, Lightscape is making its U.S. debut at the Garden. An enchanted after-dark illuminated trail. More than one million people in 2018 were delighted by the show across the U.K.
Hours: Friday, November 22, 2019 – Sunday, January 5, 2020
4:30 – 10 p.m. (last entry at 8 p.m.)
Value: Price is dependent on the day you choose to attend.
Adult: $17/$20
Child 3-12: $8/$10
Standard:
Adult: $21/$23
Child 3-12: $10/$12
Peak:
Adult: $23/$25
Child 3-12: $11/$13
Child under 3: free
Tickets purchased the day of the event are an additional $2 per ticket
Parking:
$10 per car (includes tax) One time use only, no refund.
This parking is only for Lightscape ticket purchasers.
16. Holiday-Themed Pop-up Bars – Frosty’s A Christmas Bar
Photo Via facebook.com/frostyschristmasbar
It’s all the rage! Temporary bars themed around your favorite holiday movies, stories and traditions are sprouting up all over town. Step in for spirited food, drinks and an Instagram-worthy experience.
Limited time, 1-of-a-kind, ultimate Christmas pop-up experience! Celebrate the season w/3 levels of festive holiday fun! Book your Holiday Party now!
Follow Us on Instagram @thingstodoinchicago and Turn On Post Notification to be up to date with things that are going on in Chicago. Whether is new pop-up bars, free events, shows etc. You’ll be notified. Also if you haven’t done so yet, Subscribe To Our Newsletter and recevie special offers, and custom information for events around Chicago!
TICKETS: You can get $10 OFF using promo code “thingstodoinchicago10” at checkout. GET TICKETS NOW
If you ever dreamed of lighting up the sky with Sky Lanterns, having an unforgettable experience and being part of a a magical moment, then we have awesome news for you! The Lights Fest is coming to the Chicago area! This event is going to be held in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin because of city limits and this event needs plenty of open space to map out lanterns’ flight path and landing zone. Also this enables the cleaning crew to remove the lanterns after the event.
The Lights Fest is an experience where thousands of friends and families gather to listen to live music, fill up on great food and light up life by sharing personal wishes, dreams and goals. At the perfect moment, everyone ignites their personalized sky lanterns with Tiki torches and lets them take flight. It creates a surreal ambiance, where time slows down as your single flame rises with thousands of others. Come fill the sky with what lights you.
The lights fest is dedicated to leaving a positive impact on the environment and everyone who attends our event. This is an event that is for everyone but cultivates individual experiences. Whether you’re commemorating or celebrating, you’re creating a special memory that will last a lifetime.
Image via thelightsfest.com
Bring chairs, and blankets as there will be some sitting while listening to the music provided.
Please bring warm clothing. There will be merchandise for sell that includes blankets and sweatshirts, but encourage you to bring warm clothing. We know it will get colder as the night goes on.
WHEN AND WHERE:
September 28, 2019
Country Thunder
2303 Richmond Rd
Twin Lakes, WI 53181
TICKETS: You can get $10 OFF using promo code “thingstodoinchicago10” at checkout. GET TICKETS NOW
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Things to do in Chicago (January)
1. Travel Show
Date: January 12 – 13, 2019
Explore Thousands of Vacation options with Chicago Travel & Adventure Show. It has travel experts and travel industry vendors at the Donal E Stephen Convention Center ready to guide you for your future trips! Children up to age 16 are free!
Tickets: $11 for one day or $18 for two days. Buy them HERE
2. Wndr Museum
Date: January 2 – 27, 2019
Step into a space that reveals the wonders of the world around us. Featuring a Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirror Room, wndr museum invites you to explore a new genre of immersive experience. Use #ThingstodoinChicago on your Instagram posts for a chance to be featured!
From January 4 through 31, the Gene Siskel Film Center celebrates the art of the documentary in a special way with the series “Stranger Than Fiction: Documentary Premieres.” Identity in its many meanings and permutations is the theme that weaves through seven features and two shorts, as the subjects of these films explore what it means to be true to themselves, true to their values, and true to their dreams.
Unseen forces have assessed the data to create the perfect comedy content for all humans! Algorithm Nation or The Static Quo takes no prisoners (well, maybe just a few prisoners) during this frenetic, ultra-current, fall-down funny ride that focuses its sights on hyper-violence, astrological love connections, being woke, pyramid schemes, Facebook soldiers, Black Twitter, morning TV and a whole lot more. Consider this show to be the kind of escape room you’ll never want to escape from…ever.
Cast Members: Ryan Asher, Tyler Davis, Jeffrey Murdoch, Emma Pope, Nate Varrone, and Kimberly Michelle Vaughn
Director: Matt Hovde
Musical Director: Vinnie Pillarella
Stage Manager: Craig Taylor
PERFORMANCES:
Tuesdays – Thursdays at 8pm
Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm and 11pm
Sundays at 7pm
This performance runs about 2 hours with one 10 minute intermission and should be considered rated R.
Taking place over the course of five days in January, “Tomorrow Never Knows” gathers the best of rising local indie artists as well as acclaimed national acts, including both musicians and comedians. TNK is a city-wide event, uniting six independent venues in the area: Lincoln Hall, Schubas, Metro, Smartbar, Hideout and for the first time, Sleeping Village, making for a truly unique Chicagoan experience.
Adler After Dark – This month the theme is space invaders and there will be a special museum-wide game. Exclusively for adults 21+, this evening offers you open access, unlimited shows, and unique entertainment every third Thursday of the month from 6:00–10:00 pm (Summer hours, May-August: 6:30–10:30 pm.) With themes that change every month, Adler After Dark is never the same event twice. Reinvent your Adler experience every month with friends, family, or that special someone on a date they’ll never forget.
*Doane Observatory tours will not be available at January Adler After Dark as they continue to make improvements to the observatory. Thank you for your patience!
11. Puppet Festival
The 12-day, city-wide Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival showcases an entertaining and eclectic array of puppet styles from around the world including marionettes, shadow puppets, Bunraku puppets, tiny toy puppets, and distinctive, innovative styles of contemporary puppetry. The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival is a mission-driven program of Chicago-based theater company Blair Thomas & Co. Founded in 2002, Blair Thomas & Co. is recognized as an international contributor to contemporary puppetry and a creator of uniquely expressive spectacle theater.
Cubs fans will enjoy autograph signings, player meet-and-greets, interactive exhibits, and special panels with Cubs players, alumni, and management at the Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand.
Get a special deal on a fixed-price lunch or dinner at 400 local restaurants during Chicago Restaurant Week. Don’t miss the biggest restaurant event of the year! Chicago Restaurant Week returns for two weeks of dining deals from hundreds of celebrated restaurants all across the city.
The 12th annual culinary celebration features special prix fixe menus starting at $24 for brunch and lunch, and $36 and/or $48 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity). It’s the perfect excuse to visit an old favorite or try somewhere new.
Register to join the Chicago Polar Bear Club, and then take the Polar Plunge into Lake Michigan for charity at Oak Street Beach, followed by an optional after party. Free to watch.
“Beernival” features carnival games with prizes, competitive flip cup, a beer pong tournament, and unlimited domestic beer at Rizzo’s Bar for age 21+. Ticket price includes domestic beer and cider for 3 hours. After the drink package is over, stay as long as you’d like right at Rizzo’s, where the fun will continue all evening long! Proceeds benefit Autism Speaks – Chicago Chapter
Each winter the LSRCC takes the Chicago street festival scene indoors with Winter Brew! On Saturday, January 26, local breweries and cideries from around Chicago will be setting up shop in the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center’s 5th floor Ballroom and 6th floor Skyline Lounge. Each will showcase at least up to two different craft beers or ciders, and rare, specialty tappings throughout the day. Come in from the cold and get warmed up!
Date: Saturday, January 26th 2019 (Lincoln Square)
Time: 12pm – 4pm (Saturday 1st session)
6pm – 10pm (Saturday 2nd session) Location: DANK Haus German American Cultural Center 4740 North Western Avenue, Chicago
Admission ticket: $10, advance purchase only Beverage/Food Tickets: Beers start at 4 tickets (one ticket = $1); Pre-purchase of 10 or 20 tickets available. NOTE: MUST be at least 21 years of age for entry to this event. Photo IDs will be checked at the door.
Explore Thousands of Vacation options with Chicago Travel & Adventure Show. It has travel experts and travel industry vendors at the Donal E Stephen Convention Center ready to guide you for your future trips! Children up to age 16 are free!
Tickets: $11 for one day or $18 for two days. Buy them HERE
2. Wndr Museum
Date: January 2 – 27, 2019
Step into a space that reveals the wonders of the world around us. Featuring a Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirror Room, wndr museum invites you to explore a new genre of immersive experience. Use #ThingstodoinChicago on your Instagram posts for a chance to be featured!
From January 4 through 31, the Gene Siskel Film Center celebrates the art of the documentary in a special way with the series “Stranger Than Fiction: Documentary Premieres.” Identity in its many meanings and permutations is the theme that weaves through seven features and two shorts, as the subjects of these films explore what it means to be true to themselves, true to their values, and true to their dreams.
Unseen forces have assessed the data to create the perfect comedy content for all humans! Algorithm Nation or The Static Quo takes no prisoners (well, maybe just a few prisoners) during this frenetic, ultra-current, fall-down funny ride that focuses its sights on hyper-violence, astrological love connections, being woke, pyramid schemes, Facebook soldiers, Black Twitter, morning TV and a whole lot more. Consider this show to be the kind of escape room you’ll never want to escape from…ever.
Cast Members: Ryan Asher, Tyler Davis, Jeffrey Murdoch, Emma Pope, Nate Varrone, and Kimberly Michelle Vaughn
Director: Matt Hovde
Musical Director: Vinnie Pillarella
Stage Manager: Craig Taylor
PERFORMANCES:
Tuesdays – Thursdays at 8pm
Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm and 11pm
Sundays at 7pm
This performance runs about 2 hours with one 10 minute intermission and should be considered rated R.
Taking place over the course of five days in January, “Tomorrow Never Knows” gathers the best of rising local indie artists as well as acclaimed national acts, including both musicians and comedians. TNK is a city-wide event, uniting six independent venues in the area: Lincoln Hall, Schubas, Metro, Smartbar, Hideout and for the first time, Sleeping Village, making for a truly unique Chicagoan experience.
Adler After Dark – This month the theme is space invaders and there will be a special museum-wide game. Exclusively for adults 21+, this evening offers you open access, unlimited shows, and unique entertainment every third Thursday of the month from 6:00–10:00 pm (Summer hours, May-August: 6:30–10:30 pm.) With themes that change every month, Adler After Dark is never the same event twice. Reinvent your Adler experience every month with friends, family, or that special someone on a date they’ll never forget.
*Doane Observatory tours will not be available at January Adler After Dark as they continue to make improvements to the observatory. Thank you for your patience!
11. Puppet Festival
The 12-day, city-wide Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival showcases an entertaining and eclectic array of puppet styles from around the world including marionettes, shadow puppets, Bunraku puppets, tiny toy puppets, and distinctive, innovative styles of contemporary puppetry. The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival is a mission-driven program of Chicago-based theater company Blair Thomas & Co. Founded in 2002, Blair Thomas & Co. is recognized as an international contributor to contemporary puppetry and a creator of uniquely expressive spectacle theater.
Cubs fans will enjoy autograph signings, player meet-and-greets, interactive exhibits, and special panels with Cubs players, alumni, and management at the Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand.
Get a special deal on a fixed-price lunch or dinner at 400 local restaurants during Chicago Restaurant Week. Don’t miss the biggest restaurant event of the year! Chicago Restaurant Week returns for two weeks of dining deals from hundreds of celebrated restaurants all across the city.
The 12th annual culinary celebration features special prix fixe menus starting at $24 for brunch and lunch, and $36 and/or $48 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity). It’s the perfect excuse to visit an old favorite or try somewhere new.
Register to join the Chicago Polar Bear Club, and then take the Polar Plunge into Lake Michigan for charity at Oak Street Beach, followed by an optional after party. Free to watch.
“Beernival” features carnival games with prizes, competitive flip cup, a beer pong tournament, and unlimited domestic beer at Rizzo’s Bar for age 21+. Ticket price includes domestic beer and cider for 3 hours. After the drink package is over, stay as long as you’d like right at Rizzo’s, where the fun will continue all evening long! Proceeds benefit Autism Speaks – Chicago Chapter
Each winter the LSRCC takes the Chicago street festival scene indoors with Winter Brew! On Saturday, January 26, local breweries and cideries from around Chicago will be setting up shop in the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center’s 5th floor Ballroom and 6th floor Skyline Lounge. Each will showcase at least up to two different craft beers or ciders, and rare, specialty tappings throughout the day. Come in from the cold and get warmed up!
Date: Saturday, January 26th 2019 (Lincoln Square)
Time: 12pm – 4pm (Saturday 1st session)
6pm – 10pm (Saturday 2nd session) Location: DANK Haus German American Cultural Center 4740 North Western Avenue, Chicago
Admission ticket: $10, advance purchase only Beverage/Food Tickets: Beers start at 4 tickets (one ticket = $1); Pre-purchase of 10 or 20 tickets available. NOTE: MUST be at least 21 years of age for entry to this event. Photo IDs will be checked at the door.
People across the city will celebrate Juneteenth this Friday with car caravans, rallies and online parties.
