Category Archives: Summer Fun

  Benefits, Dance, Music, News and Happenings, Summer Fun

ChicagoPride.com and Anthony Morgano Talk Six Flags OUT IN THE PARK

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AWESOME article about OUT IN THE PARK 2013, 
                                       from Anthony Morgano and ChicagoPride.com


READ IT NOW
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  Boystown, News and Happenings, Summer Fun

Lakeview to Become Bike Haven

Divvy is your Chicago Bike Sharing System

with thousands of bicycles available to you 24/7.

Divvy is Chicago’s bike sharing system with 4,000 bikes and 400 stations
across the city. Intended to provide Chicagoans with an additional
transportation option for getting around the city, Divvy is fun, easy,
and affordable.

I am not sure I love this idea – bike crazies already do not know how to properly interact with cars – I think this is all going to get worse having so many extra bikes around town.

LAKEVIEW  will get 40 MORE locations this month!

Check out the Lakeview locations map by Andy Ambrosius at Lakeview Patch.

Sign up for Membership today. Now open for riding!

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  Boystown, Community, Gay Pride, Summer Fun

Chicago Pride Parade will be Broadcast on ABC 7

ABC 7 Chicago will
be the only station in the city to broadcast “The 44th Annual Pride Parade” on Sunday, June 30th from midnight
to 1 am. Hosted by ABC 7’s Janet Davies, this is the tenth year ABC 7
Chicago has covered the parade. Terri
Hemmert, from WXRT Radio Chicago, will once again join Davies in the
broadcast booth to help co-host the parade. The actual parade will take place on
Sunday, June 30, starting at noon.

 

“I am
always proud of the fact that ABC 7 is the first and only television station to
broadcast the Pride Parade,” said Janet Davies, host of the event. “This is an
important event to showcase the contributions of Chicago’s LGBT community and
one of my favorite events to host.”

 

This year, ABC
7’s Ben Bradley, Ryan Chiaverini, Jessica D’Onofrio, Michelle Gallardo, Evelyn Holmes, Leah Hope, Eric Horng, Ron Magers, Karen Meyer, Hosea
Sanders, Rafer Weigel and Linda Yu are scheduled to appear in the parade via ABC 7 Chicago’s float.

 

Wade Davis, a former NFL football player and
nationally recognized speaker, activist, writer and educator will be this
year’s Grand Marshal.

 

The 44th Annual Pride Parade kicks off from Broadway and Montrose on
Chicago’s North Side and will
end near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road in Lincoln Park.
The parade originally started to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall
Riots, the most important event in the history of the gay rights movement.

 

The parade ends a weekend of fun and
entertainment with various bands and singers performing on stage, great food
and drinks. The Pride Parade festivities support the gay, lesbian, bisexual,
and transgender communities.

The “Pride Parade” is Chicago’s second
largest parade with streets lined 12 people deep and 750,000 spectators.

“The 44th Annual Pride Parade” will be
available on-demand at www.abc7chicago.com.

“The 44th Annual Pride Parade” is produced by
Christopher Bowen.  

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  Deals, Restaurants and Dining, Summer Fun

Sushi Wednesdays After Work at Roka Akor

 Wednesdays this summer from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., mix and mingle at River North’s Roka Bar in Roka Akor Steak, Seafood, and Sushi (456 N. Clark) for “Shochu & Sushi.”

Voted top 10 sushi restaurants in the US  this is an awesome deal!
For $25.00 per person, relax and enjoy the open air setting of Roka Bar,while sipping on Mixologist Jason Huffman’s signature Raspberry Ginger Shochu Cocktails (two per guest), infused with selected market-fresh fruits and spices and cooled in punch bowls of crystal-clear blocks of ice.
 Guests also will be treated to passed trays of Roka Akor Executive Chef Brett Vibber’s classic and exotic sushi rolls, including Hamachi Serrano, Dynamite Scallop, Tuna Four Ways, and Yellowtail & Sweet Shrimp Sashimi.
Perfect for after work summer evenings!
Roka Akor Steak, Seafood, and Sushi, voted one of the “Top 10 Sushi Spots in the United States” by Bon Appétit and Travel & Leisure Magazines, and 2013 Michelin Guide Chicago
recommended, is a stylish Prime steak and sushi restaurant that
features Robata-style “open charcoal” cuisine. For Chef Ce Bian’s dining
room menu, the freshest fish is flown in daily, and sushi and sashimi
are carefully handpicked by region and seasonality. The menu also
features a variety of succulent steak cuts including Prime Rib Eye with
Wafu Dressing and Prime New York Strip Loin with Truffle Aioli, as well
as the highest quality of domestic and Australian Wagyu Beef. Inside
Roka Bar – Roka Akor‘s informal, yet sophisticated dining environment – guests can
feast on a selection of Japanese small plates, which are designed for
sharing.

456 N Clark St  Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 477-7652
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  Boystown, Chicago Information, News and Happenings, Outdoors, Summer Fun

Bike Sharing in Lakeview in Boystown

When I was Paris a couple years ago, I thought their  bike rental program was pretty cool, with rental stations all over the city. Now, Chicago launches DIVVY bike sharing program , that will allow people to use bikes for $75 a year!  By 2014, they want to have 400  stations all over the city. 

Lake View officials and the Chicago Department of Transportation have officially chosen almost all of the locations locals will be able to snag a bike in the city’s new bike share program.
Now dubbed “Divvy” to reflect the nature of bike sharing, the program is launching more than 28 kiosks
where Lake View neighbors can pick up bicycles. The new cycles will
also be painted the iconic “Chicago Blue” to “provide a high level of
visibility on the street,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. Divvy is expected to launch downtown around Bike to Work Day on June 14, with about 75 stations.
How cool is that?!
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  Benefits, News and Happenings, Summer Fun

Chicago House is Chosen as the 2013 beneficiary for OUT IN THE PARK

 September  14th, 2013!

“Out
in the Park” at Six Flags Great America returns in 2013 with a BANG!
  A private LGBT event featuring unlimited riding of  ALL  Six
Flags Great America’s amazing rides (X-Flight, Superman, Batman, etc.) , live
music by an internationally sought after DJ who calls Chicago home, Matthew
Harvat, delivering a total party-celebration dance area everyone can enjoy,
complete with a laser light show! Plus some surprise celebrity guests and niche
entertainment venues, for those who don’t like to  ride, or just want to take a break and enjoy
some live music!

“This year we looked at 6
potential organizations to be the beneficiary, and we chose Chicago House,
” say Michael Snell, from  Best Gay
Chicago.com. “Chicago House is so incredibly proud to be included in Out
At The Park.  Last year’s event drew thousands of enthusiastic
attendees, and we’re excited to be able to partner with the event organizers
this year both to fund the vital work Chicago House is doing in the care and
prevention of HIV, while promoting the diverse services we provide to over
1,500 men, women, and children in Chicago’s LGBT communities.” said Jeremy
Hilborn, Director of Individual Giving & Special Events.

BestGayChicago.com and Chicago House
are excited to return with an all new LGBT Celebratory event and fundraiser at
Six Flags Great America. “We are very excited to be asked to return this
year to Six Flags Great America and their excitement in allowing us this unique
opportunity to produce such an awesome private event for our community at their
park,” said Derrick Sorles, owner of BestGayChicago.com. “We are proud to
have another charity this year  benefiting from the event.”

 

This private event will be September
14th, 9pm-1am. The price is $38 and a portion of all tickets sold will benefit
Chicago House. Last year, nearly $12,000 
was raised for TPAN. This year’s goal is to raise even more money! What
is great about the event this year is ticket holders will have the whole park
to themselves and the lines for rides will basically be non-existent. So you
can ride as much and as often as you want, plus still have time left over for
dancing or to enjoy one of the mini-concerts!

Sorles said it will be 3 days of fun!  With parties planned for Friday night, Saturday night late, and Sunday Brunch and afternoon fun!  Details  soon!  Tickets on sale  May 1st. 

FOLLOW THE FUN ON FACEBOOK!


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  Benefits, Deals, News and Happenings, Outdoors, Outside the City, Special Events, Summer Fun

Gay Day Gay Night at Six Flags Chicago September 8, 2012

 

An all-new private LGBT event featuring rides, live music and a party-like atmosphere

 

BestGayChicago.com and vitaminwater® are excited to premiere an all new LGBT event and fundraiser at Six Flags Great America. Out In The Park 2012 will be a private event for the LGBT community, their friends and families. “We are very excited Six Flags Great America is allowing us this unique opportunity to produce such an awesome event at their park,” said Derrick Sorles, owner of BestGayChicago.com. “We are proud to have TPAN (Test Positive Awareness Network) as our benefitting charity.”

 

On Saturday, September 8, 2012, from 9pm – 1am, the park will be closed to the general public for this private event. Guests will enjoy the music of DJs, Matthew Harvat and Phil DaBeatz, as it is heard live throughout the park. The DJs will be spinning together simultaneously as a team bridging two styles that compliment each other and bringing a signature dance floor experience to Six Flags Great America. This amazing LGBT event is expected to welcome people from the five surrounding states coming together to pride-fully celebrate!

Tickets purchased in advance are $35 which includes admission to the park all day long, free parking and admission to the Private Event! A portion of the advance ticket sales will benefit TPAN.

Tickets are available now online at sixflags.com using promo code OUT2012.

 

A limited number of bus tickets will be available departing from Uptown on Montrose Avenue, 1 block West of Broadway. Busses will depart at 3pm and also at 6pm. All busses will leave the park at 1am and return to Uptown.  Bus tickets are extremely limited. Visit gaysixflagschicago.com for more information or call 773-878-5323.

 

A BIG  THANKS  to the generous support of our co-sponsors! ChicagoPride.com, GRAB Magazine, BOI Magazine, The L Stop,  Rainbow Pizza, Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours, and Halsted Healthmart Pharmacy!!

 

BONUS WHITE PARTY – OUT on the BEACH!

Sunday September 9th – noon – 6pm

At the  gay (Osterman) Hollywood Beach, in CHICAGO!!!

CO$T: FREE. Goes all day until 6PM!   Music!

Come to relax & recover OR to socialize or dance!

 

 

 

About TPAN

Now in its 25th year, TPAN empowers everyone living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS to live open, healthy, and productive lives. TPAN innovates to deliver peer-led support programs and collaborative wellness services and to communicate comprehensive information. TPAN will do so until HIV/AIDS is eradicated.

 

About BestGayChicago.com

Since 2007, BestGayChicago.com has been providing the best of everything gay and gay-friendly in the greater Chicago area. Owned and operated by Best Gay Inc., their sites provide news, information, travel tips and entertainment for the LGBT community.

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  Andersonville, News and Happenings, Outdoors, Summer Fun

Andersonville Midsommarfest June 8 – 10

To me, Andersonville’s Midsommarfest is the real kick off for the Chicago festival season. 

Midsommarfest is Andersonville’s annual summer street festival, now
entering its 47th year. Each year, nearly 50,000 people throng Clark
Street from Foster to Catalpa for two days of music, dancing, kids’
entertainment, and delicious food. Vendors from around the region sell
their wares to passers-by, while ethnic dance troupes and cutting-edge
bands keep the party going.

We are very excited to announce that this year’s 47th annual Midsommarfest street festival will kick off on Friday evening, June 8th with a special performance by 16 Candles!
This opening night celebration will take place on Clark Street between
Balmoral and Catalpa Avenues beginning at 5:00 pm, and will also feature
food from some of your favorite local restaurants and of course cold
beer and sangria.

More details and show schedules online.

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  News and Happenings, Outdoors, Summer Fun

Best Gay Chicago GAY SEGWAY Tour September 22



Join Michael and Derrick of BEST GAY CHICAGO  and Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours on Sept. 22nd for an LGBT evening Segway Tour!


(Photo of Steve and Drew)


Something fun and different! Explore Chicago on the most original Segway tour Chicago has to offer. 

The guided sightseeing tour covers 7 to 8 miles along the Chicago Lakefront. View the spectacular Chicago architecture, statues and fountains while we glide through the fragrant garden paths of Grant Park, Millennium Park, the Museum Campus, and Soldier Field.

Other highlights of this tour will be the sun setting on the skyline, viewing the skyline in all of its evening splendor is breathtaking. The buildings all look like they are highlighted in gold.



 Capture the memory with the many photo opportunities of Chicago attractions along these spectacular Chicago tour routes. Invitations are being sent out all over the LGBT community –  so it should be a fun networking event with a diverse group of people. Bring a friend or just make some new friends! 

Segways are easy to learn and safe to ride.

This special tour is limited to 30 people.
Normally $65, this tour is being offered at $55.
Includes rentals, tour and taxes.
(gratuity to your tour guide that night  is appreciated!)

Thursday, Sept. 22nd!
The tour is at 6:15 pm -8:15….People should arrive at 5:45-6:00

To make a reservation Call  312-552-5100     ask  for  Timmie.


$10  parking available  in the MILLENIUM PARK GARAGE –
NOTE – EAST  MONROE  GARAGE is closed.
Follow the Segway signs inside the parking structure.


If you enter from the street level, the address  is 337 E. Randolph Street

Afterwards, we can swing by Downtown Bar, if people are up for it!





 

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  News and Happenings, Sports, Summer Fun

35th Annual Gay Softball World Series in Chicago Aug 29-Sept 3



It’s hard to believe that we’re just DAYS  away from the start of the 2011 Gay Softball World Series.  

Chicago is ready and excited to host you and your teammates for an incredibly memorable week!  



The 35th Annual
NAGAAA Gay
Softball World Series

Opening Ceremonies –
Navy Pier

Monday, August 29, beginning at 5:00p.m.


“We can’t think of a better venue and more picturesque setting to host the Opening for the 2011 Gay Softball World Series, said Ted Cappas, President, Series 2011. “We’ve assembled an incredible program for the evening, which will welcome our athletes and feature national and local entertainers alike.”



The GSWS Opening Ceremony will feature a top-notch talent lineup (see attached bios), including Leslie Jordan, star of the stage and screen; Ben Cohen, Rugby World Cup Champion and founder/chairman of the Ben Cohen “Stand Up” foundation; Pandora Boxx, Drag Superstar; and hometown favorites Amy Armstrong, singer and entertainer; and Matthew Harvat, DJ and event producer. 

Sports enthusiasts and members of the LGBT and greater Chicagoland community are welcome and encouraged to attend the Opening Ceremony for a $10 suggested donation at the door, which will benefit the Ben Cohen “Stand Up” foundation. 



MORE DETAILS   AT  CHICAGO SERIES 2011







The 35th annual Gay Softball World Series (GSWS), which will take place in Chicago beginning August 29, will wrap-up a week of softball and social events with a closing awards ceremony and street fair in Boystown on Saturday, September 3, from 4:00-10:00p.m. 

The event, which is presented in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA), will take place on Waveland Avenue between Halsted and Broadway streets and feature local cover band Final Say and world-renowned DJ Bill Bennett.


Series 2011 plans to recognize all of the tournament’s championship teams during the closing event.  Additionally, the Chicago Cubs (a Series 2011 sponsor) will welcome representatives from the winning teams onto Wrigley Field on Sunday, September 4 for a special recognition ceremony prior to their 1:20pm game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.  That Sunday is also Pride Day at Wrigley, brought to you by the Windy City Times, a Series 2011 media partner. 
 
Sports enthusiasts and members of the LGBT and greater Chicagoland community are welcome and encouraged to attend the Closing Street Fair for a $5 suggested donation at the gate, which will benefit the Ben Cohen “Stand Up” foundation. 
 
The softball tournament, which begins on Tuesday, August 30, is expected to draw 175 teams from 43 cities in North America in five divisions: A, B, C, D and Master’s.  Play occurs at three separate complexes in Schaumburg, Elmhurst and St. Charles, with the championships (Schaumburg Complex) on Saturday, September 3.

GET ALL THE DETAILS   AT  CHICAGO  SERIES  2011!

Find them on Facebook and RSVP





BestGayChicago.com


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  Benefits, HIV, News and Happenings, Restaurants and Dining, Summer Fun

TPAN Up on The Roof BBQ – Almost Sold Out! Aug. 25



On Thursday, August 25, TPAN will present 
Up On The Roof, Chicago’s premiere rooftop event. 
 
In 2010, Greg O’ Neill and Ken Miller, owner’s of Pastoral, aware that public funding of social service agencies like TPAN was drying up, created Up On The Roof as a way to help pick up the slack from the shrinking federal dollars.

“We were  huge fans of the way that TPAN works efficiently and without fanfare, so we wanted to help the organization continue to thrive despite an economic downturn,” said O’Neill. Through hard work and dedication, Greg and Ken were able to produce an event of the highest quality with virtually no cost to TPAN. The result of their labors was more money returned to TPAN to further its mission. O’Neill went on to say “Hopefully others will see that these types of events are relatively easy to organize, and will do similar events.”
 
We invite you to experience Up On The Roof,  an event created out of a true desire to be of assistance, and fueled by a passion for helping  those whose lives are most affected by HIV in the Chicago area.
 
About the event:
Up On The Roof, a gastronome’s delight, is a fundraising event benefiting TPAN that provides guests with an evening of amazing food prepared by some of Chicago’s star chefs from the top restaurants in the City, sumptuous sweets, and views of the city that are unmatched by any other event. In it’s inaugural year, Up On The Roof was a sell out and this year proves to be the same. The menu includes dishes from: The Bristol, HB Home Bistro and Old Town Social. Desserts will be provided by  Cookie Bar, Sweet Margy, Salted Caramel,  Rich Chocolates and Das Caramelini.   
 
The only thing missing from the event is you. Space is limited and reservations are going quickly. If you have not already made a reservation, do so today by clicking here.  

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  Boystown, News and Happenings, Summer Fun

Deep Fried Twinkies and Dill Pickles!



Deep Fried Twinkies?!
and Deep Fried Dill pickles!

Oh My!

*DID YOU KNOW, Twinkies were invented in River Forest, IL. in 1930


A traditional deep-fried Twinkie involves freezing or chilling  the cake, dipping it into batter, and deep-frying it to create a variation on the traditional snack cake. It was described by a The New York Times story in this way: “Something magical occurs when the pastry hits the hot oil. The creamy white vegetable shortening filling liquefies, impregnating the sponge cake with its luscious vanilla flavor… The cake itself softens and warms, nearly melting, contrasting with the crisp, deep-fried crust in a buttery and suave way”.

The Texas State Fair had introduced the fried Twinkie to great popular acclaim, and the notion spread to other state fairs across the U.S., as well as some establishments that specialize in fried foods.







Fried pickles are a snack food found commonly in the American South. It is made by deep-frying a sliced battered dill l pickle.


Fried Dill Pickles were popularized by Bernell “Fatman” Austin in 1963 at the Duchess Drive In located in Atkins, Arkansas.   The Fatman’s Recipe is only known to his family and used once each year at the annual Picklefest in Atkins, held each May.


GET A TASTE  THIS WEEKEND  AT  MARKET  DAYS 
at the DEEP FRIED TWINKIE & DILL PICKLE BOOTH!
Located right across from Steamworks!  Where else?!




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  Boystown, Celebrity, Chicago Information, News and Happenings, Outdoors, Summer Fun

Chicago’s North Halsted Market Days 2011 Full of Surprises!


The 2011 Northalsted Market Days® will take place this weekend August 13-14, when a crowd of more than 100,000 from across the country will converge on Halsted Street to celebrate our annual event.
 
It’s the largest two-day street fair in the Midwest and lives up to its reputation as one of the country’s finest festivals!

It was recently announced  GLEE  STAR hottie Darren Criss will be here to entertain us – as well as the singing sensation Prince Poppycoock.





With temperatures expected to be 75-80, expect  BIG  CROWDS!
Other top names include  Gloria Gaynor, Lisa Lisa  and Expose.

See the full schedule online.


(check out the deep fried TWINKIES and DILL  PICKLES
across the street    from Steamworks!)


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  Music, News and Happenings, Special Events, Summer Fun

Chicago Market Days Main Event August 13th with 2 Major DJ’s



 


People always say, “whatever happened to our Saturday nights??  Why isn’t there big fun dance parties in Chicago anymore??”

Guess What??  THEY’RE  BACK!

Wild West Revolution Dance Party
The Market Days Main Event.
 Saturday, August 13. 2011

When’s the last time you played cowboys and indians? It’s been 8 years since there was a major dance party happening during Chicago’s famed Market Days weekend. The 2-day boystown street fest features over 200 vendors, 3 stages and over 175,000 hot, friendly and sexy attendees.

But come Saturday night at 10pm when all the booths close down and the bars are at capacity, where should everyone go to get their groove on and throw down on some hot bass beats and go go boy treats?

 Circuit MOM Productions is featuring superstar DJ’s ROLAND BELMARES and JOE GAUTHREAUX in a twin spinning, bucking bronco, tomahawk throwing DJ showdown at the old House Of Blues Corral.


Dust off your cowboy boots, saddle up your pony and ride on down before the doors open at 10pm to stake your claim in the dance hall. This barn dance ain’t over ’til 5am, so get ready to party ’til them cows come home.


Hey, Chicago! Tickets are only $30 in advance and you can get them at CRAM FASHION 3329 N. Broadway or at the House of Blues Box Office-329 N. Dearborn. OR CLICK HERE for ONLINE Tickets!


TICKETS WILL BE $40 AT THE DOOR on Saturday night.




***  MARK YOUR CALENDARS – Prepare yourself for THE ZOMBIE REVOLUTION
Coming Saturday, October 29, 2011
with Grammy nominated Producer/Remixer
DJ TONY MORAN   featuring a special surprise performance.
REVOLUTION CHICAGO!
Circuit MOM Productions, Inc
LiveNation and House Of Blues



BestGayChicago.com

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  Outdoors, Recommended, Retail and Services, Special Events, Summer Fun

Absolutely the Best Segway Tours in Chicago

  SUMMER IS  IN FULL SWING  – AND THE WEATHER HAS BEEN GORGEOUS (for the most part) here in Chicago!  And what better way to see the city than on a SEGWAY?!

Did you know?? You can cover about 7-8 MILES of the city, sightseeing in about 2 hours?

Riding the Segway  feels like nothing you’ve ever experienced because there’s never been anything like it. Step on and your instinct will be to steady yourself, as you would on anything with two wheels.

Almost immediately you’ll realize that the Segway  is balancing for you, almost like it has become an extension of you. Just lean forward a little and you’ll see that the Segway  isn’t moving you on its own; it’s moving in response to you and what you tell it to do. It all feels natural and really cool.





The Segway  uses LeanSteer™ Technology to move you from Point A to B. Gently move the LeanSteer frame and handlebar left or right in the direction you want to travel and feel the machine respond almost instantly.


The Segway  balances by using five micro-machined angular rate sensors and two accelerometers that sense the changing terrain and your body position at 100 times per second.

But enough about the mechanics.  I have rode on several tours with Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours   And it was  a great tour and experience!




The owners of the company have over 50 years of combined experience in the hospitality industry, having owned and operated some of the most successful, recognized and reputable restaurants and companies in the Chicagoland area. When starting Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours it was clear that they wanted to create that same memorable service, and to leave visitors with a wonderful impression of Chicago. 

Whether you have lived here all of your life – or just moved here –  riding and touring a Segway in Chicago, you learn SO MUCH!   The Segway itself is only one part of the total touring experience. “We believe that your tour guide will have the biggest impact on your experience. At the risk of bragging, we have the best guides in the business, bar none. That’s because we only hire the best. They have undergone extensive Segway certification training. They have to be professional, courteous, and articulate. So whether the group is comprised of teens, grandmas, or corporate execs, our guides can connect with everyone.” says owner Timmie McGuire Cortina.

They offer several different tours and those can change with the season, and the weather. We recently took the 8 mile / 2 hour Museum Campus tour. Before you can go on a tour, you have to watch a short safety film, then there is a short “class” learning session. But it’s real easy.

With Summer reaching the half way point, get your butt out there and check it out! It’s a fantastic fun time!!


Absolutely Chicago Segways  is located right near Millenium Park at 337 E. Randolph.
If you drive downtown and tour with them, you can park with them for $10 for the day.
Call 312-552-5100 to make your reservations
Tell them Best Gay Chicago.com  sent you!




HELP WANTED –  By the way, they are looking for  Spanish Speaking/Bi-lingual guides. What a job?!  Get outside and enjoy the summer weather, while touring the city and sharing your love of Chicago, with others!  Send a resume  to  Absolutely Chicago Segways !

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  Alternative, News and Happenings, Special Events, Summer Fun

Chicago Black Gay Pride July 2-4




During Independence Day Weekend (Thursday, June 30th – Monday, July 4th), approximately 20,000 people from across the Midwest and the rest of the country will converge in the city of Chicago for Chicago Black Pride Weekend, the largest celebration in the Midwest for the African-American Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. The weekend consists of dynamic workshops and seminars, feature performances and entertainment, film screenings, health outreach, discussion panels, and vendor exhibitions.


As part of the Chicago Black Pride Weekend festivities, special event and lifestyle marketing firm K Dock Media will host the LUX SERIES, three days (Saturday, July 2nd – Monday, July 4th) of opulent events designed for networking, socializing and excitement in the most beautiful venues and areas of Chicago. With an expected attendance of more than 2000 local and national patrons, the events will include celebrity guest appearances/hosts, viewing of new urban LGBT television programs, discussions with movemakers in the LGBT community and overall good time with new and old friends.



Windy City Black Pride      and     LUX Series Events



BestGayChicago.com

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  Event Photos, News and Happenings, Political, Summer Fun

Chicago Gay Pride 2011 – And Tips for Next Year



HAPPY GAY PRIDE 2011!

Chicago’s gay pride usually brings out about 500,000  people…but last weekend brought out about 750,000 people!  The BIGGEST Chicago pride ever. Thanks in part to perfect weather in a growing shift in heterosexual attitudes.

Behind  the scenes,  vandalism by haters struck the parade. Early in the day,  it was discovered that tires had been slashed on each of the 51 floats being stored at a float-building company several miles south of the parade route. The company’s owner discovered the damage about 5 a.m. Sunday; the floats were fine when he left the building at 8 the previous evening, so the damage occurred late
Saturday night or very early Sunday. The vandalism appeared to be an antigay hate crime.



The parade stepped off on time at noon in the heavily gay north side Lakeview neighborhood. Chicago’s new mayor, Rahm Emanuel, was at the head, receiving loud cheers from spectators. This was the first appearance in the parade by a Chicago mayor since previous mayor Richard M. Daley’s first year in office, 1989. Daley, who was the first mayor to participate in the parade, did not make a repeat appearance because he declined to work on Sundays, and he instead hosted a Pride-related reception on another day.


“Behind Emanuel was a kaleidoscopic collection of politicians, teachers, motorcyclists, drag queens and librarians, among many others,” the Tribune reported. There were about 250 total parade entries, including floats, decorated vehicles, and marching contingents.





Cute gay boys in t-shirts…YAY!
Cute gay boys in hats…..YAY!

Cute STRAIGHT BOYS giving me NIP!  BIG  YAY!
It is a known fact straight girls love the LGBT’s.  But more and more straight girls boyfriends are loving us. This year brought out record numbers of heteros, and everyone played along nice! Except for a couple bad hetero eggs I met near Addison, who started pushing and threatening us,  the day was bliss!

  



Straight A&F models and their friends….YAY!
Tan gay boys and their girlfriends…..Fun Fun!




  Families!

 and then…..



 

OK – HEAR  THIS  LOUD AND CLEAR!

NO STROLLERS!
NO FLIP FLOPS!
AND NO BIKES!

PLEASE!!

ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING?
IN THAT CROWD! GET A CLUE!









And WHY can’t you pick up after  your selves? 
You are seriously going to leave all of that trash in the streets?

Really? I am sure these people do not leave around here, and could care less.

But show some respect next year.


BEST(and WORST)GayChicago


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  Boystown, Celebrity, Chicago Information, Community, Dance, Special Events, Summer Fun

Chicago Pride Fest 2011 is a Awesome DIVA Fest!


It’s all about GLBT pride at Chicago Pride Fest®! 

June 24-25, 2011 – immediately before Chicago’s iconic Pride Parade on June 26 – this festive two-day event marks the first official party of summer.

Hosted by the Northalsted Business Alliance, this crowd-pleasing gay and lesbian celebration of community pride showcases an eclectic lineup of arts and crafts, food and other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages with one dedicated to some of Chicago’s fine performers in the gay community.

Pride Fest showcases an eclectic lineup of arts & crafts, food and other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages including one dedicated to some of Chicago’s fine performers in the gay community.

(Deborah Cox , above)



 


Entertainment 
Friday, June 24
South Stage
6:00pm – The Personnel
7:30pm – Chicago Spirit Brigade
8:15pm – Sixteen Candles


North Stage
5:00pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators
7:00pm – Deborah Cox
8:00pm – Drag Show featuring Chciago’s Best Female Impersonators
9:00pm – Ultra Nate

(Crystal Waters, right )





Saturday, June 25
South Stage
Noon – Lakeside Pride Show Band
1:00pm – Pet Parade with Miss Foozie
2:30pm – Chicago RedLine
3:30pm – ROTC
5:00pm – ROTC
6:00pm – Rock Candy
7:30pm – Windy City Cowboys
8:00pm – Wedding Banned
 


North Stage
1:00pm – Pet Parade with Miss Foozie
1:30pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators
2:30pm – Mya
3:00pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators
4:30pm – Xelle
5:30pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators
7:00pm – Crystal Waters
8:00pm – Kim English
8:45pm – Inaya Day



 Your gate donation benefits the Northalsted Business Alliance.


The Northalsted Business Alliance works cooperatively to maintain a diverse, safe and thriving shopping and entertainment district. In 1980, a small group of retailers in a four-block area along Halsted Street joined forces to promote the street and improve business conditions.


Since its inception, the Northalsted Business Alliance has grown to represent more than 80 businesses along North Halsted Street from Barry Street to West Irving Park Road. The Association has been recognized by the media, the City of Chicago and local residents as a major force in the community, championing positive change and growth.

BestGayChicago.com


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  Fitness, Special Events, Sports, Summer Fun

Gay Softball World Series Summer Kickoff Party June 29

The 35th annual NAGAAA
Gay Softball World Series (GSWS)
 is almost here!
 
From August 29 – September 3, more than 165 teams, from over 40 cities across North America, will descend upon the Windy City to play more than 500 games, making the GSWS the largest annual LGBT sporting event in the world!
 
Join them @ Sidetrack on June 29 at 6:00pm for our Summer Kickoff Party, where if you register to volunteer for the Series, you can win FABULOUS prizes that night!  There is no cover charge for this event.
 
·       Grand Prize: “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” NYC Getaway Weekend for two!  Airfare, two-night hotel stay at the luxurious Benjamin Hotel and tickets to the Rokk Vodka-sponsored Broadway smash hit Priscilla Queen of the Desert!
·       Buddy Scooter from Scooterworks
·       Miller/Coors Bicycle
·       (2) VIP Suite Tickets to Melissa Etheridge
·       $100 Sir Spa Massage Gift Cards
 
To enter the drawing, simply register to volunteer during the Chicago GSWS.  We have numerous volunteer needs both leading into and during the week of the Series.  From registering athletes to providing information at the host hotels to assisting at the fields, there is an opportunity for everyone. 

Can’t make the Sidetrack event?  Visit the Series website at Chicagoseries2011 to learn more and to sign up to volunteer.
 
Series 2011 – Participate.  Donate.  Volunteer.  Find them on FACEBOOK.
 

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  Fitness, News and Happenings, Outdoors, Recommended, Retail and Services, Sports, Summer Fun

Best Bike Tours in Chicago! Bobbys Bike Hike

 



Since the advent of the bicycle in the 1860s, Chicago has been distinguished as one of the premier cycling locations in the United States, with such public cycling destinations as Grant Park, Burnham Park and the Chicago Park District’s Lakefront Trail.

Chicago has been  named a cycling capital of the United States by several magazines. The City of Chicago has achieved this goal by investing in bicycling infrastructure and promoting education, awareness and advocacy.

 


Bicycles arrived in Chicago in the 1860s. By 1900, there were 54 bicycle clubs with more than 10,000 members, and it has been growing every year.


 



Mayor Richard J. Daley, was a huge supporter of bicycling. When he was inaugurated, the city had a limited number of bike paths. By the 1970s, Daley’s administration had built a large network of lakefront bike paths, bicycle lanes on the road, a 34-mile (55 km) bicycle route and rush-hour bicycle lanes on Clark Street and Dearborn Street.


Chicago currently has more than 110 miles of on-street bike lanes, more than 30 miles of marked shared lanes, many miles of off-street paths (including the 18.5-mile Lakefront Trail), more than 12,000 bike racks, and sheltered, high-capacity, bike parking areas at many CTA rail stations. Daley has said, “My goal is to make the City of Chicago the most bicycle-friendly city in the U.S.”



 
Since the summer of 2002,
Bobby’s Bike Hike has offered a unique perspective on the sights and attractions of Chicago, incorporating quality information, group interaction, and most of all, fun.

“We provide you a cool, cruiser style bicycle and riders of all ages and fitness levels will find our relaxed-pace tours enjoyable. Bobby’s hand-selected guides make brief stops at Chicago’s most popular sights, providing light-hearted commentary that will keep you entertained and “in the know.”

Whether you live here – or are visiting, Bobbys tours offer something for everyone.


Lakefront Neighborhood tours –


 Rated the best Chicago sightseeing tour of 2010 by Tripadvisor, Most organized bike ride of Chicago by the Chicago Reader, and Best Chicago Tour by Citysearch! This tour is what made Bobby famous, taking you off the tourist beat and onto the quiet neighborhood streets, city parks, and packed beaches of the North Side of Chicago, giving you a glimpse as to how Chicagoans enjoy their beautiful city. Highlights include the Gold Coast Mansions, Oprah’s House, the Playboy Mansion, Lincoln Park Zoo, Old Town Historic District, North Avenue Beach, and the Lakefront. 
 
 City Lights at Night –   Bike through Chicago’s most attractive hotspots at night! Like a party on wheels, we’ll cruise through downtown to see brand new Millennium Park, Museum Campus, and Buckingham Fountain, with its world-renowned light show. You’ll see our favorite jaw-dropping vantage points of the scintillating skyline.



 
And NEW THIS YEAR – the  Bikes, Bites  Brew  tour – Working up an appetite won’t be a problem on this tour! We’ll be sampling from each of Chicago’s four favorite food groups — pizza, hot dogs, cupcakes and beer. You’ll learn the history behind the foods and also get a taste for some of Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods as we cruise through Wrigleyville, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lakeview and Lincoln Park.




Bobby’s Bike Hike continues to set the standard in sightseeing bicycle tours of Chicago.
So come join in the fun – Bobby’s will  be the highlight of your day!
 


Bobbys Bike Hike    (312) 915-0995

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