Category Archives: Community
World of Chocolate Returns Dec. 5th
World of Chocolate is Chicago’s premier World AIDS Day event supporting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s efforts to mobilize communities, creating equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and related chronic diseases.
World of Chocolate celebrates the imagination and ingenuity of our renowned chefs from across Chicago!
THURSDAY, DEC. 5, 2019, 6 – 9 P.M.
AT REVEL FULTON MARKET
Enter at 1215 W. Fulton Market (Fulton and Racine).
The closest CTA L stop is located at Morgan on the Pink/Green Lines.
Complimentary coat check is provided.
Tickets purchased before Dec. 3 will be held Will Call. Check in with your name or your ticket purchaser’s name. After Dec. 3, General Admission & VIP tickets are available at the door for $150 and $250 respectively.
Parking: We recommend using public transportation or taxis. Street parking is available in the neighborhood — check parking signs and pay boxes for information.
Dress to impress! Your favorite holiday cocktail attire/business casual is perfect for the evening.
VOTE for People’s Choice! During check in, you’ll receive a red marble to vote for your favorite chocolatier. The event is bigger and better than ever, so plan your night accordingly by perusing our chefs and menu for the evening.
At 8:30 p.m., we’ll have a special performance to announce the judges’ picks for Best Sweet, Best Savory, Best Libation, Best Small Business, Best Large Business and Best Sculpture.
Knock yourself out! Punch Board and Luxury Raffle prizes will be announced Monday, Nov. 11.
Share the fun! Help us get the buzz going on Facebook and Instagram by using #AFChocolate
VIEW PHOTOS FROM 2018.
Chicago Halloween Week Events
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THURSDAY, OCT 31 HALLOWEEN PARADE!
One of the 10 Best Halloweens in the US by Fodor’s Travel Guide
Redfin’s #3 Best City for Halloween
Haunted Halsted Halloween
Parade & Costume Contest
$4,000 in Cash Prizes – After Party
Join us for the 23rd annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade & Costume Contest plus Awards & After Party, October 31, 7:30pm. $4,000 in cash prizes. Free to watch or participate, all ages. Starts at Halsted & Belmont and goes north to Halsted & Brompton.
7 Categories, Free to participate:
Scary | Drag | Creative | Youth | Cosplay | Group <10 | Large Group 10+
$500 Cash Prize in each category
Large Group Category = $1,000 Prize
Register for Parade & Costume Contest NOW
Aids Run Walk Chicago October 5th 2019
“Live True. Be You” at the 2019 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago
On Saturday, Oct. 5, advocates from across Chicago and beyond will gather to support those living with and vulnerable to HIV at the 2019 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago. Held at Soldier Field, the 18th annual event encourages participants to live true as they raise vital awareness and funds for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and 27 CommunityDirect partners. The proceeds benefit programs and services improving the lives of those affected by HIV and AIDS and other chronic conditions.
The event attracts thousands of participants annually, who gather at one of Chicago’s most iconic locations for the 5K walk and 5K and 10K runs. Participants travel a scenic route along Lake Michigan and finish at Soldier Field. This vibrant event will mobilize the community under the theme “Live true. Be you.”
“The theme this year continues to be “Live True. Be You”, as living each day authentically is a crucial part of embracing who we are as a community and showing how we can make a difference for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and AIDS,” said Dustin Erikstrup, AFC’s Senior Manager of Special Events. “It is important to live true and openly each day in this unpredictable climate. AIDS Run & Walk Chicago provides this safe space where people can express themselves.”
In addition to AFC, 27 community organizations serving Chicago’s HIV and AIDS population are also beneficiaries of the funds raised at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago as part of the CommunityDirect program. Participating CommunityDirect organizations kick off the event’s fundraising efforts by registering their own team for the 5K walk, 5K or 10K runs. Many of this year’s community partners have been involved in the event for years, providing opportunities for other organizations to participate and support its fundraising efforts.
AFC recently joined forces with the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Chicago Department of Public Health, and other statewide partners to launch Getting to Zero Illinois. This is a state-wide initiative to end the HIV epidemic in Illinois by 2030 with the help of community-based organizations, health care providers, local government agencies and local members of Illinois’ HIV community. The initiative focuses on increasing the current rates of PrEP (a daily prevention pill that is up to 99 percent effective when taken consistently and correctly) and other HIV treatments to attain fewer than 100 new HIV cases per year.
In Illinois, an estimated 45,000 people live with HIV or AIDS. AFC, along with community organizations and other partners, are working tirelessly to get this number down to zero through their advocacy and fundraising efforts. The AIDS Run & Walk Chicago provides the ideal opportunity to raise money and awareness for and the groups and individuals who are working to combat the epidemic in Illinois.
Since its establishment in 2001, the AIDS Run & Walk Chicago has raised more than $6 million to battle the epidemic. For more information or to participate, visit aidsrunwalk.org or call 312-334-0946.
2019 CommunityDirect Partners
Michael Reese Care Program at Mercy
Chicago Recovery Alliance
Lurie SID
The Night Ministry
Agape Missions
Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago
Center on Halsted
Chicago House and Social Service Agency
AMITA Health Housing & Health Alliance
Legal Beagles (Legal Council for Health Justice)
Season of Concern
Open Door
Howard Brown
Sinai/Holy Cross Strolling Bones
SWOP – Chicago (Sex Workers Outreach Project)
CCHE (Chicago Center for HIV Elimination
Pride Action Tank
Men and Women in Prison Ministries
Catholic Charities
Mother and Child Alliance
Team CCHIP (Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center)
DANCE FOR LIFE CHICAGO
Erie Family Health Centers
Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus
Team Loyola
New Ages Services Corporation
Team HAI (Heartland Alliance International)
About AFC
About the AIDS Foundation of Chicago: AFC mobilizes communities to create equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV or chronic conditions. AFC aspires to create a world in which people living with HIV or chronic conditions will thrive, and there will be no new HIV cases. More at: aidschicago.org.
Honorary Ralphi Rosario Blvd on Halsted Street
Ralphi Rosario is a pioneering house music DJ, a Grammy Award-nominated producer and soon he’ll be a Chicago landmark.
This past Saturday the City of Chicago dedicated a portion of North Halsted Street in Boystown (By Hydrate nightclub) in honor of Ralphi “The Razz” Rosario, according to Go Pride. Rosario was instrumental in spreading the house music sound as the youngest member of the Hot Mix 5, and later was nominated for a Grammy for Best Remix with Abel Aguilera for their remix of the Rihanna hit “Only Girl (In The World).”
“I’ve never really been a person to hype anything that I’ve done,” Ralphi told 5 Mag in a 2012 cover story. “I’ve always believed that the music and remixes should speak for themselves. I personally do not like getting in people’s faces about WHY my stuff isn’t played or WHY I’m not getting recognized or WHY I didn’t get the remix work, etc.
“I didn’t begin in the business on the intent of winning anything; I did it because music is a very strong trait for me. But this does mean the world to me – to know that not only my peers but all the fans and listeners are thanking me in this gracious way… They’re listening! [laughs]”
Chicago Market Days 2019 Aug 10-11
Northalsted Market Days® is the largest street festival in the Midwest and Chicago’s hottest summer celebration, August 10-11, 2019.
The 38th annual Northalsted Market Days® is a weekend long festival celebrating life & community in Chicago’s historic Boystown/Lakeview district. The 1/2 mile long festival features all-day lineups of live music on 5 stages, 200+ unique vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink, DJ’s and dancing, sponsor booths, and more!
Featuring live performances by Daya, Icona Pop, Sheila E, Deborah Cox, Jake Shears and more.
Admission: $10 Suggested Donation – All Ages
Location: Boystown on Halsted Street from Belmont to Addison
Hours: 11am – 10pm, August 10-11, 2019
Public Transportation: A short walk away from the CTA Belmont Red/Brown/Purple Line Station or the CTA Addison Red Line Station
Weather: Open rain or shine, please be advised that severe conditions may delay or cancel performances
Security: No large bags/backpacks allowed, all bags will be inspected prior to entry. No coolers or outside beverages.
PRIDE NIGHT at Cirque du Soleil Soldier Field
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL VOLTA is hosting a special PRIDE Night on Tuesday June 18 @ 8pm at Soldier Field South Lot.
It will benefit the state’s top LGBTQ advocacy and education organization, Equality Illinois. The rainbow carpet will be animated by Chicago’s top drag queens from 7-8pm! Use code EQIL to save 15% @ Cirquedusoleil.com/VOLTA
Cirque du Soleil’s latest touring production, VOLTA, is now playing under its signature Big Top at the Soldier Field South Lot, 459 E. 18th Drive, Chicago, thru July 6, 2019. Tickets, starting at $49.
30 years in Chicago
2019 is a special year for Chicago and Cirque du Soleil as it marks the 30th anniversary of the coming of the circus troupe in the Windy City. Indeed, the first-ever Cirque du Soleil touring show to visit the USA, CIRQUE RÉINVENTÉ, stopped by Chicago in 1989 for the first time. This year, VOLTA will then be the 25th production to be presented in the area since the Canadian company first visited.
30 years in numbers:
- Cirque du Soleil visited Chicago for the first time 30 years ago with CIRQUE RÉINVENTÉ in 1989
- VOLTA is the 25th Cirque du Soleil production to visit the Chicago area
- VOLTA is the FIRST Cirque show to be presented at Soldier Field
- Chicago is the 10th city to be visited by VOLTA in the USA
- VOLTA employs 200 local employees from Chicago for the duration of its stay
The show
Energetic, urban and contemporary, VOLTA is a captivating voyage of discovery that showcases never-before-seen under the Big Top acrobatics in a visually striking world. Driven by a stirring melodic score and inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, VOLTA is a story of transformation. It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and recognizing one’s own power to make it possible. Ultimate freedom comes with self-acceptance, and with the liberation of the judgement of others.
The Costumes
The stunning costumes of VOLTA have been designed by Emmy Award winner Zaldy Goco, famous for his work with Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani and on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
GET A GLIMPSE OF VOLTA HERE
Social Media:
Twitter: @Cirque #VOLTA
Instagram: cirquedusoleil #VOLTA
Pride in the Park in Chicago June 29 2019
Tickets $50-$100
GA Tickets All Ages
VIP Tickets 21+ only
Held the day before Chicago’s annual LGBTQ Pride Parade, this ALL-NEW FEST at the Petrillo Bandshell will celebrate June’s Pride Month and will feature top national and local performers.
It will also feature an eclectic mix of food and arts & crafts vendors.
“We hope to build Pride in the Park into something people travel to Chicago for yearly, and something that will add to the already amazing Chicago Pride experience”
A portion of tickets processed will benefit the Center On Halsted. Center On Halsted is the Midwest’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland. More than 1,000 community members visit the Center every day, located in the heart of Chicago’s Lakeview Neighborhood.
FINALLY! Boystown Gets Rainbow Crosswalks!
Northalsted Business Alliance Announces Chicago Rainbow Pride Crosswalks
Boystown will get a little more colorful just in time for Pride Month this June with the planned addition of Chicago Rainbow Pride Crosswalks throughout the neighborhood. Initiated by the Northalsted Business Alliance, the rainbows will brighten the street at 14 crosswalks on east-west streets parallel to Halsted from Melrose north to Bradley, excluding Addison.
Thirteen of the crosswalks will feature the rainbow design that represents diversity and has become an inclusive symbol of the worldwide LGBTQ+ pride movement since the 1970’s. The 14th crosswalk will be dedicated to the transgender community. The blue, pink and white stripes found on the transgender flag will be located on Melrose south of the Howard Brown Health Center. This crosswalk will complement the mural at this intersection that has been dedicated to the queer and non-binary community.
The colorful crosswalks join the 20 iconic golden rainbow pylons, which are home to the Legacy Walk memorial plaques, the world’s only outdoor LGBTQ+ History Museum and now recognized by the Chicago Landmarks Commission as a Historic Landmark.
Funds for the Chicago Rainbow Pride Crosswalks come from Northalsted Business Alliance donated during the Chicago Pride Fest® and Northalsted Market Days® celebrations. This project has been in development since December 2018 with the Chicago Department of Transportation and the support of Alderman Tom Tunney and Alderman James Cappleman.
Northalsted President Ramesh Ariyanayakam explains the excitement around the additions.
“As an internationally recognized and historic landmark neighborhood, Boystown has been a place of acceptance and diversity for decades. These crosswalks show our commitment to maintaining a thriving LGBTQ+ community.”
About Northalsted
Since 1980, Northalsted Business Alliance (NBA) has worked collectively to enhance the entertainment district known as Boystown. Representing over 100 In & Proud businesses, NBA is recognized by the City of Chicago, national media outlets and residents for its leadership of advancing economic vitality and quality of life for the total community. To this end, NBA provides programs and services that will increase investment, security, opportunity and activity in our district
Free Queer Prom this week – Center on Halsted
MIDNIGHT IN PARIS: QUEER PROM FOR LGBTQ YOUTH
Friday, May 10, 2019
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Center on Halsted
FREE TO ATTEND
Chicago Restaurant Week in Lakeview

JAN. 25 – FEB. 7, 2019
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.
This year’s Chicago Restaurant Week will be the largest ever, with nearly 400 local restaurants participating. That includes over 100 first-time participants and 45 suburban restaurants.
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.
2 of our favorite places in Lakeview will be Participating!
Don’t Miss out – Get a reservation!
El Mariachi 3906 N Broadway
and Revolucion 3443 N Broadway
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Andersonville Dessert Crawl Oct 28th
On Sunday, October 28, from 2-5 p.m., Andersonville will welcome guests to enjoy a sweet stroll through this delightful neighborhood as they participate in the Annual Dessert Crawl.
It’s a gourmet experience with delectable desserts at every turn. Participating restaurants are sure to “wow” visitors with delicious and decadent gourmet desserts.
Get to know the sweeter side of Andersonville at 20 different locations.
Chef Chris Tong of My Private Chef, an upscale private chef and gourmet dining service, will be serving a delicious Cranberry Mousse with Apple Cranberry Sauce with Gingersnap.
Look for him on the Veruca Salt Route at one of his favorite wine shops,
In Fine Spirits, 5418 N. Clark.
You can choose between TWO great routes. Tickets for one route are $20.00
Participants will pick up their Dessert Crawl “passport” at the Swedish American Museum – Andersonville, 5211 N. Clark Street and then proceed to the participating restaurants and stores for tasting-sized portions at each location.
For more information about the Dessert Crawl and to purchase tickets, visit
http://www.andersonville.org/events/dessert-crawl/
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
Want to attend for FREE? Sign-up to VOLUNTEER at check-in. Click here for more information.
Sexy Sassy Adam Rippon in Chicago Sept 14th
We are SO EXCITED Chicago House brought back their Speakers Series this year!
Chicago House, the leading social services provider for housing and support for those living with HIV/AIDS, will host their 8th Speaker Series headlined by Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon on Friday, September 14th.
Held at the historic Hilton Chicago’s Grand Ballroom from 11 am – 2 pm, the luncheon will feature a VIP Reception and premier cuisine benefiting Chicago House. Emceed by NBC reporter Chris Hush, guests can expect laughs, stories of triumphs and resilience from these two dynamic and prominent figures in the LGBTQ community as Chicago House highlights the theme of ‘Authentic Selves.’
America’s first openly gay Olympic figure skater, Adam Rippon, helped lead USA’s figure skating team to a bronze medal with his stunning performance this year.
But while snatching trophies, Rippon was also winning American hearts nationwide. The skater has shown through various interviews and tweets that he is truly one of the funniest (and sassiest) Olympians to ever grace the ice.
If you’re enchanted by Rippon’s on-camera wit, then you need to drop everything you’re doing and follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
Then came dancing with the stars! Adam and his partner Jenna Johnson were crowned winners of the all athlete season. Rippon is the first male figure skater to win the competition, as well as the first LGBTQ winner.
“Winning the Mirrorball now has taken on a whole new meaning,” he said. “I never thought somebody like me would be accepted, but I really feel love. That’s why I’m so excited for what we have in store.”
Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon will Headline 2018 Chicago House Speaker Series September 14th, 11am-2pm
Tickets now available for purchase – Click here for purchasing information
Lunch with Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon Sept 14
FRIDAY September 14th!
Luncheon with speakers Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon!
Chicago House, the leading social services provider for housing and support for those living with HIV/AIDS, will present their 2018 Speaker Series headlined by Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon on Friday, September 14th. Held at the historic Hilton Chicago Grand Ballroom from 11 AM – 2 PM, the luncheon will feature an exclusive VIP meet and greet reception and premier cuisine benefiting Chicago House. Emceed by NBC Chicago reporter Chris Hush, guests can expect laughs, stories of triumphs and resilience from these two dynamic and prominent figures in the LGBTQ community as the 8th Speaker Series highlights the theme of “Authentic Selves.”
For more hilarious quotes from the award winning comedian celebrating her Authentic Self join us for the Speaker Series next Friday, September 14th! VIP Meet and Greet tickets available. Inquiries regarding ticketing contact Janessa D. Butler atjdennis@chicagohouse.org.