Category Archives: Outdoors
Snow is Coming! Getaway to Palm Springs!
Superior rooms (non-pool view) start at $99 during the week (Sunday – Thursday) and weekends discounted
(Friday and Saturday). All other room types discounted accordingly.
Palm Springs is welcoming visitors to its new dynamic downtown with new fashionable restaurants, new chick shops and boutiques, new fun entertainment venues as well as welcoming public spaces for gathering, celebrating and relaxing. With warm days and balmy nights, this complements the ambiance that is positively seductive. With 360 days of sun-kissed weather and drop-dead gorgeous scenery, it’s no wonder Palm Springs is like no place else and a comeback as Hollywood’s playground with a growing nightlife, burgeoning art scene and edgy vibe.
Palm Springs, California lies on the western edge of the Coachella Valley, within the Colorado Desert. Located approximately 110 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 140 miles northeast of San Diego, it’s an easy two hour drive. The permanent year-round population is about 45,000, and doubles during the winter season.
Palm Springs has more than 350 days of sunshine with less than 5 inches of rain. Winter temperatures average in the 70’s with nights in the mid-40’s. The dry desert heat of summer pushes daytime temperatures into the 100’s, which is enjoyed by sun seekers from around the globe.
Doesn’t this look better than piles of snow…..
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Boystown Halsted Halloween Parade 2017
Summer is over and it’s time to think about what to wear this fall?
The Annual Northalsted Halloween Parade will be here before you know it!
HAUNTED HALSTED SET TO SPOOK BOYSTOWN FOR HALLOWEEN
Haunted Halsted is the theme for this year’s Halloween. The Northalsted Business Alliance invites ghouls, goblins, zombies and all haunted beings to go above and beyond for this year’s parade theme. Thousands will line the route, while hundreds compete for who rules the street.
The legendary parade, now it its 21st year, happens Halloween night at 7:30 pm.
Kicking off from the corner of Halsted and Belmont and traveling north to Addison, the competitive costume contest will award winners in four categories: Drag, Group, Scariest and Theme. Registration is now open at https://www.northalsted.com/northalsted-halloween-parade-registration/
A host of Halloween queens will adorn the parade route, as a ‘Thriller” dance party breaks out. Fire eaters and more complete the spooky scene.
Northalsted Halloween Parade
Tuesday, October 31
5 pm- 7 pm Registration at Halsted/Belmont
7:30 pm Parade kicks-off and travels north to Addison
Free to participate
Northalsted Business Alliance Executive Director Chad Honeycutt explains what sets Halsted Halloween celebrations apart.
“Simply put, there’s no other city neighborhood that does Halloween better. This year will be no exception, we expect everyone to bring their ‘A’ game for the contest and parade.”
Out in the Park Chicago 2017
Out In The Park at Six Flags Great America
Returns in 2017 for Year 6!
A Private Night in the Park to Celebrate Diversity
Presented by MINI Cooper Chicago & BestGayChicago.com
That Will Help Benefit Howard Brown Health
Saturday, September 9th, 2017 from 7:30PM to 12AM
Out In The Park is an annual private diversity fundraising event featuring unlimited riding of ALL Six Flags Great America’s amazing THRILL rides (with much shorter than usual lines! The park is only 35% full!) with a portion of all ticket sales each year help benefit various non-profits. “One of the best elements of this event is that it is closed to the general public and this year our event piggy-backs a daytime corporate buyout so our attendees will be entering an EMPTY PARK!” explains Michael Snell, co-owner of BestGayChicago.com. “The LGBTQ community, their family, friends and supporters can enjoy the park with shorter lines and without homophobic or bigotry from anyone. It’s like a Fall Pride Celebration!”
This event started in 2012, as an LGBTQ night. In 2015 there was a huge shift in the public’s opinion on Marriage Equality and Equal Rights. (Joe Biden says Will & Grace was a huge influencer for the shift in public opinion!) Friends and allies “came out of the closet” as the showing of support more than doubled. It is for this reason, we chose to change the theme to a Celebration of Diversity. People of any color, size, body type, gender, gender expression(s), and sexual orientation are all welcome. Bullies and Bigotry will not be tolerated.
It’s important to us that everyone—no matter who you are, how you identify, or where you’re from—feel comfortable and confident. Our message is simple: You are welcome here.
Singer, model, author SIR JET will do a meet and greet in the parking lot at 7pm, as we await the gates to open for the evening. Then he will perform live at 1:30am, at Charlie’s, the host of the Official After Party! 3726 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60613. $5 cover.
In an interview with ChicagoPride.com: “We are very excited that this private night for charity continues to grow every year and we have gifted over $40,000 to various groups,” said Derrick Sorles, Snell’s husband of 18 years and business partner,
“We are honored that some of our peers including GRAB Magazine, ChicagoPride.com as well as Our Lives Madison and QUEST Magazine in Wisconsin also help us by donating advertising space for this event! It’s truly a community event where everyone comes together for the greater good!” says Derrick Sorles.
Advance $42 tickets can be purchased NOW at www.CelebrateDiversityChicago.com
Attendees get FREE parking for this special event! September 5th the price goes up to $47.
$52 at the gate, IF AVAILABLE.
This event is capped at only 5,000 tickets, to ensure lines stay short for the rides.
Season Passes cannot be honored for special events. All ages event.
Drinks are available for purchase to those 21+
Cirque Du Soleil Luzia Inspired Mural in Chicago
Cirque du Soleil recently announced a partnership with Columbia College Chicago and the Wabash Arts Corridor (WAC) that will add a new public mural downtown in honor of the city’s Year of Public Art. Local artist Gloria “Gloe” Talamantes is creating the mural, commissioned by Cirque du Soleil and inspired by its highly acclaimed production LUZIA, currently playing a limited engagement in Chicago through Sept. 3.
The Cirque du Soleil-commissioned mural is an addition to WAC’s 40+ murals in the South Loop neighborhood. It will also kick off this year’s public art exhibition Street Level, which will unveil eight new murals that will be presented at street level and highlight a diverse range of artists at the local, national, and international level.
The mural was unveiled this week, on the western façade of Columbia’s 33 E. Congress Parkway.
“We are happy to give this artistic gift to Chicago for its Year of Public Art,” said Claudine Rivard, Company Manager of Cirque du Soleil’s LUZIA. “This is a way for Cirque du Soleil to thank the city and its residents for all of their support, not just for LUZIA, but for embracing our artists and crews for over 17 productions across 28 years.”
Having started as a troupe of street performance artists 33 years ago, Cirque du Soleil is always looking for ways to give back to the local communities it visits, either through its social action programs or through art. The LUZIA mural project in partnership with WAC and Talamantes will permanently add the signature joy and color of Cirque du Soleil to Chicago’s greatest concentration of street art.
“Chicago is one of the top destinations in the world for public art,” said DCASE Commissioner Mark Kelly. “It is fitting that acclaimed international arts organization Cirque du Soleil has commissioned one of Chicago’s own artists for the Year of Public Art. This new mural brings additional vibrancy to the growing Wabash Arts Corridor.”
“Chicago’s dedication to public art is deeply rooted in the city’s history,” said Neysa Page-Lieberman, WAC’s Chief Curator and the Executive Director of Columbia’s Department of Exhibitions and Performance Spaces. “Columbia and WAC continue the tradition each year in producing, supporting, and engaging Chicagoans and visitors with vital arts and programming. The scope of Chicago’s public art will flourish from the recognition and support by the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil.”
About the mural
Artist Gloria “Gloe” Talamantes’ style of work suits the project perfectly, and in creating the mural, she combines inspiration from LUZIA with her Mexican heritage.
“I created wispy butterfly wings that carry flowers adorned with motifs inspired by my roots and culture,” said Talamantes. “The design inspiration comes from my family heirlooms, carpetas tejidas, the delicate and intricate original crocheted designs of my grandmother and great grandmother. After watching some of LUZIA, I reflected on the massive red papel picado that was used in one of the scenes; it immediately made me think of the many designs that make up my grandma’s doilies.”
The dripping effect at the bottom of the mural is a direct reflection of the water scenes in LUZIA, the first Cirque du Soleil show to incorporate water into artistic and acrobatic scenes.
“I wanted to create a subtle resemblance to the water while keeping it connected to my graffiti roots,” said Talamantes. “Drips are common and often the most enjoyable parts of ink tags and natural spray paint abstracts when doing stylized letters. It is important for me to stay true to my Mexican and Graffiti culture, for the two have been an integral part of my life and visual art.”
About LUZIA by Cirque du Soleil
LUZIA takes you to an imaginary Mexico, like in a waking dream, where light (“luz” in Spanish) quenches the spirit and rain (“lluvia”) soothes the soul. In a series of grand visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances, LUZIA invites audiences to escape on a surrealistic journey through a sumptuous and vibrant world suspended somewhere between dreams and reality. Smoothly passing from an old movie set to the ocean to a smoky dance hall or an arid desert, LUZIA cleverly brings to the stage multiple places, faces and sounds of Mexico taken from both tradition and modernity. Rich in awe-inspiring moments, LUZIA enchants by incorporating rain into acrobatic and artistic scenes – a first for a Cirque du Soleil touring production.
LUZIA is Cirque du Soleil’s 38th original production since 1984, and its 17th show presented under the Big Top. The company has brought wonder and delight to more than 160 million spectators in more than 400 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has close to 4,000 employees, including 1,300 performing artists from close to 50 different countries.
FINAL DAYS!!
LUZIA is now playing in Chicago through Sept. 3, 2017, under the Big Top in the United Center parking lot. For show and ticket information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/luzia.
Follow #LUZIA and #cirquedusoleil on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Green City Market Saturday August 5th
COOKING WITH CHEF TONG!
expertise as he presents a cooking demonstration featuring locally
produced seasonal ingredients offered by the Green City Market
The demonstration is on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at 10:30 a.m.
between Clark and Stockton Drive (approximately 1817 N. Clark).
The story behind the Market….After visiting European sustainable farmer’s markets in 1998, Abby Mandel, chef, author, and entrepreneur, returned to Chicago determined to create a similar market in her own city. Green City Market was her brainchild and began as a small startup with nine local farmers in the crosswalk next to the Chicago Theatre. The Market quickly outgrew the location and moved to the south end of Lincoln Park where it currently operates May – October. In 2008, the Green City Market became year round, remaining open November-April, first in the Lincoln Park Zoo and now in The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
The message has come through loud and clear: Chicago wants and needs a year round farmers market and, most importantly, one that supports local farmers and sustainable agricultural practices. The Market continues to experience crowds of over 175,000 visitors per year. From that first year in 1998 next to the Chicago Theatre to the present time, Green City Market has morphed into Chicago’s most vital farmers market. Industry leader Alice Waters calls it “the best sustainable market in the country.”
Green City Market showcases sustainable practices and is proud to be the first farmers market in the country to require all of its farmers to be certified by a nationally recognized 3rd party agency. Our farmers preserve the land and their growing practices make Green City Market a vital food and environmental enterprise.
Green City Market’s incredible momentum comes from our broad base of support, including conscientious and caring farmers and producers, consumers, chefs, restaurateurs, and other culinary professionals. By supporting local artisan farmers and producers Green City Market increases the density of fresh, high-quality, locally produced food in Chicago, and provides the basis for a regional cuisine.
Northalsted Market Days 2017
Prince Poppycock
Northalsted Market Days Brings Bevy of Entertainment Options
The Northalsted Business Alliance brings a bevy of entertainment options to this year’s Market Days, set for August 12 and 13. The Boystown bash, known for its five stages of entertainment, features a veritable bazaar of shopping and food options in addition to the live music.
The sheer diversity in entertainment guarantees there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From national headliners like Jody Watley to local favorites, from cabaret style singers to funk and beyond, Market Days delivers on its reputation as a must-do fest in the Midwest.
Northalsted Business Alliance Executive Director Chad Honeycutt expands on the appeal of the festival. “To host one of the biggest and longest running festivals in Chicago in such a vibrant neighborhood, naturally draws people from all over the city, state, country and beyond. It’s truly a welcoming and wonderful weekend to experience a fantastic array of music and enjoy the area and all of our offerings.”
Northalsted Market Days/Saturday, Aug 12th
North Stage
1:30P-3:30PM Drag Show
345P-4:30PM Prince Poppycock
4:45PM-5:30PM Inaya Day
5:40PM-7:30PM Drag Show
7:45PM-8:30PM Linda Clifford
845P-930PM Jody Watley
Jody Watley
Steve Grand
7-11 Stage
1PM-2PM DJ
2PM-2:45PM Steve Grand
2:45PM-3:15PM DJ
3:15P-4PM TIFFANY
4PM-445PM DJ
445P-5:30PM Brian Justin Crumb
5:30-7PM DJ
7PM-7:45PM ROBYN S
7:45-9PM DJ
9PM-945PM Maxine Nightingale
Maxine Nightengale
Belmont Stage
2PM-3PM KC Ortiz
3PM-3:30PM DJ
3:30P-5PM Michael McBride & Friends
Michael McBride
5PM-5:30PM DJ
5:30P-7PM Wedding Banned
7PM-7:45PM DJ
745PM-945PM Satisfaction
Jazz Stage (Aldine)
130PM-3PM Joe Policastro Trio
330PM-5PM Whiskey & Cherries
530PM-730PM BMR4
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
NORTHALSTED MARKETDAYS 2017/Sunday, Aug 13th
Big Freedia
North Stage
115P-3PM Drag Show
3:15-4PM BIG FREEDIA
4-6PM Drag Show
615P-755PM Rod Tuffcurls
8PM-8:30PM DJ
835P-955PM Purple Xperience
Belmont Stage
130P-230PM Girl Power Night
2:30-3:15PM DJ
3:15PM-4PM Cece Peniston
Frenchie Davis
4:15-5PM Frenchie Davis
5-6PM DJ
6P-7:30PM Boy Band Review
7:30-8:15PM DJ
815PM-9:45PM Catfight
7-11 Stage
1:15PM-2PM Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus
2:15P-3:30PM Don’t Speak
3:30PM-4PM DJ X-Tasy
4P-515PMJC Brooks & the Uptown Sound
5:15PM-6PM DJ X-Tasy
6PM-720PM 10,000 Maniacs
7:20PM-7:50PM DJ X-Tasy
7:50P-9:50PM 16 Candles
Jazz Stage (Aldine)
130PM-3PM The Winchester Sound
330PM-5PM The Flat cats
About the Northalsted Business Alliance (NBA)
Formed in 1980, NBA represents more than 100 businesses along the Halsted Street corridor. The organization hosts major events throughout the year including Chicago Pride Fest, Pride Prom Northalsted Market Days, the Halloween Parade, Frost Fest and the Legacy Live Series. For information about NBA visit www.northalsted.com.
Chicago Pride Fest 2017
Chicago Pride Fest. Taylor Dayne, Thelma Houston, Kristine W. and many more are ready to take over the Chicago Pride Fest stage June 17-18! Held during National Pride Month, celebrates our achievements as a community in our annual two-day street festival leading up to Chicago’s world famous Pride Parade.
The non-stop entertainment features strings, queens and everything in-between.
Two main stages deliver a host of national and local talent. Well Strung brings the strings with their fuse of classic music meets pop blend, while Taylor Dayne delivers her iconic hits and local legends 16 Candles go retro. The DJ stage at Waveland pumps with dance ready beats, while the best divas in the business strut their stuff on the Kit Kat Runway.
Chicago Pride Fest (June 17-18)
11 am – 10 pm North Halsted from Addison to Grace $10 Suggested Donation
| Saturday, June 17 | ||
| North Stage | ||
| 12:30PM | Drag Show | |
| 2:30PM | Thelma Houston | |
| 3:30PM | Drag Show | |
| 5:30PM | Vassy | |
| 6:00PM | Drag Show | |
| 7:30PM | David Hernandez |
|
| 8:30PM | Taylor Dayne | |
| South Stage | ||
| 1:00PM | Gay Men’s Chorus | |
| 2:00PM | Catfight | |
| 4:00PM | One Night Band | |
| 6:00PM | Girl Power Band | |
| 8:00PM | Boy Band Review | |
| Sunday, June 18 | ||
| North Stage | ||
| 12:00PM | Pet Parade | |
| 12:30PM | Drag Show | |
| 2:30PM | Carlito Olivero |
|
| 3:30PM | Drag Show | |
| 5:30PM | Well Strung |
|
| 6:30PM | Pride Talent Show | |
| 8:00PM | Symon | |
| 8:30PM | Kristine W. | |
| South Stage | ||
| 1:00PM | Pet Parade | |
| 1:30PM | 2 the 9s | |
| 3:30PM | Rod Tuffcurls | |
| 6:00PM | Abba Salute |
|
| 7:30PM | 16 Candles | |
About the Northalsted Business Alliance (NBA)
Formed in 1980, NBA represents more than 100 businesses along the Halsted Street corridor. The organization hosts major events throughout the year including Chicago Pride Fest, Pride Prom Northalsted Market Days, the Halloween Parade, Frost Fest and the Legacy Live Series. For information about NBA visit www.northalsted.com.
National Margarita Day Feb 22
It’s going to be 68 degrees today in Chicago! What better excuse to dine al fresco on EL MARIACHI’S secluded patio and enjoy a MARGARITA?! (or 2 or 3).
BOTH Revolucion Steakhouse and El Mariachi will celebrate with $5 house margaritas PLUS some complimentary sampling!
Revolucion Steakhouse
3443 N. Broadway
Chicago, Il 60657
(773) 661-9893 Reserve Today! revolucionsteakhouse.com
El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill
3906 N.Broadway
Chicago, Il 60613
(773) 549-2932 Reserve Today! elmariachitequilabar.com
Northalsted Boystown Beer Fest Feb 25 26
Northalsted’s winter street festival takes place in our huge outdoor HEATED tent.
Featuring over 40 craft beers you will have the opportunity to sample your choice of 15 beers while dancing at this unique party!
2 different sessions are available.
For more information please visit:
www.northalsted.com/events/frost-fest/
The frosty fun continues on Sunday, February 26th at our 4th Annual Soup Walk presented by the Northalsted Business Alliance and the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce.
Taste great soups, from all over the area!
Chicago Santa Speedo Run Dec 3rd
ANNUAL CHICAGO SANTA SPEEDO RUN!!!
Saturday, December 3, 2016 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
LOCATION Sidetrack – 3349 N Halsted St
GET YOUR SANTA ON!
Better yet, take it off – when you run with us this December. The Santa Speedo Run – Boystown is more than an excuse to hang out your holiday decorations – it’s also a huge party that raises money for non-profits serving Chicago’s LGBTQ community. REGISTER TO RUN as an individual or as a team or MAKE A DONATION and become a part of the fun!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
On Saturday, December 3, 2016
12:00pm Sign-in and Registration @ Sidetrack
1:50pm We sing our very own Christmas Carol, “Jingle Balls!”
2:00pm 1-mile run through Boystown
2:30pm Awards, Entertainment and Door Prizes
2016 INCENTIVE LEVELS
- Raise $25, receive Santa’s Sack:
- The first 200 runners to register with a minimum donation of $25 will receive a Santa’s Sack that includes our logo t-shirt, our collectible Christmas ornament / bottle opener, plus coupons and discounts to our favorite local restaurants and businesses. You are not required to run.
- Raise $100, receive an entry in the Grand Prize Drawing – you will get an additional entry for each additional $100 you raise. We have over 20 gifts in this drawing that are each valued at $100 or more.
- Raise $300, receive the 2016 “Frosty The Snowman” Santa Speedo or Official Santa Hoodie
- Raise $1,000 or more and become eligible for a party at Sidetrack for you and 20 of your friends. A drawing with only those that reach the $1,000 goal will be held during the Santa Speedo Run and the winner will be announced live!
REGISTER TO RUN & MAKE A DONATION
Online registration is now open!
REGISTER a new Santa!
GIVE TO a Santa that is already registered!
Celebrate Diversity Sept. 10th, 2016
Just about 3 weeks away! The BIGGEST Private Diversity Celebration in the Midwest.
You + 4,999 other fun people enjoying SHORT LINES for rides! And raising money for charity! Just $41 (until September 5th) and FREE PARKING. Ride all your favorite rides in about 3 hours! If you have never been to a private event, you are missing out!
And we are SO EXCITED to have Todrick Hall! He is finishing up his STRAIGHT OUTTA OZ tour this month, he’s coming to our event to perform, then he is headed to Broadway! To star in Kinky Boots!
SEASON PASS holders always ask, “Can we use our Season Pass?” – I am sorry to say, NO. Six Flags hosts about 20 private events in the fall. They can not let Season Pass holders attend these private events. Season Passes are good for regular operating days only. You must buy the special $41 ticket to get in.
DON’T WANT TO DRIVE?
Bus Shuttles are handled By Charlies
CHARLIES BUS SHUTTLE $30 round trip – THESE ALWAYS SELL OUT- DON’T WAIT!!!
Reservations and pre payment must be made in person at Charlies, 3726 N Broadway St, no phone calls please.
Price includes drinks on the bus + Admission to Official After Party. Departs boystown 6pm.
Charlies will host the official party!
Check the Facebook Page for Updates
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!
COME CELEBRATE!
Chicago AIDS Run Walk 2016
GET THE SCOOP!
| August 13-14 | Market Days booth (details here) |
| September 9 | Want your race packet mailed? Then, this is your registration deadline. |
| September 14 | Team Supplies Order due. |
| September 22 | RSVP deadline for Team Packet Pickup – RSVP to runwalk@aidschicago.org |
| September 25 | Pre-registration Deadline |
| September 28 | Packet Pickup **RSVP REQUIRED FOR TEAM PICK UP** Email runwalk@aidschicago.org to RSVP |
| October 1 | AIDS RUN & WALK CHICAGO at Soldier Field |
Pre-Registration Fees – through 9/25/16
$30 Walker – online registration
$35 Walker – offline registration
$40 5K or 10K Runner – online registration
$45 5K or 10K Runner – offline registration
Note: An additional $7 charge will be added for those who choose to have their participant packet mailed prior to the race.
Race Day Registration Fee – 10/1/16
$60 Walkers, 5K and 10K Runners
Market Days Chicago 2016
Northalsted Market Days® is the largest outdoor street festival in the Midwest! Famous for its vast array of national talent, unique vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink, Northalsted Market Days® gathers a crowd of over 180,000 people from across the globe to celebrate right here on Halsted Street. Past performances include En Vogue, Jennifer Holliday, Lynda Carter, Salt n Pepa, Wilson Phillips and David Cassidy.
Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, Northalsted Market Days® is set to be the biggest and best it has ever been!
A $10 suggested donation helps keep our neighborhood safe, beautiful, and fun. Also benefiting from your donation is The Legacy Project, the worlds first outdoor museum, featuring LGBTQ icons throughout history, serving to tell their stories.
A Walking Play – NATURE
Here is something really unique and different, in Chicagoland for a limited time!
TigerLion Arts presents Nature, the mythic telling of Emerson and Thoreau’s mutual love affair with the natural world. Grounded in the story of their friendship, this virtuosic production offers a perspective on their lives that is strikingly relevant, richly complex, and yet utterly simple. Nature is performed outdoors as a “walking play.” A professional ensemble of actors takes the audience on a journey through the natural environment as scenes unfold around them. Bagpipes, ancient flutes, drums and rich choral arrangements are intricately woven into the experience.
Nature is an extraordinary, family-friendly journey that co-mingles story, spirit, and nature, as a means to reconnect its audience with the natural world. This original work is collaboratively created with writer/actor Tyson Forbes, a direct descendant of Ralph Waldo Emerson.
In today’s world, we are so estranged from our natural environment, and at TigerLion Arts, we feel that humankind must reconnect with nature in order to survive.
As oil spills into our oceans, as we race through our lives, as we look further and further outside ourselves for the answers, it is our hope that Nature can be a catalyst for our collective healing.
The 2016 tour of NATURE is currently making it’s stop at the 1,700 acre Morton Arboretum in Lisle – about 45 minutes west of Chicago.
Here through July 31st!
Thursdays through Sundays at 6:00 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m.
Thornhill Shelter at Parking Lot P21
How long is the show?
90 mins/No Intermission
Come early for a 30-minute pre-show performance that includes bagpiping and choral music to enjoy! If possible, plan your trip so you can spend some time on the grounds. Bring a picnic to enjoy before or after the show.
BUY TICKETS HERE!
More details about the show HERE!
Six Flags Private Night September 10
Out In The Park at Six Flags Great America
Returns in 2016 for Year 5!
A Private Night in the Park to Celebrate Diversity
Presented by MINI Cooper Chicago & Fireball
That Will Help Benefit TPAN’s Ride For Aids
Saturday, September 10th, 2016 from 7:30PM to 12AM
Singer, actor, director, choreographer and YouTuber TODRICK HALL performs live this for this year’s fifth annual Out In The Park Celebration of Diversity!
All night, attendees can follow the bass to the Hometown Square dance area where The DJ’s of SCARLET Bar Chicago/Honolulu, hostess Khloe and some dancers will keep the party jumping.
Out In The Park is an annual private diversity fundraising event featuring unlimited riding of ALL Six Flags Great America’s amazing THRILL rides (with much shorter than usual lines!) with a portion of all ticket sales each year help benefit various non-profits. “One of the best elements of this event is that it is closed to the general public and this year our event piggy-backs a daytime corporate buyout so our attendees will be entering an EMPTY PARK!” explains Michael Snell, co-owner of BestGayChicago.com. “The LGBTQ community, their family, friends and supporters can enjoy the park with little to short lines and without homophobic hassles from anyone. It’s like a Fall Gay Pride Celebration with even MORE amusement and entertainment!”
In an interview with ChicagoPride.com: “We are very excited that this private night for charity continues to grow every year and we have gifted over $35,000 to various groups,” said Derrick Sorles, Snell’s husband of 17 years and business partner, “We are more than thrilled that the amazing Todrick Hall has signed on to be with us this year. He is in the middle of his “Straight Outta Oz” tour and took a break to be with us and perform!”
“We are honored that some of our peers including GRAB Magazine, ChicagoPride.com and QUEST Magazine in Wisconsin also help us by donating advertising space for this event! It’s truly a community event where everyone comes together for the greater good!” says Derrick Sorles.
Advance $41 tickets can be purchased NOW at www.CelebrateDiversityChicago.com
Attendees get FREE parking for this special event! September 5th the price goes up to $46. $51 at the gate, IF AVAILABLE. This event is capped at only 5,000 tickets, to enure lines stay short for the rides. All ages event. Drinks are available for purchase to those 21+
Hotels –if you are coming to Chicago for the weekend, we have 3 hotel choices in the heart of Boystown! CITY SUITES, WILLOWS HOTEL and MAJESTIC HOTEL. All the hotels are on our website GaySixFlagsChicago.com
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.
Garden Chefs July 24th
JULY 24-CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN GARDEN CHEF SERIES
Chef Tong will appear again this year at the Garden Chef Series sponsored by the Colorado Tourism Board and Food Network Magazine.
Chef Tong will show how to make a delicious dish featuring Colorado bison.
Bison Steak with Ancho Chile Blueberry Sauce and Sweet Mashed Potatoes
Chef Chris will appear on Sunday, July 24, 2016 at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. in the
Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, Illinois.
Chef Tong will give tips on ingredients, and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste! Seating is limited and on a first-come, first served basis.
Admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden and Garden Chef Series is free.
For more information about this Garden Chef Series event and parking fees, please call 847.835.5440 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.
My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as ne of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining services.Trained in European-style fine cuisine, Chef Tong established his reputation at fine restaurants and hotels in Florida, California, and Chicago. Now he has adapted his impressive skillsto the world of private entertaining. My Private Chef offers enticing
cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.
Chef Chris says: “Every event is different and I’ve met some wonderful people including many celebrities. Being part of very special occasions makes my work worthwhile. I also love conducting cooking demonstrations where I get the feeling that audience members will go home and try some new
dishes!”
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
Kenosha Pride July 15-17
3 days of pride in Kenosha!
Join us for the best Kenosha Pride yet!
The Pride March will begin organizing at Library Park in downtown Kenosha. We will begin around Noon with the March stepping off around 12:30 PM.
The Pride Party will begin at 1:00 PM with music by DJ Lomax. Entertainment for the day will include comedians, drag performances, and a band. There will be a Children’s Area with face painting and a bounce house. The Pride Party will be at Harbor Park Parcel A, the green space across from Trolley Dogs Restaurant on 6th Ave and 55th St. Facebook page HERE.
Neverland Pool Party July 2
The Neverland Pool Party is back! One of the most unique summer parties in Chicago (the ONLY big LGBT dance party with a pool) returns for 4th of July weekend on SATURDAY, JULY 2nd. All-day party from noon-8pm with music by Neverland alum DJ JALIL Z (Miami). Deuce’s and the Diamond Club 3505 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60657
PRIVATE CABANAS: There are 8 private poolside cabanas. Purchase of a cabana comes with a premium bottle of Belvedere vodka & mixers, and admission for 4 people.
VIP POOLSIDE LOUNGE: There are 2 premium VIP poolside lounges; chic setups along the pool with sofas, a bottle of Belvedere vodka & mixers, and admission for 4 people.
**BEEFED-UP SOUND** provided by ILC, the masterminds behind Neverland’s Metro stage installations & lighting.
or Egoist Underwear (3526 N Halsted) has hard-copy tickets (no service fee) for $15 to the pool party.
Navy Pier LGBT Event June 25th
“Navy Pier Pride 2016” Celebration Salutes Chicago’s LGBT Community
Chicago’s first-ever family Pride celebration outside of Lakeview
takes place at Navy Pier on Saturday, June 25
WOW!!! THIS IS BIG NEWS!
As it marks its 100th anniversary, Navy Pier will make Chicago history as it proudly hosts “Navy Pier Pride 2016,” the city’s first LGBT Pride celebration outside of the Lakeview neighborhood. This family-friendly event features entertainment and events throughout the Pier on Saturday, June 25. As part of the celebration, and for the first time in 28 years, Navy Pier is especially honored to display Chicago-centric sections of the internationally renowned The NAMES Project’s AIDS Memorial Quilt. All events for “Navy Pier Pride 2016” are free and open to the public, as part of the Fifth Third Bank Centennial Celebration®.
As one of Chicago’s top cultural destinations, “Navy Pier Pride 2016” is one of Navy Pier’s new arts, cultural and community programming initiatives. In addition to a lively atmosphere and a pier adorned in rainbows, highlights of this special Pride day-long event will include (times are approximate):
Noon – About Face Theatre’s IT’S FOR REAL is a collection of stories that connects issues around race, class, sexuality, age, gender, self-esteem, and family. Based on the true experiences of the performers in the show.
· 1 p.m. – A kickoff parade, led by the Lakeside Pride Marching Band.
· 1:30 p.m. – Performances by the legendary MILLY’s ORCHID SHOW, featuring Brigid Murphy as “Milly” and with an entire cast of such celebrities as Yuri Lane (“The Harmonica Beatbox Man”) and introducing rising gay icon, his 8-year old daughter, Delilah Rose, along with Alexa Grae, Robert Cornelius (former member of the group, “Poi Dog Pondering”), House-O-Matic, and many others.
· 5 p.m. – “Chicago’s Biggest Wedding,” officiated by Angelica Ross (a leading figure in the movement for transgender and racial equality, and star of the hit series, “Her Story”). Make history with us and your loved one, as we hold a massive marriage ceremony on The Pier.
· 7 p.m. – For outdoor dancing, with the Chicago skyline as a backdrop, join house music superstar and Grammy Award-nominated producer, DJ RALPHI ROSARIO, in the Miller Lite Beer Garden.
· 10:15 p.m. –Guests will observe a moment of reflection to honor those lost in the tragic events in Orlando, followed by a celebration of life with a special Pride-themed fireworks spectacular.
Another historic and moving part of the day is the return of The NAMES Project’s AIDS Memorial Quilt. The much-celebrated Quilt began to take shape in 1987 with a single 3 x 6 foot panel created in San Francisco. Today, it weighs 54 tons and is composed of more than 48,000 individual panels, each one commemorating the life of someone who was lost to AIDS. In 1988, Navy Pier became one of the first venues nationally to put The Quilt on public display.
“Throughout its 100-year history, Navy Pier has led the way in demonstrating compassion and commitment, while celebrating diversity and inclusiveness. Welcoming people of all backgrounds is at the heart of Navy Pier’s core values. We are, truly, ‘the People’s Pier,’” said Marilynn Gardner, President and Chief Executive Officer for Navy Pier, Inc., the non-profit organization that operates Navy Pier. “We believe ‘Navy Pier Pride 2016’ will be an event that embraces the ideals of respect, tolerance, love, and inclusiveness.”
“Navy Pier Pride 2016” has been in the planning stages for months and is one of the initial projects as part of Navy Pier’s bold, new Arts & Discovery programming initiative. Leading the vision and direction of this 18-month Arts and Discovery strategic planning initiative is Navy Pier’s leadership team, consultants from Dickerson Global Advisors, as well as more than 100 Chicago non-profit arts and culture organizations. Navy Pier’s cultural and community programming is supported by the Polk Bros. Foundation.
Recently appointed Guest Artistic Director, Steve Abrams, brings creative leadership and vision to the first series of Arts and Discovery programs. The programs launch this summer as a pilot initiative. As a driving force in Chicago’s diverse cultural landscape for the last three decades, Abrams brings an innovative arts background to Navy Pier. His prior experience includes senior and executive leadership roles at Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the Harris Theater for Music and Dance at Millennium Park, and producing numerous theatrical productions.
For more details on “Navy Pier Pride 2016,” and the Fifth Third Bank Centennial Celebration®, please visit the Navy Pier website at www.navypier.com or the Navy Pier Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
About Navy Pier
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the top-attended leisure destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming more than 9 million guests annually. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more. In 2016, Navy Pier celebrates its 100th anniversary with a series of special events and programming, the grand opening of its new Centennial Wheel and ongoing pier-wide redevelopment efforts as part of the “Fifth Third Bank Centennial Celebration.” Navy Pier, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, maintains and oversees Navy Pier and its redevelopment into a bolder, greener and more contemporary urban space. For more information, visit our website at www.navypier.com.
Rooftop Pride June 24th
Center on Halsted presents TKO!
Start your Pride Parade weekend with community for Center on Halsted’s annual pride bash overlooking Halsted Street on the Richard M. Daley Roof Terrace. Jump in and groove to the killer sound of our dueling djs:
DJ Billy Brown vs. DJ Gemini Jones
Lady Bunny PERFORMS & OFFICIATES
$20 entry includes admission with two drinks, nibbles, and cash bar
PRICE
$20 entry includes admission with two drinks, nibbles, and cash bar
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Purchase tickets here: https://community.centeronhalsted.org/TKO
Experience Barefoot Walking!
