Category Archives: Special Events
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.
Cirques Volta – Final Days!
LAST CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE THE HIGH ENERGY AND ACROBATIC WONDERS OF ‘VOLTA’ IN CHICAGO!
Cirque du Soleil’s new Big Top production leaves
Soldier Field’s South Lot on Saturday, July 6
VOLTA, Cirque du Soleil’s newest Big Top production, has less than two weeks left at Soldier Field’s South Lot, 461 E. 18th Drive, with its final performance being held on Saturday, July 6, 2019. VOLTA is the 25th Cirque du Soleil production to visit Chicago and marks the 30th Anniversary of Cirque du Soleil’s first engagement here in 1989 (with Cirque Réinventé).
Cirque du Soleil’s commitment goes beyond the performance, as it aims to positively impact people, communities and the planet with its best assets: art and creativity. During its stay in Chicago, more than 500 VOLTA tickets were donated to eight local organizations geared towards at-risk youth, including Children First Funds, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago and Golden Key Youth Services, and a recent Pride Night performance donated 15% of ticket sales revenue to Equality Illinois.
Following the Chicago engagement, the VOLTA company of 50 acrobats, actors, singers and musicians—along with the 71 trucks transporting the 2,000 tons of equipment needed to set-up VOLTA’s tents and stage—will head to Tysons II in Washington, DC where they will perform a limited engagement under the Big Top from July 26 – September 8, 2019.
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, composted by Anthony Gonzalez from the international electronic group M83, 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.
SNEAK PEAK HERE!
Tickets for the remaining Chicago performances are available for purchase by visiting cirquedusoleil.com/volta or calling 1-877-9CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783). Discover the Hennessy Black VIP Experience packagewhich includes a cocktail reception with open bar and hors d’oeuvres inspired by the show, access to the best seats for greater comfort, complimentary parking, and more!
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.
Mothers Day Brunch with a Mexican Twist
This May 12th, treat Mom to something you know will make both of you smile: a delightful brunch or dinner with you!
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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
EASTER BRUNCH! With a Twist!
2 amazing choices for Brunch this weekend!
One of the best deals in town with an awesome menu!
Celebrate the end of lent by bringing in the whole family in for Easter and leave the Easter cooking to us this year!
Celebrate Easter with a delicious $25 Bottomless Mimosa Brunch done with a Mexican Twist at Revolucion Steakhouse or El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill.
Brunch includes free flowing mimosas and an entrée from our Brunch Menu.
Brunch will be available from 10 am to 3 pm
Or if you prefer to come in for dinner, we will be open from 3:30 pm – 10:00 pm.
Come on over, and don’t forget to make your reservations ahead of time to be seated right away.
Simply call the number below or click on the website to make your reservations online.
Happy Easter Everyone and we hope to see you soon Amigos!
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2 Big Dance Parties by Circuit Mom For Market Days
THE BIGGEST DANCE PARTIES OF THE SUMMER!
Market Days Weekend August 10 & 11th at Aragon Ballroom!
CircuitMOM returns with a weekend of massive dance parties starting with “Comic Book Hero” on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at the historic Aragon Ballroom with the dynamic DJ duo ROSABEL returning for their second year. Major venue improvements, more space for our guests, new bathrooms, location markers on the dance floor so you can find your friends and a ton of surprises are ready to go for 2019. Plus, this may be our last year for the “SuperHERO’ theme, so get those capes out and show them off!
With the amazing response we received in 2018 for the first “DRAMA” party on Market Days Sunday, we decided that we would keep the theme, but add more sass and more space for 2019.
We are very excited to bring you “DRAMA at the Disco” on Sunday, August 11, 2019. Not only are we bringing back superstar DJ/Producer Hector Fonseca, but we have invited DJ Suri (Spain) to come make his Chicago debut during Market Days. These two mega star DJ’s will be bringing you all the discoteque DRAMA, so be ready! More lights, lasers, and platform shoes than you can shake a polyester shirt at, we promise.
Last year, the DRAMA party sold out in record time and many out of town guests could not attend, so this year we are moving the Sunday night party to The Aragon Ballroom. We will be working overnight to transform the room from Saturday nights “Comic Book Hero” main event into a whole different space for our disco closing party on Sunday. The Aragon has more than tripled their bathroom spaces and added balcony seating and a whole new VIP entrance. We are adding balcony space for non-VIP guests this year in response to people’s requests for more room and a place to sit and recharge. Sunday night will look completely different.
Must be 21+
Get Your Weekend Pass Today!
Men’s Room Chicago. 3420 N Halsted
GA Weekend Pass: $150 (no additional fees)
No additional fees, however, purchases must be made in the store. No purchases can be made by phone. Cash or credit accepted. Tickets issued at time of purchase
Ticketmaster.com
Limited Quantities Available:
GA Weekend Pass: $121 ($146.29 including Ticketmaster fees)
VIP Weekend Pass: $201 ($233.99 including Ticketmaster fees)
Tickets issued at time of purchase
St Patricks Celebration Chicago- Mexican Style
Everything from green Mimosa’s to green Margarita’s!
2 days! 2 Restaurants!
The dyeing of the river will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 16 when the boats launch between Columbus and Wacker drives. After that, TIME TO EAT AND DRINK AND PARTY!
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Saturday & Sunday!
Saturday, March 16th doors open at 10 am for their amazing
Annual $25 Bottomless Green Mimosa Brunch!
Enjoy Unlimited Mimosas and an Entree from the Brunch Menu.
Brunch will be served from 10 am to 3 pm
All Day Specials:
$3 Bushmills Irish Whiskey Shots
$5 Green Clover Margaritas & $5 Green Mimosas
Then on Sunday, join us for a St. Patty’s Day Hangover Brunch!
Same Deal! Different Party!
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Chef Tong at Bloomingdales Home Store March 16
A favorite whenever he appears, Chef Chris Tong of the private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef returns to the Bloomingdale’s for a South American cooking demonstration.
Chef will prepare a mouthwatering menu and give tips about ingredients and serving. And, everyone will enjoy a taste of each dish.
Chef Chris will serve some of his favorite recipes:
Hearts of Palm, Avocado and Tomato salad, Lime-Cilantro dressing
Marinated Flank Steak, Chimichurri Sauce
Argentinian Potato salad
He will appear on Saturday, March 16 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store, Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Demo kitchen on 1.
For more information about this free Bloomingdale’s event, please call 312.324.7678
My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one 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 skills to 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
We hope to see you there!
Cooking with Wild Game Dec 4th with Chef Tong
Chef Tong Presents a Wild Game Menu
at Whole Foods Market, Lincoln Park
Are you “game” for some exotic and delicious tastes? Then you will love “Wild Game Night” with Chef Chris introducing you to exciting rarely served selections.
Chef’s Menu:
Appetizer: Quail Egg, Dill Cream Cheese, Salmon Caviar on Pumpernickel Bread
Entrée: Seared Bison Tenderloin, Blueberry Chili Ancho Sauce, Sweet Potato Croquettes and Haricots Verts
Dessert: Pomegranate and Lime Parfait
Chef will give you step-by-step directions and shopping tips, while answering all of your questions. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
His demonstration will be held on Tuesday, December 4 from 7-9:00pm. The cost is $25.00 per person. (BYOB if you would like!)
The cooking class is on the mezzanine level in the on-site cooking classroom at the Whole Foods Market in Lincoln Park,1550 North Kingsbury, Chicago.
Chef Tong’s classes are popular at Whole Foods Market so we suggest you sign up early to guarantee your place in the class.
To register for the class, call Whole Foods Market, Lincoln Park at 312.587.0648 or sign up at the Customer Service Desk. Credit card or cash payment will hold your place in the class.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
We hope to see you there!
World Of Chocolate event Nov 30th
Dishing Indulgence: Chicago’s Premier
World AIDS Day Event Returns
Annual Holiday Gala Raises Funds and HIV Awareness
for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) invites Chicagoans to the World of Chocolate gala, Chicago’s premier World AIDS Day event, on Friday, Nov. 30 at Revel Fulton Market. Guests will enjoy the delicious signature creations of chocolatiers and chefs from over 23 of Chicago’s hottest restaurants, hotels and bakeries competing to win the best sweet and savory bites, as well as craft cocktails, with a panel of celebrity judges selecting the night’s best conceptions.
In addition to sampling each establishment’s creation, guests will enjoy a light buffet, specialty craft cocktails, open bar, music, a raffle and punchboard with a diverse offering of spectacular prizes.
AFC will also be partnering with Walgreens Boots Alliance in an effort to make this an eco-friendly and zero waste to landfill evening by challenging participating
“Our guests expressed great excitement surrounding last year’s International Affair theme,” explained Edward Wagner, AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s Chief External Relations Officer. “Recognizing the global impact that HIV has had, the international community must continue working together to honor those we’ve lost, ensure those living with HIV thrive, and strive to create a world where new HIV cases are rare.”
In commemoration of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, this year’s signature celebration honors the local, national and international progress the HIV/AIDS community has made to end the epidemic. The movement has observed the Dec. 1 date as a global effort to increase public awareness, while promoting HIV related programming and dialogue. Launched in 1988, the global event followed an international summit among health leaders who saw the need for a larger discussion on HIV/AIDS in every country.
Funds raised through World of Chocolate support AFC’s work to end new cases of HIV in Chicago and beyond. Proceeds from the event will help AFC advance its mission, which includes:
· Supporting efforts to house more than 1,000 Chicagoans each year.
· Providing more than 5,000 clients with case management services.
· Training hundreds of medical professionals about PrEP.
· Empowering AFC to provide policy leadership in state and federal health equity matters
· Collaborating with people and partners across the state to achieve Getting to Zero Illinois, an ambitious plan to end new HIV transmissions in Illinois by 2030
Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, 6 to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Revel Fulton Market, 1215 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
TICKETS: For more information and to reserve tickets, call 312-334-0935 or visit chocolate.aidschicago.org
General Admission: $145 (includes one event ticket)
Red Ribbon Ticket: $245 (includes one event ticket, exclusive VIP entrance with a specialty cocktail, private bar and lounge access) – VIP Mile High Club Tix
Bittersweet Bliss Ticket Package: $900 (includes four event tickets, VIP access, name recognition on event website and electronic program)
Chocolate Ecstasy Ticket Package: $2,000 (includes ten event tickets, VIP access, name recognition on event website and electronic program)
About AFC
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago mobilizes communities to create equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and related chronic diseases. AFC envisions a world in which people living with HIV and related chronic diseases will thrive, and new HIV infections will be rare. Learn more at aidschicago.org.
EVIL DEAD – The Musical! Nov 2-11
Moraine Valley hosts
‘Evil Dead: The Musical’
“Camp” isn’t what it seems to be in “Evil Dead: The Musical,” playing in the Dorothy Menker Theater at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Nov 2 to 11.
The musical is an Academic Theater production performed by Moraine Valley students, alumni and returning cast members. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday performances are at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors and $10 for students with ID Please note this production is for mature audiences.
Follow five college students who travel to a cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash an evil force. Described as more of a comedy and farce than horror, the musical includes hilariously campy songs and depicts how “camp” takes on a whole new meaning.
Directed by Tommy Hensel, Fine and Performing Arts managing director, cast members include Moraine Valley students Ashlyn Wiebe, of Orland Park, as Cheryl; Samm Hilger, of Burbank, as Shelly; Joe Kata, of Crestwood, as Ed; John Kladis, of Palos Hills, as Scott; and Rose Stovicek, of LaGrange, as Fake Shemp.
Moraine Valley alumni performers include R.J. Cecott, of Hickory Hills, as Ash; and Sarah Triolo, of Minooka, as Linda. Cast members who performed in the same show at Moraine Valley nine years ago are Nikki Soriano, of Chicago, as Annie; and Jim LaPietra, of Berwyn, as Jake.
The performance is based on the book and lyrics by George Reinblatt, music by Frank Cipolla, Christopher Bond, Melissa Morris and George Reinblatt, music supervision by Cipolla, additional lyrics by Christopher Bond and additional music by Rob Daleman.
CHER Dancing Queen!
SEE THAT GIRL…
WATCH THAT GIRL…
SHE’S THE DANCING QUEEN!
She’s back! At 72 and going strong!
The one and only Cher will released Dancing Queen last week, a new album of all Abba hits by Warner Bros. Records.
The Oscar, Emmy and Grammy Award winning icon was inspired to record the album following her stunning performance in the recently-released mega-hit film, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
Commented Cher: “I’ve always liked Abba and saw the original Mamma Mia musical on Broadway three times. After filming Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, I was reminded again of what great and timeless songs they wrote and started thinking ‘why not do an album of their music?’ The songs were harder to sing than I imagined but I’m so happy with how the music came out. I’m really excited for people to hear it. It’s a perfect time.”
Dancing Queen was recorded and produced in London and Los Angeles with Cher‘s longtime collaborator Mark Taylor, who previously produced Cher‘s global smash “Believe” which was number one in over 50 countries. And it does not disappoint! I truly love the last song on CD I think the best, “One of Us”.
Cher is scheduled to be awarded a Kennedy Center Honor on December 2nd in Washington DC.
She is a co-producer of the The Cher Show, the upcoming Broadway musical opening on December 3rd ( we saw it in Chicago and LOVED IT!)
She is currently performing a residency at MGM Resorts. Get tickets HERE!
Cher will be in Chicago with the HERE WE GO AGAIN tour February 8th. Get Tickets NOW