Category Archives: Special Events
World of Chocolate AIDS Foundation Benefit
WORLD OF CHOCOLATE: The Sweetest Event of the Year
Annual Holiday Gala Benefit for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Indulge in a night of sweet and savory treats at the 13th annual World of Chocolate winter gala on Thursday, Dec. 4, presented by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) returning again this year at the historic Chicago Union Station. Arouse your senses with tasty morsels from 30 of Chicago’s finest chocolatiers, chefs and caterers.
AFC hosts this one-of-a-kind gala to commemorate World AIDS Day and celebrate the progress the HIV/AIDS community has made in ending the epidemic. This is one of my favorite events of the year and the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
From traditional truffles and white chocolate ganache to more savory delicacies like chicken in a chocolate mole sauce, guests will delight their taste buds with a wide array of chocolate-infused creations amid stylish decor. Celebrity judges will crown the night’s best creations. Attendees will also be treated to a light buffet, specialty cocktails, a raffle and punchboard with lavish prizes and music.
Funds raised through World of Chocolate support AFC’s policy, public education and community care programs.
World AIDS Day, observed on Dec. 1, is a worldwide effort to increase public awareness about the epidemic. It encourages support and programming to prevent the spread of HIV. The movement originated in 1988, when an international summit of health leaders called for a greater exchange of information on HIV/AIDS in every country around the globe.
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Chicago Union Station, 500 West Jackson Blvd.
TICKETS: For more information and to reserve tickets, call 312-334-0935 or visit http://www.aidschicago.org/chocolate/.
Limo and Transportation Services
A-List/Midwest Limousine Service.
They will find the perfect vehicle for that special occasion. A-List/Midwest Limousine Service has put together special VIP packages for you. Book your personal, premium limousine in over 500 locations worldwide, irrespective of whether you need a limousine in CHICAGO, but also New York,California, or overseas.
As well as a first-class, customized service, you and your guests will be provided with an experienced and reliable chauffeur for use around the clock. This chauffeur service is able to reliably coordinate a schedule or route change even if at the last minute, thus saving time, and bringing you, the customer, to your destination punctually.
In renting a limousine from us, you open up a world of possibilities. Our special event service will safely transport you and your business partners in luxurious mini-vans and coaches to trade shows, conventions and festivals. For special occasions like weddings or gala dinners, your luxury stretch limousine wedding car is ready for you from the same category. Of course the excellent chauffeur service is also provided to you by the A-List/Midwest Limousine Service.
Outstanding vehicles from Lincoln MKT, Mercedes, Audi, BMW and Chrysler offer the desired luxury you deserve as a business traveler or celebrity. The A-List/Midwest Limousine Service allows you to experience an uncomplicated but sophisticated way of renting a limousine across the globe – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Reservation Phone: 800-729-5110
Chicago House Speakers Luncheon October 15th
6th Anniversary Speaker Series Luncheon
Wednesday, October 15th from 11:30am – 2:00pm
Hilton Chicago | Grand Ballroom | 720 S. Michigan Avenue
Featuring:
Laverne Cox (Orange Is The New Black Actress)
Jason Collins (NBA Player)
Dustin Lance Black (MILK Screenwriter)
Buy Tickets at www.chicagohouse.org
Spearheading a much-needed conversation about race, gender identity, class and solidarity, they will all be joined with remarks by Chicago House CEO Stan Sloan during this much anticipated and inspirational afternoon!
Chicago House Speakers Series Oct. 15th
Please join us for the Inspirational Event of the season!
The Chicago House
6th Anniversary Speaker Series Luncheon
Wednesday, October 15th from 11:30am – 2:00pm
Hilton Chicago | Grand Ballroom | 720 S. Michigan Avenue
Featuring:
Laverne Cox (Orange Is The New Black Actress)
Jason Collins (NBA Player)
Dustin Lance Black (MILK Screenwriter)
Buy Tickets at www.chicagohouse.org
Spearheading a much-needed conversation about race, gender identity, class and solidarity, they will all be joined with remarks by Chicago House CEO Stan Sloan during this much anticipated and inspirational afternoon!
Led by Co-Chairs Chicago House Trustee Todd Hamilton of Bolder Capital and the founders of Global Act, a nonprofit agency committed to accelerating “understanding, ideas, partnerships, and activities to solve pressing issues,” guests will enjoy a three-course lunch in the Chicago Hilton’s beautiful Grand Ballroom. The event, now in its sixth year, expects nearly 1,000 attendees, and will kick off with a VIP reception, followed by a lunch presentation and panel discussion featuring Cox, Collins and Black.
“This event is the follow up answer to the question of, ‘How can you possibly rival Hillary Clinton as your speaker last September?’” says CEO Rev. Stan Sloan. “Our answer is to have a conversation that the whole nation should be having about poverty, gender identity, race and solidarity. It is very exciting for us to feature the insights and perspectives of Laverne Cox as a black transgender woman as well as other nationally known voices like Jason Collins and Dustin Lance Black!”
Buy Tickets at www.chicagohouse.org
AIDS Foundation Chicago Walk Run Sept. 14th
PRE-REGISTRATION ENDS TOMORROW on September 3 for the 2014 AIDS Run/Walk Chicago!
Sign up to join our community of passionate individuals and partner organizations gathering to support vital services for those living with HIV/AIDS in the Chicagoland area!
www.aidsrunwalk.org
Gay Bowling Comes to Naperville
Out Bowling is a LGBTQ and Ally bowling league that seeks to bring together the west suburbs of Chicago through fun times, good music, and sportsmanship.
This is perfect, for anyone 18 years and up, to enjoy a night out without having to go downtown Chicago or shuffle through a busy nightclub. Official code of conduct will be developed soon but this is meant to be a safe place for ALL LGBTQ and allies.
Don’t be afraid to sign up as a single bowler!! Teams are made up of two but we can find you a teammate for the season! How easy is that for meeting people?
Your best friend want to come but doesn’t want to bowl? We have plenty of seating behind all the lanes for everyone to sit in on the fun!
That can’t be very fun you say? Well every Thursday night we have karaoke in our full service bar! While you are bowling for that 300 your friends can be singing away! Don’t worry, you won’t miss out on the fun! Karaoke keeps going all night!
Please be sure to join the Facebook group or message if you have any questions regarding sign up or otherwise.
Heatwave Party at Key Lime Cove
HEATWAVE CHICAGO Passport to Paradise
Saturday, November 15th, 2014 thru Sunday, November 16th, 2014
Imagine 24-Hours of PRIVATE LGBT Paradise at
Key Lime Cove INDOOR Water Park Resort
From the producers of Six Flags Great America and Six Flags St. Louis’ OUT IN THE PARK, comes this very exciting event. “We’re taking over Key Lime Cove’s Indoor Waterpark Resort, for 24 hours!” says Derrick Sorles of BestGayChicago.com.
“A party like this has never been done before where you check-in and never have to leave the property the entire time! And just like our OUT IN THE PARK events at Six Flags, this will be a totally private event and it will benefit a local charity.”
- 414 Resort-Style Key West Guest Rooms and LUXE Suites
- (As of July 20th, HALF of the rooms have been sold!!!)
- Seven Room/Suite Options Sleeping/Connecting 2 to 12 Or More Guests
- 12-Hour INDOOR Water Park Dance Party Admission Included In Your Room Price
- 5 Amazing DJ Sets and Poolside Dance Party from 3PM – 3AM
- 45 Minutes Away from Chicago, Across From Six Flags Great America in Gurnee Illinois
- 65,000 Square Feet of INDOOR Water Park FUN – Always tropically-inspired, 84 degrees and Humid
- 10,000 Square Foot State-Of-The-Art Gaming Arcade
- Restaurants, Bars, Confectionery Center, Convenience Store, Souvenirs EVERYTHING A Guest Needs
- Party Packages As Low As $95 Per Person (includes accommodations and ticket to waterpark dance party!)
- 21 and over only BOOK BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!
DILF at SoFo Saturday July 5th
Hot Men. Hot weather.
Summer is here!
The SoFo Tap brings you DILF, the First Saturday of every month, 9 pm to 3 am. And things are really HEATING UP this Saturday, JULY 5th!
There’s only place to be this holiday weekend: DILF. Yankee Dilfy Daddy!
Host/DADDYMASTER Jinx Titanic returns from his vacation on Tatooine to host the hottest DILF yet. Jinx and his boys will all be decked out in full patriotic regalia. Music, as always, by DJ Moose.
And check this out – to further HEAT things up….HEATWAVE is the new private party from the producers of OUT IN THE PARK @ SIX FLAGS. At this weeks DILF event the Heatwave folks will be handing out free raffle tickets for some Heatwave giveaways like swimsuits and other things. And they will be offering DILF attendees who book a room, 1 free Brunch Ticket with your booking ($30 value).
In case you have never been (really?) It’s is the party to be at in Chicago for MEN over 35 and the men who want them!
DJ Moose providing the rockin’ tunes and the Patio and bar will be hopping.
at The SoFo Tap, 4923 N. Clark Street 773-784-SOFO
Chicago House Birdhouse and Art Auction June 26
Co-Chairs, Jerry Sanfilippo, Spyros Petros, Denise Antonucci, Erik Retzer and Jim Josephson,
Invite you to join us, Thursday, June 26th, 2014, from 6pm -9pm, for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on artwork and birdhouses from the city’s most unique designers!
Functional birdhouses, funky art, and auction pieces for any shopper! Each year, Chicago House celebrates Pride with their famous Birdhouse Art Auction, where unique birdhouses and funky artwork are auctioned to benefit those living with HIV or AIDS.
Located at Room & Board’s gorgeous downtown store, guests are invited to toast to the summer season with delicious drinks and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on artwork and birdhouses from the city’s most unique designers. See photos from the 2013 Birdhouse Art Auction!
GET TICKETS NOW!
NEVERLAND Presents We Love Brazil at Hydrate May 2
After a SOLD OUT “Queen of Hearts” party that hit capacity early in the night, we are energized and ready to kick some ass on Friday, May 2nd, with WE LOVE BRASIL: A Carnaval extravaganza. Samba, feathers, headdresses, body–all the things that make Brazilian carnaval so sexy and desirable. In celebration of our special theme, we’re flying in the “2013 Best Brazilian Music Producer in the International Scene” DJ Sound Award winner MARCOS CARNAVAL. Marcos is a truly international DJ, who has held a residency at Pacha in NYC and was the first Brazilian DJ to hold a residency in Ibiza.
Miss Continental 2012-13 Sasha Colby will be delivering big showgirl late-night performances. This will be her Neverland debut.
PHOTOS FROM THE LAST NEVERLAND PARTY by Jennifer Catherine
TWO HUGE EVENTS IN ONE!–The night kicks off at 9:30pm with Drag Carnage Carnaval with an all-star showgirl cast. At 11:30pm the Neverland dance party begins, with an opening set by Alex-q and live drums by Mo Kabre.
Hosted by Kim Chi, Shea Coulee, and Eddie Couture
PRE-SALE $15 / DOOR $20—LAST NEVERLAND SOLD OUT!!!
GET PRE-SALE TO ENSURE YOU GET INTO THE PARTY.
Hydrate 3458 N Halsted St
Howard Brown Town Hall Meetings on Health Issues
Howard Brown Health Center (HBHC) invites community members to participate in a series of town-hall meetings to discuss the health and wellness needs of Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ community. The sessions are part of HBHC’s community needs assessment, conducted every five years to gauge health-related concerns for HBHC’s patient populations.
“Respondents to the 2012 LGBT Community Needs Assessment overwhelmingly identified affordable health services and care as their leading concern,” said David Ernesto Munar, President and CEO. “Our series is designed to dig deeper in order to better understand the community assets and barriers affecting the health of people in our community.”
HBHC will rely on the community needs assessment for planning and quality improvement initiatives. Input from the meetings will be shared widely to spur public awareness and support for LGBTQ health promotion activities.
Sessions will be held at HBHC’s Brown Elephant in Lakeview at 3651 N. Halsted, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:
Monday, May 12: LGBTQ Older Adults
Facilitators: Medical Director Magda Houlberg, MD and Cecilia Hardacker, Manager of Geriatric Education
Monday, May 19: Lesbians, Bisexual and Queer Women
Facilitators: Betsy Rubinstein, Manager of Lesbian Community Care Project, and Michelle Wetzel, Sr. Vice President for Policy, Strategy and Business Development
Monday, June 2: Gay, Bisexual & Queer Men
Facilitators: Staff Physician Alfred Torrence, MD and Serette King, Health Educator
Monday, June 9: Transgender Individuals
Facilitators: Blue, Program Manager of the Transgender Women of Color Project, and Taylor Casey, Manager of Transgender Health
Monday, June 16: LGBTQ Youth Under 24
Facilitators: Imani Rupert, Director of HBHC’s Broadway Youth Center, and Kristin Keglovitz, PA, Director of Clinical Operations
Interested participants who cannot attend in person can join the discussion virtually on Twitter with the hashtag #HBHCTownHalls.
Gerber Hart LGBT Library book sale Saturday April 26 – 27
Hundreds of boxes, thousands of books have been donated to Gerber/Hart making this year’s book sale bigger and better than ever! Hardcover books are $2 and paperbacks are $1 and everyone is invited to bring shopping bags and friends and have a blast!
We will have LGBT and non-LGBT books of all genres (including: Anthropology & Sociology, Art, Bisexuality, Business, Children’s Literature, Drama, Fiction, Food, Foreign Language, Gardening, Gay, Gay Fiction, Gay Art, Gay, Gender, Health & Fitness, Heterosexuality, Humor, Lesbian, Lesbian Fiction, LGBT Non-Fiction, Male Erotica, Math & Science, Music / CD / Vinyl, Odds & Ends, Pets, Philosophy, Poetry, Politics, Reference, Religion, Science Fiction, Self-Help, Sexuality, Youth Non-Fiction, videos and music, and even a few book cases for sale.
Chicago House will be on site Saturday, April 26, from 12pm-6pm to provide book sale attendees an opportunity to receive a free rapid HIV test.
Free parking is available in the lot adjacent to the 6500 North Clark Street bulding. Bus routes #36 Broadway and #151 Sheridan start and end at the turnaround across the street. The #36 Clark Street bus going north stops directly across the street, the #36 going south stops in front of the police station next to Gerber/Hart.
My Private Chef of Chicago – Bloomingdales Event April 19th
Get a Taste of Spring with Chef Tong at Bloomingdale’s Home and Furniture Store
Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store is celebrating the approaching warm weather.
In anticipation of Spring, Bloomingdale’s welcomes Chef Christopher Tong to demonstrate the preparation of a savory Spring menu.
A favorite with Bloomingdale’s shoppers, Chef Tong will prepare a Spring focused menu featuring:
Cold Cucumber Soup with fresh Dill
Herb-Marinated Chicken Breast, Orzo Pasta Primavera tossed with Arugula Pesto
Strawberries marinated with Balsamic Vinegar, fresh Mint and ground Pepper.
The demonstration will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2014 from 2-4 p.m. at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago.
For more information about this Bloomingdale’s event, contact 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
St Baldricks Benefit at Scarlet bar March 27
Vanite’ Paul Mitchell Focus Salon is hosting a benefit at Scarlet on MARCH 27th, from 7-9PM. Kettle One & Nolet’s Gin will be providing cocktails for 2HRS & My Fit Foods will be providing “Cancer fighting foods” for the event.
This is a fundraiser for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation—proceeds to benefit cancer research, development and services for children in Chicago.
Tickets are $30 per person – – Tickets are available here
Audio Archaeology offers Vintage Records, Nostalgia and Vinyl Lifestyle
This place is way cool! If you like nostalgia, vinyl, cool bar sets, consoles, vintage furniture and some local artwork, this store is a treasure at 1324 W. Devon.
Repurpose. Refurbish. Revinylize.
“Records represent more than just a superior sound; they’re a little bit of nostalgia – in the richness of the music, the style of the album design, even the smell of the vinyl. It’s the tangible feel as you stack albums on a changer, and pause to flip to the B-side.” explains owner John Arnsdorff of his new store Audio Archaeology.
“As a child, I combed thrift shops for 78 records, and took tube radios apart so see how they worked. Audio Archaeology is the culmination of a lifetime of collecting, decorating and tinkering.
If you have an idea for a unique system, or if you’re looking for something classic, we can help. From Mid-Century Modern consoles or Bakelite Portable Record Players to Contemporarily-styled Systems and Component Turntables, we have something for every purpose. We offer a full line of Crosley record players, for a new take on classic styles.”
Owner Arnsdorff, with friend and Marketing Director Nick Kuttin ( aka Nikutn ) have created something very special here.
“I’ve been an antique collector pretty much my whole life and I’ve always had a thing for archaic technology and also for music and really started getting back into vinyl the last few years,” said Arnsdorff. “I love the sound, especially of the older systems. The things they’re making today, there are some you can find that are high-end audiophile, but most of it’s kind of pedestrian. I’ve enjoyed finding things, fixing them up, refurbishing them.” – (Taken from Windy City interview HERE).
PLUS they plan to feature an artist every month. This months event takes place this Saturday, March 22nd from 7-11pm. Sean Walker.
There’s more to a ‘vinyl lifestyle’ than just music! Check out the awesome home accessories and gifts, sure to compliment a modern, classic style.
SHOP LOCAL!
Forget the Polar Vortex! HEATWAVE on Sale January 29th!
The party EVERYONE is talking about! HEATWAVE 2014!
Gay Chicago Just Got Hotter!
HEATWAVE Chicago 2014
Your Passport to 24 Hours of Tropical Paradise!
Imagine 24 hours of PRIVATE LGBT Paradise at Key Lime Cove INDOOR Water Park Resort where it is always 86 degrees and humid-add 2,000+ adults (21 + over) in swimsuits and underwear….. It’s going to be insane Fun! Booking starts 12:00 NOON on Wednesday,JANUARY 29th!
From the producers of OUT IN THE PARK @ SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA comes a brand new event! Be a part of the country’s first-ever 24-hour PRIVATE LGBT Indoor Poolside Dance Party and Water Park Celebration Benefiting Chicago Gay Mens Chorus!
The event will be Saturday, November 15th, 2014 (This will sell out much earlier!) Party Packages As Low As $85 Per Person includes ROOM + PARTY TICKETS!
Booking starts 12:00 NOON on Wednesday,JANUARY 29th!
Your reservation is paid in full at the time of booking, since this is a private party buy out. No refunds. However, you can re-sell your reservation and have it transferred, if need be.
• 414 Resort-Style Key West Guest Rooms and LUXE Suites
• Seven Room/Suite Options Sleeping/Connecting 2 to 12 Or More Guests
• 12-Hour Indoor Water Park Dance Party Admission Included In Your Room Price
• 4 Amazing DJ Sets from 3PM – 3AM
• 45 Minutes Away from Chicago, 45 minutes from Milwaukee, Across From Six Flags Great America in Gurnee Illinois
• 65,000 Square Feet of INDOOR Water Park FUN – Always tropically-inspired, 86 degrees and Humid
• 10,000 Square Foot State-Of-The-Art Gaming Arcade
• Restaurants, Bars, Confectionery Center, Convenience Store, Souvenirs EVERYTHING A Guest Needs for a 24-hour stay!
Open HEATWAVE Reservations Begin Wednesday, January 29th, 2014 at NOON to the general public. 1-877-360-0403 MUST SAY CODE “HEATWAVE” to have access to the event. (However, TONIGHT, Tuesday Jan. 28th, Scarlet will host a pre -sell event! Stop by from 7-9pm and find out more!)
Heatwave on Facebook
Brought to you by BestGayChicago.com and Red Bull!
Along with Scarlet Bar CREAM chicago and Ramsey Jay Prince Designs
room layouts ….
CREAM CHICAGO – The Monday Night Hot Spot
Lots of drinks specials including a brand new $5 martini list. More than 20! Ranging from Pop Champagne, The Marilyn, to Root Beer Russian and Purple Rain. LOTS of shots as well. Fruit Loop Vodka, Rumchata and Fireball, and more. The specialty drink menu is huge – something for everyone.
OUT IN THE PARK raises $11,000 for Chicago House
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! To so many people who were involved in making Out in the Park at Six flags Great America 2013 a huge success. BestGayChicago.com alone, could not make this event happen without the help and support from our peers. Our media sponsors Stacy Bridges and Mark Nagle from GRAB Magazine, Mark Mariucci from QUEST Magazine in Wisconsin, Bill Pritchard and the staff of ChicagoPride.com and the staff of Zona Rosa Magazine all donated thousands of dollars in advertising, well exceeding our expectations and everyone really pitched in and went above and beyond! And a huge thanks to Mini Cooper of Chicago, our co-producer.
We always say, It takes a village to pull this off. This is not the Michael and Derrick BestGayChicago.com show. It’s a community effort coming together for the greater good. And an All Inclusive event. Almost 5,000 people came out this year to support the event and were so grateful. Six Flags Great America is willing to give our community an entire private Sunday 11am to 6pm but we have to deliver 10,000 attendees-we will get to that point-we’re determined to make it happen, that is the end all goal and feel our community is ready to support an all day private event.
We all need to find our own ways to serve; our own ways to give back. Our business on its own cannot write a big check to charity. However, we have a sizable network within our business, the relationship resources, strong partners and advocates, and ideas to collaborate and bring the community together – and all help write this year’s check, for almost $11,000!! This check is not from BestGayChicago.com – it’s from the ENTIRE community. We were just the instruments to help make it all happen.
Thanks to Jess Godwin and Isaiah Grass for their super live vocal performances. Teri Yaki, Debbie Fox and Cyon Flare all helped entertain the crowds. DJ Matthew Harvat always delivers a great evening of music and this year Scarlet’s Scotty T and Team Scarlet got the evening off and running with a bang. Walgreens helped spread the word this year through many of their stores. Scarlet, Taverna 750, Charlies and Lucky Horseshoe also helped with promotions and support.
Thank you to all of the volunteers and brand ambassadors who helped us spread the word. And most of all – thank you to YOU WHO BOUGHT THE TICKETS and came out and had a great time!
It is a huge risk to orchestrate an outdoor event a year in advance in the Midwest. Thankfully, we had a gorgeous Fall day. Kohls had bought out the park for the next day for employees and their families, the temperature dropped dramatically and it rained and rained hard most of the day. How lucky we were that was not our day this year, we would have been very negatively affected.
Six Flags Great America also did an amazing job of emptying the park in a record 45 minutes. They closed to the general public at 7pm and were able to allow us to begin entering at 7:45pm into an EMPTY park.
We will be doing a similar Gay Days party at Six Flags St. Louis on a Saturday night, June 7, 2014 and we’ll be back to Gurnee next September on a Saturday night for Out In The Park 2014 as well. And we have one more AMAZING party event in the planning stages for 2014, a private, charity-based, Water Park, 12-hour Saturday Night Dance Party in late Winter/early Spring unlike anything the Midwest has ever been able to enjoy before….stay tuned for all the details.
Friend us, Follow us, LIKE us – to get all of the updates as they happen.
Michael Snell
Derrick Sorles
BestGayChicago.com
Chicago Fire LGBT Event Saturday September 28th
The Fire will be selling two ticket packages with a portion of the
proceeds going to benefit Equality Illinois and the fight for marriage
equality.
TICKET INFO:
$20 Corner Kick ticket
$32 Corner Kick ticket + Coach bus transportation
The event will include a pre-game tailgate and concert featuring Jess Godwin and Isaiah Grass in north end parking lot.
OUT IN THE PARK September 14th, 2013. Don’t Be Left Without a Ticket
