Category Archives: Summer Fun
Best Underwear and Swimsuits for Men in Chicago is at EGOIST
The beaches in Chicago officially open this weekend…but I am not sure if the weather is going to cooperate! This is Chicago, after all. Regardless, beach season is upon us and do you have a fabulous new swimsuit to wear to Hollywood beach??
EGOIST Underwear has ALL OF MY FAVORITE brands of underwear and now has lots of hot new styles of swimsuits in stock!
Egoist Underwear offers you the finest, coolest premium male underwear from all over the world. MANY BRANDS you will find NOWHERE else! And it’s more than underwear. Cool tanks and t’s plus an amazing collection of swimsuits making it THE BEST of GAY CHICAGO!
“We think that underwear says a lot about the owner’s personality. That is why on our shelves you will find a great selection of one tone classic underwear as well as a large range of colorful, sexy prints with edgy graphics and eye-catching styles. Egoist Underwear gives you the opportunity to touch and see the products yourself instead of having to choose from a picture only. After all, this is your package we are talking about!
Egoist Underwear offers a wide selection of men’s underwear (bikini, brief, pouch, boxer brief, long boxer brief, g-string, jock strap, thong and mesh), men’s enhancing underwear, men’s swimwear (board shorts, boy shorts, square cuts, bikinis, euro cut trunks and Brazilian cut trunks) as well as short and long sleeve t-shirts, v-necks, tank tops, shorts, designer sleepwear and accessories. We specialize in brands that cannot be found at department stores and shopping malls. At our boutique, you will find eco-friendly products, like underwear by Obviously, and exclusive brands that you will not find anywhere else in Chicago, like Cocksox and 2eros (Australia), Skmpeez (Canada), Gigo (Colombia) or XTG (Spain). “
Personally, I have never been a fan of the knee length board shorts! I wanna see what he’s got, OK? And at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week this year they actually discussed fashion trends in mens swimsuits for this year. I know what you’re thinking: there are no fashion trends in men’s swimsuits. But this year, there is ONE; Men will show more leg this year.
Aside from a strong showing of retro-looking swim trunks, board shorts are rising to volleyball short length (according to that old adage about hemlines and the economy, this should herald a recovery from The Great Recession).
The fashion-forward customer will quickly embrace the thigh-grazing looks as soon as they hit store shelves this month. Already slimmer silhouettes are quietly replacing the baggier below-the-knee styles in retail…well, on-the-trend retail.
Also look for: Americana plaids; solids with color blocking; neon hues; glossy finishes and vintage prints.
SYLVESTER, the owner of EGOIST says, “we’ve been selling lots of square cuts and trunks and right now selection of those is the biggest in my store. Hot this season are the Brazilian style trunks with no pouch – Skmpeez offers them too. Plaid is big, as usual. As far as brands go, Skmpeez and Pistol Pete rule!”
When it comes to gay men’s underwear and swimwear – there are only two requirements–they have to look great and they have to make you look great. Today’s fashion undergarments come in more styles, colors and patterns than you can possibly imagine, and that’s exactly what you need to show off your stuff. There’s a lot of competition on the gay scene, and you can’t afford to let your goods fade into the background.
Egoist Underwear is located at 3706 N Halsted St, Chicago IL 60613.
You can also shop and buy online.
From Australia to Chicago! Only at Egoist.
Male premium underwear & swimwear in Chicago. Andrew Christian, Timoteo, Cocksox, Pistol Pete, 2(x)ist, XTG, N2N, Gigo, Mundo Unico, 2eros, Joe Snyder, Obviously, Baskit, Ajaxx63, LASC and Good Devil. Sizes XS to 3XL.
BestGayChicago.com
Cocktail Bar Chicago Celebrates 15 years! And Patio Opening
The temps are on the rise and
patios across the city are opening!
There is nothing like sitting outside dining
and sipping cocktails in Chicago summer!
Cocktail introduced us to The Gardens at the end of last season, and even though we could dine in all winter, it is with great anticipation they bring back their beautiful outdoor space, in just a couple weeks!
The gardens are lined with lush green box hedges, furnished by Chicago’s own Orange Skin you will find our Jasper Morrison Furniture as comfortable as Air! Plenty of golden shaded seating under the posh cover of our distinctive Veuve Clicquot umbrellas.
Join your host geNo & the Cocktail Family as they celebrate 15 years!
The Return of the gardens! Outside Dinning.
DJ’s Freddie Bain, Uncle Milty, Sadie Woods, Psycho Bitch & Carla Starla
Plus Sexy Go Go Boys Dancing up a Storm.
Cocktail Bar and the gardens Cocktail on Facebook
bestgaychicago.com
Ellen DeGeneres to do The Ride for AIDS Chicago
Someone on
Facebook revived BETTY WHITE’S CAREER
for Gods sake! This is the power of the people in the 21st century!
Local entrepreneurs and fundraisers Jason Mora and Michael Ross Steffen are once again doing the Chicago Ride For AIDS this year. And this year, they are asking out and proud lesbian ELLEN DEGENERES to join their team!
Through a Facebook campaign, you can join in the fun! ELLEN RIDE FOR AIDS .
Come on ELLEN! Come to Chicago and Ride with us!
Best Gay Chicago.com
The Perfect Valentines Gift….Merlot & Massage Yacht Cruise in Chicago
Ah, February in Chicago.
What can we say?
Seems like every February
we get a snow storm!
But this year, WOW!
Snow or no snow,
Valentines Day is just
about a week away!
What are you going to give this year that is not ordinary?
Want something new and different and unexpected? We have good news! We’re here to save you grief and worry this year as you wonder what special treats you can come up with for your Valentine.
This is different….and fun….and something you probably haven’t given before. Plus, it’s affordable and will work for almost anyone, as a great gift idea.
Instead of the usual candy, flowers, jewelry (OK, jewelry is ALWAYS good), this year give your special someone a yacht cruise. Not just any cruise… but a Merlot & Massage Cruise.
2-1/2 hours of pure bliss aboard a private luxury yacht, cruising Lake Michigan. Scrumptious light buffet. (Sample of Captain’s Delight Menu: Spirit Ciabattini Sandwich Platter with a gourmet assortment of chilled sliced tenderloin, smoked turkey and ham steak, plus Gazpacho Salad, Sun-Kissed Grape Salad and Chips), Lush wines (there will be a selection of red and white wines, as well as beer and sodas), and Sinfully soothing massages.
We discovered these cruises last year, and people talked about them for months.
The spacious and newly renovated 70 foot Free Spirit luxury yacht accommodates up to 120 people. Custom-designed for your relaxation and comfort, inside and out, you’ll enjoy our beautiful Chicago skyline as you cruise on Lake Michigan.
Free Spririt Cruises is offering 2 Merlot and Massage dates this year.
Tuesday, May 24th 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Tuesday, June 21st 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Pick one…. or both. At $50 per person , you can’t go wrong. Just don’t wait too long cause they fill up fast!
Buy gift certificates online: Merlot & Massage Cruise .
Chair, hand and foot massages provided by Lincoln Park Massage Spa , one of Chicago’s top-rated spas. They deliver comfort, serenity and balance.
Book a reservation now and surprise your Valentine with something special this year!
Gay Beach Chicago – Hollywood aka Osterman Beach
Summer is fading……
Today as I walked my dog along the shore of Hollywood Beach, it was 75 degrees and about 30 men dotted the gay beach. The sweet summer days and Sundays with hundreds of gay men at the beach have faded I am afraid…..
Will there be an Indian Summer yet for Chicago?
One can hope!
Kathy Osterman Hollywood Gay Beach House Grand Opening
Kathy Osterman Beach
is the official name of the lovely crescent of sand known to most Chicago residents as Hollywood-Ardmore Beach. Others call it the Hollywood Beach, or some call it the Gay Beach. Located off Lake Shore Drive, between Bryn Mawr and Hollywood.
The beautiful beach is nestled amongst high-rise buildings and sunsets there are nice as the sun drops behind the tall buildings. The southern end is a very popular spot for gays, but the beach overall remains a family beach. Parents and kids come here to swim, (when the water is warm enough!) and also to enjoy volleyball and frisbee. But don’t take balls in the water – that’s a no-no, for some reason. On any given weekend you will find a few hundred LGBT people here at the southern end.
Just hours ago was the official grand opening of the new beach house / comfort station. A One-story, 2570 square feet, fully accessible facility providing a Concession Area, called PICNIC, Family Restroom, Men’s and Women’s Restroom and a Life Guard Lockerroom. Plus outdoor rinse-off shower heads and more bike racks. The new building is filled with environmental sustainability features like rainwater harvesting, skylights and solar powered trash compacters!
Mayor Daley spoke at the ceremony and gave praise to Kathy Osterman as being a true visionary and he applauded her achievements including being at the forefront of the progress of human rights and LGBT issues.
The PICNIC concession is an off-shoot of The Waterfront Cafe , located just up the street at Berger Park. They are providing a much smaller menu here, but have a very nice seating area patio and will be offering beer and wine soon. Fresh made sandwiches ($7-8) and things like guacamole and hummus ($5-6) plus lots of assorted cold drinks are available.
Kathy Osterman was a known as a “Friend of the Community”, 48th Ward alderman, city special events director, and longtime political activist, she helped to forge critical links between Chicago government and the lesbian and gay community. She played a crucial role in passage of the city’s human rights ordinance.
An ebullient, optimistic, dynamic individual, Osterman was a fierce and outspoken lobbyist for the passage of Chicago’s Human Rights Ordinance. She worked closely with gay and lesbian activists, helping formulate logistics. She personally introduced many of the key players to each other, and is also credited for developing the imaginative “bring in the nuns” strategy, calling on women of the cloth to lobby the large Roman Catholic bloc of aldermen within the City Council. The Human Rights Ordinance was passed in 1988, and Osterman considered this to be one of her greatest accomplishments in public life.
On May 1, 1992, Osterman was married to Bruce DuMont, founder and President of the Museum of Broadcast Communications and host of the nationally syndicated radio program “Inside Politics.” She was the mother of two sons, Harry Joe and Matthew, who live and work in Chicago. Kathy Osterman died that same year of cancer on December 8, 1992.
Though the beach officially closes Labor Day, you will find people out thru the early fall if the weather is nice. But there are no lifeguards on duty after Labor Day – but I am told the PICNIC concession will remain open thru October 1st.
Best Gay Chicago’s 2nd Annual Underwear Beach Party August 22nd
Mark your calendars – Sunday August 22nd
is our annual Underwear Beach Party at Hollywood Beach!
12:00-6pm on the beach then an after party at CREW with $2 drink specials!
This year we plan to have a DJ and the event is FREE – but we’re hoping people will donate a couple bucks to help pay for the permit and music. Of course, you don’t have wear tighty whiteys – you don’t even have to wear underwear. It is an optional theme!
See you there!
Michael and Derrick and Keith
BestGayChicago.com
Gay Rugby with Chicago Dragons Saturday Afternoon August 14th
The sport all the gay men
are taling about!
R U G B Y !
Did you know?
The Chicago Dragons Rugby Football Club is the first rugby club in the Midwest established to invite members from traditionally under-represented groups, particularly gay men, to engage in the world’s third most popular team sport.
Do you like lockerrooms and sweaty jocks? Learn how to chase men around (on a field) this Saturday afternoon with the Chicago Dragons, as they host Rugby 101.
They’ll be meeting at Lerner Park (Pratt and Sacremento ) this Saturday , noon till 3pm, to give you a chance to learn the ins-and-outs of rugby. Even if you’ve never played before – you’ll get a chance to learn about Rugby, the ins and outs of the games and get a chance to meet some really nice guys. Afterwards the guys will be heading to The Northend for some brewski’s and martini’s.
Please dress in gym clothes with sneakers (cleats if you have them!).
Also, please bring a mouth guard if you have one – they can usually be purchased at a sporting goods store for about $3.
Please make sure to bring proof of age (Driver’s License, ID, Passport,etc). While we are “All Ages.”, you must be AT LEAST 18 years old.
If you know NOTHING about the game, check out their Rugby primer .
Chicago Full Moon Fire Jam Monday June 28th
The Full Moon Fire Jam
is a FREE event that happens every Full Moon during the summer months in Chicago. Started in 2004 by a group of friends celebrating a birthday, the jams have grown in size to accommodate the increasing amount of drummers, fire spinners and families that come to enjoy.
(photo left –William Ching Photography)
It takes place on the lawns About 1/2 Mile SOUTH of Foster Ave Beach on the Lake Front. – Plenty of free parking.
Time is 8:00 this Monday, June 28th. If you want good parking and a good seat, I would advise getting there about 30 minutes early.
You will get see lots of Fire & Ultraviolet (UV) Performances – These artists continue to evolve their craft with an ever-increasing repertoire of fire and ultraviolet-based tools, weapons, and performance pieces, including, but not limited to:
* Poi, Staff & Double Staff
* Meteor
* Rope Dart, Fire Juggling
* Fire Hoop, Fire Fans
* Fire Eating and Bodywork
* Scimtars / Swords / Knives
* Snakes / Bones
* UV Flags
* Special effects like immersive fire ropes, torches, and lanterns
C’mon down to the Chicago Lakefront for this Full Moon Fire Jam performance!
Guerrilla Gay Bar Chicago Heads To The Beaches This Summer
The group that brings you Guerrilla Gay Bar events have decided to take over a few hetero straight beaches this summer!
“After the success of Guerrilla Gay Bar South Loop Chicago, we’re looking to make a splash on Chicago’s beaches this summer. Much like GGB, GGBeach is a flash-mob style event at a different location each month. Unlike GGB, we’ll be visiting locations throughout the entire city – our goal is to expand the options our community has for beach-going and of course…have a good time!
For the first year, we have three events planned, with a possible fourth if September weather cooperates. By default, events are scheduled on a Saturday, with a possible move to Sundays in case of inclement weather. If both days are rough, we may move the event to the following week. Please RSVP to the FB event to receive updated information.
In honor of GGB’s South Loop roots, we’ll be starting at 12th Street beach on June 19th. This is the weekend following Midsummer’s fest and one week before Pride (plenty of time to get your tan!).
For future event locations and other ideas, we’re very interested in feedback.”
June 19th – 12th Street Beach
1200 S. Linn Witt dr / Northerly Island
July 17 and August 21 TBA
Join their Beach Page on Facebook
Guerrilla Gay Bar Chicago Heads To The Beaches This Summer
The group that brings you Guerrilla Gay Bar events have decided to take over a few hetero straight beaches this summer!
“After the success of Guerrilla Gay Bar South Loop Chicago, we’re looking to make a splash on Chicago’s beaches this summer. Much like GGB, GGBeach is a flash-mob style event at a different location each month. Unlike GGB, we’ll be visiting locations throughout the entire city – our goal is to expand the options our community has for beach-going and of course…have a good time!
For the first year, we have three events planned, with a possible fourth if September weather cooperates. By default, events are scheduled on a Saturday, with a possible move to Sundays in case of inclement weather. If both days are rough, we may move the event to the following week. Please RSVP to the FB event to receive updated information.
In honor of GGB’s South Loop roots, we’ll be starting at 12th Street beach on June 19th. This is the weekend following Midsummer’s fest and one week before Pride (plenty of time to get your tan!).
For future event locations and other ideas, we’re very interested in feedback.”
June 19th – 12th Street Beach
1200 S. Linn Witt dr / Northerly Island
July 17 and August 21 TBA
Join their Beach Page on Facebook
PAWS Chicago 8th Annual Beach Party – Bring Your Pet!
The Eighth Annual
PAWS Beach Party
is one of the city’s largest
pet-friendly social gatherings.
This popular summertime event includes
dancing on deck, cool cocktails, a beachy dinner buffet and a
one-of-a-kind silent auction including tickets to Dancing with the
Stars, all while enjoying a spectacular lakefront and city skyline
view.
Thursday, July 22, 2010 6 p.m. Castaways at North Avenue Beach. Emceed by Lisa Dent from US99.5, the Beach Party at Castaways will host more than 500 guests, and more than 100 beachwear-clad dogs! You and your pup will lounge by the beach drinking cool summer cocktails from an open bar while enjoying a beachy dinner buffet, the always-popular silent and live auctions, and live music courtesy of the Underwater People!
Every dollar raised from the 8th Annual PAWS Chicago Beach Party, All Paws On Deck! enables PAWS Chicago to continue their life-saving work.
PAWS Chicago Beach Party is a fun, summer celebration that will include cool summer cocktails and an open bar, a beach-themed dinner buffet, a doggie buffet, dancing and a one-of-a-kind silent auction!
Purchase tickets online ! Find out more about PAWS Chicago !
Chicagoland’s Full Moon Fire Jam Thursday May 27th
The Full Moon Fire Jam
is a FREE event that happens every Full Moon during the summer months in Chicago. Started in 2004 by a group of friends celebrating a birthday, the jams have grown in size to accommodate the increasing amount of drummers, fire spinners and families that come to enjoy.
Fire & Ultraviolet (UV) Performances – We specialize in fully-immersive Fire and Ultraviolet (UV) kinetic performances. We continue to evolve our craft with an ever-increasing repertoire of fire and ultraviolet-based tools, weapons, and performance pieces, including, but not limited to:
* Poi, Staff & Double Staff
* Meteor
* Rope Dart, Fire Juggling
* Fire Hoop, Fire Fans
* Fire Eating and Bodywork
* Scimtars / Swords / Knives
* Snakes / Bones
* UV Flags
* Special effects like immersive fire ropes, torches, and lanterns
So to all you Fire Jammers, amateurs and professionals a like, it’s that time of the year again… time to break out all your fire toys and drums! 🙂
The location is the usual place about a half mile south of Foster Beach between Foster and Lawrence on the west side of the parking lot on the lakefront. SUNSET is 8:09PM
C’mon down to the Chicago Lakefront for this Full Moon Fire Jam performance!
Gay Day Six Flags Chicago Monday June 21st, 2010
GAY DAY
SIX FLAGS CHICAGO
Monday, June 21st, 2010
Kick off your gay pride week
with a Gay Day at Six Flags.
10am – 9pm
Avoid the long weekend lines
and gobs of kids!
And join us for this
Annual Monday Gay Pride Tradition!
Tickets online – save $20!
Pay one price and enjoy 2 parks!
Six Flags and Hurrican Harbor.
Mark your calendar now!
Gay Road Trip! Starved Rock State Park
Want to do something different and see one of the most spectacular sites in all of Illinois?
Get away for a day and take a road trip to Starved Rock State Park . It’s about a 2 hour drive from Chicago and can be a fun day trip or overnight camping trip.
Starved Rock State Park is a world apart from anything else in Illinois! You will know it the minute you enter the park, as you wind your car through the towering trees.
Amazing waterfalls are active in the spring and after heavy rains. 13 miles of trails to explore, plus, the Illinois River offers fishing, boating, extraordinary views and great places to relax. Take a picnic lunch. Some wine and cheese and enjoy the beauty!
Don’t worry if you can’t fit it all in, historic Starved Rock Lodge is just up the hill and is the only lodging located in the State Park. The Lodge is located on a bluff overlooking the Visitor Center and the Illinois River. Comfortable lodge rooms and cabins in the woods make for a great night’s stay when you visit the park.
If you want to camp, make a reservation. Camping is limited .
Get out of town for the day and check out this beautiful park!
Most Dynamic Gay Pride Celebration in the Midwest – Milwaukee Pride Fest June 11, 12 and 13
The Gay People’s Union was the first organization in Milwaukee to host an event that had Pride appeal, with over 350 people attending the GPU Ball in 1974. Other dances and parties were hosted in the years that followed, but it wasn’t until after the 1987 March on Washington that the Pride Movement took a strong hold in Milwaukee.
Year after year, Milwaukee’s Gay Pride grew! Now attracting over 15,000 people, the Pride Fest weekend showcases over 140 bands and artists and entertainers from all over the world!
This year we are treated to the talents of KATHY GRIFFIN, PATTI LaBELLE, JOAN RIVERS,
New York nightlife legends MIMI IMFURST and AMANDA LEPORE, plus MANY MANY MORE!
3 days of food, fun, entertainment and Gay Pride!
Fri, June, 11th :: 3pm-Midnight
Sat, June, 12th :: Noon-Midnight
Sun, June, 13th :: Noon-Midnight
All entertainment & shows are included. Seating is unreserved. If you would like a reserved seat, we recommend purchasing Reserved Seating tickets.
1 day pass General admission is $13 in advance / $15 at the gate.
3 day pass General admission is $35 in advance / $45 at the gate.
Come and spend the night!
Doubletree Hotel Milwaukee City Center is the host hotel!
Hundreds of festival-goers and performers are staying at this hotel!
611 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee 53203
Tel: 1-414-273-2950 Fax: 1-414-273-7662
BOOK ONLINE AT DOUBLETREE MILWAUKEE Milwaukee Pride Fest
ROOMS ARE ALMOST GONE – BOOK TODAY!!
Most Dynamic Gay Pride Celebration in the Midwest – Milwaukee Pride Fest June 11, 12 and 13
The Gay People’s Union was the first organization in Milwaukee to host an event that had Pride appeal, with over 350 people attending the GPU Ball in 1974. Other dances and parties were hosted in the years that followed, but it wasn’t until after the 1987 March on Washington that the Pride Movement took a strong hold in Milwaukee.
Year after year, Milwaukee’s Gay Pride grew! Now attracting over 15,000 people, the Pride Fest weekend showcases over 140 bands and artists and entertainers from all over the world!
This year we are treated to the talents of KATHY GRIFFIN, PATTI LaBELLE, JOAN RIVERS,
New York nightlife legends MIMI IMFURST and AMANDA LEPORE, plus MANY MANY MORE!
3 days of food, fun, entertainment and Gay Pride!
Fri, June, 11th :: 3pm-Midnight
Sat, June, 12th :: Noon-Midnight
Sun, June, 13th :: Noon-Midnight
All entertainment & shows are included. Seating is unreserved. If you would like a reserved seat, we recommend purchasing Reserved Seating tickets.
1 day pass General admission is $13 in advance / $15 at the gate.
3 day pass General admission is $35 in advance / $45 at the gate.
Come and spend the night!
Doubletree Hotel Milwaukee City Center is the host hotel!
Hundreds of festival-goers and performers are staying at this hotel!
611 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee 53203
Tel: 1-414-273-2950 Fax: 1-414-273-7662
BOOK ONLINE AT DOUBLETREE MILWAUKEE Milwaukee Pride Fest
ROOMS ARE ALMOST GONE – BOOK TODAY!!
5th annual Chi-Town Softball Classic returns
The 5th annual Chi-Town Softball Classic returns to the Windy City over July 4th weekend, and, for the first time, will add a women’s division.
The tournament, which fielded 30 teams last year, will play host to 10 teams in each of four divisions: C-Competitive, C-Recreational, D and Women’s. Last year’s tournament drew teams from Boston, Las Vegas, Madison, Memphis, Minneapolis, New York and Philadelphia. Play occurs on Saturday & Sunday, July 3-4, at two separate complexes: North Avenue and Waveland.
“There’s nothing quite like summer softball in Chicago,” said Gary Taylor, tournament director. “We’re excited to welcome 40 teams from across the country.”
“We’re thrilled to offer a women’s division for this year’s Classic,” said Marcela Haber-Bishop, women’s tournament director. “We have a strong Chicago women’s softball league and have received an incredible amount of interest from other cities.”
The tournament opening and registration party will be presented by Mister Meet Mister.com
on Friday, July 2 at Halsted’s and Hydrate, with the closing party and awards ceremony hosted on Sunday July 4 at SPIN. Roscoe’s will serve as the official tournament host bar on Saturday, July 3.
The team entry fee for the Classic is $400 before May 31, 2010.
Registration is now open at the Chi Town Softball tournament website .
Chicago will also play host to the 2011 Gay Softball World Series on August 28-September 3, 2011.
Gay Beach Chicago – 83 Degrees on April 1st! – No Joke!
HAPPY SPRING!
What a great week this has been here in Chicago! 75 yesterday and 83 today!
(Adam, pictured above).
The Winter snow fences have not even been taken down yet! But that did not stop the 50+
people, mostly gay men, heading out to Hollywood/Osterman
Gay Beach for some rays of sunshine!
It was a bit windy at times, but the fresh warm air felt great!
A few people even strolled out into the chilly waters!
Progress is slower than I expected on the new restrooms.
The foundation is in and the walls have started going up.
7 weeks until it is supposed to be done.
It will be so nice to have clean, updated bathrooms
and a concession stand!
