Showing posts with label Weekend. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weekend. Show all posts

Friday, July 15, 2011

It's a "Taste of Summer and Junk Grabbing" Kind of Weekend

Tonight I'm staying in and baking up a storm for my cousin's graduation party and my friend's bacon dinner party. However, I'm hitting the town on Sunday to try to get to all of these festivals.

Since I've started tracking all of my summer activities, I've realized that I'm just a giant cow who's obsessed with food festivals! There's the Windy City Ribfest in Uptown and Taste of River North. I went to the Uptown ribfest last year, and it's really just a place to grab lunch. There's not much of an atmosphere, and it's in a pretty gross part of Uptown. The food is great, though. I've never made it over to the Taste of River North, so I'm excited to try it out.

Chinatown is incredibly underrated, and I think the summer fair this Sunday is the best way to experience the neighborhood for the first time. I do have to say, though, that this is a pretty weird festival. There's the classic lion dance procession at 1:00 p.m. and various neighborhood vendors and food throughout the day, but there's also Brazilian dance, belly dancers and Ronald McDonald leading the parade. I'll still be there.

Leave it to the Everleigh Social Club to push the envelope. Everyone loves a good trivia night, but when you call it "Grab My Junk" and toss in the Chicago Starlets you get ten times the fun! I can't tell you much more because I'm writing this at work, and most of the Everleigh Social Club's website is blocked due to pornographic images (I'm so going to get fired), but I can tell you that the show on July 19 at 9:00 p.m. and tickets are $10.

Are you single and looking for "the one." Maybe you should take your chances at Old St. Pat's World's Largest Block Party. Aside from the fact that it's a huge event (18,000 attendees) with high-end entertainment (Plain White T's, Cobra Starship and Bare Naked Ladies are performing), the church claims that over 70 marriages have resulted from couples meeting at the block party. Apparently Oprah called it "the place to meet your match."

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Friday, July 8, 2011

It's a "Summer Dance and Burgers" Kind of Weekend

Happy gorgeous Friday! Too bad I'll be spending it in a jury room at 26th and California. That's okay, though, because at least I'm not driving out to the suburbs. Okay, no more Debbie downer. One of my favorite events starts this weekend: Summer Dance Chicago.

I love the whole idea of this event. I always wanted to be one of those people that gets up and just starts salsa dancing like an expert, but, alas, I usually end up tripping someone. (People always think that just because I'm a tap dancer, I should be able to ballroom dance too. Not the case.) Summer Dance Chicago gives you lessons beforehand so you can bust a move with everyone else. And the fact that most people are amateurs makes you feel a lot better about your skill. Check out the whole list of events here. The best one: on July 23 the event will celebrate Soul Train's 40th Anniversary with free Soul Train Line dance lessons. Um, that's amazing.

Don't forget West Fest! I've never been, but it looks pretty cool.

There are a few art fairs going on this weekend, and we're not talking PTA. The DuSable Museum is hosting its 37th Annual Back to Our Roots Arts & Crafts Festival, featuring works related to African American themes, history and culture by fine artists only. There's also the 54th Annual Gold Coast Art Fair in Grant Park this weekend. According to the website, somebody called it the "Granddaddy of American Art Festivals." Not sure who said that or why but whatever. 

If you're thinking of doing The L.A.T.E. Ride this year, I'd probably skip it. My husband and his dad participated last year, and it was pretty bad. They don't actually close down any streets, so you're trying to get around the cars. And they don't stagger the start time so you're riding in a giant crowd of people the whole time. My husband said they couldn't actual even get up enough speed to peddle. They just sort of hopped along.

I plan to stuff my face at the Roscoe Village Burger Fest on Sunday afternoon. Burgers, cocktails, music. Yes, please!

Yes! via



Friday, July 1, 2011

Happy 4th of July Weekend!

Happy 4th! Not a ton on the big event docket, so just relax and enjoy. I'm putting on a bathing suit for the first time this season so I'm a little nervous, but I do love hitting the beach.

It's the last weekend for the Taste of Chicago! Have you gone yet?

Entertaining out-of-towners this weekend? Pay with a Bank of America card, and you'll get free admission to the Art Institute, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Shedd Aquarium, the Chicago History Museum, the DuSable Museum of African American History. I normally would ignore a credit card promotion like this, but admission to these museums can be pricy. If I had a Bank of America card, I'd take advantage of this.

If you're looking for urban 4th of July fireworks, Navy Pier is your only option. If you're willing to branch out into the suburbs, here's a list of fireworks displays to check out.

I might go to the African-Caribbean International Festival of Life. I haven't found too much information about it, but the website makes me want to get up and dance.

And remember, please wear sunscreen when you're outside this weekend! Anyone and everyone can get skin cancer, whether you're prone to burning or not. You'll notice a new badge on the right column of my blog. I took the pledge to be sun savvy. You should too!

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Friday, June 17, 2011

It's a "Chicago Cultural" Kind of Weekend

I'm very excited for this weekend. Not only will I get to have an awesome barbecue with my family for Father's Day, but I'll going to my first Fiestas Puertorriquenas! I've been to the parade downtown, but I've never been out to the festival in Humboldt Park. I plan to get my salsa and margarita on.

Are you a history buff? The Bronzeville Historical Society is presenting an Underground Railroad Tour tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. (Does it make me a bad person that I had no idea the Underground Railroad reached all the way to Chicago.) Tickets are $40 and the tour starts at the Quinn Chapel African Methodist Church and includes a visit to the Oak Woods Cemetery and Stephen Douglas Tomb. And, for a little added camp, your narrator will be dressed in 1860's attire.

Embrace your inner hippie at the 23rd annual Peace Fest Chicago in Lincoln Park all this weekend. The festival features musicians, drum circles, vendors and lots of general activists. Wanna try the latest in vegan and vegetarian eats? This is the place to be.

The Green Mill is having an evening of cabaret songs from Singers on New Ground this Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Singers on New Ground has created an eclectic mix of old and new cabaret songs, and each piece has a different theme: political commentary, comedy and love. If you haven't been to the Green Mill yet (shame on you), then this will be a great first experience.  

And now, an ode to the Green Mill:

Photos from Windy City Author, Project Loop, Soul Strut  
 Happy Friday!

Friday, June 10, 2011

It's a "Naked Zombie Ribfest" Kind of Weekend

I haven't been as talkative as I usually am due to the 2+ hour morning AND evening commutes I've had this week. Thank you construction/rain/stalled cars/Lake Shore Drive/Blues Fest/general bad drivers.

But that's okay, because it's Ribfest weekend!!!!!!! No, not the Naperville Ribfest (which I don't recommend to anyone.), Ribfest Chicago. I plan to spend Sunday eating my weight in delicious ribs and deep fried stuff.

I'm sure you're aware that Blues Fest is this weekend. I'm not one for giant music festivals, but I'm thinking I'm going to have to visit the Essie Pop-Up Shop. They're giving Blues Fest attendees free manicures all weekend on Jackson Blvd, using shades from their new Braziliant collection. Awesome!

And while you're downtown getting your nails done, check out the Zombie March Chicago in Millennium Park on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. Any and all undead can participate, and you can even get your make-up applied for free before the march.

Ever wanted to ride your bike naked through the city? Check out the World Nake Bike Ride tomorrow from 8:00 - 11:00 p.m.! If you want to know where to go, join the mailing list or ask to join the Facebook group. The ride is between 12 and 22 miles across the city. After just a few miles of bike riding I feel like the seat is halfway up my rear end. Imagine where it would be after 22 miles of naked riding.....

There's some weirdness happening over at Metro tonight. Alien Queen: The Concert pays tribute to the band Queen and the movie Alien. The show will include special guest DJs and the premier of Battlestar Fantastica, a variety show featuring Mattrick Swayze & the Power of Cheer, Cameron Esposito, DoubleDJ, Ray Gunn, Electro Sapiens, The Force, Fruit Orgy and Chicago Tap Theatre. (Tap dance shout-out!) I'm very confused, but if you want to see it tickets are $16 in and advance and $20 at the door.

And don't forget the gorgeous Old Town Art Fair and the Wells Street Art Festival.

Friday, May 27, 2011

It's A "Three Day Weekend" Kind of Weekend! YAY!

I have new sundresses, new shades and SPF 45....I'm ready for Memorial Day weekend! I'll be hitting up Randolph Street Market Festival on Saturday thanks to the two free tickets I won from Tara at Haute Lunch. Then the Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival, a Chicago Rush game to see my little sis jump around in booty shorts (she's one of the team's dancers) and a little Memorial Day barbecue. Not too shabby for Chicago Quirk!

Chicago beaches open today!!
I absolutely LOVE spending a Saturday afternoon hanging out at a lakefront beach. I like Montrose Beach since it's a less crowded, but there's much more eye candy and lively activity at North Avenue and Oak Street Beach. Either way, you can now get your beach on until September 5. (Although I'm such a wuss that I won't actually go in the water until August. Too cold!)


Being unemployed last year sucked, but at least I had some nice beach days!

Don't forget about Bike the Drive. Yes, I wussed out, but that doesn't mean you have to! (Note to self: maybe do something to prepare for a 30-mile ride...like actually get on a bike.)

And if you're looking for the perfect spot for a Memorial Day picnic, Time Out Chicago suggests these spots. I personally love Oz Park and North Pond in Lincoln Park.


Photo by Alan Klehr

Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone!

Friday, May 20, 2011

It's an "END OF THE WORLD" Kind of Weekend

This weekend's impending end of the world might put a damper on your plans, but I say we should party!

Tomorrow sounds like the perfect day to check out Dirty Betty's, Cookie Bar's new pop-up doughnut shop. Doughnuts available all day! And after you grab a delicious baked good, head straight down Lincoln to:

National Tap Day @ Old Town School of Folk Music - Saturday, May 21 7:30 p.m.
I know I listed another National Tap Day Show last week, but even though the holiday is actually on the 25th, the tap community puts up shows all month. And you should definitely make it to this one because I'm in it! Tickets are $20 and include performances by tap greats from all over the country.

Chill & Grill @ Lincoln Park (Stockton & Clark) - Saturday, May 21 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. & Sunday, May 22 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
I love my apartment, but I wish I had a balcony or terrace to grill out on. I haven't heard of this festival before this year, but I'm super excited for delicious grilled foods. Tickets to this event are set up a bit like the Taste of Chicago; tickets are sold on a punch card. Each punch card has 12 "punches," and food and drinks are a certain amount of punches. (A restaurant tasting is 3 punches, a full-sized grilled item is 5 punches, etc.) Tickets are available online for $12 or at the festival for $15. You can also take various grilling classes at the event.

And if you're one of the many people hoping that Saturday will actual mark the beginning of the zombie apocolypse, be sure the check out the CDC's Zombie Survival Guide. I'm loving the CDC's PR/social media stunt. You can even grab an awesome button for your blog or website. Amazing!!!

Get A Kit,    Make A Plan, Be Prepared. emergency.cdc.gov

Friday, May 13, 2011

It's a "Dirty Tap Dancing Bake Sale" Kind of Weekend

Blogger was down, Twitter is being stupid, my computer keeps freezing....not a good Friday the 13th for Andrea! But I'm heading to Green City Market tomorrow to kick off my weekend of relaxation and NOT having to drive to the suburbs. YAY!

Down & Dirty Romeo & Juliet @ Justins - Saturday, May 15 7:00 p.m.
Yeah, you've seen the Leonardo DiCaprio version, and you probably had to read it in high school, but have you ever been in it? Shattered Globe Theater does a very interesting take on this classic, presenting 14 actors who know the lines and the roles, but the audience gets to cast the show. If you don't like it, swap the actor out for another one. And audince members can join as various Montagues and Capulets. Sounds fun to me!

Chicago Food Blogger Bake Sale @ The Poison Cup - Saturday, May 14 12:00 p.m.
Chicago food bloggers like West of the Loop, EZ Bake Oven, Not A Crazy Vegan, Blondie's Cakes, Joy's Misadventures, Engineer and an Oven, Chef Druck Musing, NBC Feast, The Pink Apron will participate in the National Food Blogger Bake Sale on Saturday. Enjoy these blogger's homebaked goods and proceeds will go towards Share our Strength, a non-profit that strives to end childhood hunger. Check out the gluten-free and vegan options and the wine tasting.

National Tap Dance Day @ DuSable Museum of African American History - Sunday, May 15 5:00 p.m.
One thing you probably don't know about me is that I'm a tap dancer. Tap dance is such an amazing art form, and unfortunately too many people don't know much more than what they learned in 2nd grade dance class. If you want to experience the Chicago tap scene and some of the most fabulous tap dancing ladies in the entire world - including the incredible Dianne Walker - check out the National Tap Dance Day show put on by the Chicago Human Rhythm Project this Sunday.

And to give you a tap preview, check out this video of today's tap greats Jason Samuels Smith, Chloe Arnold, John Klauss, Yokiko, Tre Dumas and Dianne Walker.

Friday, May 6, 2011

It's a "Bake Sale and Boobs" Kind of Weekend

I know most of you will be spending the weekend with mama, but take a gander at some of these happenings.***

Great American Bake Sale @ The Butcher & the Larder - Saturday, May 7 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Who doesn't love an old fashioned bake sale? Especially when you can buy goodies from places like Hoosier Mama and Floriole. This cash only sale benefits Share Our Strength, a national non-profit aimed at ending childhood hunger in America. You can also bid on some fab online auctions items until the day of the event.

Free Museum Admission with Your Bank of America Card - First weekend of the month
I didn't know this, but apparently the first weekend of every month you can present your Bank of America credit or debit card to the Art Instistue, the Chicago History Museum, the DuSable Museum of African American History, the Museum of Contemporary Art or the Shedd Aquarium for free general admission.

Ever since the drama of 10 Bells getting put down right on the track a few years ago, I'm not really into the Derby. (I may have been crying at my table at The Fifty/50. I really love animals.) But if you're looking for a party to don your fancy Derby hat, check out the round-up from CenterStage Chicago.

Did you ever want to be a burlesque dancer? Gorilla Tango Theater is hosting audtions for "Boobs and Goombas: A Super Mario Burlesque" and  "A Nude Hope: A Star Wars Burlesque."



This past Thursday I took a break from dive bars and quirky venues for a night on the town with some fabulous Chicago bloggers at Rockit on Hubbard. The inner class nerd in me always gets excited for super trendy places like this, and my inner fat kid was happy with the amazing truffle fries. Check out some photos of the event below, taken by the fab Danielle of Breakfast At Toast.



And while you're at your computer this weekend, visit their fantastic blogs:

The Dailey Dish

***I will no longer make weather predictions in these weekend guides. I'm worse than the Weatherman.

Friday, April 29, 2011

It's a "Zombie Lilacs Air Sex" Kind of Weekend

Royal Wedding events seem to be the big thang this weekend, but there is life after Will & Kate. (Although I'm currently obsessed with watching footage of the wedding.)

Unfortunately it appears Chicago is in for another rainy weekend, so try one of these fun activities to try to help cure that MAD case of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Zombie Pub Crawl - Saturday, April 30 2:30 p.m.
I'm not one to rip my clothes and spend hours perfecting that "un-dead" look, but watching a zombie pub crawl would be pretty damn entertaining. This hugely popular event will hit Andersonville tomorrow and day-of participants will pay $25. Don't have the right eyeliner to match your gaping wounds? Fantasy Costumes is providing zombie crawlers with a 20 percent off coupon.

Tim Meadows @ iO - Sunday, May 1 10:00 p.m.
If you haven't been to iO yet, this is the show to go to. Tim Meadows will perform with Second City veterans in Uncle's Brother, Meadows' popular iO LA show. Tickets are $10, and if I were you I would reserve them ASAP.

Air Sex Championship at The Empty Bottle - Saturday, April 30 11:59 p.m.
Yeah, it's what you think it is. Bring your own music and costumes. Be the best at fake doin' it, and you could win a prize. $10 admission.

The Lilac Festival - May 1 - 15
I am NOT a fan of the suburbs, and I try to stay in the city as much as possible. However, there are a few events that will compell me to spend my freetime in suburbia. The Lilac Festival is one of my favorite events because Lilacia Park is gorgeous, and the giftshop is full of the most awesome kitschy crap you'll ever find. I also like to pretend I'm a photographer, and the Lilac Festival makes it easy to take amazing photos.

Unfortunately this crappy weather is probably going to put a damper on the lilac blooms, but hopefully it won't be too bad. Here are some of the photos I've taken in years passed.




Friday, April 22, 2011

It's a "Shakespearean Egg Hunt" Kind of Weekend

I know you've probably heard it a million times, but this weather SUCKS! I love Chicago, but this is the time of year where I begin to question my sanity for living here. At least I have the post-Easter candy sales on Monday to cheer me up.

Talk Like Shakespeare Day brought to you by the Chicago Shakespeare Theater - April 23
Love this! The Chicago Shakespeare Theater is creating its own holiday: Talk Like Shakespeare Day. Since April 23 would be Bill's 447th birthday, naturally we should all speak in pros or rhymed couplets. And if spouting sonnets all day doesn't fulfill your Shakespearean needs, why not enter the 'Where's William' contest? Download a Shakespeare mask from the website and take a picture of yourself as Shakespeare in front of something creative and e-mail it in. All submission will be given a chance to win an iPad. Entries must be in by 11:59 p.m. CST on April 23.

Northalsted Easter Egg Scramble - Saturday, April 23 9:00 a.m.
If you thought you couldn't take the kids into a gay dance club on Easter morning, you were WRONG. More than 25 businesses in the East Lakeview/Northalsted neighborhood will be handing out eggs containing discount coupons and gift certificates. Check out the website for the complete list.

Want free stuff for Earth Day? Lowe's is giving away one million trees at all of its locations, and Early to Bed is giving away Earth-friendly lube with every purchase today. If you want more information on Earth Day deals, I'll be tweeting all day. #EarthDayDeals.

Friday, April 8, 2011

It's a 'reptiles and bacon with cheese' Kind of Weekend

Okay, so I failed at my goal last week of doing at least half of the activities of my weekend list. I'm already expecting failure this weekend as well, but you should go forth and have fun!

National Cheese Fondue Day @ Geja's Cafe - Sunday, April 10 12:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Technically National Cheese Fondue Day is on Monday, 4/11, but I think the über official cheese fondue people will look the other way on this one. Geja's is offering complimentary samples of their amazing Swiss Gruyere cheese fondue from 12:00 - 4:30 p.m. on the patio. I LOVE Geja's, and I can tell you that you should definitely try to make it. If you can't, though, the restaurant will offer complimentary cheese fondue appetizers from April 11 - 17 to anyone who mentions National Cheese Fondue Week. You can also get cheese fondue samples at the bar throughout the week.

Take the Gorilla Challenge - Saturday, April 9 10:00 a.m.
It's a scavenger hunt on crack! For $60 you can race around the city with your team of friends, solving clues and performing tasks for the opportunity to win the grand prize and/or smaller prizes along the way. Extra prizes for costume creativity. They've opened up an additional 250 slots today to register for the event, so hurry!

ReptileFest @ UIC Physical Education Building - Saturday, April 9 10:00 a.m.
Probably one for the kiddies, but I'd totally be that creeper petting the iguana in the back. Check out the Chicago Herpetological Society for the nation's largest educational reptile and amphibian show. Climb into a tortoise pen, get your photo taken with some huge lizards and learn about the reptiles living in our neighborhoods.

CHIRP Record Fair @ Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union  - April 9 - 10, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Time for the annual Chicago Independent Radio Project Record Fair & Other Delights. Enjoy a robust selection of vinyl, CDs, posters, artwork, 'zines and crafts. DJs and live bands will entertain all day and various vendors will offer every type of music you can think of. Admission is $7, but if you bring in any ad that mentions the record fair then admission is $5. And for those hardcore record collectors, there's a special pre-admission on Saturday from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. for $25. That includes reentry all weekend.

And don't forget that it's BaconFest on Saturday!!!!!!!! In honor of this delicious celebration, feast your eyes on the hottest trend in men's cologne:

Friday, April 1, 2011

It's a "Violent Torpedo of Truth" Kind of Weekend

Okay, so my goal is to do all of these this weekend. Yes, that includes going to see Charlie Sheen. It may be wrong to encourage him, but how can I pass up tickets to the biggest train wreck on Earth?

Charlie Sheen @ The Chicago Theater - April 3, 8:00 p.m.
Will he make out with a hooker for an hour? Wrestle tigers? Pass out? Either way, the "My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat is Not an Option" tour hits The Chicago Theatre this Sunday night. And if you need even MORE Charlie, head over to Enclave later that night for a celebrity appearance.

Bakesale for Japan @ A Perfect Event - April 2, 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
This national bakesale will take place across the national benefitting Peace Winds Japan. Debbi Lilly of A Perfect Event will host an amazing bake sale featuring delicious creations from truffle truffle; flavors like sake & lime brownies, poundcake with orange blossom glade and Asian poached pear tart. Wash it down with sparkling teas infused with prosecco and chai and pomegranate green tea.

Midnight Showing of "The Shining"Music Box Theatre - April 1 & 2, 12:00 a.m.
No matter how many times you see it, "The Shining" never fails to scare. Intensify your horror experience with a midnight screening of the classic Kubrick film at the Music Box Theater this weekend.

National Pillow Fight Day @ Tribune Tower Plaza - April 2, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
It's pretty simple: bring pillow. Hit participants with said pillow. Get hit with said participants' pillows. You're not allowed to attack passers-by and/or children, and no intoxicated warriors allowed. Post battle refreshments at the Billy Goat. The Chicago event will take place in front of the Tribune building, but check out the website to locate your nearest battle.

P.S. If you're going out tonight, my advice is to stay away from Wrigleyville. Opening day turns into amateur night.




Friday, March 25, 2011

Weekend Guide*

Chicago is starting to come out of hybernation, and pretty soon the weekends will be packed with more happenings for one blogger to handle. So, every Friday I'm going to put together a little weekend round-up of some of the most interesting and atypical events around the city. Ch-ch-check it out:

International Tom Hanks Day @ Fizz Bar & Grill - March 26 from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Who doesn't love Tom Hanks?! Fizz will host the the annual International Tom Hanks Day, an event featuring screening of the Hanks classics, music and a raffle of the actor's memorabilia. Founded by Chicagoan Kevin Turk, the day originally began as a Tom Hanks movie marathon at his house. The event grew each year, and Turk decided to create a charity event, donating proceeds to Lifeline Energy, one of the actor's favorite charities.

National Paella Day @ La Taberna Tapas on Halsted - March 25 - 27
Get your paella on with two events at La Taberna: $18 paella flights and a Sunday afternoon paella cooking class that includes sangria and recipes card. Call for a spot in the cooking class.

Enjoy a quaint afternoon of tree tapping demonstrations, fresh maple syrup samples, storytelling and more.

International Vintage Post Fair - March 25 - 27
Time to chuck that Led Zeppelin poster and check out a selection of over 10,000 originals from the 1890s through 1980s. This year's featured exhibit: "Sex Sells!"

And don't forget to turn off your lights!

*I realize that this is a terribly uncreative title, but I have really bad cramps right now. I'll do better next week.