Chicago Hot Blog

Naked Bike Ride 2009

Chris — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:25:26 +0000

Chicago’s 2009 Naked Bike Ride will take place on Saturday June 13. People will begin gathering at 6pm for registration (free), body painting, contests, bike decorating, eco banners, camaraderie, etc. The Naked Bike Ride will begin at 9pm. The 2009 Chicago Naked Bike Ride will start from a secret location and you must register at the official Naked Bike Ride page ahead of time to find out.

The Naked Bike ride is your chance to cruise the streets of Chicago wearing as few clothes as possible. Come dressed to your comfort, police escort will be provided. Visit the official Naked Bike Ride website for more information.

Chicago’s Naked Bike Ride

World Naked Bike Ride is a fun and conspicuous event celebrating the end of the oil era, and promoting positive body image. This event is global with dozens of cities participating world-wide, and Chicago routinely setting U.S. turnout records. This is a bare-as-you-dare event, with outfits ranging from body paint to fanciful costumes to beach-wear. Chicago’s past rides rallied hundreds of cyclists and numerous skaters covering about a dozen miles of high visibility city tourism and recreation areas. The ride’s atmosphere is extremely joyful, convivial, and transcendently fun. Bicycles constitute the best solution to reducing America’s petroleum addiction and improving public fitness. With gas prices astronomical and obesity an epidemic, our messages have become truisms.

Southern Illinois Wine Country

Chris — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:19:32 +0000

While most people don’t know that there are vineyards in Illinois, I am happy to say that Southern Illinois Wine Country offers a great weekend getaway for anyone looking to take a break from city life. During our two full days in Southern Illinois Wine Country we were able to visit nine wineries, most which are part of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. We also hiked through Garden of The Gods and had a taste of some Las Vegas Blue Ribbon winning “Double Decker Pizza” at Cobden’s Palace Pizzeria.

Southern Illinois Wine Country and the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail require a 5-6 hour drive from Chicago, but it is a trip worth taking. No matter what your level of experience, there is a lot to do, learn and taste in Southern Illinois Wine Country.

My favorite wineries seemed to have several characteristics in common. I enjoyed wineries that had a welcoming and knowledgeable staff, did not force you to make specific wine tasting selections, and had a relaxed atmosphere. I hope you find this information about Southern Illinois Wine Country to be informative.

Southern Illinois Wine Country - Favorites
Pomona Winery
Owl Creek Vineyard
Hogg Hollow Winery
Southern Illinois Bed & Breakfast

For more information about Southern Illinois Wine Country, visit the official Shawnee Hills Wine Trail website.

Art Institute Free Days 2009

Chris — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:09:26 +0000

Art Institute Free Days are every Thursday and Friday evening from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Art Institute of Chicago (111 South Michigan Ave) will be hosting “Target Free Thursdays & Fridays” at the Art Institute, and admission is free from 5-9pm every Thursday and Friday. (Updated May 19, 2009)

The Art Institute of Chicago is usually open 9am-5pm during the week, so not only do you get to visit the Art Institute of Chicago for Free Thursday or Free Friday evenings, you also get some special extended hours. The Art Institute has previously had short runs for free day programs, so you may want to contact the Art Institute of Chicago at (312) 443-3600 or check out the official Art Institute Free Days page before planning your trip.

The sponsor for the Art Institute Free Days is Target, the same sponsor for MCA Free Tuesdays.

Chicago Museums
Chicago Museum Free Days
Field Museum Free Days
MCA Free Tuesdays
Museum of Science and Industry

Chicago Museum Free Days 2009

Chris — Tue, 19 May 2009 11:14:00 +0000

Chicago has many wonderful museums and most of these museums have Free Days when admission is free to the public. Since it is often hard to keep track of the Chicago Museum Free Days going on throughout the year, I have compiled a list of the most popular Museum Free Days.

Despite what you read here, it is suggested that you contact the specific museum to ensure that their Free Days are still valid.

If you know a museum that should be added to the list, please Contact Us and we will be happy to add it to this page.

To stay updated about any news regarding Chicago Museum Free Days or other Chicago Events, check back on Chicago Hot Blog.

Chicago Museum Free Days - Updated May 19th 2009

Adler Planetarium Free Days
The Adler Planetarium is open 9:30am - 6pm during the summer; 9:30am - 4:30pm otherwise;

Free Days 2009: May (Tues) 5, 12, 19 & 26; Jun 7-12; Sep 1, 8, 14-18, 22, & 29; Oct (Tues) 6, 13, 20, & 27; Nov (Tues) 3, 10, 17, & 24; Dec (Tues) 1, 8, 15, & 22 ;

Art Institute of Chicago Free Days
The Art Institute of Chicago is free to the public every Thursday and Friday evening from 5pm-9pm. Memorial Day to Labor Day 2009.

Free Days: May 16-22, 2009; Every Thursday and Friday evening 5pm-9pm, Memorial Day to Labor Day, 2009.

Field Museum Free Days
The Field Museum is Free (basic admission) on the Second Monday of every month, thanks to a donation from Target. Additional free days are also available.

Free Mondays 2009 (9am - 5pm): Jan 12th; Feb 9th; March 9th; April 13th; May 11th; June 8th; July 13th; Aug 10th; Sep 14th; Oct 12th; Nov 9th; Dec 14th;

Other Free Days: September: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, 30th; October: 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th; November: 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th; December: 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th;

Freedom Museum
We are sorry to report that The McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum has closed.

MCA Free Tuesdays
The Museum of Contemporary Art has Free Days every Tuesday. Special events every week. The museum is open 10am - 8pm on these free days.

Free Days: Every Tuesday of 2009.

Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is free (basic entry) to the public on various dates throughout the year. The museum is open Mon–Sat: 9:30am-4pm; Sun: 11am-4pm; Omnimax-only tickets on Free Days are $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and $7 for children. Normal prices apply for other features;

Free Days 2009: Jan 5-31; April 22; June 1-5, 19; Oct 8, 9, 12-16, 19-23, 26-30; Nov 11;

Shedd Aquarium Free Days
During Shedd Aquarium Free Days, general admission is free. Wild Reef admission is sold at a reduced rate. The aquarium is open Weekdays 9am–5pm and Weekends 9am–6pm.

Free Days 2009: 2009 Community Discount Weeks are on the following dates in June (14 through 19), and Oct. (4 through 9).

2009 Community Discount Days are on the following dates for Mondays and Tuesdays in September (21, 22, 28 and 29) October (2, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27) and November (2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, and 30)..

Chicago Summer Events 2009

Chris — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 19:44:03 +0000

Everyone knows that summer is the best time of the year, and with this list of Chicago Summer Events, we promise to keep you busy every day of the week! Summer 2009 is no exception, with an overload of festivals, concerts and much more. Take a look through our list of 2009 Chicago Summer Events, and feel free to Contact Us if you have anything to add!

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We are in the process of updating this post for 2009. Please be patient while we work to get you all the details

Chicago Summer Events 2009
May 2009 Summer Events

Bike The Drive - May 24, 2009 on Lakeshore Drive.

Chicago Turkish Festival 2009 - May 27-30, 2009 at Daley Plaza.

Chicago Gospel Music Festival 2009 - June 6-9, 2009 at Millenium Park.

June 2009 Summer Events
Yoga at Millenium Park - Saturday mornings. June 6 through Sept 19.

Chicago Blues Fest 2009 - June 12 to 14, 2009 at Chicago’s Grant Park.

Sister Cities Festival - June 15-18, 2009 at Daley Plaza.

Chicago Ribfest 2009 - June 12-14, 2009 at Irving Park and Damen.

Grant Park Music Festival 2009 - June 10 to August 14, 2009 (various dates) - Millenium Park

Chicago Summer Dance 2009 - June 11 to August 23, 2009 (Thurs-Sun) - 601 S. Michigan Ave in Grant Park.

Wrigleyville Summerfest 2009 - August 8-9, 2009 at Seminary & Roscoe St.

Chicago’s Naked Bike Ride - June 13, 2009 leaves from Union Park.

Andersonville Midsommarfest 2009 - June 13 & 14, 2009 at 5200 N. Clark Street.

Taste of Randolph 2009 - June 19-21, 2009 at 800 W. Randolph.

Chicago World Cup 2009 - June 20th, 26th, 27th The Chicago YMCA, 2700 S. Western Avenue.

Taste of Chicago - June 26 to July 5, 2009 at Chicago’s Grant Park.

Pride Parade - June 28, 2009 in Boystown.

July 2009 Summer Events
Chicago Thai Festival - July 8 to 10, 2009 at Daley Plaza.

Chicago Outdoor Film Fest - Tuesday nights, July 14 to August 25, 2009 in Chicago’s Grant Park.

Pitchfork Music Festival - July 17 to 19, 2009 at Chicago’s Union Park.

Chicago Venetian Night - July 25, 2009 at Grant Park.

Chicago Criterium - July 26, 2009 in Chicago’s Grant Park.

August 2009 Summer Events
Lollapalooza 2009 - August 7 to 9 at Chicago’s Grant Park.

Retro on Roscoe - August 1 & 2, 2009; 2000 W. Roscoe Street.

Chicago Air Show 2009 - August 15 & 16 at North Avenue Beach.

Chicago Dancing Festival - August 18-22, 2009 at Various Locations.

Chicago Latin Music Fest - August 29 & 30, 2009 in Chicago’s Grant Park.

AVP at North Avenue Beach - August 27-30, 2009 at North Avenue Beach.

Chicago Jazz Fest - September 4 to 6, 2009 in Chicago’s Grant Park.

September 2009 Summer Events
Not Done Yet

Chicago Celtic Fest - September 13 & 14, 2008 at Chicago’s Grant Park.

October 2008 Summer Events
Chicago Country Music Festival - October 11 & 12, 2008 at Soldier Field.

2008 Chicago Marathon - October 12, 2008 starts and ends at Grant Park.

Madonna’s Chicago Concert - October 26 & 27, 2008 at The United Center.

Ongoing Summer Events
Chicago Neighborhood Tours - Throughout the Summer.

Navy Pier Fireworks - Weds and Sat, Throughout the Summer.

Chicago Bike Valet offers a secure place to park your bicycle at many of the Chicago’s largest summer events.

The Chicago Water Taxi is a great way to see the sights.

2009 Chicago Neighborhood Tours

Chris — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 08:28:04 +0000

The 2009 Chicago Neighborhood Tours season is upon us. Running from May thru October, Chicago Neighborhood Tours take you on a 4 hour journey through some of the most magnificent and undiscovered gems across the city. Chicago Neighborhood Tours cost $30 for adults; $25 for seniors, students and children. Summer Sampler tours are $20 per person.

With many different tours to choose from, the 2009 Chicago Neighborhood Tours offers something for every section of Chicago. You can choose to do a single neighborhood tour such as Bronzeville or Devon Avenue - or try a Summertime Sampler, which will take you on a tour of several Chicago neighborhoods in one afternoon, such as Greek Town, Chinatown & Little Italy. Most tours begin at 10am on their respective dates.

For a full list of tours, dates and availability, be sure to check the official 2009 Chicago Neighborhood Tours website.

Chicago Neighborhood Tours

Mine the city’s hidden gems, its neighborhoods. From South Side neighborhood Beverly on the new Beautiful Beverly tour to historic parks on the new Garfield Park & Beyond tour, Neighborhood Tours showcase the arts, culture, history and people of Chicago.

Chicago Summer Events
Kooza Chicago
Merchandise Mart Artropolis 200
Looptopia 2009
2009 Chicago Air Show
MCA First Friday

Chicago Restaurant Week 2009

Chris — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:44:00 +0000

Chicago Restaurant Week 2009 is your opportunity to dine at some of Chicago’s finest eating establishments, while paying lower-than-normal prices. Chicago Restaurant Week 2008 is February 20 - 27, 2009. A Chicago Restaurant Week Meal will cost you $22 for lunch or $32 for dinner, and includes a 3-course meal from the restaurant of your choice. If there is a 5-star Chicago restaurant that you’ve been wanting to try, this could be your opportunity - though you are locked in to whatever 3-course meal they choose to serve.

For a full list of participating restaurants, or to make reservations, simply click over to the official Chicago Restaurant Week website. You can make a normal reservation at any of the participating restaurants and simply order the Chicago Restaurant Week course when you arrive.

Chicago Restaurant Week 2009

The Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau is excited to introduce Chicago’s 1st Annual Restaurant Week. You’ll have the chance to enjoy special three-course lunches and dinners at dozens of the city’s finest restaurants. Try some exotic spice; nibble some samplings from the sea; or delight in 5-star sophistication. Whatever your taste, you’ll find it during Chicago Restaurant Week.

Chicago Events
Taste of Chicago 2009
Looptopia 2009
Chicago Museum Free Days

Taste of Chicago 2009

Chris — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 09:01:36 +0000

Taste of Chicago 2009 will run June 26, 2009 - July 5, 2009 in Grant Park. The Taste of Chicago is the worlds largest Food Festival and probably the biggest summer event in Chicago.

You can usually get Taste of Chicago Discount Tickets at your local Dominic’s Grocery Store during the week preceeding The Taste of Chicago.

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Taste of Chicago 2008 - Information Pages
Taste of Chicago Music
Taste of Chicago Discount Tickets
Taste of Chicago Fireworks
Chicago Bike Valet

It’s my personal recommendation that you try your best to avoid the large crowds at The Taste of Chicago. I suggest going mid-week or early in the day, when the crowds are not quite as insane. On the weekends, you are literally pressed up against thousands of other smelly / sweaty people, in 90+ degree heat, being pushed over and wishing that you had just stayed home. Get there early.

If you are going to make the pilgrimage to Taste of Chicago, I suggest going to see one of the musical acts. The seating filed around the music shell provides a slight break from the overwhelming crowds. I also suggest avoiding the fireworks at all costs.

Wikipedia : The Taste of Chicago is the world’s largest food festival, held annually for two weeks in Chicago starting the last week of June. The event is the largest festival in Chicago. Every year, millions of Chicagoans, and tourists from around the world flock to Grant Park to enjoy the variety of food prepared by Chicago’s most popular restaurants.

Chicago Events
Chicago Jazz Fest 2009
Chicago Summer Dance 2009
Chicago Country Music Festival 2009
Chicago Air Show 2009

Taste of Chicago Music 2009

Chris — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 09:00:38 +0000

The Taste of Chicago 2009 (June 26 - July 5, 2008) will feature plenty of music and bands every day. Taste of Chicago Music acts are free to the public. All performances take place at the Petrillo Music Shell.

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Featured Taste of Chicago Musical Performances

June 27 - Counting Crows
June 28 - Wallflowers, Lovehammers
June 30 - Barenaked Ladies

Visit the official Taste of Chicago Music page for the full entertainment schedule and remember to use the Chicago Bike Valet when you check out the Taste of Chicago Music 2009.

Taste of Chicago Music 2009

Events also include live music on multiple stages, informational and family oriented pavilions, and nightly film performances. Musical acts vary from established and emerging local artists, to nationally known artists like Carlos Santana, Moby, and Kenny Rogers. All performances are free. July 3rd (Independence Eve) is by far the event’s most attended day.

Taste of Chicago Fireworks 2009

Chris — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:59:21 +0000

The Taste of Chicago Fireworks display will take place on July 3rd, 2009. Officially named the “Independence Eve Fireworks Spectacular”, the evening is nothing short of chaotic and I believe you should avoid it at all cost. The already huge crowd from The Taste of Chicago 2008 will be complemented by additional families and high school kids, all clamoring to get a good view of the lake.

Remember to use the Chicago Bike Valet when you check out the Taste of Chicago Fireworks.

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Taste of Chicago Fireworks
If you refuse to avoid this mess and absolutely want to experience the Taste of Chicago Fireworks Spectacular, there are a two options that I would suggest:

1) Come very early and plan to stay very late. If you arrive less than 2 hours before the start of the fireworks show, you will have a hard time finding a seat and navigating the crowd. If you try to head home right when the fireworks end, you will be met with even more insanity as people try to flood the streets and train stations.

2) Try viewing from another location. People have told me that you can escape the crowds and get a good view from the northern beaches such as Fullerton or North Avenue Beach.

All in all, I suggest totally avoiding The Taste of Chicago Fireworks. The police act as if they have never encountered this before and have no sense about how to control the crowds after the fireworks end. The streets are flooded and the train station (CTA and Metra) are crowded to dangerous levels. Avoid The Taste of Chicago Fireworks and go to one of the twice weekly shows at Navy Pier shows instead.

Chicago Summer Events
Chicago Summer Calendar
Taste of Chicago
2009 Chicago Air Show
Red Bull Flugtag Chicago
Chicago Outdoor Film Fest