Category: Festivals

November holiday lights

Light up the night at Lightscape

(Photo courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden)

No sooner does Halloween wave a cold and scary skeleton hand goodby than the Chicago Botanic Garden and Morton Arboretum beckon with  tickets for their light shows.

Lightscape

The word “Lightscape” really defines the Chicago Botanic Garden’s winter transformation of its paths, garden areas and islands.

Open Nov. 10, 2023 through Jan. 7, 2024, formerly familiar Garden sections turn into plots of fire, fantastically large flowers and colorful, bright beacons. 

For its fifth annual holiday light show some displays, such as the popular Winter Cathedral, return like old, familiar friends. Other sections, such as Evening Island, welcome visitors to new vistas. 

What to expect: food and drink in various courtyards plus an enchanting experience of music and light.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is at 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe, IL (847) 835-6801. 

For tickets and more information visit Lightscape | Chicago Botanic Garden

Lightscape 2022 at Chicago Botanic Garden (J Jacobs phto)
Lightscape 2022 at Chicago Botanic Garden (J Jacobs photo)

llumination

Light transforms a one-mile pathway at Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum. Opening Nov. 18, 2023, Illumination continues through Jan. 6, 2024.

 A grove of trees comes alive as color change while you watch and lights  make trees dance. Hug a tree to see it light up. Then see the display’s finale on Meadow Lake.

You can warm up by a fire and roast marshmallows for s’mores or stop in a concession tent for a snack and beverage or dine at the Ginkgo Restaurant in the Visitor Center. Stop at the Arboretum Store to purchase a temperature-activated, color-changing ceramic mug available Illumination.

The Morton Arboretum is 41oo IL Rt 53, Lisle, IL  For tickets and more information visit Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum | The Morton Arboretum.

Jodie Jacobs

 

 

Around The Town: From banned books to pumpkin patches

 

(Photo courtesy of Kroll’s Farm)

With Labor Day passed, fall now here and students back in school, Around The Town was going to focus on fun fall events. But first, in case it slips by unremarked Banned Books Week is Oct. 2-7, 2023.

Actors at City Lit Theater will be doing excerpts from the top 10 challenged books at eight sites around the Chicago area beginning Sept. 27.

Held in conjunction with the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom, the event is “Books on the Chopping Block” that takes place around the Chicago area through mid-November.

The program will include background on the books, reasons some people want them off the shelves and audience discussion.

The sites include the Edgewater Branch of the Chicago Public Library Oct. 3 and Belmont Branch Oct. 4, plus the DePaul University Library in Lincoln Park, the public libraries of Bellwood, Highland Park, and River Forest, the Vernon Area Library in Lincolnshire Public Library, and the Frankfort Public Library. A presentation is also taking place Nov. 14 at the Women of Temple Sholom Banned Books Event,  3450 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive in Lakeview.

For all dates and locations visit City Lit Banned Books event BOOKS ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK | citylittheater

The 18-year-old event is now in its 16th consecutive year to let folks know about books some people want off the shelves.

Pumpkins and Jack-O-Lanterns. 

The bad news is that Didier’s has closed its retail operation near Lincolnshire. But the good news is there is a really great place to find pumpkins, Halloween items, cider donuts and see farm animals north in Lake County, IL. It is the child and adult-friendly Kroll’s Fall Harvest Farm, Find it at 13236 W Town Line Rd, Waukegan, IL · (847) 662-5733

Carved pumpkins are Jack-O-Lanterns if you ask the folks at the Chicago Botanic Garden which is holding its “Night of 1000 Jack O Lanterns” that are artistically carved.

Or you can go to Highwood, a northern town, nearby that annually holds its Pumpkinfest. These orange, somewhat cut out gourds fill racks along the downtown.

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival  i s Oct. 6-8, 2023. No tickets. Just come and enjoy live music and food booths.

Night of 1000 Jaci O Lanterns is Oct. 11-15 and Oct 18-22, 2023. Timed tickets needed. But there is food available for purchase and you get to walk the garden.

Jodie Jacobs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Around town puts Oktoberfest Chicago and Jack o Lanterns on the calendar

 

Celebrate fall with an Oktoberfest the end of September. Then keep the fun going by following a glowing path of hand-carved pumpkins in October.

Polka and celebrate Bavarian food and culture with Oktoberfest Chicago, Friday, Sept. 22 through Sunday, Sept. 24 on the grounds of St. Alphonsus church in West Lakeview. There will also be Craft Beer Tasting nights of September 22 & 23 in the church.

Hours are Friday from 5–10 p.m., Saturday from 12 noon –10 p.m. and Sunday from 12 noon –7 p.m. St. Alphonsus Catholic Church is located at 1429 W. Wellington Ave in Chicago. For more information visitchicago’s tourism site at 21st Annual Oktoberfest Chicago | 09/22/2023 | Choose Chicago

 

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns

(Photo courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden)

Imagine strolling a path after dark where pumpkins glare, smile and stare back at you. It’s Night of 1,000 Jack O Lanterns” at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Actually, it’s quite family friendly and artistic.

“…Visitors walk through the Garden after dark guided by the glow of pumpkins,” said Jodi Zombolo of Visitor Events & Programs. “It’s a great opportunity to spend an evening outdoors with friends and family while being entertained along the way.”

The event sold out last year so get tickets now. Tickets for members/nonmembers are Adult: $19/$21, children (age 3 – 12): $13/$15 and free to age 2 and younger. Parking is free for members and $15 for nonmembers/

Night of 1,000 Jack o’ Lanterns is Oct. 11-15 and Oct. 18-22 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. For more information visit Night of Jack O Lanterns or visit \https://www.chicagobotanic.org/halloween?

Jodie Jacobs

 

 

Around Town

 

Unlikely as it seems, many of the foods Chicagoans love to snack on will be ready to taste in Chicago’s Grant Park this week. It’s Taste of Chicago part 4. We had Taste in Humboldt Park in June, Pullman in July and Marquette in August.  So now it’s Grant Park’s downtown Chicago’s turn Sept. 8-10. And it’s free admission. 

Also happening is Lakeview East’s Festival of the Arts. Featuring more than 120 artists, live music and local restaurants, it runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 9-10. Music continues to 10 p.m.

Art on the Mart finishes this season this weekend and starts a new season the following weekend. So, stroll the Riverwalk near Wells Street if downtown Chicago to see what’s projecting on the Mart’s giant canvas.

Jodie Jacobs

 

Lolla alternatives

 

'Marvelocity" has original artwork by Alex Ross and superhero figures and busts. (J Jacobs photo)

Nothing wrong with “Lolla” but if you’d rather detour this weekend away from Lollapalooza’s half-million people filled Grant Park, there are a few alternatives. They range from family friendly to something for youngsters, oldsters and “Grateful Dead” fans.

Anyone who appreciates Marvel’s art and characters should head to “Marvelocity, the Art of Alex Ross.” It fills the walls at the Elmhurst Art Musem after drawing fans further north at the Dunn Museum in Northwest suburban Libertyville. The museum is at 150 Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. *(see related Marvelocity note)

Visit elmhurstartmuseum.org/ or call 630-834-0202 for ticket info.

Those folks who appreciate West Town’s restaurants and craft beer scene plus understand its “Dancing in the Streets name and dates of Aug. 4-6, will appreciate the an annual West Town Chamber festival. People in the know understand Aug. 4-6. Think the “Days Between” that celebrate Jerry Garcia. His b-day was Aug. 1 and he died Aug. 9.

For food, beer, art and more festival info visit Dancing in the Streets | West Town Chamber​

Those music lovers who like to relax on a blanket in a tree and sculpture-filled park while listening to Mozart, Rachmaninoff or Beethoven, should head to Ravina Festival in north suburban Highland Park this weekend. Hear Mozart’s The Magic Flute with Marin Alsop and the CSO. Also featured this weekend are the music of Beethoven and Rachmaninoff with Marin Alsop, Yunchan Lim, and the CSO.  Ravinia is at the southeast end of Highland Park and accessible by train.

For ticket, schedule and other info visit Ravinia Festival – Official Site | Online Schedule / Calendar

Jodie Jacobs

(Marvelocity note: for Dunn Museum article visit A ‘Marvelocity’ of Alex Ross and superheroes – Chicago Theater and Arts)

 

Pride fun and festivals

 

Chicago Pride Parade, (Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago)
Chicago Pride Parade, (Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago)

It doesn’t matter if a member of the Pride community. The City of Chicago takes pride in supporting LGBTQ+.

Everyone is invited to what has become huge, fun, food and entertainment events such as Pride Fest in the Halsted Street area, a food and entertainment festival in Grant Park, and voila, one of the country’s largest Pride Parades that swings through several of the city’s neighborhoods.

Those events are in addition to some that already took place in neighborhoods and suburbs last weekend and events still to come at Navy Pier and the Chicago area. See the details and mark the events on the calendar.

Chicago Pride Fest, a two-day annual festival in Northalsted 

What to expect: Held the weekend before the Chicago Pride Parade, the Fest features music on three stages, good Chicago drag performances, the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, a Pet Parade, a high-heel race, a Youth Pride Space for teens and several merchandise and food vendors.

In addition, SHAB, a pop artist and Iranian refugee, will be among featured guests performing on the Bud Light North Stage on Saturday. She is just back from a UK tour centered on her new video Indestructible.

Details; Centered at Halsted and Addison, June 17-18, 2023, it opens at 11 a.m. Saturday and ends at 10 p.m. Sunday and attracts about 60,000 people over the two days. A $15 donation is requested to cover expenses. For more information visit Chicago Pride Fest 2023 | 06/17/2023 | Choose Chicago.

Pride in the Park

What to expect: an annual, two-day music festival that includes food, merchandise and art. It draws big name stars  that this year includes  Zedd, Zara Larsson and Saweetie.

Details: Grant Park, June 23 and 24, 2023. For more information visit Pride in the Park 

Back Lot Bash

What to expect: Dedicated to women, it’s a highly attended block-party of food and music that this year features DJ Mary Mac and Lauren Sanderson.

Details: Held in Andersonvilee, June 24, 2023. For hours and location or more information visit Back Lot Bash Chicago.

Navy Pier Pride

What to expect: Music in three Navy Pier venues.

Details: Entertainment June 24-25 on the West Performance Platform from 11 a.m. to noon and more entertainment on the Orsted Wave Wall Performance Platform from noon to 7 p.m. Entertainers at the Navy Pier Beer Garden from 2 through 11 p.m.

For more information and entertainment schedule visit Navy Pier Pride 2023 | Navy Pier

Chicago Pride Parade

What to expect: Begun as a protest march in 1970 following New York City’s Stonewall Riots, it has become one of Chicago’s largest parades with close to 200 entries and attracts more than a million people. Street closures start around 8 a.m. at Montrose, Irving Park and Wellington at Broadway and Addison and Grace and Roscoe at Halsted. Streets and fully reopen by 8 p.m.

Details: The parade is June 25. It assembles at 10 a.m. then starts at noon in the Uptown neighborhood at Montrose and Broadway. Then, it winds through neighborhoods including East Lakeview and ends in Lincoln Park near Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road.  

For more route details and other information visit Chicago Pride Parade.

Some fun early June weekend events

 

A lot of what happens on in Millennium Park is in the Pritzker Pavillion (Photo by J Jacobs
A lot of what happens on in Millennium Park is in the Pritzker Pavillion (Photo by J Jacobs)

Chicago Blues Festival

Go to Downtown Chicago to Millenium Park for the Chicago Blues Festival, June 8-11, 2023.

It celebrates Chicago contributions to soul, R&B, gospel, rock and hip hop. And it’s free. Visitors can bring a chair or spread out but lots of folks stand to watch because others are standing.

Hours: Thurs: 5:30-9 p.m., Friday-Sunday: noon – 9 p.m. Enter from Michigan Ave. at Washington St. or Madison St., Randolph St. or Monroe St. Millenium Park is free and has a Welcome Center on Randolph Street that is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. but open later on performance nights. For Blues Festival information visit City of Chicago :: Chicago Blues Festival

Or go to Skokie for MadKap Productions’ 2023 Short Play Festival June 10 at 7:30 p.m. and June 11 at 2 p.m. It’s just $15.

Plays are each about 10 minutes and written include pieces by David Alex, DC Cathro, Eric Coble, Eva Schultz and Judy Schindler

For more information visit Skokie Theatre. The theater is at 7924 Lincoln Ave., downtown Skokie near the S.W. corner of Lincoln and Oakton Avenues.

 

Navy Pier (J Jacobs photo)
Navy Pier (J Jacobs photo)

In addition, there is Chi-Soul Fest, a free, two-day music/comedy festival throughout Navy Pier.

The Fest runs from 2 to 11 p.m. June 10 and 2 to 8 p.m. June 11. For the entertainment line-up and location on the Pier visit CHI-SOUL FEST 2023 | Navy Pier. Navy Pier is at 600 E. Grand Ave. Phone is 800 595-PIER (7437).

 

 

Winter months are more than the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day

 

What if your team doesn’t make Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12. Or you crave a fun event to brighten winter. Around Chicago found four events. At least one should appeal.

 

Chinatown celebrates Lunar New Year with a parade at it Gateway. (Photo courtesy of Chinatown Community.)
Chinatown celebrates Lunar New Year with a parade at its Gateway. (Photo courtesy of Chinatown Community.)

Celebrate Chinese New Year

Also called the Spring Festival and a celebration of the Lunar New Year, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit and goes from Jan. 22 through Feb. 5.

 Chicago’s Chinatown and Uptown (Argyle) neighborhoods hold lion and dragon dances, parades and other Lunar New Year events.

Uptown celebrates Jan. 28 from noon to 4 p.m. with the parade stepping off at 1 p.m. from Argyle Street and Winthrop Avenue. For details visit Argyle Lunar New Year. Chinatown’s parade is Jan. 29, 1 p.m. at 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue. See details at Chinatown Community Lunar New Year.  

Or celebrate with dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Most decorate in red and some hand out red envelopes.

 February starts with a fun, fanciful forecast in Woodstock, IL, northwest of Chicago. “Groundhog Day,” a movie that celebrates a rodent’s telling when Spring will come, was mostly made in Woodstock, IL. The town subbed, sorta, for Punxsutawney, PA. The month continues with the country’s largest auto show, followed by the Chicago Botanic Garden’s famed Orchid Show.

 

committee asks Woodstock Willie his forecast of when Spring will come. (J Jacobs photo
A member of Woodstock’s groundhog committee holds Woodstock Willie and asks his forecast of when Spring will come. (J Jacobs photo)

Go to Woodstock for Groundhog Day

The tiny town of Woodstock celebrates its “Groundhog” film locations and continually show the movie beginning Feb. 1, 2023. But the main event is early morning Feb. 2, when their groundhog, Woodstock Willie, forecasts the coming of Spring.

Released in 1993, the movie reappears every year similar to its theme of caught in a time warp. Directed by Harold Ramis with screenplay by Ramis and Danny Rubin it stars Bill Murray as cynical weatherman Phil Conners and Andie MacDowell as local TV producer Rita Hanson who wants “world peace.” 

Woodstock celebrates every year with do-it-yourself tours, film showings and other events through Feb. 5. For the full schedule and directions visit Woodstock Groundhog Days.  For info on the Punxsutawney Phil groundhog in Pennsylvania visit  Home | The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.

 

Guests view an unveiling in 2020. (Photo courtey of CAS)
Guests view an unveiling in 2020. (Photo courtey of CAS)

Check out the Chicago Auto Show

Take a look at today’s and tomorrow’s vehicles from SUV’s to concept cars. Use the simulators. Eat and just have fun. Held at McCormick Place, Chicago’s huge convention center, 2301. S. King Dr, Chicago, the show runs Feb. 11- 20, 2023. For the schedule, pricing and list of things to do visit About the Show | Chicago Auto Show and its links.

 

Chicago Botanic Garden put on a colorful orchid show in 2022. (J Jacobs photo)
Chicago Botanic Garden put on a colorful orchid show in 2022. (J Jacobs photo)

Discover beautiful, even bold, colors at the Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid Show

Stroll through CBG’s Greenhouses, Feb 11 through March 25, 2023 to see different sizes and colors of orchids. Garden notes predict 2023 will have even more color than 2022. In addition, orchid specialists and vendors will be on hand to answer questions and sales. The Illinois Orchid Society will also be there March 11-12.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is at 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe, east of Edens Expressway. For more information, tickets and hours visit The Orchid Show | Chicago Botanic Garden.

Jodie Jacobs

Fun Chicago ice skating downtown

 

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink attracts visitors to Millennium Park in winter. (City of Chicago photo)
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink attracts visitors to Millennium Park in winter. (City of Chicago photo)

If guests are in town for the holidays or enjoying Chicago’s festive downtown before the season ends is on the do list, think skating near skyscrapers, colorful lights, holiday trees. Think Downtown Chicago. Two ice rinks are in or next to Millennium Park and one is a short distance away at Navy Pier. Bring skates or rent them.

 McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

Operated by the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and special Events, the Millennium Park Foundation and presented by Hilton, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink has free admission. However, skaters need to reserve a time. Very few time slots may be available at the last minute. Sessions are 90 minutes.

The rink has been up since mid-November and continues through March 5, 2023, weather permitting. It’s at 11 N. Michigan Ave. between Randolph and Monroe Streets.

Skaters are requested to arrive 45 minutes before their reserved admission time. Snacks and hot drinks are available in Momentum Coffee and Millennium Hall. For Thursday through Sunday and holiday sessions at 5 p.m. and later, entrance is at a Security Checkpoint. For weather closure updates check Millennium Park’s facebook and twitter pages.

Skate rental is $20. More info and visit planning at Chicago.gov/millennium info and Dept. Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

 

Skat the Ribbon in Maggie Daley Park (City of Chicago photo)
Skat the Ribbon in Maggie Daley Park (City of Chicago photo)

Maggie Daley Park

 Run by the Chicago P:ark District, MDP’s Skating Ribbon is at 337 e. Randolph St. and is also accessible from a bridge crossing Columbus Drive and the nearby bike path.

Skate rental with admission is $16 on line and $18 walk-up Monday through Thursday. Sessions are free those days if b ringing your own skates. But prices are higher weekends and holidays.

 For more info, time slot reservations including rolling ticket release dates and costs visit Ice SkatingRribbon. Park & Ice Ribbon Management: 312.552.3000 · Fieldhouse: 312.742.3918.

 

Navy Pier Alpine Ice Skating Rink

The Pier’s ice rink is part of “Light Up the Lake” festival on now through Jan. 7, 2023.. Bring skates or rent them, There’s no charge beyond the festival admission of $15 for adults and children. Lockers are also available. Area is not for photo and flashing light sensitive visitors. Online tickets needed.

For more information visit Light up the Lake/Navy Pier.

Jodie Jacobs 

 

Around Town eyes One of a Kind and Swedish Andersonville

 

One of a Kind Show at the Mart (J Jacobs photo)
One of a Kind Show at the Mart (J Jacobs photo)

With so many fun, tasty and sparkling events now happening post COVID shutdowns it’s easy to miss a couple that should be on the calendar, this year.

One of a Kind

It’s an art show, a gourmet gift show and a stuffing-stocker show.

Wear comfortable walking shoes here because One of a Kind’s holiday show takes up an entire floor of The Mart. It’s that gigantic building on Wacker Drive and the Chicago River (222 Merchandise Mart Plaza).

Held Dec. 1-4, there are more than 500 booths to peruse ranging from photography, glass, wearable art jewelry, paintings and woodwork to tasty spices, chocolates, candies and sauces.

For tickets and more information visit One of a Kind. 

 

Andersonville

Home to the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood is holds a Julmarknad holiday market, a St. Lucia Festival of Lights and a Julmiddag, the traditional Swedish Christmas smörgåsbord.

 The Julmarknad , a holiday bazaar of Scandinavian and other crafts plus Santa and entertainment is Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..  

 The St. Lucia Festival of Lights is Dec. 13 with its crowning down in the Nordic House at the Wrigley Building (400 N. Michigan Ave.) at noon and the candle-lit procession in Andersonville on Clark Street beginning at 4:45 p.m. Visit St. Lucia Festival of Lights.

 Then the Julmiddag smörgåsbord is at the Museum Dec. 18, 2022 at 5 p.m. It includes a St. Lucia procession, a visit from Tomten (Santa) and dancing around the Christmas tree. Make reservations at julmiddag. by Dec. 13.

 For additional information on the Museum’s Christmas events, visit swedishamericanmuseum.org. For details on other holiday events in Andersonville, visit the Chamber/Andersonville.