What’s happening in Chicago this Weekend May 2, 3 and 4th.
It’s rainy here in Chicago right now and believe it or not, the weekend plans you have very much depends on the weather. And guess what? The forecast sais it will rain all day today (Friday) and part of Saturday as well. So that said, I advise indoor recreational activities instead of outdoor ones. It isn’t great for the list of events planned for this weekend in Chicago, but then again when has mother nature ever cooperated with the citizens of Chicago?
There will be 3 things everyone will hear about this weekend. Looptopia, Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby. These may or may not be good choices depending on the weather, but who knows really until the night really falls. Anyway, here are some events happening this weekend and some that I recommend as well:
1. Everyone has been talking about Looptopia 2.0 on Friday night May 2 from dusk till dawn. This loop night festival is about arts and culture in Chicago. Last year they had interesting artists that ranged from DJs to Improv to 3-d works of art on display to performance artists that posed as statues on the steps of the cultural center and almost got trampled. Most everything in this festival was obscure and hard to understand, and I’m not that old. (32) I also found the crowds of teens and college students blocking the sidewalks and streets while yelling and being rowdy to be annoying and unnecessary. (maybe I am getting old?) This year it is pouring rain anyway, so the only thing worse than being shoulder to shoulder with a bunch of shoving teens is being shoved pushed and pulled in a crowd while being drenched by rain. I don’t recommend this event even though it is free.
Instead there is a special boat tour that won’t be as crowded or deal with any traffic because it is on the Chicago River. See the city lights from a unique perspective during Looptopia with the Shoreline Sightseeing Architecture Tour on May 2. Their web site says: The tour will leave from the Sears Towner Shoreline Taxi Dock at Quincy Park along the Chicago River. (200 S. Wacker Dr) for 3 tours. (7:30 pm, 8:30 pm & 10 pm) Tickets are available online at or at the dock the night of the cruise if they are not all sold out. The price is $24 for the cruise, $21.00 for seniors and $12 for kids under the age of 12. This would be a better option than most of the free events included in Looptopia. Check them out.
2. I also recommend to see Iron Man with Robert Downey Jr Friday night. I saw the movie last night and it was a fun movie (although a little violent for my taste) that everyone seemed to enjoy. The characters and story are very good even though it was based on a comic book. They didn’t just make it about the special effects, the story and characters draw you in too. Afterwards why not go to Buffalo Wild Wings like we did? I enjoy some good boneless sweet wings when I can find them, and if you are there with a group of guys there will be an inevitable wing-off competition with the insane wings which can be epic-hot.
3. On Saturday May 3 the Kentucky Derby is on NBC Channel 5 at 4pm and the coverage will last 2.5 hours. Tune in and wear a big frilly hat just for fun. I am going to a Kentucky Derby party here in Chicago so maybe this horse racing thing is getting more popular again. (despite Arlington Racecourse’s issues with profitability)
4. Also, on Saturday May 3rd if it is not raining, there is a Chicago History Museum walking tour of the Gold Coast. The tour starts at 10 AM promptly and is $10.00 and they are located at 1601 N. Clark St. in Chicago, IL. For more information visit the chicagohistory.org web site or call 312.642.4600.
5. Saturday Night will be full of margaritas and quesadillas because Cinco de Mayo is Monday May 5th and we like to celebrate a little early when it doesn’t land on a weekend. Numerous Mexican bars and restaurants have special menus, drinks and music planned for this un-official Mexican holiday.
6. And finally make reservations for Lettuce Entertainment’s new premium modern seafood restaurant (which I think might be their take on the concept of TRU). They announced their opening of L2O in Lincoln Park May 14th, 2008 and are taking advance reservations now. If you aren’t familiar with the TRU experience, it is a multi course, jacket required, very expensive meal. A dinner for 2 might run $500.00 including wine and desert. It is usually a splurge restaurant for special occasions unless you are from the jet set. Many yuppies like to go there too even if they can’t really afford it, just to see how the other half lives and see the extravagant glass caviar presentation staircase. L2O is not going to be the same of course, but it will be in the same price range and be all about the extreme premium dining experience. The email announcement read
“Mimicking the elemental formula for water, the restaurant’s name, L2O, is an abbreviation for “Laurent” and “Water” evoking Chef Laurent Gras’ reverence for seafood and the ocean. The dining experience at L2O ranges from the lounge’s alluring atmosphere where guests order from an à la carte menu, to an evening in the elegant dining room where both a four-course prix-fixe menu and tasting menus are offered.”
L2O is open for dinner on: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Friday & Saturday from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM and Sunday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. For your reservation call 773-868-0002 or visit the web site at l2orestaurant.com.
7. And make reservations to take mom out to brunch next week end for Mother’s day before everything is booked.
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