http://chicagoweekendfun.com It's your weekend in Chicago, Have fun with it! Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:41:31 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en This is a great weekend to spend time downtown in Chicago. The Michigan Avenue Lights Festival is happening, which leads us right into Thanksgiving on Thursday and then the Black Friday Sale Madness on Friday. Millennium Park's Ice Skating Rink also opens and the Museum of Science and Industry has ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/11/20/christmas-events-michigan-avenue-lights-festival-trees/ I got an email from the nice people at Ebay last week letting me know that they would be on Michigan Avenue with a truck full of computers and a bunch of personal shoppers to help you find what you need in gifts to buy and ship anywhere in the USA this ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/11/10/ebay-personal-shoppers-on-michigan-avenue-by-wrigley-building/ [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="305" caption="Aaaaahhhhh!!!! Runs screaming from the open house..."][/caption] Even though we are still feeling the affect of the recession, Chicago open houses are on my calendar this weekend. My husband and I have decided that its time to find a house to settle down in and move from our ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/10/21/chicago-open-houses-metra-bnsf-homes-for-sale/ I just wanted to share the list of streets closed for this weekend's Bank of America Chicago Marathon in the city. If you live downtown or up north in Chicago, beware of parking bans and getting your car towed tonight also in addition to these streets that will be inaccessible. Most ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/10/09/bank-of-america-chicago-marathon-street-closures/ [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="320" caption="Hello Kitty and some friends at a past parade"][/caption] Thanksgiving is just around the corner and along with some turkey and stuffing, the yearly tradition is to watch or go see the Chicago Thanksgiving Day parade downtown. Not everyone can make it downtown to see the parade ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/10/05/thanksgiving-day-parade-in-chicago-november/       [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="270" caption="We didn't even do the logo right..."][/caption] Thankfully, Chicago did not win the 2016 Olympics Bid.We are all so thankful that the biggest sporting event in the world did not land on our city at this time. (maybe in 10 or 20 years if we get things ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/10/02/chicago-looses-2016-olympics-bid/ The Tony Award Winning Musical Theater Show Jersey Boys will be leaving Chicago and the LaSalle Bank Theater in 2010. The last block of tickets are on sale now for the first week in January, and selling quickly. I can't stress enough that if you have not seen this musical, ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/09/28/jersey-boys-leaving-chicago-theater-2010/ Have you been thinking of some home improvement projects but are afraid to spend the money in the current economy? Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency Products can help. It is scary not knowing if all our jobs will be around in 6 months, but if you have some savings to use for ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/09/28/energy-efficiency-tax-credits-appliances-windows-homes/ Eddie Izzard just announced that he will be back in Chicago performing his Stripped 2 The Big Intimacy Standup Comedy Tour to a larger crowd than ever at the United Center on January 8th 2010. The tickets go on pre-sale this morning Sept 14th at 10 am through Ticketmaster with ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/09/14/eddie-izzard-tour-returns-chicago-striped-2-intimacy-tour-comedy-united-center/ The Chicago Gourmet Festival 2009 is going to be a huge foodie event in Chicago. On Saturday September 26th and Sunday September 27th in Millennium Park (age 21 and up because there is a lot of wine!) there will be many opportunities to revel in being a foodie and try ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/09/01/chicago-gourmet-festival-schedule-2009/ The Chicago International Film Festival is a little event run by a few people on a shoestring budget but it packs a big punch. Somehow, the Chicago International Film Festival manages to get access to the latest independent films and often times show the award winners that year before they have ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/09/01/chicago-international-film-festival-2009/ Steve Martinis a man of many talents. We all love his comedy and stand-up, we have all seen his dramatic talents and now he has branched out in another creative direction. Bluegrass Banjo Music. Steve Martin is going to be playing with his band for one show at the Cadillac ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/08/27/steve-martin-plays-bluegrass-banjo-chicago/ It's August and all the stores in Chicago would like a share of your pocketbook this season in back to school supplies, clothes, shoes and college dorm necessities. Some have great sales starting already, other stores will start the back to school sales in Chicago this week. Most kids start ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/08/17/save-back-to-school-sales-chicago-savings/ The 2009 Chicago Bears have started the preseason games already and it isn't long until the regular Football season is in full swing. Whether you are a casual fan or a dedicated fantasy football die hard who also attends home games at Soldier Field, you will want to know where to find ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/08/16/chicago-bears-games-tv-schedule-2009-local/ The jets are buzzing by the high rise office building I work in downtown and I am reminded that the Chicago Air and Water Show is this weekend! Every year the City of Chicago is generous in providing this entertaining weekend event free for everyone. But if you want good ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/08/11/the-chicago-air-and-water-show-2009/ It is Fall TV Season Premiertime again in Chicago. Yet few of the listings I see on the internet are in local Chicago time zone time. So, I have taken the eastern standard time zone listings and converted them below into the new fall season schedules for Channels ABC 7, ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/08/10/fall-tv-season-premiers-schedule-chicago-stations-times-cst/ I always like to recommend the best events around Chicago to attend and plan your weekends and vacations with but sometimes I have to call out the details about Chicago that are less than ideal. Today's complaint is about the Chicago CTA bus service. I have a love hate relationship with ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/07/28/chicago-cta-busses-metra-schedule-fares-times-stops/ Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruises and Toursare one of the top attractions I recommend for tourists and locals alike when visiting downtown Chicago in the summer.  It offers a chance to see Chicago from a different perspective and is relatively cheap for entertainment. It is a great stay-cation activity this summer, and it is ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/07/08/chicago-architecture-foundation-river-cruise-tours-local-tourist-recommendations/ The Garrett Popcorn Shops will open a new store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago this summer replacing the one on North Michigan Avenue that closed last year. Their presence on the Mag Mile was missed by locals and tourists alike. Their flavored popcorn is such a Chicago Classic and we are glad to ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/06/15/garretts-popcorn-shops-ontario-street-michigan-avenue-re-open-store-magmile/ I was checking out the Taste of Chicago 2009 map of vendors and restaurants and there is more to choose from this year at the taste than ever. The Taste of Chicago 2009 offers everything from classic Chicago hot dogs and pizza to vegetarian dishes, to international specialties from all ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/06/14/taste-of-chicago-july-2009-restaurants-list-map/ . The Chicago Outdoor Film Festival is back again this summer (for the 10th year!) with a great lineup of movies planned. If you live in the city or work downtown these classic movies are a great way to picnic for dinner and wind down from a crazy day at work. I ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/05/28/chicago-outdoor-film-festival-grant-park-free-classic-movies-all-summer/ These are the updates I just got about Memorial Day Parade and Street Closures in Chicago. If you are planning on attending the Chicago Memorial Day Parade, The JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge Race, The Memorial March, or the Bike the Drive event, check this list first to find out ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/05/21/memorial-day-weekend-parade-street-closures-events-parking-may-23-24-25/ [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="196" caption="Vintage Black and White Mother's Day Photos with Kids."][/caption] There are a lot of ideas for spending Mother's Day in Chicago with mom this year. Whether your mom is a corporate VP or a stay at home multitasking genius, there is something you can do to make ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/05/07/mothers-day-flowers-gifts-brunch-ideas-in-chicago-2009-10/ [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="240" caption="Chicago Blues Festival 2008 by  lanet and phil via Flickr."][/caption] The Chicago Blues Festival showcases the music Chicago is known for. If you are a fan of the Blues Brothers or maybe have seen BB King on commercials you may think you know something about the Blues. The ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/04/24/chicago-blues-festival-grant-park-june-12-14-2009/ [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="some produce at the organic farmer's market"][/caption] The Chicago Green City Market will be moving outside to Lincoln Park (1750 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60614) on Wednesday, May 6, with a kick off rally for the 2009 season on Saturday, May 9! the Chicago Green City Market ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/04/20/chicagos-green-city-farmers-market-opens-may-6-locations/ [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Rock out with your _ out."][/caption] Lollapalooza Tickets are on Sale now! The Lollapalooza 2009 tickets went on sale today and are available at variable prices with the first come first served lowest price model. Here is how it works. Right now the early bird 3-day pass is ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/03/31/lollapalooza-2009-chicago-tickets-on-sale-march-31/ Apartments like this are common in Chicago, get started on your apartment search today. Spring is the time that most people look for an apartment in Chicago. Rental Leases are up and it is the first time for the year that it is warm enough that you can actually move furniture ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/03/30/chicago-apartments-finders-rentals-people-service-searching-moving-to-chicago/ [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="322" caption="Plenty of fast fun affordable spring break escape options in Chicago."][/caption] I know that the tradition is to leave Chicago and go to a warm sunny tropical location to celebrate spring break, but for many people who live throughout the Midwest, Chicago is the destination for a ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/03/26/spring-break-in-chicago-things-to-do/ [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="309" caption="Ira Glass ready for the show."][/caption] This American Life has gone on the road again to produce 2 live stage shows, one in Chicago at the Chicago Theater and one in New York City which will be taped and beamed live via some fancy newfangled satellites to ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/03/25/this-american-life-april-23-movie-theaters-live-new-york-chicago/ [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="299" caption="The Wood Dale restaurant is small, it only seats about 20 but the food is worth the wait if it's crowded."][/caption] Sweet Baby Ray's makes a great Barbecue Sauce. I am a huge fan and when I found out that there was a restaurant that served just ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/03/25/sweet-baby-rays-barbecue-restaurant-in-wood-dale-il-best-bbq-sauce-barbeque/ [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="502" caption="The speakers in the 2009 Speaker Series: Minds that Move the World."][/caption] Madison Square Garden Entertainment is presenting the 2009 Speaker Series: The Minds That Move the World at The Chicago Theatre. This series brings together the most influential voices in politics to debate the most pertinent current ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/03/17/al-gore-at-the-chicago-theater-april-1st-minds-that-move-the-world/ Some college basketball fans wild with excitement in 2008 - Image Credit MorphoMir on FlickrMarch Madness used to be the one time during the year when betting at work was ok. Everyone got their brackets, whether they understood the NCAA college basketball tournament or not and the smack talk at ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/03/14/ncaa-chicago-bars-watch-march-madness-college-basketball-tournament-playoffs-final-four-brackets/ The cast of Rod Blagojevich Superstar now showing at Navy Pier in Chicago.Get discounted tickets to Rod Blagojevich Superstar online now with the promo code "Rod". The tickets are usually $25 but get them with $5 off this week. I really think that most of Chicago is sick of hearing about ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/03/12/rod-blagojevich-superstar-navy-pier-second-city-show-shakespear-theater/ Sunset driving on 90/94 from the south, a great way to enter the city and see the Sears Tower, Willis TowerThe city of Chicago is shocked and saddened right now by the news that the Sears Tower is going to be renamed the Willis Tower for the new company renting/leasing the ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/03/12/sears-tower-renamed-willis-tower-for-new-tennants-chicago/ [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="362" caption="The dynamic Riverdance Show in Action"][/caption] Riverdance Irish Dance Performances are returning to Chicago this spring for their last 5 farewell performances at the Rosemont Theater at 5400 North River Road on March 19-22, 2009. The tickets for Riverdance are on sale now through Ticketmaster. This Riverdance show ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/03/10/riverdance-farewell-performances-in-chicago-2009/ Tesla is coming to Chicago!Many of us know Tesla Motors because of the news involving either: 1. High Gas Prices and alternative fuel vehicles talked about by magazines like WIRED. 2. The CEO of the Tesla Motors Company being removed by the board because of lots of personal differences and internal conflict ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/03/10/tesla-motors-opens-electric-car-showroom-and-service-center-in-chicago-il/ The Odyssey Boat where we went for a Dinner Cruise in ChicagoThe Odyssey Dinner Boat Cruises on Lake Michigan in Chicago are well known for providing an elegant evening on the lake with a spectacular view of the city of Chicago. When we got a chance to take one this weekend ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/03/09/chicago-odyssey-dinner-cruises-on-lake-michigan-reviews-tourists/ The Irish Plumbers in action on St Patrick's Day Dyeing the Chicago River Green in the old location at the Michigan Avenue Bridge.The Downtown Chicago St Patrick's Day Parade begins at 12:00 noon, Saturday March 14th. This year like in many years the Chicago St Patrick's Day Parade is not ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/03/03/st-patricks-day-parade-in-chicago-river-green-dyeing/ While most people are aware of the Mardi Gras side of Fat Tuesday but in Chicago there are probably more people who celebrate Punchki Day (p?czek or Paczki day) than Mardi Gras. Punchki Day is a Catholic (eastern European) tradition where you eat decadent fruit filled or cream filled doughnut ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/02/22/chicago-punchki-day-paczki-ash-wednesday-lent/ Mardi Gras day celebrations can be hard to find in Chicago.The Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (beginning of lent) is usually a more cold and subdued one on Chicago with Punchki Day (pyczaki) on April 24 and thoughts of what it is you will give up for lent this year. Chicago's heavily Catholic areas of ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/02/22/mardi-gras-day-parties-in-chicago-fat-tuesday/ Its time for fancy dresses, tuxes and bubbly.Everyone loves a good party and this year the recession has compelled more people to stay home and party for the Oscars with their neighbors and TV than in years past. The superbowl was a great example of people staying in, having a house ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/02/19/chicago-oscars-viewing-parties-movies/ An entrant into the show last year. Lookin good!The International Kennel Club of Chicago hosts it's annual dog show this weekend at McCormick Place in Chicago. The Dog Show runs from February 18th through February 22nd at McCormick Place West 2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616. Tickets are ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/02/19/international-kennel-club-chicago-dog-show-mccormick-place/ Lilly Allen is playing the Riviera Theater on April 12, 2009 at 7:30 pm. Doors will open at the Riviera Theater at 6pm. Tickets can only be purchased at Ticketmaster. (I know, boo for extra fees) Luckily general admission tickets only cost $26.50 to start. Maybe including all the fees the total price will end up ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/02/18/lilly-allen-tour-chicago-tickets-concert-riviera-theater/   The Flight of the Conchords show has taken off by storm lately. What was a cult hit last season is mainstream popular this year. I just heard that Flight of the Conchords will be playing at Arie Crown Theater on March 24th in Chicago. This is going to be a very ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/02/06/flight-of-the-conchords-tickets-in-chicago-arie-crown-theater-in-april-band/ It is that time of year again, Tax Preparation Season in Chicago. (it can ruin many weekends before April 15th) You get through Christmas and the Super Bowl and very quietly your 1099's sneak up on you when you aren't looking. Tax Preparation in Chicago can be just as challenging as ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/02/06/tax-tips-for-irs-tax-filing-green-tax-credits-hrblock-jacksonhewitt-taxcut-turbotax-deductions/ President's Day is observed on February 16. I won't be at work that day, like most people who have the day off, I will be honoring our first presidents by shopping at the President's Day Sales around Chicagoland. Wouldn't they be proud? All the local Chicago stores are starting their ramp ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/02/06/presidents-day-sales-in-chicago-macys-kohls-walmart/ I realized about 7 years ago that bowling was enjoying a resurgence in popularity when all my friends were spending their weekends in rented shoes at bowling alleys in Chicago. I was surprised to see two bowling alleys packed this evening while driving home. I stopped by a store next ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/02/06/chicago-willowbrook-hillside-bowling-alleys-local-tivoli-10pin-luckystrike-fireside/ I am sure you have heard Jesse McCartney's songs on the radio, and maybe you have figured that he has a lot of soul in his music for a white guy that is only 21 years old, but if you haven't heard his music you have time to discover it just ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/02/06/jesse-mccartney-concert-at-house-of-blues-in-chicago/ Well the date is released, the Chicago Marathon is set for October 11, 2009 and Bank of America is still the main sponsor. The new Chicago Marathon web site is up and you can register now for the Chicago Marathon 2009. Just 247 days left to go... What a year of training ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/02/06/chicago-marathon-2009-bank-of-america-registration-open/ Chicago has had some comic shows rotate through town every so often but it has been a while since local comic fans had a large scale event here to attend locally. It is exciting to know that the majority of web and tech workers in the Chicago area will be ... http://chicagoweekendfun.com/2009/02/02/chicago-comic-book-entertainment-show-2010-comicon/