The Chicago Traveler

• The 11th Annual Chicago Art Open presents drawings, paintings, photographs, and more by nearly 300 artists at Merchandise Mart. (ends Oct 19)
• Several local spas are taking part in the Pretty in Pink Fundraiser and offering fixed-price ($31) massages, facials, and other beauty treatments. Every participating spa and salon has made a donation to Breast Cancer Network of Strength. Be sure to mention “Pretty in Pink” when booking your appointment. (ends Oct 31)
• Want to see something spooky? Take the Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tour, featuring Hull House, the sites of the St Valentine’s Day Massacre and Eastland Disaster, and …read more

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Start the New Year with a little color…
• Hydrate: Why celebrate 12 midnight just once? Ring in the New Year for every time zone! The celebration includes an exclusive pre-NYE party, a hosted bar featuring Effen Vodka and Pilsner Urquell Beer, a delicious appetizer buffet, and a complimentary champagne toast. DJ Jeannette spins tracks well into the wee hours of the morning. (8 p.m. – 4 a.m., $30-$50) (map) (link)
• North End: This bar is all about beer, boys, and bowls—college bowls, that is. Stop by for some barstool football with the guys without having to worry about a …read more

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A huge 90-foot-tall (27-meter) “tree,” made up of more than 130 individual Balsam Firs, is the centerpiece for the 94th Annual City of Chicago Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. Musical entertainment begins at 4:30 p.m., lighting at 5:00 p.m. (Nov 23)
The Sparrow, an award-winning musical, is back by popular demand at the Apollo Theater for an extended run. The story follows a small-town teenage girl with telekinetic powers. (Nov 14-Dec 31)
Matt Wertz, a singer/songwriter from Nashville, TN, and Dave Barnes, a rock and r&b artist, will be together at the House of Blues. (Nov 23)
The most audience participative improv show in …read more

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Think country-western can’t be couture? Macy’s hosts the annual Glamorama, a fall fashion extravaganza. This year’s theme is The Good, The Bad, and The Beautiful. The rodeo will meet Rodeo Drive tonight at the Chicago Theatre at 8 p.m. Guests will be arriving via red carpet beginning at 6:30 p.m. Keep an eye out for Food Network chef Cat Cora and country music star Gretchen Wilson. They’ll be attending for sure, but past attendees have included Ellen DeGeneres, David Schwimmer, Pamela Anderson, Ryan Seacrest, Brooke Shields, and Queen Latifah… so who knows who else could show up this year! This …read more

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When I was a little kid, I had my own “secret” space where I felt safe and where I thought no one would find me unless I wanted them to. The Hideout is appropriately named; it’s a spot where you can be among friends and listen to great music, and people not in the know will have a heck of a time finding you.
In fact, the first time I was brought here, I was so turned around, there’s no way I would’ve been able to explain to anyone where I was. A couple of young patrons on cell phones stood …read more

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