The Chicago Traveler

• If you’ve ever been to a garage sale, you’ve probably seen the chance video cassette for sale that no one wants. Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher have been collecting these tapes from garage sales, thrift stores, and trash bins. They will present them in the Found Footage Festival at Lakeshore Theater. Expect a hilarious look at workout videos, training films, and random recordings. (Oct 24)
• Costumed representatives from the Chicago White Sox, the Chicago Sky, and other businesses will compete in the relay race Freaky Fast 500 (hosted by Jimmy John’s) outside the Thompson Center. A cash prize goes …read more

Comments Off

• The 44th Annual Chicago International Film Festival begins this weekend, featuring over 100 films from 46 countries. (ends Oct 29)
• More than five dozen vendors from Chicago will sell art, antiques, jewelry, and more at the Fall French Market. The fair also includes French cooking demonstrations and kids’ activities. (Oct 17-19)
• Sixty local and national chefs are featured at the 20th annual Celebrity Chef Ball, including Top Chef: Chicago winner Stephanie Izard, contestant Valerie Bonan, and Top Chef: New York contender Radhika Desai. (Oct 17)
• Oracle Productions holds their third installment of terrifying entertainment, Disturbed III. The audience stands …read more

Comments Off

• The Croatian Fest features a huge roast of 75 lambs and over 10 whole pigs at the St. Jerome Croatian Catholic Church. The festivities include homemade foods, ethnic dancing, and a beer garden. (Aug 15)
• This weekend marks the 50th Annual Chicago Air & Water Show. Arrive early and claim your spot at either North Avenue Beach or Oak Street Beach, where you’ll see the Blue Angels, the Golden Knights parachute team, an F-22 Raptor, and much more. (Aug 15-17)
• The third annual North Side Summerfest features live music from over a dozen artists and bands and plenty of …read more

1 Comment

• The Pitchfork Music Festival is a 3-day event featuring over 40 independent bands and artists on three stages at Union Park. (July 18-20)
• Two stages of live music entertain thousands of visitors at the Old St. Patrick’s World’s Largest Block Party. Tickets include five drinks (bottled water, soda, wine, beer). (July 18-19)
• The Chicago Short Comedy Video and Film Festival at the Music Box Theatre consists of nearly 35 locally-made films starring Chicagoan actors and comedians. (July 17-18)
• Kate the Great’s Book Emporium, a bookstore with a diverse selection in Edgewater, will be closing its doors next week after …read more

2 Comments

• The annual Cinco de Mayo Festival at Douglas Park features live music, food booths, carnival rides, games, and a parade at 12 noon on Sunday. (May 2-4)
• The 75th annual SAIC Fashion Show is produced by School of the Art Institute of Chicago students and faculty. Located at the Sullivan Center, the exhibition is preceded by a cocktail reception and features a meet-and-greet with the designers afterward. (May 2)
• For four nights, Adobo Grill will feature special Mexican menu items and $5 margaritas. (May 2-5)
• Can’t party on Monday? Hit up the Dos de Mayo Party at Easy Bar, …read more

Comments Off

• Jerry Seinfeld will be performing his stand-up routine at The Chicago Theatre. (Apr 11-12)
• At the Ibeji African Market Days, you can browse through handmade baskets, handbags, silk scarves, silver jewelry, and more on the ground floor of the James R. Thompson State of Illinois Center. Profits benefit orphans and women with HIV/AIDS in Africa. (Apr 10-11, e-mail)
• Support mentoring programs for local high school students at Spring for the Students: The Minds Matter of Chicago Spring Fundraiser. The event includes an open bar, appetizers, and auctions. (Apr 11)
• Ever wonder what your pet is thinking? Bring your pet …read more

2 Comments

Your precious pooch is your best friend. You wish you could take him everywhere, don’t you? But something tells me your fellow office workers wouldn’t look too kindly on a cubicle “accident” or chewed up files. The grocery store is enough of a zoo with all those screaming kids. And we won’t even talk about airport security.
What you need is a portable pup. Perhaps in plush.
Time to call Jessica Drewry. Send her a photo and a personality description of your beloved pet. In about a month, you’ll have your very own Fido-to-Go.
And don’t forget about your model mutt. Jessica and …read more

3 Comments

Celebrate the reopening of the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies in its new facility at the Grand Opening Gala Benefit, including cocktails, dinner, and entertainment. (Nov 29)
The annual World of Chocolate benefit for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is held in commemoration of World AIDS Day. Guests will sample scrumptious chocolate creations from many of Chicago’s finest restaurants, caterers, and chocolatiers. (Nov 29)
Bayside, an alternative rock band from Queens, New York, performs at the House of Blues, while Clay Aiken, the American pop singer of American Idol fame, sings at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan. (Nov 29)
Sample some of the …read more

1 Comment

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Friday, October 19, Y-ME Illinois will honor all those that have been affected by breast cancer and their supporters. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., The Big Night Out at Union Station will raise funds that will allow Y-ME to continue their work in the community, supporting and educating women. Guests will be treated to the delicious treats of Ethel’s Chocolate, Geja’s Café, Garrett Popcorn, Argo Tea, Kim & Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels, Starbucks Liqueur, Aveda Institute Chicago, Touch Salons, and Martini Park. A Mini Cooper will be raffled off at the event, and live music …read more

1 Comment

Welcome to Lifestyles of the Rich and Furry! Pooches who expect only the best in luxury shop at Tails in the City. This upscale pet boutique in the Gold Coast neighborhood carries an extensive collection of the finest pet accessories. Designer pet carriers, embellished dog collars, unique toys, luxurious beds, fashionable clothes and accessories, harnesses and leashes, gourmet treats, and more are here to keep your pup pampered. This place even carries pieces from Paris Hilton’s Pet Collection, so your pet can look just as “Hollywood” as celebrity-pooch Tinkerbell. Some of these dogs probably spend more on their outfits than …read more

1 Comment