Events | Citybuzz - A Vidicom and Christy Ferer Guide to Travel

Chicago

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+ Randolph Street Market: Vintage cool, amazing deals and entertainment!

The Randolph Street Market Festival is home to the world-renowned Chicago Antique Market, Indie Designer Market, Modern Vintage Chicago and the Holiday Market. As seen in Travel & Leisure, the NY Times, Lucky Magazine and featured on TV news shows and web casts, the Randolph Street Market Festival is considered “a mecca of cool”, “the best hot spot for antiquing”, “the best Chicago venue for people watching”, and “the Barney’s of Vintage”. Celebrity designer Nate Berkus says, “I love this market…the quality is incredible!” As one of Chicago’s most happening monthly parties, Randolph Street Market has become the summer destination! This European-style, indoor-outdoor urban antique market in the historic West Loop neighborhood features 200 select purveyors of high quality, amazingly priced “finds”, offering unlimited creative inspiration and hours of fun. Shoppers can find furnishings, vintage clothing, jewelry, collectibles, etc. Visit randolphstreetmarket.com for more information.

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+ Get kooky & go crazy at the new Blue Man Group show! Bigger than EVER

Blue Man Group cannot be explained; it can only be experienced. Blue Man Group is the interactive show that is continuously mesmerizing audiences. It’s a full sensory experience of performance art, music, comedy and multimedia theatrics. The men in blue are making a splash, literally. BlueManGroup

Best known for its award-winning theatrical productions which critics have described as "ground-breaking," "hilarious," "visually stunning" and "musically powerful." These performances feature three enigmatic bald and blue characters who take the audience through a multi-sensory experience that combines theatre, percussive music, art, science and vaudeville into a form of entertainment that is like nothing else. Blue Man Group is a unique performance piece incorporating many different ideas, such as science, technology, noise, liquid, innocence and plumbing. The poncho section is the first four or five rows closest to the stage. Patrons in this area are given ponchos to wear, because sometimes materials splash the audience. These substances are washable, but we suggest that you do not wear anything that needs dry cleaning. Now Playing at the Briar Street Theatre Located at 3133 North Halsted Chicago. Blue Man Group appeals to all ages, but children under five (5) years of age are not permitted. Click here for more information.

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+ The Boarding house… mammoth wine selection! Even a wine chandelier!

The Wine Bar at The Boarding House | First Floor The first floor of The Boarding House serves as the restaurant’s main bar. Enjoy a selection of 20 wines by the glass, 450 wines by the bottle, custom cocktails, specialty spirits and craft beers to pair with Chef Gosselin’s menu of traditional wine bar provisions, including cheeses, charcuterie, shellfish platters, and artisan pizzas. The First Floor Wine Bar menu is distinctly different from the The Dining Room menu. Seating in The Wine Bar is available without reservations. The Dining Room at The Boarding House The main dining room at the Boarding House is located on the third floor, featuring exposed beams, inlaid hardwood floors and tables, large bay windows, plush banquettes and an impressive ceiling installation made from more than nearly 4000 wine bottles. The menu features a mix of small, medium, large, and shared plates. Enjoy Chef Gosselin’s wine inspired cuisine, including braised short ribs, chicken three ways, and citrus poached salmon with a 450 bottle wine selection. The Cellar at The Boarding House | Lower Level Ideal for sophisticated, late-night revelry, The Cellar at The Boarding House includes an intimate cocktail bar and comfortable lounge seating. Cap the night off with wine or cocktails after your dinner. Experience 450 wines by the bottle, exclusive, high-end wines by the glass, classic cocktails, and luxury spirits, all available with the same menu as featured in The Bar. For more information, click over to boardinghouse.com .

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+ Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair

The Ebony Fashion Fair began in 1958, and over the next 50 years the traveling fashion show blossomed into an American institution that raised millions for charity and helped Johnson Publishing Company reach audiences. Show organizers overcame racial prejudice to bring the pinnacle of Europe’s premier fashion to communities that were eager to see, in real time and space, a new vision of black America that was the hallmark of Ebony and Jet magazines. Eunice Johnson took over as producer and director in 1963, and under her direction, the traveling show took on new heights as she expanded her cachet and power within fashion circles. Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair recreates the experience of the Ebony Fashion Fair through the story of Mrs. Johnson and more than 60 garments from icons of the fashion industry such as Yves St. Laurent, Oscar de la Renta, Pierre Cardin, Emanuel Ungaro, Christian Lacroix, and Patrick Kelly among others. Click here for more information.

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+ Bub City- the most fun BBQ, country music and whiskey in Chicago!

Country Music and BBQ at Bub City...Paradise for BBQ fans! Bub City brings in rising stars from Nashville, Austin, and other places, to play on the stage, in Chicago. You might see someone you could only see in Nashville. BubCity

It's a casual atmosphere, where you can stop in for a beer, and some bar-b-que, and listen to some fine country music. Bub City is open late every night. On Tuesday they have Country Karaoke. You wont find a more lively, fun place in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Click here for more information.

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+ Rock your socks off at the smash hit musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET!

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is the new smash-hit musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians gathered at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary night to life, featuring a score of

rock hits including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "That's All Right," "Sixteen Tons," "Great Balls of Fire," "Walk the Line," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Who Do You Love?," "Matchbox," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Hound Dog" and more. This thrilling musical brings you inside the recording studio with four major talents who came together as a red-hot rock 'n' roll band for one unforgettable night. Don't miss your chance to be a fly on the wall of fame... at MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET! Click here for more information.

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+ Check Out Nature’s Wonders At The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Food The Nature of Eating Harvested from the minds of our spectacular design team, our newest self-curated exhibit Food: The Nature of Eating goes beyond your plate to bring you a farm-fresh perspective on how food connects us to family, friends and ultimately back to the people who produce it. Join us on this interactive journey from the 19th century to the present day as we show you how our relationship with food has impacted the land, the environment and our society. Along the way, you'll discover how food travels the world before it reaches your home and learn how millions of acres of fertile Illinois prairie were changed to farmland in less than a century by a tiny technological marvel called the plow. Judy Istock Butterfly Haven Get up close to more than 75 species of exotic butterflies and stunning bird species from the Southern hemisphere in a 2,700 square-foot greenhouse filled with pools of water, flowers, tropical trees and 1,000 butterflies, including those never-before-seen in our region. Click naturemuseum.org for more information.

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+ “Legends, Myths, And Truths,” At The Millennium Park Boeing Gallery

As a pioneer in the field of monumental ceramic sculpture, Jun Kaneko has played with scale and proportion. Visitors to Millennium Park will be able to see his work displayed in the Boeing Galleries, beginning April 12 through November 3. The installation Kaneko has created for Millennium Park’s Boeing Galleries is representative of his past and present artistic practices. Works presented in the South Boeing Galleries feature Kaneko’s signature Dangos (meaning “rounded form” or “dumpling” in Japanese). These ceramic steles, covered in a variety of vibrant shapes and patterns, allow viewers to examine their environment and focus on a sense of scale and place. The Dango form links Kaneko’s work to minimalist sculptors who played with simple and large forms, while at the same time, the pattern overlays show formal aspects – in repeating geometric shapes – similar to those of minimalist painters. The North Boeing Gallery features a new body of work by Kaneko, drawing upon the myths and legends of the Tanuki figure. From ancient times, the Japanese have expressed the Tanuki in a variety of ways, for it is considered to be a trickster who causes trouble and mayhem in both the human and supernatural worlds. In our modern era, however, the figure is most commonly portrayed as a large, stout badger. The Tanuki is not only a creature found in mythology, but a small, nocturnal mammal native to East Asia. Click here for more information.

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+ Exciting Exhibits Now At The Field Museum!

Remember capturing fireflies on a warm summer evening? Its light seemed rare and magical, and yet there are thousands of other living things that blink, glow, flash, and flicker. Creatures of Light delves into the mysterious world of bioluminescence – from the glowworms dangling from the ceiling of New Zealand’s famous Waitomo Caves, to the deep-sea fishes that illuminate the perpetually dark depths of the oceans. Discover the variety of ways in which light is used to attract a mate, lure unsuspecting prey, or defend against a predator, and see how scientists study this amazing ability to glow. Immerse yourself in these magical environments and revel in the beauty of this remarkable natural phenomenon, only at The Field Museum. Discovered by chance in 1940 by four teenagers, the Lascaux caves in southern France have inspired and awed anthropologists, pre-historians, scientists, and artists ever since. Beautifully subtle paintings and engravings of animals line the deep cave walls – sophisticated artwork created at the hands of our early ancestors nearly 20,000 years ago. In an effort to preserve their fragile existence, the caves have remained closed indefinitely, denying us even a glimpse of their shadowed majesty. But now, during its North American debut, you can experience your own thrill of discovery in the new exhibition, Scenes from the Stone Age: The Cave Paintings of Lascaux. Walk through exact cave replicas by flickering light, marveling at full-size copies of the paintings—including some never before seen by the public—and see them through the eyes of ancient artists. Deconstruct the paintings' many layers of complexities, meet a lifelike Stone Age family, and discover why the true meaning and purpose of the caves remain a mystery even today. For a limited time, uncover the birthplace of artistic creativity, only at The Field Museum. Check out fieldmuseum.org for more information.

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+ Timeless dresses, alluring belts & everlasting style at Atelier Azza!

Emerging luxury womenswear label Atelier Azza strives for timeless yet modern opulence with its signature Swarovski laden hand-embellishments and voluminous cuts. Launched by designer Azeeza Khan in 2012, Azza swiftly established a recognizable aesthetic with distinct motif hand embroideries on vivid pure silk fabrics. The Azza Ready-to-Wear and Couture showroom is located in the heart of Chicago's luxury shopping mile at 520 N. Michigan Avenue. The nearly 1,000 square foot boutique is located on Level 3, adjacent to the women's department of Nordstrom Michigan Avenue. This retail effort brings mainstream access to Azza's statement garments that have garnered a cult following amongst Chicago's fashion set and continues to attract attention globally. Click here for more information.

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+ Blowtique: VOGUE approved Chicago salon will blow you away!

Blowtique is Chicago’s PREMIER blow-out-only salon as featured in VOGUE's Best Dressed Issue! Catering to the locks that make Chicago fabulous, Blowtique introduces patrons to the idea that a blow-out can be as convenient and as accessible as a polish change. From "the Sunset" to "the 5th Avenue" (and every stylish street in between), Blowtique tames the manes of women everywhere. Blowtique allows every woman the opportunity to show off the locks they love. From blow-outs for downtown darlings, to "up-styles" for uptown A-listers, Blowtique is the secret behind that fabulous flip or that perfectly polished 'do. Blowtique is conveniently open 7 days are week at the following times: Sunday 10am - 6pm; Monday 9am - 6pm; Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 9pm. Click here for more information.

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+ Major League Baseball at Wrigley Field and U.S. Cellular Field

It’s spring time again, which means the Chicago's two baseball teams are suiting up for an exciting new season. Get into the baseball spirit by visiting either of Chicago's two Major League Baseball teams. The Chicago Cubs play at the "friendly confines" of Wrigley Field on the north side. The White Sox play at U.S. Cellular Field on the south side. Both teams have excellent players and are looking to have great seasons. No matter what team you root for, it’ll be a great time. Click here for information about the Cubs. Click here for information about the White Sox.

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+ Stunning, vintage jewelery joins modern styles at LuLu’s!

Hello, and welcome to the world of LuLu’s, a beautiful and elegant vintage boutique located in Chicago. LuLu’s world is one of sophistication, whimsy and glamor. We specialize in extraordinary jewelry, couture gowns and party dresses, glamorous furs, and an amazing selection of vintage bridal gowns! So let me offer you a glass of champagne while you enter into the beautiful world of being a girl… LuLu's is located at 3862 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60613. Click here for more information.

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+ Tastebud-melting authentic Greek food & good friends… at Kanela!

Kanela [kuh-nel-uh] is a marvelous world bringing a local, organic, and flavorful approach to a Greek-inflected American breakfast + lunch menu reflecting our heritage as well as the origin of the name, which means cinnamon in greek, and which you will find in abundance on the menu. A refreshing take on mama’s recipes and delivered to you just the same way, with love and a smile. Our deep earth tones, vintage chandeliers, exposed brick walls and wrap- around seating have created a dapper vibe for a snazzy, yet mellow breakfast + lunch. We use only the finest and freshest ingredients available in order to please our customers. Every kanela plate is carefully inspected to meet the highest standards and our quality expectations. We use Eggland’s Best Cage-Free Organic Eggs, Julius Meinl Coffee and support our local farms and markets. Our bars offer an elaborate menu of classic and signature cocktails made with fresh fruit and herbs. Every detail receives special attention.

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+ The Purple Pig: a meatovers paradise! Cheese, wine and veggies too!

Calling all meat lovers...pull up a chair and get ready to pig-out at Chicago's The Purple Pig. Located on The Magnificent Mile, The Purple Pig is a collaboration of chefs Scott Harris, Tony Mantuano, Jimmy Bannos and Jimmy Bannos Jr. Featuring housemade charcuterie, cheeses and classic Mediterranean cuisine.

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+ Picasso is Back at the Art Institute of Chicago!

A century ago, in 1913, the Art Institute of Chicago became the first art museum in the country to present the work of a young Spaniard who would become the preeminent artist of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso. This February the museum celebrates the special 100-year relationship between Picasso and Chicago by bringing together over 250 of the finest examples of the artist's paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, and ceramics from private collections in the city, as well as from the museum's collection, for the first large-scale Picasso exhibition organized by the museum in almost 30 years. The show runs from February 20, 2013 through May 12, 2013. The exhibit shows such diverse and significant works from the museum's own exceptional holdings and from collections throughout the city, Picasso and Chicago not only charts the full gamut of Picasso's artistic career but also chronicles the growth of Chicago as a place for modern art and the storied moments of overlap that have contributed to the vibrant interest in Picasso from 1913 to today. Visit artic.edu for more information.he Art Institute is celebrating a 100 year relationship with the artist by bringing together over 250 of Picasso's finest works of Art.
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+ Hope Fest – Sept. 5

A back to school festival to give free book bags, groceries, haircuts, uniforms and more to school children in Humboldt Park. hopefest10web

For further information visit www.hopefestchicago.org

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+ 2. Beethoven’s 9th at Grant Park Music Fest – August 14

To close the seventy-fifth season, Carlos Kalmar and the GPO take back the outdoors and are joined by Christopher Bell’s vastly under-appreciated Grant Park Chorus and soprano Amber Wagner, mezzo-soprano Kathryn Leemhuis, tenor John McVeigh and bass Jason Grant in the monumental Beethoven Ninth Symphony. Those quiet sections will give traffic a chance to compete but by the time of the glorious finale, street noise won’t have a prayer against all of those forces blaring away and singing out about the brotherhood of man.

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+ Board the Champagne and Cupcake Cruise August 10

Cupcake and Champagne Cruise begins boarding at Shoreline’s Navy Pier (Ogden Slip) dock at 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 10th (must be 21). The cruise features a sampler of four Flirty Cupcakes minis, passed champagne, a cash bar and a beautiful 45-minute Shoreline Sightseeing Skyline Lake Tour.

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+ Mind, Body, and Spirit Expo – August 22-23

Only at the MindBodySpirit Festival can you find exciting new experiences, ideas and products for your health, physical and mental well being. With about 200 exciting exhibitors - plus dozens of free seminars and free performances - you will discover new ways strengthen your body, mind and spirit.

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+ 1. Culinary Fireworks at Taste of Chicago July 1-4

It’s hands down the biggest event of the summer in Chicago. The Taste of Chicago takes over Grant Park year after year featuring samples from hundreds of restaurants in what many deem as a culinary capital in America. Specials guests like culinary rock stars Giada De Laurentiis and Mario Batali will be there as well as an entire rock pavilion, the Patrillo Music Shell, who will have the likes of Rob Thomas, Gavin Rossdale, Broadway in Chicago and the Steve Miller Band on its stage. This festival goes through the July 4^th long weekend, where it ends with a bang- literally. A magnificent fireworks display from Navy Pier, North and South sides converge on Grant Park making this event the kick-off to a fantastic Chicago summer.

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+ 2. Downtown Sound is Back! July 5-26

This popular free series, Downtown Sound: New Music Mondays, is back for its second summer. Situated in the must-see Millennium Park, every Monday at 6:30pm discover new, up and coming bands from cutting-edge indie rock stars to pop veterans. The concerts are all free, and in July the mainstage will be host to The Thermals with Disappears, Caribou with The Budos Band, Kid Sister with Konono No. 1, and Naomi Shelton and the Gospel Queens with Bomba Estereo. The ten-concert series ends in July, so make sure to check it out before it’s too late!

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+ 3. Join Artists at Here/Not There at MCA July 6-31

Here/Not There is not your average art exhibit. For the past three years during the month of July, the Museum of Contemporary Art has been host to a unique art exhibit where the viewers and guests are encouraged to break that “don’t touch” rule and get involved in the making of a piece of art. Every Tuesday at 7pm, a different artist presents a piece and guests and viewers participate in performing and creating works of art. If you can’t make it to the Tuesday creation, remnants and documentation generated by the performance are on exhibit in the gallery throughout the rest of the week. One part performance, one part visual art, this popular series creates a whole new experience in enjoying art at a renowned museum.

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+ 1. Culinary Fireworks at Taste of Chicago June 25-30

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+ 2. CSO Closes with 3 Week Beethoven Festival June 2-20

While other major symphony orchestras may close its season with a grand finale, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra closes with a three-week homage to the greatest composer of all-time, Beethoven. There are a whopping 28 events packed into these 18 days, that feature symphonies led by principal conductor Bernard Haitink (who is also celebrating his four-year tenure as principal conductor of the CSO), pre-concert chamber music that is free to the public, film screenings and more. What makes this event so special and unique is that while Beethoven’s music is often performed, it is performed individually, and this is a rare occasion where the familiar and less familiar works will be performed in a complete cycle.

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+ 3. Proving Blues Capital Status at Blues Fest June 11-13

Chicago may be most known as the

Windy City, but in the Summer it’s got the Blues- big time. The Chicago Blues Festival is not only one of the largest free blues festivals in the world, it’s also one of the largest of all of Chicago’s Music Festivals. In three days covering six stages, there will be well over a half a million blues fans, proving that Chicago is in fact the Blues Capital of the World. Past performers have included greats like B.B. King, Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt and the late Bo Diddley.

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+ 1. Massive Memorial Day Parade May 29

As one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation, the Chicago Memorial Day Parade is definitely one worth attending. Gracing the streets of Chicago since 1870, the parade honors all those who sacrificed their lives in defense of our country and is a day to be thankful for what we have. This year, participants include area high school Marching Bands, Drum and Bugle Corps, many Veterans’ groups, JROTC and the military. The parade draws about 10,000 spectators every year. The event begins with the wreath laying on Daley Plaza’s Eternal Flame at 11, and parade officially starts there at noon.

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+ 2. Rock Out at Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival May 29-30

Some of the most popular nightclubs and bars are located around the intersection of Belmont and Sheffield and serve as a testament to its central role for all that’s happening in Chicago’s trendy Lakeview neighborhood. With its reputation for nightlife, food, and music, it comes as no surprise that the Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival is a reflection of the atmosphere and style that the neighborhood is famous for. The festival boasts some of the best local musical talents in the Midwest. This year, the bands include the Trippin Billies, Wedding Banned, Rock Candy and more. The festival also features arts, crafts, fashion, and a variety of food and drinks. It usually brings out a young crowd, so there will be plenty of partying and dancing here, too.

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+ 3. Laughs and More Laughs with Conan O’Brien May 19-20

With Conan O'Brien finally back on TV with his new TBS show, it seems that we can get back to getting our late night doses of laughter. Yet, for those who don’t just want to see him on a TV screen, Conan is also currently touring the nation on his Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour. Already receiving great reviews and an enormous turnout, the tour showcases Conan at his best. Joined by his sidekick Andy Richter and classic characters like Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, Conan does stand up, interviews, videos and more in his show. If you’ve missed Conan on late night or are just looking for some great laughs, Conan’s tour is for you.

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+ 2. Contemporary Art Chicago April 30-May 3

This annual international fair of contemporary and modern art brings together the world’s leading emerging and established art galleries. There are plenty of current and historic works in a wide variety of media, including painting, photography, drawings, prints, sculpture, video and special installations. Programming highlights include Perspective Texas, which will have art from Texas’ top collectors and curators, and Survey America, a floor-wide exhibit that highlights works by artists living and working in the US. There will also be speaker programs that feature international artists, writers, curators and critics discussing trends and issues in the contemporary art market.

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+ 3. Early Blooming at Spring Flower Shows April 1-30

April showers bring May flowers, but they bloom early with these conservatory flower shows. Enjoy gorgeous flowers long before they are blooming naturally outside. The shows take place at Garfield Park Conservatory and Lincoln Park Conservatory. At Garfield Park, flowers include hydrangeas, spring flowering annuals, spring flowering perennials, and plenty of vibrant colors that will get you ready for the warm weather. There will even be azaleas that are descendents of azaleas on display at the 1893 Columbian Exposition. At Lincoln Park, the show has an impressive collection of palms, ferns, tropical plants and a show house under its Victorian-style glass house.

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+ 4. Plenty of Laughs at Chicago Improv Fest April 19-25

Chicago’s best improv can be found at the 13^th Annual Chicago Improv Festival. There will be 65 acts, including Improvised Shakespeare Company, Pimprov, Children of a Lesser God and Improvised Tween Erotica, with 38 of those from Chicago. The rest of the acts come from 24 different cities and eight countries. The events take place throughout 12 locations, from the Apollo Theatre to the Second City. Lifetime Achievement Awards will be handed out during the festival to improv legends Harold Ramis, Dick Schaal and Severn Darden. Dick Schaal will also be teaching a 5 hour-long Master Class geared for improv teachers.

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+ 5. Unique Snuggie Pub Crawl April 10

Chicago is known for its unique pub crawls, from the Pug Crawl to the Zombie Pub Crawl. The Snuggie Pub Crawl does not disappoint, as participants go out in their comfy Snuggies to drink and have fun. For a $22 registration fee, Snuggie enthusiasts can roam around Lincoln Park to drink beer and play classic drinking games. There are prizes given to the most outrageously decorated Snuggies as well. For Snuggie lovers or those who want to have some fun at the comfy Snuggie’s expense, this pub crawl is definitely not one to miss out on.

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+ 1. Celebrate Chicago’s 173rd B-Day! March 4

Chicago is on

e of America’s most celebrated cities and on March 4^th the Chicago History Museum is throwing the city a major birthday party. In collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Special Events, this is the real deal. All day there will be musical performances, including members of the Latin School Jazz Band and Chinese musician Kerry Leung, as well as a very special birthday cake courtesy of famed Bleeding Heart Bakery. There’s free admission and all are welcome to join in on the celebration!

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+ 2. Hometown Classic Golden Gloves Tournament March 11-31

For the next mon

th starting March 11, Chicago’s best amateurs will be duking it out at the annual Chicago Golden Gloves Tournament. Since 1923, this has become a Chicago classic event with such past, big name winners as Joe Louis, Cassius Clay and numerous US Olympians. Through a series of bouts, those who have the skill and those who do not will be weeded into a team that will represent Chicago at the National Golden Gloves Championships in May. For those who love a good fight and want to see some up and coming talent, this is the sporting event of the season.

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+ 3. Movies & Music at CIMMfest March 4-7

Movies and music go hand in hand and the Chicago International Movies & Music Festival celebrates the partnership. Created by filmmakers and musicians, the CIMMfest (as it’s affectionately known) showcases cutting edge films, videos, exhibitions and concerts from all over the globe. It was a huge hit in its inaugural year last year, world premiering Camera War, Richard Bellia’s first US show and much more. This year, it’s destined to have even bigger special guests and better music and movies

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+ 4. Chi-Town’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 13

It’s that time of year again that Chicago paints the city green – or at least in Grant Park- for Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Held every year on the Saturday leading up to the holiday, this is truly a family affair for people and families regardless of their ties to Ireland. The official grand stands to view the parade are at the beautiful Buckingham Fountain, where you’ll find floats, marching bands and even bag pipers in kilts. For an added hue of celebration, at 10:45 a.m. the Chicago River will by dyed green near Wacker Drive between Columbus and Lake Shore Drive.

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+ 5. Take the Plunge at Icy Polar Plunge March 7

Chicago may be known as the “Windy City,” but during the winter it feels more like the “Icy City.” Instead of cursing the cold, Chi-town embraces it every

year with the Polar Plunge and Melt Down Party. Starting as a fundraiser for the Special Olympics, this has become a sort of rite of passage, where over 1,200 participants bear the cold and jump into the frigid Lake Michigan. Those who raise $100 for the good cause just have to get in for a good splish/splash (the brave go all the way under!) and then afterwards participants are treated with a commemorative t-shirt, towel and admission to the “Melt Down Party” with music, free food and of course, a cash bar. It’s the Chicago tradition that keeps on giving well after you’ve dried off!

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+ 1. Major Debuts at Chicago Auto Show Feb. 12-21

The 109^th presentation of the country’s biggest auto show transforms McCormick Place from a convention center to a dazzling showcase for automotive manufacturers from both near and far. Visitors can see every make and model, from Acuras to Volvos. An amazing array of concept cars will grace the exhibition space, from the much-anticipated debut of Fisker Automotive’s plug-in electric car, the Karma, to the sleek and powerful Ferrari 599XX. Whether you’re interested in a new and efficient family car or a high-octane dream machine, the Chicago Auto Show delivers the goods.

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+ 2. Chicago’s Delicious Restaurant Week Feb. 19-28

The Second City’s 3^rd Annual Restaurant Week warms up natives and tourists alike with the chance to try both new and established fine dining spots for a fraction of the usual price. Three-course prix-fixe lunches are $22.00 per person and dinners are $32.00. Chicago’s participating chefs celebrate Restaurant Week by offering special dishes that push the boundaries of their culinary skills and styles. Spice up the week with everything from Asian to American cuisines, in over 160 of Chicago’s most amazing top-shelf restaurants.

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+ 3. Celebrate Poland at Navy Pier Feb.28

Witamy means “welcome” in Polish, and it’s a greeting extended to young and old alike to join in on a festival of Polish food, music, dance and more at Chicago’s Navy Pier. This free, one-day event, generously supported by the Lira Ensemble and the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland, offers a glimpse into Chicago’s rich Polish heritage and traditions -- home to the largest Polish population outside of Warsaw. Enjoy performances, sample food (especially at the famous Kasia’s Deli booth), and explore the wealth of folk art, costumes and gifts available to all.

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+ 4. Garfield Park Conservatory’s Sweet Saturdays Feb. 6 & 13

For a modest $3 admission, visitors can learn how plants living at the Conservatory are the key ingredients in many scrumptious desserts. Bananas, vanilla beans, cinnamon bark, and chocolate trees abound, and Tropical Treat Stations throughout the Conservatory offer the opportunity to sample these natural sweets. Hands-on activity stations give both young and old the opportunity to make a variety of scented gifts and cards, and live music at the Tropical Café rounds out the day. Special guests on February 6 offer a honey-tasting event; on February 13, the special highlight is a vanilla-tasting presentation.

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+ 5. Poetic “No Love for Love” Valentine’s Day Show Feb. 7

Peter Sagal, host of the popular and extremely funny NPR show “Wait, Wait…Don’t T

ell Me,” will headline a cadre of performers who explore the ups and downs of romance and love via verse in Chicago Poetry Center’s 3^rd Annual “No Love for Love” Valentine’s Day show. Hosted by Jonathan Messinger, the event also features performances by Rosie Forrest, Edward Thomas-Herrera, Robbie Q. Telfer, and filmmaker Steve Delahoyde. A pre-show VIP reception (tickets $150 each) with Peter Sagal will offer attendees the chance to meet Peter and mingle with others while enjoying drinks, hors d’oeuvres and a private book signing. It’s a pre-Valentine’s Day valentine to the myriad faces and foibles of love.

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+ 1. Chicago Sketch Fest 1/7-1/17/10

One of the biggest draws in Chicago's thea

ter scene is sketch comedy and 2010 marks the ninth year for the Chicago Sketch Fest. The 100+ participating comedy troupes, including homegrown Chicago talent, and troupes as far afield as Seattle, Austin and Denver, will offer audiences close to 150 shows over the festival's eight day run. This year's theme? "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." As with improv, sketch comedy is satirical, but unlike improv, sketches are scripted. So ready yourself for sharp wit, biting commentary and humorous takes on today's world, courtesy of some of the funniest people in the country.

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+ 2. Hear Best of the Best at Chicago Music Awards 1/24/10

The 29th Annual Chicago Music Awards will honor the depth and diversity of the city's and the country's music scene, both past and present, in a wonderful event at the Alhambra Palace. Stars like Kanye West and the Smashing Pumpkins, Lou Rawls and Buddy Guy have been honored in past years. For 2010, the roster ranges from the amazing vocalist Etta James to Bruce Korosa, a true polka legend. Dinner will be offered to attendees at 4PM, followed by the red carpet appearances of the honorees at 5:30PM and an amazing show at 7PM. The CMAs are hosted by Martin's International Culture, a not-for-profit organization founded by Ephraim Martin, and dedicated to the celebration of Chicago's incredible musical heritage.

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+ 3. Start 2010 Right with New Year’s Day 5K 1/1/10

Start the New Year on the right foot and join in Chicago's 24th annual 5K run/walk, benefiting the Lakeview Citizens Council. Beginning at the south end of the beautiful Lincoln Park neighborhood, the run/walk course winds north on a lakefront bike path to Diversity Harbor, and concludes at the North Avenue Field House. A cadre of approximately 1,500 runners and walkers will help financially aid the Lakeview Citizens Council, a non-profit neighborhood organization. And then there's the party! Held at Sedgwicks Bar & Grill (1935 N Sedgwick Street) participants can eat, drink and be very merry, with trophies and raffles galore.

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+ 4. Celebrate Winter at Snow Days 1/29-1/31/10

Bundle up and bustle down to Grant Park for a free 3-day festival of snow! Both adults and children will find plenty to amuse and amaze them, as Grant Park at S. Balboa and Michigan Avenue is transformed into a wintry wonderland. A national competition featuring twenty-seven snow sculptures will grace the area, created by artists from as near as Chicago to as far away as China. Local high school students will present their own snow sculpture exhibition, giving guests a glimpse at Chicago's up-and-coming artists. Dog-sledding demonstrations and snowboard rail jams will thrill onlookers and plenty of food and beverage stands will be there to slake thirst and stave off hunger.

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+ 5. Kick off Summer Early at Cubs Convention 1/15-1/17/10

There's nothing like scenes of cheering for the Cubs at Wrigley Field in the summer for Chicagoan

s to get through the winter. Now in its 25th year, fans can kick off the summer in the heart of winter at the Chicago Cubs Convention. This event offers a smorgasboard of treats for Chicago fans- and most Chicagoans are very, very enthusiastic about their team. Fans can rub shoulders with current and former Cubs stars as well as broadcasters and executives, then they can divulge in all the Cubs memorabilia at the convention. Go Cubs!

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+ 1. Celebrate German Style at Christkindlemarket 12/1/09-12/24/09

The Christkindlmarket is a German holiday tradition that has become a Chicago institution. Possibly the most popular holiday market in Chicago, the Christkindlmarket gives a unique shopping experience with an added twist of German food, drinks, and holiday entertainment. Apart from your typical market fare that includes hand-blown ornaments and young designers showing their creations, there are a wide variety of German products like nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks, beer steins, and popular Hummel figurines. With all the special events and shopping at Christkindlmarket, it’s no wonder that 2009 makes it its 14^th year and continues to grow every year.

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+ 2. One of the U.S.’s Best NYE Parties at Drake Hotel 12/31/09

If you’re unsure of what city and what location you would like to ring in the New Year, then look no further than the luxurious Drake Hotel and its famous New Year’s Eve party. The party, run by Chicago Scene, has been voted as one of the top 10 NYE parties by AOL Citysearch and is always sold out. The evening is complete with four ballrooms of entertainment, Chicago’s top cover bands and DJ’s, open bar, champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres, and 45 (!) bars and bartenders so you never have to wait for a drink. Now we know why this is one of the best parties in the U.S.

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+ 3. Christmas From 4 Corners of Globe in Chicago 12/1/09-1/3/2010

The Museum of Science and Industry gives Chicagoans a two-for-one holiday deal, a Christmas spectacular from all around the world and a Holidays of Light exhibit as well. This 67 year-old tradition lights up the museum with decorations, holiday singers, and dancers. At the center of it all is a giant 45-foot tree with more than 50 trees representing Chicago’s ethnic communities. Throughout the entire season there are plenty events to celebrate each unique holiday! On top of it is the Holidays of Light exhibition in its ninth year. Not your typical “light” show, this exhibit enlightens its visitors with showcasing the customs of cultures that celebrate holidays other than Christmas during the holiday season. The Museum of Science and Industry brings plenty of cheer from all across the globe to the heart of Chicago.

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+ 4. Best of the Midwest Awards Gala 12/1/09

The Midwest Independent Film Festival is the nation’s only film festival dedicated to this year and on December 1^st they are holding their annual Best of Midwest Awards Gala- or BMA’s. It’s fitting that a night filled with awards is set at the multiple award-winning Rockit Bar & Grill. Here you can celebrate the awards of some of the Midwest’s finest talent and rub shoulders with them too!