History, Holidays, Seasonal
Happy 4th of July!
Independence Day (colloquially the Fourth of July) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Second Continental Congress declared that the Thirteen Colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states. The Congress voted to approve independence on July 2 and adopted the Declaration of Independence two days later, on July 4th, from then on the 4th became the day that was celebrated as the birth of American independence.
‘Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, political speeches, and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States.
(credit to Wikipedia print)
Holidays, National & International, Restaurants, Seasonal
Celebrate Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday” is on Tuesday, March 1st, the last day of the carnival season, which falls on the day before Ash Wednesday.
Celebrate locally with a few restaurants in Chicago participating in Mardi Gras festivities, which include, Ina Mae Packaged Goods, Heaven on Seven (carryout only), and Chicago Firehouse Restaurant.
Another popular tradition on Fat Tuesday is to indulge in sweet treats such as King Cakes or Paczki. The King Cake, a New Orleans tradition, which is a ring of dough decorated with traditional Mardi Gras colors. Each cake as a tiny baby baked inside, the finder of the baby is crowned King or Queen of the evening and is tasked with hosting and/or bringing the King cake to next year’s celebration. The paczki is a fried Polish donut, which is stuffed with jelly, or cream and sprinkled with sugar and are to be enjoyed before the Lenten season starts.
“Laissez les bons temps rouler”
Restaurants, We Recommend
Bazaar Meat | Bar Mar Opening Soon
The newest restaurant of Jose Andres, well known chef, by the restaurant and world culinary community, opening soon, at 110 N. Wacker Drive. This combination representing the two-Michelin star Chef Andres and Gibson’s Restaurant Group creates an authentic culinary experience. Chef Jose Andres and his team are offering a unique Spanish influenced menu from cured, or raw meat to seafood, along with delicious small plates to enjoy and share. The decor and it’s ambiance is matching the unique styles of the culinary delights and will be one of the hot spots to visit. CUI will be there to assist with your reservations.
Holidays, Seasonal
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
The ninth annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum returns as a walking experience. Explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during this one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light, and sound. Join the journey along a one-mile, paved walking path among festive music and lighting that highlight the beauty of trees in the winter. Along the route, warm up by a crackling fire and roast marshmallows for s’mores. Located in Lisle on November 21st, 2021 through January 2nd, 2022.
Holidays, Seasonal, We Recommend
Christkindlmarket
Christkindlmarket is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary at two locations this year: Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville. This German-style outdoor market provides a unique shopping experience, cheerful live entertainment, and original food and beverages like the imported mulled wine from Germany, called Glühwein. Many unique features make the Christkindlmarket a preferred and popular destination. The Christkindlmarket will be open at Daley Plaza from November 19th – December 24th and Wrigleyville on November 19th – December 31st.
Entertainment, Events, Holidays, Seasonal
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 2021
The highly-awaited Spectacular Lights and Decorations Show lights up the city every year. Here’s your opportunity to watch Chicago’s world-renowned Magnificent Mile all lit up. The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Light Festival returns on Saturday, November 2021! Join The Wrigley Building for a holiday tree lighting ceremony at 4 p.m. in The Wrigley Building Centennial Plaza on Friday, November 19, to kick-off the festive weekend. Enjoy the free family fun at the grand Tree-Lighting Parade down North Michigan Avenue on Saturday, November 20 with Grand Marshals Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World® Resorts in Florida.
Events, History, Museums
The Great Chicago Fire, 150 Years Ago
On the Sunday night of October 8, 1871, in a hay-filled cow barn the Great Chicago Fire started. The fire ran and grew, swept by a strong wind from the southwest, eating its way north and toward downtown and beyond. The city awoke Tuesday to find more than 18,000 buildings destroyed. In the aftermath of the fire, the great city rose almost immediately from the ashes, with architects and others arriving to help rebuild better, bigger, and newer.
The Chicago History Museum will open a new exhibit on October 8th called City on Fire: Chicago 1871, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the fire. This is designed for families to learn, explore, and discover the impact the Great Chicago Fire had on the city and the people who lived here. For more information on the exhibit, please visit About — City on Fire (chicago1871.org)
Entertainment, Theatre
Broadway Is Back in Chicago & New York
In Chicago opens in October
Highlights of this season include much anticipated World Premiere musical:
One of North America’s most ebullient producers, Garth Drabisky, is reigniting high-profile theater in Chicago this fall with Paradise Square. A galvanizing story of racial harmony undone by a country at war with itself. Premieres November 2 to December 5 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre.
For all seasonal shows of Broadway in Chicago, contact your CUI Concierge for more information and the best seats today!
In New York opens in September
Much anticipated World Premiere musical, a story of the most famous woman of the modern age: Diana, Princess of Wales. Directed by Tony Award®-winner Christopher Ashley and written by the Tony Award–winners Joe DiPietro and David Bryan. The show’s first performance will be December 1st at the Longacre Theatre.
MJ The Musical – Broadway New York
Michael Jackson, this much anticipated, electrifying new Broadway musical that takes the audience inside the creative process of one of the greatest entertainers in history, Michael Jackson. Directed by Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon and featuring two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage. Set to begin on December 6th at the Neil Simon Theatre.
For all seasonal shows of Broadway in New York, contact your CUI Concierge for more information and the best seats today!
Music
Audiences to Return: the Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, Chicago
For almost 45 years, the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts have brought top-tier, free classical music performances to the people of Chicago. After a nearly 18 month absence, the concert series will again welcome in-person audiences on September 1st in a new venue: the Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, 55 East Wacker Drive, Chicago.
The church building is an iconic mid century monument on the Loop’s Upper Wacker Drive designed by famed architect Harry Weese. Audiences will enjoy excellent acoustics with increased capacity and much improved sightlines. Virtual and radio audience members also welcomed to listen live through WFMT and via video on Facebook and YouTube. Concerts will take place every Wednesday from 12:15-1pm through October 13th.
Events, Seasonal
Taste of Greektown 08/27-08/29
Chicago’s popular Taste of Greektown festival returns for its 31st year from Friday, August 27th through Sunday, August 29th. It will take place along Halsted Street from Adams to Van Buren. The neighborhood’s acclaimed Greek restaurants will be the stars of the show, along with live music, entertainment, Greek dancing, unique shopping, retail, family friendly activities and more. Opa!
