Events, National & International, Seasonal, Travel & Transportation
Reykjavik Arts Festival, Iceland
Located in Iceland, the Reykjavik Arts Festival is a biennial multidisciplinary festival with a focus on new commission and the intersections of the arts from June 1-17th. It exhibits both contemporary and classical works throughout the city.
Since its inception in 1970, the Rejkavik Arts Festival has invited hundreds of artists from around the globe to exhibit or perform and has become a catalyst for the development of cultural diversity in Iceland.
Your CUI Concierge is at your service to help you secure tickets and international travel plans.
Entertainment, Events, Music
Carly Rae Jepsen Added to Lollapalooza 2018 Lineup
Carly Rae Jepsen announced Monday, May 21st, that she has been added to the lollapalooza 2018 Line Up! Jepsen will be replacing Jessie Ware, who had to drop out due to unforeseen circumstances. Catch her on the Lake Shore Stage, Saturday, August 4th!
Contact your CUI Concierge to secure your Lollapalooza 2018 tickets!
Entertainment, Events, Leisure & Recreation, Sport
Official Kentucky Derby
Mingle with horse racing enthusiasts, colleagues, and friends at Churchill Downs while savoring regional specialties and spirits. According to Forbes, the Kentucky Derby is one of the “Greatest Bucket-list Sporting Events” in America.
Entertainment, Events, Leisure & Recreation, Seasonal, Sport
Off to the Races at the Kentucky Derby
Whether you’re in the thick of it at Churchill Downs or you’re planning to watch the Kentucky Derby here in the Windy City, it’s an occasion you won’t want to miss. Put on your finest Spring fashions (and don’t forget that hat!) and meet us at the track.
Here are some of our favorite Derby parties, all around the nation.
Chicago –
Derby Day at Arlington Park
Gates open at 10:30 am for a day-long Derby celebration. First post is at 1:20 pm, with races every 30 minutes. Enjoy a Mint Julep and enjoy the Derby – Chicagoland style. 
The Godfrey’s 5th Annual Kentucky Derby Viewing Event
Hang out at the Godfrey Hotel’s rooftop lounge in your best Derby Day attire in a private booth. Southern comfort in the heart of Chicagoland.
Louisville –
The Trifecta Gala
A black tie event at the new Omni Hotel in Louisville. The Trifecta Gala isn’t specific to the Derby itself, it’s a staple event at most major sporting events throughout the year.
Great Balloon Festival
The festival isn’t centered around the Derby itself, but it’s still a lot of fun. A festival of five events leading up to the big race, it’s a tradition started in 1973.
Wherever you decide to spend your Derby day, contact your CUI concierge to secure your plans.
Entertainment, Events, Gifts & Floral, Leisure & Recreation, Seasonal, Travel & Transportation
Happy Earth Day from CUI!
Earth Day is on Sunday, April 22nd. What better way of honoring our planet, than by going outside to enjoy it? Plan your next spring adventure, from bird watching to flower festivals, with assistance from your CUI Concierge!
Mississippi Palisades State Park
Located near the Mississippi River in northwestern Illinois, this 2,500-acre state park is a bird watching paradise.
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Enjoy rows of Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC that honor the friendship between Japan and the United States.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
A Wisconsin treasure, filled with 16 acres of outdoor display gardens and a tropical conservatory.
Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Every year Washington State’s Skagit Valley, blooms with fields of Tulips welcoming flower enthusiasts.
Entertainment, Events, Music, Theatre, We Recommend
We Recommend: Our April musical picks
Warm weather brings a great excuse to come out of hibernation and go out on the town! Here’s a few of our favorite musicals featured in Chicago this month.
Pretty Woman: The Musical
The beloved movie has become a musical and its pre-Broadway World Premiere stage production is featured at Chicago’s own Oriental Theatre this spring before hitting the stage in New York City. The musical features original music and lyrics by Grammy award winner Bryan Adams and is directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell. The production runs through April 15.
The Sound of Music
The hills are alive with a brand new production of The Sound of Music. The musical will be featured at the Cadillac Palace Theatre for one week only, running from April 10 – 15.
Sweeney Todd
The show will be the last full-length production at the No Exit Cafe. Featured in a much more intimate space, the audience will get an incredibly unique performance worth the trek out to Rodgers Park. Sweeney Todd runs through April 29.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Opening at the end of the month in the Lyric Opera is Jesus Christ Superstar, an epic rock opera that follows Jesus Christ in his final days. Jesus Christ Superstar opens April 27 and runs through May 20.
Contact your concierge for tickets to these or other great theater options this month.
Entertainment, Events, Leisure & Recreation, New Venues, Restaurants
Punch Bowl Social
Welcome to the trendy, new, Fulton Market sports bar for hungry customers and game players alike. Sporting a 30,000 square-foot play area, Punch Bowl
Social has booze, a bowling alley, food, and more. Their cocktails are themed to match each city location; specially there’s a punch named after the Stanley Cup
to honor the Blackhawks.
Contact your CUI Concierge to secure your VIP Reservations!
Entertainment, Events, Leisure & Recreation, Music
Lollapalooza 2018 Lineup Revealed
Lollapalooza released their music lineup on Wednesday, March 21st. The festival takes place on August 2-5, 2018 and features headliners such as The Weeknd and Bruno Mars.
Contact your CUI Concierge to secure your passes and for any of your Lollapalooza needs!
At Your Service,
Your CUI Team.
Events
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Saturday, March 17th
Celebrate Irish culture & tradition throughout Chicago this March. From a green river to lively parades, there nothing quite like St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago.
Downtown Parade
Saturday, March 17 at 1:00 PM
Location: Columbus Drive (between Balbo Dr. & Monroe Dr.)
What’s a holiday without a parade? How about one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country? Join in the Chicago tradition that celebrates its 63rd anniversary this year. Rain or shine, it begins on Columbus Drive and moves north through Grant Park for roughly three hours, beginning at Balbo Drive and ending at Monroe Drive. Don your best green outfit—or a kilt if you dare—and embrace all Chicago has to offer for those Irish at heart.
Entertainment, Events, Gifts & Floral, Seasonal
Spring is in bloom at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show
The Chicago Flower & Garden Show at Navy Pier has been a city favorite since its inception in 1847.
From March 14 to 18, more than 40,000 attendees will step into spring with life-sized gardens, DIY workshops, garden-to-table cooking presentations, a bustling marketplace and more. In this year’s exhibition, “Every Garden Has a Story to Tell,” the Flower & Garden show details Chicago’s sensitive side by interpreting the way flowers and gardens play pivotal roles in our lives and literature.
