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”
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, 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!
Events, Seasonal, We Recommend
U.S. Navy Blue Angels Air Show: Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22
The City of Chicago presents the U.S. Navy Blue Angels on Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. They will be performing along the Lakefront between Oak Street and Fullerton Avenue. The event will be free and the best viewing locations along the lakefront are between Oak Street and Fullerton Avenue.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will have practice runs on Friday, August 20, between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
History, Seasonal
Happy Bastille Day From Concierge Unlimited Team
July 14, 2021
What is Bastille Day?
Bastille Day is one of the most important days in the French calendar. The 14th of July has been celebrated in France since 1880. But the story starts, of course, with the Bastille and its storming by the angry citizens in 1789, a major event of the French Revolution, as well as the Fete de la Federation that celebrated the unity of the French people. The Bastille has long since lost its primary role of being a prison. In fact, when it was stormed, there were only supposedly, 7 prisoners in total. It was the symbol of the Bastille and what it represented that pushed the people to the brink. It was the day that the French people stood up for themselves. The people took matters into their own hands and became masters of their own destiny.
Holidays, Seasonal
May 31st, 2021 – Memorial Day
Let us not forget to embrace the spirit of Memorial Day weekend.
A time to honor service members and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. A debt the nation may never repay in full but have and will continue to change the lives of every single citizen in the United States of America.
Have a safe and happy Memorial Day,
Your CUI Team
Events, Gifts & Floral, Seasonal
Spring into Chicago Farmers Markets
Enjoy fresh seasonal produce, flowers, prepared foods, and unique Chicago-made products at community markets throughout Chicago-land neighborhoods. View locations and schedules here.
