Entertainment, Events, Leisure & Recreation, Restaurants, Seasonal, Sport
Plan your Summer with CUI!
CUI Concierges have the resources and skills to assist you with securing an event or outing for business or personal. From private dining, to sporting events, concerts, and office happy hours, CUI saves you time to enjoy the extra free hours to celebrate!
It’s never to early to start thinking about your holiday celebrations, contact your CUI Concierge to start planning today!
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)