While we used to treat dad to handmade paper ties colored with crayon on Father’s Day, the special holiday takes on a new meaning as we get older. How do you plan on celebrating this year? If your answer is “another tie” or treating him to a typical backyard BBQ, then consider shaking things up a bit. From a relaxing massage, to a comedy show, to the ultimate Bed & Breakfast Package, we’ve rounded up the top Father’s Day weekend activities to show dad how much you care.
ENTERTAIN
Treat dad to dinner + entertainment
• For Father’s Day this year, buy dad tickets to BATSU!, the comedic and interactive live Japanese game show coming to Old Town’s Kamehachi Restaurant. BATSU!, the show dubbed “Really Funny!” by The New York Times, is not your ordinary dinner theater entertainment. Four warriors compete in comedic challenges to avoid electric shocks, paintballs, a giant egg-smashing chicken, and many more hilarious jaw-dropping punishments. The full menu/bar will be available to the audience and the bravest diners may participate if they dare. For more information on BATSU!, visit www.BatsuChicago.com or call 347.985.0385.
The gift that keeps on giving
• This Father’s Day give the gift that keeps on giving all year long. The new Lake Forest Theatre, located at the newly renovated John & Nancy Hughes Theatre in downtown Lake Forest, is offering subscriptions for the inaugural season starting in June 2016. Shows include, The Secret Garden, Young Frankenstein, and the Broadway classic, A Chorus Line. For more information on purchasing single show or season subscriptions, call 847-604-4975, or visit www.LakeForestTheatre.org.
Shake things up and take dad to see 400 funny ladies
•It may be Father’s Day weekend, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take dad to see the best in female comedy at the 5th Annual Chicago Women’s Funny Festival! The largest of its kind in the nation, Funny Fest 2016 will feature all forms of comedy- from ‘highbrow musical improv’ to ‘relatable stand-up’ to ‘character driven sketch’, as comediennes gather together from across the globe. With over 83 shows packed into four days, Stage 773 has made it easier than ever to discover new groups to love, allowing patrons to filter through art forms, a rating and keywords to find their own taste in comedy. June 16-19 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont. Tickets range from $15-$100. To see the full lineup or to purchase tickets, visit http://stage773.com/ChicagoWomensFunnyFestival or call 773.327.5252.
Make history this Father’s Day
• This Father’s Day, make a donation in dad’s name to the American Writers Museum, the first museum of its kind in the United States, opening in downtown Chicago in March 2017. Located at 180 North Michigan Avenue, this museum will engage the public in celebrating American writers, and exploring their influence on our history, identify, culture, and daily lives. The interactive high-tech museum will showcase the personal stories and literary works of diverse American writers, from Mark Twain to Dr. Seuss. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.americanwritersmuseum.org.
Take dad to experience the best of Scotland without leaving Chicago!
• The largest Scottish cultural organization in North America, the CHICAGO SCOTS, celebrates decades of providing entertainment and Scottish culture with a modern twist this June, with the 30th Annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games, Friday, June 17-18 at Hamilton Lakes, 1 Pierce Place, Itasca, IL. From the Caber Toss to the Haggis Eating Contest, there’s an activity for everyone in the family at the beloved summer celebration. Event proceeds benefit the CHICAGO SCOTS’ principle charities that provide assisted living and first class memory care at two locations: The Scottish Home and The Caledonian House. For more information, event schedules, competition registration forms or to purchase tickets, visit www.scottishfestivalchicago.org or call 708.426.7149.
DINE
Satisfy dad’s sweet tooth with the best in Chicago
• This Father’s Day, bring dad to Chicago’s favorite French-inspired patisserie, Vanille, for delicious, handmade desserts he’ll never forget. From the ever-popular French macarons to the freshly baked croissants and handmade chocolates and candies, there’s something for everyone at Vanille’s three Chicagoland locations in Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Chicago’s French Market. If dad doesn’t live nearby, no worries! Vanille offers nationwide shipping from its online boutique at www.vanillepatisserie.com.
Celebrate dad with a taste of Chicago history at the iconic Chicago Motor Club Building
• Dad won’t be able to resist a “Giggle Water” drink and appetizer at modern contemporary bar, Jack’s Place, located in the historic Chicago Motor Club Building. Featuring a 33-foot-tall mural of popular road map destinations from the historic building, with an original 1928 Ford Model A on display on the second floor mezzanine, Jack’s Place is the ultimate spot to honor dad. Dads who stop into Jack’s Place on Father’s Day with their family will be treated to a free appetizer (with minimum $10 purchase at the bar). Jack’s Place is located inside the Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/N Loop/Michigan Ave hotel, 68 E. Wacker Drive. For more information, call 312.419.9014 or visit their website.
RELAX
Give dad the gift of relaxation
• Send dad for a relaxing massage at one of Massage Envy’s 44 Chicagoland locations this Father’s Day, where the purchase of $125 in gift cards gives dad two free upgrades! From Sunday, May 29 to Sunday, June 19, purchase $125 in gift cards, and receive a voucher for a FREE 30-minute upgrade plus a FREE Enhanced Therapy. That means dad will get 30 extra minutes of relaxation plus either Aromatherapy, Deep Muscle Therapy or Sugar Foot Scrub Therapy. For more information or to find your nearest location visit www.massageenvy.com or call 866.922.ENVY
Help dad breathe a little easier
• Every dad dreams of having a “man cave,” but a wet, musty basement or garage can dash those dreams from the get-go. EZ Breathe is the innovative whole-house ventilation system that removes moisture, pollutants and odors, improving overall home air quality and makes basements and garages usable again. EZ Breathe is the perfect gift for the dad who is tired of struggling with the typical dehumidifier. For more information visit www.ezbreathe.com or call 866.822.7328.
STAY N’ PLAY
Give dad a staycation in luxury
• Treat dad to the most important meal of the day with Fairmont Chicago’s Bed & Breakfast Package. The Package includes overnight accommodations in a luxurious Fairmont Guestroom and a breakfast buffet for two in the Millennium Room. Whether you’re traveling to the city or enjoying a staycation, this Bed & Breakfast package is sure to leave dad feeling extra special. For more information on the Spa Retreat Package visit www.fairmont.com/chicago or call 312.565.8000.
For a Father’s Day getaway in the heart of Downtown Chicago
• Located in the heart of the Chicago, Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago offers a location that allows you and dad to get anywhere in Chicago with ease. Minutes from the theater district, Millennium Park, Magnificent Mile shopping, and many other Chicago attractions, this hip and modern hotel is perfect for the father who wants to explore the Windy City. The hotel’s rooftop bar, AIRE, is a perfect place to take in stunning city views from 24-stories up. For more information, visit theloopchicago.centric.hyatt.com or call 312.236.1234.
