The weather is breaking, rooftops are in full swing, and the need for a glass of frose is real. It is officially the Summer season, Chicago! Now that your parkas and snow boots have been put away, it is time to crack out the summer wardrobe and enjoy one of Chicago’s best seasons. From a Picnic Package in Millennium Park to attending some of the best festivals and markets in the Chicagoland area, we have rounded up our top activities for you to take part in this summer.
Go antiquing at one of the “Best Markets in Chicago”
Hailed as the “Best Market in Chicago” by Time Out, The Randolph Street Market continues their 15th Anniversary celebration with the ultimate summer bash, “American Glory” on Saturday, June 23th and Sunday, June 24th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant West Loop neighborhood at 1341 Randolph Street, the beloved one-stop-shop extravaganza features an array of outdoor entertaining and fun from more than 300 vendors. The Randolph Street Market will also celebrate Pride Weekend with an afternoon DJ slam featuring top Pride hits by Madonna, Village People, Gloria Gaynor and more at 2PM on Saturday. Those looking to unwind and relax can enjoy the market bars, cabana and shade shack for a day of lounging and live entertainment. For more information on the Randolph Street Market, please visit www.randolphstreetmarket.com
Experience Movies in the Park rooftop-style
For those whose summertime favorite activities include Movies in the Park, a must this year is experiencing ROOF on theWit’s Movie Monday series. Beginning June 4 with the smash hit BLACK PANTHER, movies will start at 8:30 pm on the rooftop that kicked off Chicago’s rooftop craze, ROOF on theWit hotel, 201 N. State Street. These events are 21+ and include complimentary popcorn for attendees.
The dates for this summer series include (subject to change):
JUNE 4 BLACK PANTHER
JUNE 25 PULP FICTION
JULY 2 MOLLY’S GAME
JULY 23 DIRTY DANCING
JULY 30 READY PLAYER ONE
AUGUST 13 PRETTY WOMAN
AUGUST 20 SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING
AUGUST 27 I, TONYA
SEPTEMBER 10 BLUES BROTHERS
Dining beachside? Say no more!
Shore Club, located at 1603 North Lakeshore Drive, is excited to announce its return to the Chicago dining scene on Friday, May 11th. This upscale dining option and event space, nestled between the bustling Lakeshore Trails on the edge of North Avenue Beach, is set to feature a newly developed set of programming and activations this year. From morning workout classes on the beach to a cold towel service in the cabanas, Shore Club has upgraded its offerings and menus in all three of its unique spaces.
Join in on the 53rd Anniversary fun at Chicago’s oldest wine bar this June
Geja’s Café, 340 W. Armitage, the legendary fondue and lovers’ landmark, will celebrate its 53rd anniversary during the month of June with special anniversary deals and their beloved traditional sauce contest. Throughout the month of June, all guests that come in to dine Sunday through Thursday and say they are here to celebrate Geja’s 53rd Anniversary, will enjoy $19.65 off each Premier Dinner, in honor of their opening in 1965. There will also be a special Anniversary wine list featuring 53% off their normal prices. From June 24th through July 3rd, the week of the 53rd Anniversary Celebration, Geja’s will be offering a complimentary food and beverage dining experience, as well as a $53 gift card to the 53rd and 153rd guest each night. In addition to these special anniversary discounts, Geja’s will also host its ninth annual recipe contest. For more information, please visit www.gejascafe.com .
Dogs in kilts, haggis throwing contests, AND whiskey tastings?! Name a more perfect summer festival
The largest Scottish cultural organization in North America, the CHICAGO SCOTS, is back for the 32nd year to provide entertainment and Scottish culture with a modern twist with their annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games. All of the proceeds from this Festival benefit the oldest 501(c)3 charity in Illinois, the Scottish Home and Caledonian House – now collectively known as Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care. Taking place Friday, June 15, and Saturday, June 16 at Hamilton Lakes, 1 Pierce Place, Itasca, IL, the beloved summer celebration, the largest festival of its kind in the Midwest, will feature an extravaganza of activities and attractions from the Caber Toss to the Highland Dance to the Dogs of Scotland. For more information, please visit www.scottishfestivalchicago.org .
Have a Picnic in Millennium Park courtesy of Columbus Tap
Meghan Markle said it first: “I’m really big on day dates. If you go for a stroll, have a picnic or lunch with a glass of wine – it doesn’t get better than that.” Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, 200 North Columbus Drive, has announced a special new Picnic Package through their in-house restaurant, Columbus Tap, to make picking up a snack or meal for a concert, date, or get-together in the park even easier. Located just steps from Millennium Park, Columbus Tap will offer hotel guests, Chicago visitors, and locals alike a new chef-made Picnic in the Park menu, ranging from wine and cheese, a full dinner of charcuterie, chicken salad, wine and dessert, to an elegant champagne and chocolate dessert picnic. Picnic blankets and folding chairs can also be rented for $10 each and orders can be placed online. Starting this summer, Fairmont Chicago will also introduce complimentary rickshaw tours for hotel guests through Millennium Park, available from June 1 – August 31. www.columbustap.com
Drink up the views with a Kuma’s burger in hand at one of Chicago’s best rooftops
AIRE, one of Chicago’s hottest and most sensational rooftop decks, located at 100 W. Monroe on the 24th floor of Hyatt Centric The Loop Chicago, will feature a pop-up grill from Kuma’s Corner to offer guests a new food experience this year on Saturdays from 4 – 9 p.m. AIRE will also continue to serve hand-crafted cocktails, seasonal, shareable plates, and local craft beers, making it the perfect spot for happy hour meals and group get-togethers. Starting Saturday, June 2, Kuma’s Corner will offer their Led Zepplin, Darkthrone, WASP, and Pig Destroyer burgers for $10 at AIRE. In addition to the pop-up grill on Saturdays, AIRE will continue to serve small plates such as a Bavarian Pretzel, Chile Chicken Chiquitos, and Grass Fed Beef Sliders, and carefully crafted cocktails, as well as an extensive offering of local beers and wines. AIRE is open Monday through Thursday 3 – 11 p.m. CST, Friday and Saturday 3p.m. – 12 a.m. CST.
Pay a visit to the new exhibit at the National Hellenic Museum
A new exhibition from the National Hellenic Museum, Lives Afloat: The Greek Refugee Crisis through the Lens of Tasos Markou 2015-2017 will open Thursday, June 21, 2018. This photographic exhibition portrays the realities facing refugees as they arrived in Greece at the height of the Greek Refugee Crisis. The NHM’s Lives Afloat exhibition shows a perspective over a three-year period, from the difficulties of sea crossings and the living conditions in camps, to the poignant moments of families trying to adapt to living with limited resources and the sense of chronic waiting. To compose the Lives Afloat exhibition, the NHM exhibition team utilized evidence-based reports and data from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and imagery of photographer Tasos Markou who traveled to the island of Lesvos to cover the refugee crisis. Throughout the coming year this exhibition will be supplemented with public programming, docent-led tours, and invited speakers to help raise awareness about this crisis, and the fate of refugees across history. www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org
Travel to a luxurious vacation destination without leaving Chicago
theWit, who prides itself on delivering “More Experience than Hotel,” returns with its summer series that has redefined travel. For its third season, ROOF on theWit, 201 N. State Street, features iconic, global party destinations that are focused on style and stimulating sophistication. Surrender yourself to the sultry evening breeze. Feel your heart beat with the rhythm of the music, and let your feet and taste buds dance. During three marquee weekend Friday and Saturday nights, ROOF on theWit hosts an exclusive sensual immersion, complete with Chef Nathan Sears’ finest inspired cuisine, unique cocktails and diverse entertainment. With its first series being a smash hti on Memorial Day Weekend, JetSet will continue with a weekend in the distant paradise of Singapore on Friday, June 22 and Saturday, June 23. As its last stop on Labor Day weekend, ROOF will take guests to the ultimate summer paradise, Tahiti, on Friday, August 31 and Saturday, September 1. JetSet weekends start at 2pm. For more information and reservations, visit www.roofonthewit.com
Attend a Summer Concert Series in Lincoln Park
NEWCITY, a shopping, dining, and entertainment district in Lincoln Park, 1457 N. Halsted, has announced they will host a weekly Sounds of Summer Concert Series in their picturesque outdoor plaza, free to the public from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays, June 28 – August 31. Encouraging community members to come together, socialize and listen to classic rock, Motown, pop music and more, NEWCITY’s Summer Concert Series is the perfect way for friends, families and music lovers alike to enjoy Chicago’s beautiful summer weather.
NEWCITY’s Summer Concert Series lineup includes:
- June 28: The Neverly Brothers: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Tribute – From Elvis to the Beatles
- July 6: The Crocs: ’50s and ’60s
- July 12: Kravelive: Motown
- July 19: The Geoff Landon Show: Country
- July 26: Hot Rocks: Rolling Stones Tribute
- August 2: Six to Midnight, Hits from the 80s – Today
- August 9: The Noize: Modern Rock/ Classic Rock
- August 16: Sushi Roll: Pop and Rock Hits
- August 23: School of Rock: Rock Hits
- August 31: Wedding Banned: ’80s
Kick off your kids’ summer break with art camp at Paper Source
Paper Source, curator of creative inspiration for over three decades, is kicking off summer break by hosting their own exclusive Kids Art Camp. Kids Art Camp registration is available online now at papersource.com and across all 127 stores nationwide. Participants in Kids Art Camp, will create five unique projects using various crafting techniques and tools during their week-long enrollment. Kids Art Camp offers morning time slots from 11:00am-1:00pm and afternoon time slots from 3:00-5:00pm with sessions beginning June 18th, June 25th and July 9th for $120 per week.
Get educated on all things law
Calling all lawyers and law enthusiasts! Chicago will play host to the 2018 ABA Annual Meeting’s more than 5,000 attendees from August 1 through August 7, 2018. Attracting the best and brightest in the legal profession, the ABA Annual Meeting highlights the impact of legal professionals in all categories. The meeting features expert speakers, cutting-edge continuing legal education (CLE) programs, and exciting networking events with nearly 1,000 total opportunities. For more information, please visit www.americanbar.org/aba.html.
Enjoy a performance from one of TV and Broadway’s best
The Broadway legend and star of the TV series Blue Bloods (playing Tom Selleck’s father) Len Cariou comes to Chicago June 6 through 10 at Stage 773 with his production Broadway and the Bard. Performances of Broadway at the Bard are as follows: Wednesday, June 6 at 8 p.m., Thursday, June 7 at 8 p.m., Friday, June 8 at 8 p.m., Saturday, June 9 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 10 at 3 p.m. All tickets are $35. To purchase tickets, please visit http://www.stage773.com/show/broadwayandthebard or call (773) 327-5252.
Pokemon Pop-Up bar? We. Are. In.
Chicagoans will have a new place to capture Pokémon as Replay Lincoln Park, 2833 N. Sheffield, recently launched a Pokémon Pop-Up Bar. Replay has ‘evolved’ into a Pokémon Center complete with specialty Pokémon-themed cocktails, décor and custom artwork. During the pop-up, guests can collect a trainer punch card to try to collect all eight Pokémon badge cocktails to unlock the ‘Elite Four Challenge.’ Guests will also be able to participate in a Pokémon hunt with QR codes hidden around the bar, Pokémon Gym and trading card and gaming console tournaments with prizes. For more information, please visit www.replaylincolnpark.com.
Give back while enjoying some delicious tapas
¡Olé! El Tapeo Modern Spanish Kitchen, located on the Ninth Floor of Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center at 2100 Spring Road, celebrates World Tapas Day on Thursday, June 21. The country of Spain had declared this international day of celebration back in 2016 to commemorate the signature small plate and its significance in Spanish cuisine. To honor the holiday, El Tapeo will offer an exclusive Pimenton de Cerdo tapas dish throughout the day, with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Hinsdale Humane Society. For more information, please visit www.eltapeorestaurant.com .
Celebrate the dad and graduate in your life with FREE steak
What better way to celebrate success and love than with a delicious, FREE steak! To celebrate both the grads and dads of Chicagoland, Pete Miller’s Steak and Seafood Naperville, 3032 English Rows, is offering free steaks to all dads and 2018 graduates through Father’s Day Sunday, June 17. To redeem the $50-valued offer, grads must show their 2018 diploma folder to their server. For dads to redeem, they must simply mention they are celebrating Father’s Day with Pete. The offer is only valid with the purchase of another full-entrée and a reservation. www.petemillers.com/naperville
Brunch it up in the ‘burbs
A new addition to the list of ‘must-visit brunch locations’ has arrived! Muldoon’s Irish Pub, 133 West Front Street, Wheaton, recently launched its brunch menu and is welcoming guests to enjoy its delicious selection and cozy atmosphere. The new menu consists of sweet starters, including yogurt parfaits, donuts with Nutella dipping sauce and Irish-inspired soda bread cherry scones. With a menu that offers a variety of brunch creations like berry bread pudding French toast, breakfast burritos, Scottish smoked salmon sandwiches, and a Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar, Muldoon’s new brunch will please any crowd. For more information, guests may visit www.muldoonswheaton.com.
Get out of the city for a Summer concert
Ideally set at the gorgeous patio restaurant Prairie River overlooking a golf course with summer evening sunsets in the background, Eaglewood Resort & Spa presents its 10th Annual Sounds of Summer concert series beginning May 25. The family friendly, free weekly concerts are perfect for enjoying a beverage, some sweet bites and the musical stylings of some of Chicagoland’s most talented performers. Live performances will occur every Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m. from Friday, May 25 to Saturday, September 22, with 33 total concerts over the course of the summer. Eaglewood Resort & Spa is a unique, full-service resort with four distinct dining options, a spa, 18-hole golf course, bowling alley, fitness center and more. The expansive property sits on a beautiful 104 acres in the Chicagoland area, with 295 guest rooms and suites and more than 37,000 square feet of event space, offering an unparalleled experience in the Midwest.
