Fashion Outlets of Chicago Hosts FREE “Year of the Dragon” Activities and Special Performances Saturday, February 10th

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Free Family Friendly Fun

Shopping Center Hosts“Year of the Dragon” activities and exclusive offers February 10-25, 2024

Fashion Outlets of Chicago, located at 5220 Fashion Outlets Way in Rosemont, today announced the return of its Chinese Lunar New Year festivities and offerings. The celebration will kick off with a special event featuring free cultural performances and activities as well as exclusive celebratory shopping offers at participating retailers from Saturday, February 10 through Sunday, February 25.

Fashion Outlets of Chicago visitors are invited to ring in the Year of the Dragon with a Lunar New Year kickoff event in the shopping center’s Food Court beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 10. Guests can enjoy a variety of games and activities including lantern crafting, Chinese calligraphy, Chopstick Challenge and more. Special cultural performances presented by Huaxing Arts Group will also take place from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. that will feature Chinese dance, Kung Fu, Chinese yo-yo and a children’s choir.

Shoppers can also visit Concierge Services, located on Level One of the shopping center from February 10 to February 25 to receive a celebratory red envelope containing special Lunar New Year offers and services from participating retailers as well as a free Savings Pass that will provide up to $800 in store savings from Fashion Outlets’ retailers.

For Chicago visitors traveling through O’Hare Airport, Fashion Outlets of Chicago is a great destination to pass time during a layover. Fashion Outlets of Chicago’s Concierge Services offers special amenities that allow travelers to check coats, hold luggage and shopping bags and print boarding passes at the shopping center. International travelers can take advantage of foreign currency exchange and translation services.

For a full list of programming and special offers from participating retailers, please visit www.fashionoutletsofchicago.com/Events/LunarNewYear2024. 

About Fashion Outlets of Chicago

Macerich’s Fashion Outlets of Chicago is an award-winning 530,000 square-foot, two level indoor shopping center that is home to more than 130 designer outlets, an impressive contemporary art collection and high-end amenities. The one-of-a-kind upscale outlet property that redefines and elevates the outlet shopping experience, is located at 5220 Fashion Outlets Way in Rosemont –minutes from O’Hare International Airport and Chicagoland’s major highways. For more information, visit www.fashionoutletsofchicago.com. 

Lincoln Commons Hosts Tree Lighting, Santa and Reindeer December 5th & Menorah Lighting December 22, 2019

LINCOLN COMMON CELEBRATES 

THE HOLIDAYS 

Lincoln Park’s newest destination to host 

first Tree Lighting & Menorah Lighting

Lincoln Common, 2345 N. Lincoln Ave., in partnership with the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, kicks off its first holiday season on Thursday, December 5 at 5:30 p.m. on its central Plaza with Alderman Michele Smith. The evening will include an appearance by Santa, two of his reindeer, caroling with Old Town School of Folk Music, special holiday dance performances by Equinox Lincoln Common and hot cocoa from Philz Coffee. The 22-foot tree will be centered on the Plaza beneath the trellis, complete with a large snowflake topper.



Lincoln Common and Belmont Village Senior Living will mark the first night of Hanukkah, Sunday, December 22, with the Festival of Lights, a family-friendly evening of activities. From 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., guests will gather and enjoy lite bites at Belmont Village, 700 W. Fullerton Ave., then proceed to the Lincoln Common Plaza for the lighting of the menorah at 5:30 p.m. with Alderman Smith and Rabbi Mendy Benhiyoun of Chabad Lincoln Park.

Guests are invited to take advantage of the multiple CTA travel options or park in the Lincoln Common garage located at 2316 N. Lincoln Ave., where the first 90 minutes are free with validation.

Visit www.lincolncommon.com for event details or call (773) 938-3001.



About Lincoln Common
Lincoln Common, developed by Hines and McCaffery and designed by world-renowned architect Skidmore, Owings and Merrill and Antunovich Associates to LEED Silver certification standards, is home to world-class residential, retail, dining and fitness experiences, featuring 100,000 square feet of retail space, 538 upscale luxury apartment units, 32 luxury condominiums, a five-story boutique office building, an 850-stall parking garage, a 156-room senior living facility, and more than an acre of open space for residents, Chicagoans and visitors to enjoy. Offering year-round events on the central plaza, this conveniently located live-work-play destination and vibrant new crossroads of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood is a gathering center for community members of all ages. For more information, visit www.lincolncommon.com. Follow Lincoln Common on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates.

Underwater-Inspired Kids' Mermaid Fun at 900 NORTH MICHIGAN SHOPS In Downtown Chicago July 19-28th

“Underwater Wonders” 

AWAITS VISITORS TO 900 NORTH MICHIGAN SHOPS 

ONCE AGAIN THIS SUMMER

Friday, July 19 – Sunday, July 28

Photos by Ben Ramos

Ocean-themed art projects * Interactive and imaginative journeys * Ocean conservation * Fishtail braids * Fish scale face painting * Seashell sugar cookies * Splits of bubbly * Keepsake photos with a real-life mermaid


Additional activities include:

Bubbles Academy will feature a pop-up offering ocean-themed art projects, and an imaginary adventure across the sea, complete with props, costumes and songs! For more information, and to register for classes visit
Educational information on ocean conservation, and a chance to become an adopted, “child of the sea” by Blue Ring

Mario Tricoci will be offering complimentary fishtail braiding, and fish scale, face painting

Adorable seashell sugar cookies compliments of Aster Hall

Bellina Caetano will be showcasing their new summer collection, which includes some of the same, beaded jewelry the mermaid will be wearing

Sweet Star champagne splits by Chandon USA


WHAT:           
900 North Michigan Shops has partnered with Bubbles Academy, Mario Tricoci,    Aster Hall, Bellina Caetano, Chandon USA, and ocean conservation group, Blue  Ring, to produce an underwater-inspired oasis of enchantment and engagement  for mermaids and sailors of all ages. 

Starting Friday, July 19th, visitors can tuck into the iconic shopping center to do everything from visiting with a real-life mermaid in a dreamy, Instagrammable setting, to participating in ocean-themed art projects, and learning about ocean conservation. Kids can even commit to becoming an, “adopted child of the sea”, and receive a free pendant made of plastic to remind them to keep recycled waterways clear of pollutants. The mostly free activation runs from Friday, July 19th to Sunday, July 28th, and is open Monday through Saturday from 10AM-2PM, and Sunday from 12PM-4PM.   

                                                                                                                                        
Activities to include:

Bubbles Academy pop-up will feature ocean-themed art projects like decorating a treasure chest, or making flowery, mermaid crowns, and an imaginary adventure across the sea complete with props, costumes and songs! For more information, and to register for classes visit http://www.bubblesacademy.com/bubbles-at-900/ 
Educational information on ocean conservation, and a chance to become an adopted, “child of the sea” by Blue Ring
Photos and visits with an enchanting, real-life mermaid, courtesy of 900 North Michigan Shops  

Bellina Caetano will be showcasing their new summer collection, which includes some of the same, beaded jewelry the mermaid will be wearing
Fishtail braid bar, and fish scale, face painting by Mario Tricoci
Sweet Star champagne splits by Chandon USA
Adorable seashell sugar cookies courtesy of Aster Hall


WHERE:         
All activities will take place on Level 2 of 900 North Michigan Shops

WHEN:           
Friday, July 19th through Sunday, July 28th, 2019
Mondays through Saturdays, 10AM-2PM, and Sundays from 12PM-4PM.

      
The following activities are free and open to the public:

Explore the ocean-themed Bubbles Academy space
Educational information on ocean conservation
Become an adopted, “child of the sea” – participants receive a blue charm necklace made of recycled plastic found in the ocean
Visits and selfies with the mermaid  
Viewing of the new, Bellina Caetano summer jewelry collection
Fishtail braid bar
Fish scale, face painting
Seashell cookies


The following activities have fees associated:

Bubbles Academy
Mermaid & Pirate Adventure - $25
Treasure Chest Decorating or Mermaid Flower Crown - $10
Chandon Sweet Star champagne splits - $17
Bellina Caetano jewelry – each item priced individually
Pricing for photos with the mermaid are as follows, with a portion of proceeds benefiting ocean conservation non-profit Blue Ring:
$30 (2) 5x7
$40 digital download
$45 for (2) 5x7 and digital download
Visit shop900.com for complete details on the underwater-inspired experience.


ABOUT 900   
An iconic anchor of the Magnificent Mile, 900 North Michigan Shops is a 465,000-square-foot,
seven-level experiential retail destination in the heart of Chicago. The property is in the midst of
a multi-phase renovation designed to further elevate and enhance the guest experience.
Anchored by Bloomingdale’s, 900 North Michigan Shops features more than 70 luxe retailers
including a two-level Gucci, MaxMara, and Aritzia, and recently opened Aster Hall - a 22,000
square-foot, chef driven food hall.

FREE: 25 Performances of The Comedy of Errors in 19 Chicago Parks July 18 – August 18, 2019

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FREE FOR ALL

Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks

The Comedy of Errors

Announcing 25 Performances in 19 Parks, 

July 18 – August 18, 2019

 Photo by Daniel Ribar

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we've adored Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks since its inception. Bring a picnic, kids, dogs, friends, and catch the words that have shaped our world for over 400 years, in the great outdoors. The bard's a blast under the stars and this is a great way to introduce the kids to the joy of live theatre. Highly recommended! 

Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, and Boeing partner to present the annual citywide summer tradition, Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks. Made possible by production sponsor BMO Harris Bank, 25 performances of Shakespeare’s hilarious classic The Comedy of Errors, directed by David H. Bell, will tour free for all to 19 neighborhood parks across Chicago in the city’s most expansive arts-in-communities initiative, July 18–August 18, 2019.

“Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks gives residents the chance to experience the thrill and magic of live theater in their own backyard,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “Theater is essential to the cultural fabric of Chicago and with 25 performances throughout our neighborhoods, there's always a seat waiting for you.”

The Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour of The Comedy of Errors kicks off at Polk Bros Park on Navy Pier with three performances: Thursday, July 18 through Saturday, July 20—all beginning at 7:00 p.m.


Parks scheduled to be visited, rain or shine, include:

Thursday, July 18 at 7:00 p.m. | Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.)
Friday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m. | Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.)
Saturday, July 20 at 7:00 p.m. |  Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.)
Tuesday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m. | Garfield Park (100 N. Central Park Ave.)
Wednesday, July 24 at 6:30 p.m. | Gage Park (2411 W. 55th St.)
Thursday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m. | Kelvyn Park (4438 W. Wrightwood Ave.)
Friday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m. | Eckhart Park (1330 W. Chicago Ave.)
Saturday, July 27 at 6:30 p.m. | Loyola Park (1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.)
Sunday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m. | Loyola Park (1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.)
Tuesday, July 30 at 6:30 p.m. | Columbus Park (500 S. Central Ave.)
Wednesday, July 31 at 6:30 p.m. | Tuley Park (501 E. 90th Pl.)
Thursday, August 1 at 6:30 p.m. | Dvorak Park (1119 W. Cullerton St.)
Saturday, August 3 at 6:30 p.m. | RiverEdge Park, Aurora (360 N. Broadway St.)
Sunday, August 4 at 6:30 p.m. | Ellis  Park (3520 S. Cottage Grove Ave.)
Tuesday, August 6 at 6:30 p.m. | Frank J. Wilson Park (4630 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
Wednesday, August 7 at 6:30 p.m. | Frank J. Wilson Park (4630 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
Thursday, August 8 at 6:30 p.m. | Humboldt Park (1301 N. Sacramento Ave.)
Friday, August 9 at 6:30 p.m. | Humboldt Park (1301 N. Sacramento Ave.)
Saturday, August 10 at 6:30 p.m. | Ridge Park (1817 W. 96th St.)
Sunday, August 11 at 6:30 p.m. | Calumet Park (9801 S. Ave. G)
Wednesday, August 14 at 6:30 p.m. | Ogden Park (6500 S. Racine Ave.)
Thursday, August 15 at 6:30 p.m. | Piotrowski Park (4247 W. 31st St.)
Friday, August 16 at 6:30 p.m. | Welles Park (2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.)
Saturday, August 17 at 6:30 p.m. | Welles Park (2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.)
Sunday, August 18 at 6:30 p.m. | Ping Tom Memorial Park (1700 S. Wentworth Ave.)

“We are proud to partner with Chicago Shakespeare Theater to bring free Shakespeare to our beautiful neighborhood parks,” said Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO Michael P. Kelly. “This beloved theatre experience is truly a highlight of the Year of Chicago Theatre and one of Night Out in the Parks' must-see theatre performances coming to parks citywide this summer."

The citywide tour is made possible by a renewed civic, cultural, and corporate partnership between Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, Boeing, and production sponsor BMO Harris Bank. Since the inception of the Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks program seven years ago, more than 130,000 Chicagoans have taken advantage of free performances in their communities.

"The Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks program has become a local symbol for increased access to and participation in the arts," said John Blazey, Vice President of Boeing Global Engagement. "This unique partnership among city agencies, community-based organizations, local artists, and neighborhood residents is a powerful example of how support of the arts helps to bring vitality to our communities by engaging families and building connections with one another."

Photo by Liz Lauren.

David Casper, U.S. CEO, BMO Financial Group said, “In celebration of the Year of Chicago Theatre, BMO Harris Bank is proud to continue its sponsorship of Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks. This summer's production of The Comedy of Errors is a wonderful story that has entertained audiences for more than four hundred years. Chicago Shakespeare Theater shares our commitment to ensuring that great theater is accessible to all, and we look forward to partnering with them in bringing this production to neighborhoods across the city.”

Throughout the tour, a specially equipped truck will roll into each park, a stage will unfold and actors will perform a 75-minute production of The Comedy of Errors. Staged and adapted by Jeff Award-winning director and choreographer David H. Bell,  the story unfolds when Antipholus and his lifelong servant Dromio find themselves in Ephesus as they search the world over for a twin, lost in infancy. Everywhere they go in this foreign land, complete strangers insist that they’re best of friends. Is everyone here quite mad? Mistaken identities abound, as one bewildering day in Ephesus makes for hilarious complications—and a bewitching theatrical experience.

The Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks The Comedy of Errors cast includes Will Allan (Dromio of Syracuse), Amira Danan (Adriana), Meghan Murphy (Aemilia/Courtezan), Andrea San Miguel (Luciana), Drew Shirley (Egeon/Luce/Dr. Pinch), Alec Silver (Dromio of Ephesus), Laurence Stepney (Duke), and ensemble members Wesley Daniel, Nathaniel Elfant, and Max Fabian. Additional casting to be announced. Joining Bell on the creative team is Scenic Designer Scott Davis, Costume Designer Theresa Ham, Projections Designer Mike Tutaj, Sound Designer Christopher M. LaPorte, Wig and Make-up Designer Richard Jarvie, Assistant Director Eli N. Newell, and Verse Coach Ross Lehman.

In addition to the tour stops in Chicago, Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks will share Shakespeare with a one-night-only performance in Aurora at RiverEdge Park (360 N. Broadway St.) on Saturday, August 3, 2019, at 6:30 p.m.

Partnering with the Chicago Park District, Chicago Shakespeare Theater is offering ASL-interpreted performances at six of the eighteen Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour stops:

Sunday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m. | Loyola Park (1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.)
Saturday, August 10 at 6:30 p.m. | Ridge Park (1817 W. 96th St.)
Sunday, August 11 at 6:30 p.m. | Calumet Park (9801 S. Ave. G
Thursday, August 15 at 6:30 p.m. | Piotrowski Park (4247 W. 31st St.)
Saturday, August 17 at 6:30 p.m. | Welles Park (2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.)
Sunday, August 18 at 6:30 p.m. | Ping Tom Memorial Park (1700 S. Wentworth Ave.)

Sign-interpreting the performances are Elizabeth Bartlow Breslin and Will Lee. Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks will also offer an audio-described performance on Sunday, August 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Frank J. Wilson Park (4630 N. Milwaukee Ave.) for audience members who are blind or have low vision, in which a describer provides a description of visual elements of the production transmitted through headphones. Assistive-listening devices are available for all performances.

For more information on Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks, visit www.chicagoshakes.com/parks.

Photo by Michael Litchfield.

ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, Chicago Shakespeare has redefined what a great American Shakespeare theater can be—a company that defies theatrical category. This Regional Tony Award-winning theater’s year-round season features as many as twenty productions and 650 performances—including plays, musicals, world premieres, family programming, and presentations from around the globe. Chicago Shakespeare is the city’s leading presenter of international work, and has toured its own productions across five continents. The Theater’s nationally acclaimed arts in literacy programs support the work of teachers, and bring Shakespeare to life on stage for tens of thousands of students annually. Each summer, the company tours a free professional production to neighborhood parks across Chicago. In 2017 the Theater unveiled The Yard, which, together with the Jentes Family Courtyard Theater and the Thoma Theater Upstairs, positions Chicago Shakespeare as Chicago’s most versatile performing arts center.

ABOUT 2019 YEAR OF CHICAGO THEATRE
Chicago Shakespeare Theater is proud to be part of the 2019 Year of Chicago Theatre, presented by the City of Chicago and the League of Chicago Theatres. To truly fall in love with Chicago, you must go to our theatres. This is where the city bares its fearless soul. Home to a community of creators, risk-takers, and big hearts, Chicago theatre is a hotbed for exciting new work and hundreds of world premieres every year. From Broadway musicals to storefront plays and improv, there’s always a seat waiting for you at one of our 200+ theatres. Book your next show today at ChicagoPlays.com.

Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tours Shakespeare’s hilarious classic The Comedy of Errors, directed by David H. Bell, FREE FOR ALL to 19 neighborhood parks across the city, July 18–August 18, 2019. Photo by Julie Stanton. 

Snarkitecture Brings The Beach To Chilly Chicago January 19 through February 3

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:

Family Friendly Fun at Chicago's Free Giant Ball Pit/Art Installation  

Hit The Beach Chicago at Navy Pier 

This Winter!

Free, temporary public art installation by Snarkitecture consisting of one million translucent white spheres set to flood the Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom 

The Beach Chicago | Credit for all photos: Noah Kalina

from January 19 through February 3

Navy Pier, Chicago’s top-attended lakefront destination, invites guests to beat the winter blues by hitting The Beach Chicago – a free, interactive public art installation on display in the historic Aon Grand Ballroom from Saturday, January 19 through Sunday, February 3. Presented in partnership with EXPO CHICAGO (The International Exposition of Contemporary and Modern Art) and created by Snarkitecture, a New York-based collaborative design practice, The Beach Chicago is a large-scale installation set to transform the Pier’s iconic 18,000-square-foot space into an indoor beach, complete with lounge deck chairs, lifeguard chairs, umbrellas, inflatables and signage that mimic the sensation of a day at the beach.

Today Navy Pier Unloads 

One Million Translucent White Spheres  

in Aon Grand Ballroom in Preparation for 

The Beach Chicago

The installation consists of one million antimicrobial and recyclable plastic spheres enclosed in a large, open space. Guests of all ages are welcome to ‘swim’ through the sea of translucent white spheres as part of the artistic experience or simply gaze and revel in the installation from the pier and other viewing areas throughout the installation. The Beach Chicago promotes familiar social cues and visual sensations of a beach within the unique setting of the Aon Grand Ballroom, a historic landmark designed by architect Charles Sumner Frost and constructed in 1916 as part of Navy Pier’s original structure. Earlier iterations of The Beach have taken place in Washington, D.C.; Tampa, Florida; Sydney, Australia; Paris, France; and Bangkok, Thailand. Chicago will serve as the third site in the U.S. and first in the Midwest.



Navy Pier guests are encouraged to make the most of their “day at The Beach” by exploring the many new dining, retail and leisure options available across the recently renovated Pier. Select restaurants – including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Giordano’s, Harry Caray’s Tavern, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Riva Crab House, Tiny Tavern and more – will have beach-themed menus and cocktails, among other special offers to complement the experience. Click here to view the full listing of Pier-wide beach-inspired promotions available throughout the duration of the exhibit. In addition, Chicago Shakespeare Theater will continue to present its production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, offering another enchanting escape this winter. Guests can complete their ‘beach day’ with a ride on Chicago’s iconic Ferris wheel. Enclosed and heated, the year-round Centennial Wheel pairs perfectly with The Beach Chicago, providing 360 views of the city’s famous beaches from 200 feet above water.

In advance of the unveiling of The Beach Chicago, the Graham Foundation – in partnership with EXPO CHICAGO and Navy Pier – will present a talk by Snarkitecture’s Alex Mustonen and Benjamin Porto, the creative minds behind The Beach. The free, public talk will be held on Thursday, January 17 at 6 p.m. at the Graham Foundation, located at 4 West Burton Place. Following this event, the Graham Foundation Bookshop will host a book signing of Snarkitecture’s recent catalogue, published by Phaidon.

Hosting The Beach Chicago is one of the many ways Navy Pier continues to honor its commitment to offer free, year-round arts and cultural programming, designed to inspire, educate and connect communities across the city and globe. For more information, visit www.navypier.org or download the Navy Pier app on any Android or iOS device.


About Snarkitecture
Snarkitecture is a New York-based collaborative design practice established to investigate the boundaries between disciplines. The name is drawn from Lewis Carroll’s The Hunting of The Snark, a poem describing the “impossible voyage of an improbable crew to find an inconceivable creature.” In its search for the unknown, Snarkitecture creates work that includes large-scale projects, installations and objects. Snarkitecture’s work focuses on the reinterpretation of everyday materials, structures and programs to new and imaginative effect. With a conceptual approach centered on the importance of experience, the studio creates unexpected and memorable moments that invite people to explore and engage with their surroundings. For more information, visit www.snarkitecture.com.

About EXPO CHICAGO
EXPO CHICAGO, The International Exposition of Contemporary and Modern Art, is presented by Art Expositions, LLC at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, hosting more than 135 leading International exhibitors presented alongside one of the highest quality platforms for global contemporary art and culture. Entering its eighth year as a leading international art fair, EXPO CHICAGO offers diverse programming including /Dialogues, IN/SITU, IN/SITU Outside, EXPO VIDEO, the Curatorial Forum, the Art Critics Forum, Special Exhibitions, EXPO Sound and OVERRIDE | A Billboard Project. In addition, EXPO CHICAGO continues to publish THE SEEN, Chicago's International Journal of Contemporary & Modern Art. Under the leadership of President and Director Tony Karman, EXPO CHICAGO draws upon the city’s rich history as a vibrant international cultural destination, while highlighting the region’s contemporary arts community and inspiring its collector base.

EXPO CHICAGO’s eighth edition will take place September 19 – 22, 2019, in alignment with the 2019 Chicago Architecture Biennial (September 19, 2018 – January 5, 2020). For more information on EXPO CHICAGO and EXPO ART WEEK (September 16 – 22, 2019) visit expochicago.com.



The Beach Chicago is supported by The Chicago Free For All Fund at The Chicago Community Trust, the Navy Pier Associate Board and Hilton Worldwide.


About Navy Pier
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is one of the top-attended nonprofit destinations in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming more than 9 million guests annually. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases more than 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities and more. The Pier recently celebrated its 100th anniversary with the unveiling of the iconic Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. In 2019, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing pier-wide redevelopment efforts – including a 220-room Hilton hotel with rooftop bar, a marina and more – in addition to free, year-round arts and cultural programming designed to inspire, educate and connect communities across the city and globe. For more information, visit www.navypier.org or download the free Navy Pier app for Android and iOS devices.

Navy Pier Mission Statement
Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder

FREE Family Friendly Fun at WRIGLEYVILLE WINTER WONDERLAND December 15 & 16

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:

Wrigley's Ready to Rock The Holidays Like Buckminster Fuller and The Eskimos, 

With Four Heated 40-Foot Geodesic Domes!

LAKEVIEW EAST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TRANSFORMS 

THE NORTH CLARK STEET CORRIDOR INTO A 

HOLIDAY HOT SPOT WITH THE WRIGLEYVILLE WINTER WONDERLAND, 

DECEMBER 15 AND 16

A FREE 10,000 Square Foot Holiday Spectacular Featuring Four Heated 40-foot Geodesic Domes Filled With Seasonal Surprises, 3D Hologram Christmas Tree, Light Displays and Santa Claus for Two Days Only 

The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce a new immersive pop-up experience coming to Chicago this season: Wrigleyville Winter Wonderland, 947 W. Roscoe, at the corner of Roscoe and Clark Streets, Saturday, Dec. 15 and Sunday, Dec. 16 from 2 – 8 p.m The new Wrigleyville Winter Wonderland is four heated geodesic domes, from the acclaimed company Synergeo (as seen at Mamby on the Beach, Electric Forest and Northcoast Music Festival), that welcome visitors with unique, fun and interactive seasonal experiences. Admission is free and food and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. 

Wrigleyville Winter Wonderland’s four snow domes include:

·  Santa’s Workshop – guests will be transported to Santa’s workshop in full holiday splendor and opportunities for kids of all ages to be photographed with Santa Claus

·  Santa’s Surf Shack – it may be winter in Chicago, but it’s a trip to the tropics when entering Santa’s Surf Shack with bright colors, brighter lights and a picturesque escape to the beach

·  Ice Cave – the Ice Cave offers its visitors a unique experience like none other in Chicago, making North Clark into the North Pole 

· Christmas Wonderland – camera flashes will only add to the fun of the Christmas Wonderland where the dome is decked out in garland, tinsel and trees of all shapes and sizes.

In addition to the fun inside the domes, there will also be activities and events throughout the weekend including snowboard demonstrations from W82, artwork projected on buildings around Wonderland, crafts for the kids and an ever-changing 3D hologram Christmas Tree. 

All of Chicagoland is invited to Wrigleyville for this new holiday-inspired interactive experience,” said Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Maureen Martino. “This Winter Wonderland will be excellent for families, friends, dates – anyone who wants to enjoy and capture the spirit of the season from Holiday selfies to photos for your holiday greetings to just making merry.  Think of it as Wrigleyville’s gift to Chicago – it’s free and filled with fun for everyone.”

In addition to the Wrigleyville Winter Wonderland, three local businesses on Clark Street will be transformed for the holidays!

Making the spirits bright this season are:

Christmas Club – “Wrigleyville’s Original Christmas Pop-Up”
Formerly The Country Club
3462 N. Clark Street
November 28 - January 1, 2019 

With no cover, The Country Club Chicago has become Christmas Club for the holidays, catering to individuals and groups celebrating the holidays with specialty drinks, food and more. Its two floors and three party rooms individually decorated from the floor to ceiling will welcome guests and visits by Santa Claus and other holiday characters through the new year.

Monday – Friday: 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Saturday: 12 p.m. – 3 a.m. 
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
ChristmasClubChicago.com 

Elf’d Up
Formerly The Stretch Bar and Grill
3484 N. Clark Street 
November 23 –  February 1, 2019

The Stretch Bar and Grill for the holidays is Elf’d Up! Join this North Clark Street destination for a full-blown tribute to the movie “Elf!” Guests may enjoy themed cocktails and menu items, ornament decorating nights, a complimentary Santa Cookie Service daily at 10 p.m., a “Get Elf’d Up” happy hour that will benefit Compassion, DJs playing holiday mash-ups and more. The complete schedule of events and daily specials are available on the website, 

Wednesday – Friday: 6 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Saturday: 3 p.m. - 3 a.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. (until Bears season ends, then 3 p.m. - 2 a.m.)
Elfdup.com 

Santa Baby
Formerly Deuces + the Diamond Club
3501 – 05 N. Clark Street
November 21 – January 7, 2019

From the creators of EDM festival Electric Forest comes this immersive Christmas pop-up bar. With wall-to-wall holiday decor, Deuces + the Diamond Club transforms to Santa Baby with several bars and experiences like Brat Haus Beer Hall, Santa’s Workshop and Rudolph's Elf Dive Bar. This bar is ticketed with free admission days: November 21, November 26 – 28 and December 3 – 5.

Monday – Thursday: 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.”
Friday: 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 3 a.m. 
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Price: $20

* Dec 17 – 21 Santa Baby will open at 10 a.m.
DeucesandtheDiamondClub.com

The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce, SSA #17 and the Lakeview East Community Partnership sponsor Wrigleyville Winter Wonderland.

Great Chicago Fire Festival is HERE This Saturday #ChiILPicksList #ChiFireFest

“CHICAGO FIRE” STARS

JESSE SPENCER AND TAYLOR KINNEY

TO SERVE AS GRAND MARSHALS OF INAUGURAL

GREAT CHICAGO FIRE FESTIVAL

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List 

MUST SEE EVENTS THIS WEEKEND!

Here at ChiIL Mama we're way beyond stoked to see the inaugural Great Chicago Fire Festival. ChiIL Mama will be there... will YOU?! It's FREE, family friendly fun and we can't wait. Check back with ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. 

*We're working on setting up an exclusive video interview with one of the engineers who is also a Chicago mama with 2 young kids, catching some behind the scenes build shots and recapping the event with a photo filled feature as well.*  

Television and film actors Jesse Spencer and Taylor Kinney, both stars of the hit NBC drama “Chicago Fire,” will lend their heat to the inaugural Great Chicago Fire Festival, the free spectacle of fire on the Chicago River set to take place Saturday, October 4. The Great Chicago Fire Festival, celebrating Chicago’s grit, greatness and renewal following the historic Great Chicago Fire of 1871, is presented by Redmoon with the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and Chicago Park District. Activity takes place between the State Street and Columbus Drive bridges in the heart of downtown beginning at 8 pm. 

 

WORLDS COLLIDE ALERT: Here at ChiIL Mama, we've covered Redmoon's fabulous spectacles since their inception decades ago. We also have ties to the NBC drama “Chicago Fire,” as well. Their Costume Supervisor is a long time friend of ours. My husband got to know her well over 20 years ago, working on movies together, then our kids ended up at the same Montessori school for the past 10 years. Her MIL is an amazing artist who painted David Bowie numerous times, as one of his inner circle, so there's another few degrees of separation on our MCA Bowie exhibit coverage. Ah what a small town Chicago can be for the 3rd largest city in the nation!

Kinney and Spencer will ignite the festivities – literally – as they light one of 15 massive “Fire Cauldrons” that will be lowered from bridges to watercraft waiting on the Chicago River below. From there, an elaborate “Grand Spectacle” performance will unfold as the watercraft then ferry the flames out to three moored platforms, where giant “Fire Sculptures” will be set ablaze, transforming to reveal three different symbolic cores. Some 400 different performers and singers will participate in the event, which culminates with a choreographed fireworks display designed by Las Vegas-based company Pyrotechnico. The Great Chicago Fire Festival is completely free and no tickets are required.

Spencer stars as Matthew Casey, a strong intuitive Lieutenant who leads the Truck Company and is unwavering in his commitment to the job, in NBC’s drama “Chicago Fire.” An Australian native, Spencer made his American television debut in the critically acclaimed series “House,” playing Dr. Robert Chase opposite Hugh Laurie for all of the show's eight seasons until the series ended in May 2012. Spencer's film credits include a starring role in "Uptown Girls" with Brittany Murphy, the biopic "Swimming Upstream" with Geoffrey Rush and Judy Davis, as well as Spike Lee's independent feature "The Girl Is in Trouble." He has worked extensively in the U.K. and Australia, both in television and theater. He starred in the acclaimed BBC drama "Death in Holy Orders" and has had starring roles in the BBC adaptation of "Lorna Doone" and Hallmark's "Stranded." He began his career starring in the long-running Australian soap, "Neighbours."

Kinney stars as Kelly Severide, a brash Lieutenant who runs the Rescue Squad with an unflappable veneer, in NBC’s drama “Chicago Fire.” On television, Kinney has a variety of credits including a series regular role in NBC’s ‘Trauma” and the recurring role of Mason Lockwood on “The Vampire Diaries.” He starred in the Michael Patrick King pilot for NBC, “A Mann’s World,” opposite Don Johnson, and he has appeared on such shows as “Breakout Kings,” Castle,” “Shameless,” “Rizzoli & Isles,” “Bones” and “CSI: NY.” Kinney recently starred alongside Cameron Diaz and Lesley Mann in the 2014 Fox comedy hit, “The Other Woman,” directed by Nick Cassavettes and will appear in the following films next year: "Rock the Kasbah" directed by Barry Levinson and the independent "Food" directed by Daryl Wein. Additional big screen credits include Kathryn Bigelow’s “Zero Dark Thirty.”

“Chicago Fire” is produced by Wolf Films in association with Universal Television. 

The Great Chicago Fire Festival is in partnership with The City of Chicago, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and The Chicago Park District, presented by BMO Harris Bank, The Pritzker Foundation and Artplace, with partnering sponsorship support from The Boeing Company, Allstate Insurance Corporation and Digitas, LBI. Support also comes from The Chicago Community Trust, The Cookie Jar Foundation, David and Suzu Neithercut, The Polk Bros. Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, Weber Grill and a grant from ArtPlace America, a collaboration of leading national and regional foundations, banks and federal agencies accelerating creative placemaking across the US.


For more information on the Great Chicago Fire Festival visit chicagofirefestival.com and for more information on Redmoon and its programs, visit www.redmoon.org.

About Redmoon
Redmoon's mission is to transform the experience of Chicago through free large-scale theatrical events that promote community, creativity and an empowered democracy. Over the past 24 years, Redmoon has become a highly valued Chicago institution with its high-profile collaborations, vibrant outdoor performances and authentic community partnerships. In 2009, Jim Lasko joined forces with long-time collaborator Frank Maugeri to co-lead Redmoon as it garnered international attention for its unique productions, site-specific performances and participatory events. Since 1991, Redmoon has performed for more than 250,000 people in 30 different neighborhoods in 116 public spaces.

TONIGHT: FREE Fam Friendly Fun Blue Man Group Joins Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra

BLUE MAN GROUP MAKES SPECIAL APPEARANCE DURING CHICAGO YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS PERFORMANCE IN MILLENNIUM PARK  

SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2014  

Free Outdoor CYSO Concert Event Features Passages of Well-Known Classical Repertoire Performed with Blue Man Group!  

Here at ChiIL Mama we know there's culture and then there's CULTURE. Get a good dose of both in a FREE, family friendly show TONIGHT.

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Tips:

• Take the el and avoid the parking 'ell. It's easy!
• Bring a picnic!  Wine is fine too.

(CYSO) announces a collaborative performance on June 8, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. The free public performance will feature a program of selections to be performed during CYSO’s June 2014 tour of China, as well as special pieces featuring Blue Man’s thrilling multi-sensory audience experience, bringing an innovative Blue Man Group spin to the classical repertoire. 

“CYSO is excited to bring this rare confluence of talents to the Millennium Park Stage with Blue Man Group this June,” said CYSO Music Director Allen Tinkham. “Combining Blue Man Group’s hilarious theatricality with the youthful energy of CYSO’s talented musicians will make for a potent blend that is certain to offer a singularly exciting concert experience for audiences that night.”

On June 8, Blue Man Group will perform teasers of well-known classical pieces from Khachaturian, Wagner, and others along with the orchestra. CYSO will perform an array of pieces from its tour to China, including Johannes Brahms

’Variations on a Theme of Joseph Haydn, op. 56a, Zhou Long’s “The Rhyme of Taigu” and Béla Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra. 

The special programming will also include other audience favorites, with an infusion of colorful surprises from Blue Man Group.  

The Blue Man Group and CYSO performance event is free and open to the public at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph Street). For more information please visit: www.cyso.org

ChiIL Tech Tip:

Download the new CYSO App now for access to exclusive content!

The new CYSO App is now available for download on all Apple and Android devices. This FREE app will provide access to exclusive content for CYSO concerts and events. 

* What’s New

Shows the next event and the most recent music, videos and news.

* Events

Browse upcoming events. Get complete performance information including CYSO ensemble, venue, dates, repertoire & artists. 

* Music

Listen to select CYSO recordings on your mobile device. All repertoire information including composers, works, soloists, conductors and ensembles is included. High quality audio options are available if you are connected through a high speed network.

* Videos

Watch your favorite and new CYSO videos, including CYSO Webisodes and concert footage.

The CYSO App is powered by InstantEncore.

**The first event featured in the app is the June 8 Millennium Park concert with Blue Man Group! Download this free app now to gain access to program notes, artist information, and special offers from CYSO and Blue Man Group!**

Click Here on Apple Devices

Click Here on Android Devices

Or search CYSO in the App Store or Google Play

About Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras 

CYSO’s Symphony Orchestra has earned an international reputation as a premi

er orchestral ensemble featuring extraordinary young musicians from the Chicago area. Allen Tinkham was appointed Music Director of CYSO in 2001. During his tenure, CYSO has won eight of its 11 ASCAP National Awards for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music, as well as four 

Illinois Council of Orchestras awards (two Programming of the Year Awards and two Youth Orchestra of the Year Awards). Under Tinkham’s direction, CYSO ensembles have performed at Orchestra Hall, Millennium Park, Ravinia, Carnegie Hall and several international locales. CYSO has taken the stage three times at Lollapalooza, Chicago’s legendary rock music festival, 

the first time in August 2007 when it became the first ever classical music ensemble to do so.  

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) has provided music education through orchestral programs and performance opportunities of the highest caliber since 1946. CYSO currently serves 475 Chicago area musicians ages 7-18 through three full orchestras, two string orchestras, multiple steel orchestras and supplemental programs that include chamber music ensembles, music theory and composition. It also reaches the diverse population of Chicago Public School students, educators and community members each year through its Music Pathways program.  Music Pathways includes an In-School Residency Program with several partner Chicago Public elementary schools, Clinics for partner Chicago Public high schools, free Community Concerts, a Private Lesson Program for current CYSO students and Neighborhood Ensembles. CYSO, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is investing in the future of music and 

the next generation of leaders. For more information visit www.cyso.org or call 312-939-2207. 

Click here to follow CYSO on Twitter.   Click here to "Like" CYSO on Facebook. 

About Blue Man Group  

Blue Man Group is a unique and thrilling multi-sensory experience that fuses innovative 

theatrical spectacle and powerful original music with hilarious comedy to create a performance experience unlike any other. The iconic, silent, inquisitive Blue Man character has remained consistent since the show’s opening, but the world he reacts to is continuously changing, allowing for a production that continuously evolves. 

One of the world’s most popular theatrical productions, today’s Blue Man Group is a blend of signature material that has been in the show since the opening, as well as newer passages that examine the influence of technology on today’s world with a funny and perceptive look at contemporary communication vehicles. The performance then closes with a pulsating finale that has audiences up and out of their seats, featuring an original Blue Man Group music score. 

The company’s music, featuring custom made instruments and signature, percussive sound, can be heard on five albums, including the Grammy-nominated “Audio,” as well as various film and television projects. As the company grows, it remains true to its vision of providing exciting experiences in a variety of media, appealing to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds.   

Blue Man Group Ticket Information: 

Tickets are available from $49-$99. Tickets may be purchased at the Briar Street Theatre by 

calling the box office at (773) 348-4000; by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787; at all 

Ticketmaster ticket centers or via the Internet at 

www.ticketmaster.com/bluemanchicago

For more information, visit 

www.blueman.com/chicago