What's on Dec: July 14, 2016
CHICAGO -- Billy Dec stopped by Windy City Live to share what there is to do in Chicago and the suburbs.
Follow Billy Dec on facebook.com/BillyDec and twitter.com/BillyDec as he shares more event info and free tickets as they come to during the week.
Pitchfork Music Festival, Friday-Sunday July 15-17, Union Park, 3 p.m., $65
Chicago's indie music fest darling is in its 11th year and pulling out all the stops with 3 days of huge headliners including Hello, Beach House, Carly Rae Jepsen, Sufjan Stevens, FKA Twigs and Jeremih.
For more information visit pitchforkmusicfestival.com.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO PITCHFORK!
Luau at The Duck Inn, Thursday July 14, 6 p.m., $39
You don't have to leave Chicago for a luau! Join Award Winning and Michelin Starred Chef Kevin Hickey in the backyard this summer for a whole roasting suckling pig, Polynesian delights, Spam Mai Tais and Pina Coladas!
theduckinnchicago.com/events/thursday-luau/
CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO DUCK INN'S LUAU
Bites, Blooms and Bordeaux, Friday July 29, Lincoln Park Zoo, 6 p.m., $79
Get ready to stroll, sip and savor tastes and floral fragrances. It's an evening of wine, music and gourmet bites set amid the zoo's lush gardens.
For more info visit the Lincoln Park Zoo's website.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO BITES, BLOOMS AND BORDEAUX!
MSI After Hours: Brick Bash, Saturday July 16, 7 p.m., Museum of Science + Industry, $30
In celebration of its temporary exhibition Brick by Brick, the Museum of Science and Industry is hosting its first public adults-only event, MSI After Hours: Brick Bash! Guests 21 and over will enjoy a brick-tacular evening of mixologist-crafted drinks, specialty snacks and LEGO nostalgia at the Museum, in partnership with WBEZ Chicago.
For more information, visit msichicago.org
CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO MSI AFTER HOURS BRICK BASH!
Lollapalooza, Thursday-Sunday July 28-31, Grant Park, $120-335
Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ellie Goulding, Major Lazer, Leon Bridges, Future, the list goes on and on. Now adding a 4th day this world-famous music festival is back in Chicago and back to let you rock out in Chicago's famed Grant Park.
Visit Lollapalooza's website for more info.
13th Annual Silver Room Sound System Block Party, Saturday July 16, 12 p.m., The Promontory
Along with the Frankie Knuckles Foundation, this annual block party continues to be a platform for framed and up-and-coming artists. Along with DJ's, live performances, artists, children's activities and excellent food, it's a summer event not to be missed.
For more information, visit silverroomblockparty.com
USA Basketball Showcase, Friday July 29th, 8 p.m., United Center, from $40
USA Basketball Men's National Team will be playing 5 domestic exhibition games and conducting training camps. If you can't get to Rio for the official games, this is your next best bet.
For more information visit unitedcenter.com.
Reggae Fest Chicago, Saturday August 13, 12 p.m., Addams Medill Park, from $45
One Day, One Love! Let's celebrate various reggae genres like ska, reggaeton, roots reggae and world music, shall we? Curated by Subterranean, this day is nonstop live programming featuring the legendary Toots and the Maytals, Iration, Lee "Scratch Perry, Budos Band and many, many more.
For more information visit reggaefestchicago.com.
Chicago Bears Meijer Family Fest, Saturday August 6, 11 a.m., Soldier Field, from $10
Get a behind the scenes look at your favorite home team footballers! Coach Fox and Bears will be on hand practicing and the whole family can get into the mix with live music, giveaways and more! THIS IS OUR YEAR.
For more information visit chicagobears.com.
PAWS Beach Party, Thursday July 14, 6 p.m., Castaways at North Ave Beach, $150
A summer celebration for over 400 guests and their furry friends. Sip cool cocktails, soak up some Vitamin D and dance the night away! Your pet will love the fresh air and pet spa services!
For more information visit pawschicago.org
Chicago Soldiers, Saturday August 20, 8 a.m., Meadows Golf Course, $100
Since 2011, Chicago Soldiers has been hosting golf outings and other events that directly benefit a wounded Chicagoland veteran. Last year's golf outing raised over $22,000! Grab your clubs and give back to those that help give us our freedom.
For more information visit chicagosoldiers.com.
Cook County Social Club, Thursdays/Fridays July 28/29, 8 p.m./10:30 p.m., iO Chicago, $15
Hometown boys turned LA heartthrobs. This veteran foursome dominated the Chicago improv scene with a brand of bold, high-energy improv that consistently blew audiences away during their seven year open run at iO Chicago. Members' credits include SNL, Comedy Central, the Onion & more!
For more information visit ioimprov.com.
Festa Italiana, Thursday-Sunday August 18-21, Taylor Street, Various Times, FREE
Fill your senses with la dolce vita Italy and meatballs. 10 years strong and tastier than ever. Long-time family owned restaurants bring the goods, local musicians bring the funk, all you need to bring is your appetite (and possibly sweat pants).
For more information visit starevents.com.
Bastille Day, Thursday July 14, Montrose Beach, 5:30 p.m., FREE
The French National Day commemorates the storming of Bastille on July 14th, 1789. Every year the French (and all of us!) celebrate with a (bring your own) picnic and music on the beach. C'est la vie!
For more information visit bastilledaychicago.com.
V103 Summer Block Party, Friday July 15, FirstMerit Bank Pavilion, 6 p.m., $20-130
This 2nd Annual party is bringing the beats to Northerly Island with the likes of Erykah Badu, Jazmine Sullivan, SWV and so many more.
For more information visit iheart.com.
Coldplay in Concert, Saturday/Sunday July 23/24, Soldier Field, 7 p.m., from $90
A new album, a new tour and a "Head full of Dreams" - don't miss Chris Martin and his ethereal musical chops bring Soldier Field to it's feet.
For more information visit coldplay.com.
Volleywood Tournament, Saturday July 16, 8 a.m. start, North Ave Beach, $10
This is the Midwest's largest adult beach volleyball tournament (over 300 teams!) and each year it just gets bigger and better. Join a team and compete or just come to enjoy the athletics and beautiful beach.
For more information visit chicagosocial.com.
Chicago Hot Dog Fest, Friday-Sunday August 5-7, 11 a.m., Stockton and LaSalle, $25
This is what makes Chicago, Chicago, having festivals surrounded around encased meats (they will be benefitting the Chicago History Museum too)...cool tunes, cooler brews, give your diet a rest and head on out!
For more information visit chicagohotdogfest.com.
Rockin in the Park, Thursdays thru September 1, MB Park, 7 p.m, FREE
Live bands, fireworks after every show, food/beverage tents and this goes on all...summer...long! Who's on deck? Atomic Punks, Hi Infidelity, Think Floyd and more local favorites!
For more information visit rosemont.com.
Southport Art Festival, Saturday/Sunday July 16/17, 10 a.m., Southport Ave from Waveland to Grace, FREE
A juried art event that highlights some of the city's most innovative and revered artists in a family friendly setting (yep, that means games for the kids!).
For more information visit amdurproductions.com.
Dearborn Garden Walk, Sunday July 17, 12 p.m., Entry at Latin Middle School, $35
For 58 years the Gold Coast has celebrated gorgeous blooms and fabulous houses. Beyond the gardens, you'll enjoy live music, guided architectural tours and seminars.
For more information visit dearborngardenwalk.com.
Laugh Out Loud International Screenings Program, Wednesdays until September 28, 6:30 p.m., Chicago Cultural Center, FREE
A FREE weekly series that celebrates the richness and diversity of international and independent filmmaking. This year, 18 films exemplify different styles and modes of comedy and discussions are led by cultural leaders, scholars and film critics.
For more information visit cityofchicago.com.
Green City Market Chef BBQ, Thursday July 21, 5:30pm, Green City Market, from $125
Chefs from over 100 of our top restaurants provide tasting portions of local, sustainable heirloom produce and heritage meats sourced from Green City Market farmers. Plus! Midwest brewers, distilleries and wineries...yum.
For more information visit greencitymarket.org. http://www.greencitymarket.org/calendar/event.asp?id=928
Taste of River North, Friday-Sunday July 22-24, Multiple Times, Kingsbury and Erie, $5 Donation
Returning in it's 11th year, this fest features the best local food and art in the River North Area. Don't forget the incredible lineup featuring Lucky Boys Confusion, Sixteen Candles, Run Forrest Run and lots more!
For more information visit tasteofrivernorth.com.
Chicago Craft Beer Festival, Saturday/Sunday July 23/24, 11:30 a.m., Sheffield Ave, $35
About 70 craft breweries now call Chicagoland home, combine that with hundreds in the Midwest and more than 3,000 estimated nationwide, this microbrewery mania is hops heaven. Tunes throughout and dessert to follow!
For more information visit chicagoevents.com.
Disability Pride Parade, Saturday July 23, 11 a.m., Daley Plaza, FREE
A parade and post parade for people with special needs and their family and friends. Inclusion matters and this is a great way to get out there and support the belief in society that disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity in which people living with disabilities can take pride.
For more information visit http://www.disabilityprideparade.org/
Taste of Latin America, Saturday/Sunday July 23/24, 12 p.m., Humboldt Park, FREE
Taste favorites and eclectic delights from the Southern Hemisphere! This fest showcases Central and South American food, wine, music, arts and crafts
For more information visit http://www.chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=251
Vans Warped Tour Presented by Journey, Saturday July 23, 11 a.m., Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, $41.50
Vans Warped Tour has traveled across the country for the last 20 years delivering rock radness for all to enjoy. This year will not disappoint with a lineup featuring New Found Glory, Yellowcard, Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish and all of your favorite punk rockers!
For more information visit http://vanswarpedtour.com/dates/
Vintage Garage Sale, Sunday July 17, 5pm, 5051 N Broadway, $5
About 100 vendors gather to sell vintage and antique goods in a literal garage. Clothing, art, jewelry, furniture...if it's vintage, chances are you'll find it here.
For more information visit https://www.vintagegaragechicago.com/
Wicker Park Fest, Saturday/Sunday July 23/24t Milwaukee Ave from North Ave to Paulina, 12pm, $10 Donation
Three main stages, two days and one awesome fest. Music, food, arts, kids entertainment and shopping, what more could you ask for?!
For more information visit http://www.wickerparkbucktown.com/wpfest/the-fest/
Nature on Tap, Wednesday July 20, 6pm, Peggy Notebaert Museum, $12
Stroll through the exhibits, play trivia and board games, enjoy music, meet some resident animals and most important, book your babysitter beforehand because this is a kids free zone! Beer, wine, food to purchase and a whole lot of nature...we're there.
For more information visit naturemuseum.org.
Tall Ships Chicago, Wednesday-Sunday July 27-31, Navy Pier, Various Times, Starting at $10
Over a dozen majestic vessels will grace Navy Pier and its attendees with their presence over a 5-day affair. Get a chance to get up close and personal and even board some of the ships. This one is for water lovers and nautical enthusiasts.
For more information visit navypier.com.
Fiesta del Sol, Thursday-Sunday July 28-31, 12pm, 1400 W Cermak Ave, FREE
The largest Latino festival in the Midwest is back with family-friendly fun and festivities. Started 43 years ago, this is a mainstay for Chicago summers and focuses around a scholarship program, community organizing and educational programs.
For more information visit fiestadelsol.org.
Titanic Live, Saturday July 30, 7pm, Ravinia Pavilion, from $22
Chicago Symphony Orchestra along with Conductor Ludwig Wicki, Chicago Children's Choir and vocalist Clara Sanabras bring the insanely famous and popular score of the film to life! We'll never let go, Jack!
For more information visit ravinia.org.
Jeff Fest, Friday-Sunday July 29-31, Jefferson Memorial Park, Various Times, $5
Cutting edge local and national acts fill out a jam-packed weekend. A little something for everyone featuring every genre of music, their mission is to provide attendees with an event that captures the spirit of the historic community and showcase the best music and art around!
For more information visit jeffersonpark.net.
Fashionology Presented by Mercedes Benz, Saturday August 20, 5 p.m., Crowne Plaza, from $25
Merging food, fashion and entertainment into one night of sensory overload! A three course meal (or just stay come for the fashion show), life music and entertainment and a show from both established and emerging designers round out this fabulous, fancy evening.
Chicago Margarita Festival, Saturday/Sunday July 30/31st, 12 p.m., South Shore Cultural Center, from $15
Margarita. Festival. Need we say more? But seriously, this is a fest dedicated to bringing together those nature, music, games, food trucks and of course...margaritas!
For more information visit chicagomargaritafestival.com.
Kenny Rogers in Concert, Thursday July 28, Ravinia Festival, 8 p.m., from $27
Is it true? Is this Kenny's LAST world tour? Well then don't wait, get your tickets and let the original silver fox serenade you into the summer night.
For more information visit kennyrogers.com.
Northalsted Market Days, Saturday/Sunday August 13/14th, N. Halsted and Belmont, 11 a.m., $10 Donation
For 48 hours, Boystown becomes filled with food, art, music and fun with over 150,000 visitors this is a massive event that garners all walks of life from across the country.
For more information visit choosechicago.com.
Films on the Lake, Various Evenings Thru August, Various Parks, Dusk, FREE
An exciting new outdoor French film series is a cultural program dedicated to children and families. French films are shown with English and Spanish subtitles on the big screen, along with musical entertainment and food samples!
For more information visit frenchculture.org.
Art of Rap Festival, Friday August 5, 5:30 p.m., Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, from $21
Get a load of who is going to hit this stage: Public Enemy, Ice-T, Naughty by Nature, Grandmaster's Furious Five, The Sugarhill Gang, Mobb Deep and more. If you're ready to get schooled in the art of rap, then step up and get yourself some tickets.
For more information visit livenation.com.
Chicago Air and Water Show, Friday/Saturday August 20/21, 10 a.m., North Ave Beach, FREE
The largest and hands down best free show of it's kind in the United States...58 years has now turned this into a Chicago tradition! Military and civilian aerial demonstrations teams with daredevil pilots perform stunts that will leave you mind blown, and don't forget the water vessels that keep the fun on the land. Come from the show, stay because America.
For more information visit cityofchicago.com.
Wrigleyville Summerfest, Saturday/Sunday August 6-7, 12 p.m., Seminary at School St., FREE
Play the field during the 14th annual fest in one of our country's most famous neighborhoods. Great food, family fun for all, local talent and loads more. Portion of the proceeds will go to local schools, churches and the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.
For more information visit starevents.com.
Harry Potter Trivia, Thursday July 21, 7 p.m., Rockit Burger Bar, Free to Attend
Put on your sorting hat and grab your wands because it's time to put your lightning bolt scarred head to the test! Great all day drink specials paired with Rockit Burger Bar's award winning menu will make even "He who should not be named" come out for an evening of spells, trivia and potions!
For more information visit rockitburgerbar.com.
