Tag Archives: EXPLORE CHICAGO

Chicago is a thriving city for small businesses and now is the time to support them. We know money is tight and it’s become increasingly difficult to keep up. But, if you have the income, consider ordering take out or getting a book from your local bookstore. We also want to continue to highlight and support minority and women-owned businesses. Here at 606 Movers, we are absolutely inspired by the creativity and resilience of some of these businesses. We hope we can all make it through to the other side of this stronger than before.  

Below are some of our favorites!

Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery

515 N Halsted St

Chicago, IL 60642

Semicolon is Chicago’s only black woman-owned independent bookstore and gallery.They are committed to literacy and frequently collaborate with CPS through book donations. Support them and take advantage of the 10% discount they’ve applied to all titles.

Mestiza 

1523 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

This is an eclectic and charming shop of Mexican-American art and gift items made by local artists and vendors. Mestiza is a Pilsen staple, so please consider supporting them as they transition into an online store. They also have curbside pickup! 

Chiya Chai

2770 N Milwaukee Ave

Chicago, IL 60647

Chiya Chai is a Logan Square favorite. If you love warm chai, crispy samosas, flavorful dumplings, then this is the spot to check out. Lend your support and enjoy their amazing food. 

Spring is almost here! We can already feel it. Hopefully these warmer days have inspired you to get out and have fun. This weekend is going to be an exciting one so head out and enjoy the sun. Since it is Women’s History Month, we’ll also be including events that support women all month long!

Chicago European Union Film Festival

 March 6th – April 2nd

Gene Siskel Film Center – 164 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601

This one is for the film lovers. The Gene Siskel Film Center is once again hosting another amazing film festival, the annual European Union Film Festival. Its showcasing 4 weeks of films, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to check them out. Also, be sure to support the women filmmakers featured!

International Women’s Day Edgewater Crawl

March 8th 11am – 2pm 

*Various locations in Edgewater 

This event hits close to home. As a women-owned small business, we understand the importance of community support. So if you can, be sure to check it out and explore women-owned businesses in Edgewater. They’ll have food and drink tastings and inspiring conversations. Follow the link to get details and locations. 

Babes, Booze, and Bake Sale

March 8th 11am – 4pm

Superkhana International – 3059 W Diversey Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60647

Head out this weekend to support some of Chicago’s best pastry chefs!  The lineup includes: Emily Spurlin (Lula Cafe), Erin Koroll (Cellar Door Provisions), and Mai Giffard (Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits) and so many more. Proceeds will go to Restaurant Culture Association, a nonprofit working to combat sexual harassment and build safe working environments in the food and drink industry.

It is cold, and snowy, and only February. We wouldn’t blame you if you stayed in and relaxed. But there are still exciting things happening all over the city. If you’re brave enough to go out this weekend, keep these events in mind. Go out and listen to music, eat, and learn about Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Sounds like the perfect weekend! 

ChillFest

 Saturday, February 8th 2020

*Various Locations (Wicker Park & Bucktown)

Now in its 7th year, Chillfest will bring 30 musicians to Wicker Park and Bucktown where local businesses will host them in unique acoustic concerts. You’ll get to shop and eat while listening to music. Head over to their website to get a full lineup for this year’s festival. 

“Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg”

Sunday February 9th 2020 – Sunday August 16th 2020

Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center – 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie, IL   60077

If you’ve never been to the Illinois Holocaust Museum, make sure to go this year and check the new Ruth Bader Ginsburg Exhibition. It’ll put a spotlight on her life and amazing career. Learn, remember, and be inspired. 

Chicago Black Restaurant Week

Sunday, February 9th 2020 – Sunday, February 16th 2020

*Various Locations

If you’ve participated in Chicago Restaurant Week, be sure to support African American owned businesses this upcoming week. Similar to Chicago Restaurant Week, diners can take advantage of discounts and special menus at more than 35 participating restaurants. Take a look at their website and find a spot near you. You never know, you might find your next favorite place. 

The Chinese New Year is here and you’ll be able to celebrate it this weekend. There will also be other festivals and events taking place as well so go out and explore the city!

2020 Argyle Lunar New Year

Saturday Feb 1st, 2020 @ 12:00 PM

Argyle station, 1118 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640

The Lunar New Year is here. While it’s sure to be busy, head over to Chinatown this weekend for the annual parade. Support the local community and witness the colorful traditions. While it’s probably going to be busy, don’t leave without getting a bite to eat. 

Chicago Psychfest 11- “One and One is One”

Saturday  February 1st, 2020 @ 8 PM

Hideout – 1354 W Wabansia Ave, Chicago IL 60642

Chicago has an amazing local music scene and the Hideout is an off-the-beaten-path jem that features both local and international acts. This weekend they’ll host the 11th annual Chicago Psychfest. Go, sway, and enjoy the music!

First Nations Film and Video Festival (FNFVF)

Saturday, February 1, 2020 @ 1PM

Newberry Library – 60 W Walton St, Chicago, IL 60610

The Newberry is a beautiful research library with a world famous collection but it also features a lot of amazing events. This weekend is the second annual First Nations Film and Video Festival where you will get to see and hear from prominent First Nation leaders. If you’re not a fan of large events, consider supporting this festival!

Andersonville Hygge Fest

 Saturday February 1st, 2020 – Sunday February 2nd 2020

*Various Locations 

If you’re curious about Andersonville and it’s Swedish roots, then make sure to go to this years Hygge Fest. The Danish term hygge means “cozy”, which is just what we need during these winter months. You’ll be able to roam local business where you’ll find sales, tastings, and special events. 

This weekend we’ll see warmer temperatures so enjoy them! Sure it’s only the mid-30s but we’ll take what can get. Whether you’re an outdoors person or a foodie, here are some exciting events happening in Chicago.

Chicago Restaurant Week

January 24th – February 9th

*Various locations 

This is the 13th annual Chicago Restaurant Week and it’s always a sweet surprise during the slow winter months. Here’s your chance to try some restaurants and cuisines you wouldn’t normally. They have fixed menus and prices, which is great for foodies and the curious alike. Go to their website and see who’s participating! 

The Beer Temple – Pop-Up Record Store Round 2 

January 25th @ 3:00pm – 8:00pm 

3173 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 

Maybe beer and records are more your speed. The Beer Temple in Avondale will be coordinating with local record stores for a fun night of music. You’ll be to try some beer and maybe leave with new music too in their pop-up record shop. 

Polar Adventure Day at Northerly Island 

January 26th @ 12:00pm – 4:00pm 

Northerly Island Park – 1521 S Linn White Dr. Chicago, IL 60605 

If you love winter and the outdoors then I think you’ll enjoy this unique event hosted by the Chicago Park District. It’s great for families and kids and absolutely free. You’ll get to Siberian huskies and wolves and explore the island in snow shoes. Hot cocoa included as well. They’ll have another event in February so you’ll have another chance if you can’t make it this weekend. 

January is usually a slow month, reserved for recovering from the holidays. That doesn’t mean you have to stay at home. Thankfully there are amazing events happening that will get you out of your winter slump. Let’s use Martin Luther King weekend to reflect, learn, continue to create community. Here are some events and businesses you should support.


Roe

January 18th – February 23rd 

Goodman Theater

170 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60601 

If you are passionate about politics, history, and reproductive health rights than check out Roe at the Goodman Theater. It provides insight into the origins of the famous case and the women who made it possible. Go out and support this production before it closes on February 23rd. 

Queer Soup Night 

January 19th

Women & Children First

5233 N Clark, Chicago, IL 60640

Taking place in one of Chicago’s most feminist bookstores, Queer chefs will be cooking soup  and will feature a live DJ. There will also be an opportunity to donate to a queer wellness organization. Get a book or connect with others in your community. It’s also a perfect way to stay warm this winter weekend. 

Free Museum Days

January 16th – January 20th

*Shedd Aquarium

*Adler Planetarium

*Field Museum

If you’re an Illinois resident, take advantage of the free museum days this weekend in honor of Martin Luther King day. Follow the link to see the details. 

With the holidays over and the new year just beginning, it’s back to our regular routines. While it’s cold, you don’t have to stop having fun. There are events taking place all over the city and thankfully, they’re indoors. Make this weekend about supporting some local Chicago institutions and events. Don’t compromise comfort and leave the no pants subway party for others to enjoy. 

Parson’s Chicken and Fish Pop-up

January 7th – February 1st

Chicago Athletic Association – 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Whether you’re new Chicago or a local, Parson’s is universally loved. And there’s nothing better than sitting on their patios in the summer. Head over to their pop-up this month and relive some of the good times we aren’t likely to see until May. You’ll get to enjoy their amazing food on patio tables at the Chicago Athletic Association. Stay for the food and stick around for the live music they’ll feature throughout the month. 

The NPR Politics Podcast Live 

January 10th @ 7:30PM 

Harris Theater – 205 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

Maybe you’re into politics. NPR will be hosting and recording a podcast live at the Harris Theater. They will discuss our current political climate and answer audience questions. This is a great and exciting way to be informed. 

Stony Island Arts Bank Public Tour

January 12 @ 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm 

*Recurring Event

Stony Island Arts Bank – 6760 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60649

If you’re into architecture and history then head over to the Stony Island Arts Bank. It was recently restored by the local artist Theaster Gates. It’s a unique and beautiful space, part gallery, media archive, library, and community center. The Art Bank holds free public tours on Sundays so be sure to check it out and be inspired. 

Silver Screen to Mainstream: American Fashion in the 1930s and ’40s 

Open until January 21st 

Chicago History Museum – 1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Everyone should visit the Chicago History Museum at least once. Apart from being situated in a beautiful neighborhood, they have amazing shows happening all the time. “Silver Screen to Mainstream” is the latest and its devoted to the glamorous fashion of the 30s and 40s. If you’re looking to be transported to another era than head over before it closes. 

The holidays are here, you can hear the Christmas music and see the decorations popping up everywhere. There are some amazing and fun holiday events happening around the city as well as other non-holiday-related ones if you want a change of pace. Here are some events in Chicago that are worth checking out.

Randolph Street Holiday Market

November 23rd – 24th

1341 W Randolph St Chicago, IL 60607

If you’re looking for a unique place to get holiday gifts or just love vintage clothing and home decor, then make sure to head over to the Randolph Street Holiday Market. The two-day event will also feature food and drinks.

Romeo and Juliet

October 31st – December 22nd, 2019

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

800 E Grand AveChicago, IL 60611

Romeo and Juliet is a classic, one that is continuously retold and reshaped to fit the times and this production follows that tradition. This incredibly modern performance is also getting a lot of buzz. If you’re looking for something new and noteworthy to support this season, be sure to check out this retelling of Romeo and Juliet.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert

November 29th – December 1st

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

220 S Michigan AveChicago, IL 60604

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter then you’ll love this annual concert series event by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. You’ll be able to enjoy the film with orchestra performing the score live. If you haven’t been before, make this the year to do so.

Winter has come early. Earlier than anyone expected. But Chicago is tough and we know how to stay active and have fun well into the winter months. You’ll have plenty of time to hibernate in January so make the most of the festivities and get into the holiday spirit.

Christmas Around the World

Until Jan 5 2020

Museum of Science and Industry – 5700 S Lake Shore Dr Chicago, IL 60637

This annual exhibition at the Museum and Science and Industry is a Chicago favorite. The museum puts up more than 50 trees decorated to represent different communities and their holiday traditions. During the weekends there will be live performances to accompany the holiday showcase.

The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley

Until Dec 15 2019

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts – 9501 Skokie BlvdSkokie, IL 60077

If you love Jane Austen as much as I do, then you have to check out this Christmas rendition. It’s a continuation to Austen’s Pride and Prejudice focusing on the Wickhams and the servants perspective. Take it as an opportunity to go to the theater this winter for some drama, scandal, and fun.

Christkindlmarket

Until Dec 24 2019

Daley Plaza – 50 W Washington StChicago, IL 60602

If you want to truly experience the holidays then you have to check out the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza. Inspired by German holiday traditions, its an open-air market filled with food, ornaments, and other handmade items. While there are other iterations throughout Chicago, this location is by far the most popular. Since its located downtown, be sure to enjoy the city, the architecture, and the festive atmosphere.

While this weekend is sure to be a cold one, the fun doesn’t have to stop yet. Explore Chicago and all the festive Halloween and Day of the Dead activities.

 
Day of the Dead Parade and Celebration

November 2nd

Dvorak Park – 1119 W Cullerton St Chicago, IL 60608

The is one of the longest running Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Chicago. You can have your face painted, listen to live music, and participate in the parade. There will also be hot chocolate and pan de muerto as well. So head out to honor those who’ve passed in this magical celebration of life.

Taste of Donuts

November 2nd

Morgan’s on Fulton – 952 W Fulton Market Chicago, IL 60607

If you love desserts as much I do, then you have to go to the Taste of Donuts this weekend. There will a photobooth, a donut wall, and other fun activities to enjoy. Donut staples like Stan’s Donuts and Roeser’s Bakery will also be present.  

Pier Pumpkin Lights

November 2nd

Navy Pier – 600 E Grand Ave Chicago, IL 60611

If you’re still looking to celebrate Halloween, then head over to Navy Pier for pumpkin installations. Be sure to go at night to enjoy the light displays and admire the always  impressive Chicago skyline.