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Erratic Weather Expected In Chicago This Week With Highs Near 100 Accompanied By Periodic Storms
As we approach the official first day of summer later this week the city is already shifting into summer mode with public pools kicking off the swimming season today and the weather looks to be following suit with a week of exceptionally warm conditions expected across Chicago. According to the National Weather Service, this week will see persistent highs approaching 100 along with “hot and muggy conditions”. We’re certainly not being treated to stretches of steady sunshine and clear skies just yet, however, as this heat will reportedly be accompanied by sporadic summer storms for much of the week. Today will likely be the hottest day of the week with heat indices surpassing the 100° mark and storms look a possibility every night as things stand. “Hot and muggy conditions will continue this week with peak heat indices approaching and even exceeding 100 degrees at times. Periodic chances for showers and storms are also expected over the next few days” writes the weather service.
UNICEF’s Multisensory ‘Heart Strings’ Experience Is Now Open In Chicago
Heart Strings by UNICEF will only be open in Chicago until June 30th! Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind opportunity! Get your tickets here! Our city is buzzing with excitement as UNICEF’s multisensory Heart Strings experience finally arrives in Chicago, after stops in Houston, Atlanta, and Boston! This highly anticipated multisensory journey invites visitors to embark on an adventure of compassion and connection to children around the globe as it opens its doors to our community An interactive experience connecting the world’s children—grab your tickets here! UNICEF, renowned for its tireless advocacy of children’s rights across over 190 countries, has brought its inaugural interactive experience to Chicago— a significant milestone for our city. At the heart of UNICEF’s Heart Strings lies a mesmerizing fusion of multimedia displays, enchanting lighting effects, interactive exhibits, and soul-stirring music, creating unforgettable moments for guests.
All Outdoor And Indoor Public Pools Managed By Chicago Park District Reopen Today
Following the opening of Chicago’s beaches last month, today we take another step closer to summer with the city opening of all pools managed by the Chicago Park District and starting up over 200 water spray features and water playgrounds. According to Park District officials, all 77 outdoor and indoor pools are set to reopen today after a huge surge in lifeguard applicants. Having struggled to staff public pools in recent years, the Chicago Park District cited strong hiring efforts for this year’s success with both a “Your Perfect Summer Job” campaign and a new stipend-based Lifeguard Explorer Training Program helping to recruit more lifeguards than previous years. “We worked hard to strengthen our lifeguard pipeline and to yield sufficient candidates to open all beaches and pools, and it has paid off. Due to our extensive hiring efforts, Chicago residents and families will enjoy their summer and cool off in our beaches and pools”, said Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño in a news release.
A Converse Pop-Up Store Just Arrived In Chicago: It’s Here For The Whole Summer
Strolling along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile with a credit card in hand can be a risky endeavor. There are numerous shops to explore, such as the six levels of Bloomingdale in the 900 Building, the stores in the Water Tower, and the expansive, multi-level Nordstrom. Adding to the temptation is the newly opened Converse Pop-Up store, which will be here all summer. Chicago’s Converse Pop-Up, nestled on the Magnificent Mile, will be offering a unique shopping experience. Customers are invited to immerse themselves in interactive, in-store customization options, discover the latest in-season styles, and find exclusive limited-edition collaborations. The Converse Pop-up will be open until Labor Day, offering their latest selection of shoes and clothes. You can also create a custom pair of Converse in-store. You will be able to choose personalized details, including Chicago-themed designs from local artists, specialty laces, and more. Remember to mark your calendar for the unique opportunity to catch a live performance by the talented musician Baby Queen at the Converse Pop-up store. Join them on June 15th from 1-3 p.m. for a special meet-and-greet event with Baby Queen, followed by an exclusive performance.
A Mini-Golf Course Dubbed “The Most Unusual On The Planet” Is Just 40 Minutes From Downtown Chicago
The Chicago area is somewhat a mecca for miniature-golf fans with an array of mesmerizing mini-golf courses ranging from 2 tech-infused Puttshack locations and the elegant Puttery mini-golf cocktail bar in Fulton Market to the new arbor-inspired mini-golf course at the Morton Arboretum a little further out. There is, however, another spot, as far from downtown Chicago as the beloved Morton Arboretum that has been dubbed “the most unusual mini-golf course on the planet.” North of Chicago in Lincolnshire, Par-King boasts two 18-hole courses made up of an array of wacky and wonderful features including 19 moving obstacles and 7 water holes. A fun and challenging experience for pros and first-time golfers alike, the course has been referred to as “the Disneyland of golf” thanks to its abundance of exhilarating characteristics.
The First-Ever Airline Dedicated To Dogs To Take Off In Chicago This Year
Chicago is reinforcing its reputation as one of the most dog-friendly cities on the planet by going the extra mile this year. A new airline operating out of Chicago’s Midway Airport will cater entirely to canines when it launches in October. Described as a “first-of-its-kind travel experience tailored to dogs”, BARK Air offers a luxury first-class service for furry four-legged friends complete with an array of amenities. The “white paw experience” sees all pups located in a dog-centric cabin with no crates but instead calming aids such as “pheromone, music, warm lavender-scented refreshment towels, and other comforts to help each dog feel settled.” Dogs are served water, broth, or other beverages throughout the journey as well as “BARK-branded treats, snacks, and surprises” while a concierge will be on hand with leashes, poop bags, and anything else needed during the flight.
The Best Late Night Food In Chicago Right Now
Looking for a midnight bite in Chicago? Whether you’re looking for a post-dancing snack or a late-night craving, finding delicious food at 2 a.m. can be an obstacle. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite restaurants that open late and serve up some of the most delectable bites in Chicago. So, if you need late-night food in Chicago, here are the best places. Once you’ve had a few drinks on Randolph Street, it’s natural to be drawn to the tempting aromas of Italian cuisine. Bar Siena offers a welcoming setting for enjoying lunch, dinner, late-night meals, and weekend brunch. Their late-night menu features a wide range of Italian street food and pizza selections, including, Roasted Meatballs, Linguine & Meatballs, Parmesan Fries, Bufala Margherita Pizza, Truffle Mushroom Pizza, Mini Bomboloni, and more. As you munch on the melty cheese, you’ll get to take in the backdrop of West Loop Fulton Market’s bustling streets. How late: Open until 2 am
Chicago’s Only Inland Beach Is Opening Next Week
The stretch of Chicago beaches along the shores of Lake Michiganreopened last month kicking off the 2024 swimming season. Now Chicago edges ever closer to summer with the reopening of Chicago pools next week and there’s one beach opening along with them that carries extra significance. The Humboldt Beach, aka Chicago’s only inland beach, will reopen on Monday, June 17, for the first time in 4 years according to the Chicago Park District. Located on the historic Humboldt Park lagoon with 219 acres of Humboldt Park, a Natural Swimming Beach first opened back in 1973 offering Northwest Siders far from Lake Michigan their own respite from the heat in the summer months.
Riot Fest Is Changing Its Name And Moving To Bridgeview
There are a plethora of festivals little and large taking place in Chicago in the coming months but for one, attendees will have to travel a little further out from Chicago this year coming. The annual three-day rock music festival, Riot Fest, is changing its name and leaving Chicago for the first time in its almost 20-year history. The festival will now be known as “RiotLand” and will instead take place at the SeatGeek Stadium in the southwest suburb of Bridgeview reportedly with a more carnival-like atmosphere. Having first started in 2005, Riot Fest was located in Humboldt Park for most of its first 10 years before moving to Douglass Park in 2015 in search of more space and has developed into one of the largest independently owned music festivals in the United States.
Chicago Fire FC Is Hosting The Hottest Party Of The Summer This Month
If you’re a fan of the Chicago Fire Football Club, you won’t want to miss this exciting fundraiser. Don your most stylish ‘white’ attire and come party with members of the First Team, Chicago Fire alumni, and the city’s who’s who for an unforgettable night out. Grab tickets to the hottest party of the summer here! Chicago Fire’s 7th edition of the White Party presented by Magellan will be held June 20th from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. at West Town’s Morgan Manufacturing (401 N. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60642). Guests must be 21+ and white attire is strongly encouraged. Snag your tickets here! The party will feature music, dancing, and a premium open bar with libations featuring Sneaky Fox Vodka, Maker’s Mark and more! Throughout the evening, enjoy delicious food from Chicago’s top restaurants, including Stefani Prime, RPM Steak, RPM Italian, Boka, Eataly, Avec, Il Porcellino, Tall Boy Taco, Costera Cocina Tulum, Voodoo Doughnuts, and more.
Midwest Coast Brewing Is Opening A New West Town Rooftop This Week
Along with hot dogs, museums and architecture, there are two things that Chicago does as well as anywhere else: rooftops and beers. Our sensational skyline is home to an array of elevated rooftop bars to drink beneath the stars, while a collection of over 200 Chicago breweries and taprooms offer some of the best beers in the country. This week, however, Chicago’s Midwest Coast Brewing will begin offering the best of both worlds when it opens its new taproom rooftop in West Town. As if sensational beer and Bring Your Own Food rules weren’t enough, the family-friendly and dog-friendly taproom is about to unveil a huge skyward expansion. A soft launch tomorrow, (June 13th) will show off a brand-new all-seasons rooftop with a wrap-around bar, retractable glass roof and private event space before doors swing open for the Grand Opening on Tuesday, June 18th.
Harry Styles’ Lifestyle & Beauty Brand Is Launching An Exclusive Pop Up Experience in Chicago Saturday
We’re pleased to inform you that Harry Styles’s very own lifestyle, beauty, and apparel brand is heading to Chicago this coming weekend. The brand, named “Pleasing”, is bringing its newest pop-up experience, the Pleasing AstroMilk Bar, to Wicker Park on Saturday, June 15th offering a collection of nail polishes and “out-of-this-world exclusive apparel” for one month only. “Visit our spacy ice cream shop at 1623 N. Damen Avenue to play with the exclusive AstroMilk Polish collection of milky neutrals in person, indulge in inspired ice cream flavors, and more” reads the official release. “Then for something extra (terrestrial): concept-aligned UFOs—unidentified fashion objects emblazoned with out-there images of our AstroMilk mascot, Marshal the Martian Milk Man.”
A Self-Care Summer? AIRE Just Launched A New Holistic Beauty Ritual In Chicago
As the summer season draws near, our schedules become packed with many social engagements, including casual happy hours, indulgent dining experiences, and exciting nights out in the city. Amid this bustling social scene, it becomes increasingly paramount to carve out time for self-care and relaxation to find balance amidst summer’s hastiness. Spas are well-known for nurturing the body and providing a serene environment to unwind and relax. However, one notable sumptuous spa, AIRE Ancient Baths, is offering a new experience to help you relax instantly. In addition to the calming baths lit by the gentle glow of candles, AIRE is...
Last Night Saw One Win For Chicago At This Year’s Prestigious James Beard Awards
This year’s winners of the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards were announced during a ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago last night. Since its founding in 1991, the James Beard Awards have become one of the most prized culinary acknowledgments in the country up there with the Michelin Guide, and are often referred to as the Oscars of the restaurant industry. Having had 17 different Chicago chefs and restaurants make the semifinals, this number dropped to 4 when the James Beard Award finalists were announced back in early April. Now, with the winners unveiled last night, one single Chicago establishment made the final cut earning the coveted award in the Outstanding Hospitality category. That was none other than Logan Square’s Lula Cafe. The market-driven cafe on Kedzie Boulevard has flourished since Chef Jason Hammel opened a small single storefront back in 1999. Today the cherished neighborhood spot spans three storefronts offering “simple yet sophisticated” New American fare.
Looking For An Affordable Tasting Menu In Chicago? Here Are The Best Ones.
Chicago’s dining scene is undergoing a transformation. A surge of new restaurants are offering innovative and an affordable multi-course tasting menu in Chicago. Among the world’s most celebrated restaurants, local spots are disrupting the traditional notion of upscale and extravagant dining experiences by making them more affordable for all Chicagoans. Located within the prestigious Michelin-starred restaurantEsmé, Bar Esmé offers an exclusive 3-course tasting menu. This unique culinary experience is inspired by the current tasting menu at Esmé, allowing guests to indulge in courses that mirror those available next door. For those seeking an elevated dining experience, the option to enhance their meal with caviar or truffles is available. A 3-course spirit or cocktail pairing can also be added for an extra fee. With only 16 seats and a limited menu availability, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance to secure your spot at this exclusive dining destination. Address: 2200 N Clark St Suite B, Chicago, IL 60614
The First-Ever CTA Train Rave To Take Place This Saturday
Chicago might have a blockbuster lineup of music festivals and neighborhood street parties coming thick and fast this summer but this weekend a truly iconic Chicago party is about to take place. Underground events company Redline is hosting a one-off rave this coming Saturday inside a 6-car CTA train taking guests around Chicago while 3 DJs send their tunes through the world’s most powerful portable Bluetooth speaker. Named “The Redline Express”, the CTA rave train will take guests on a musical journey on the Brown Line from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 15th. Split into 2 ticketed slots, the train starts at Kimball Station on the Brown Line, going down into the downset inset, periodically stopping at the Washington & Wells Station” according to the Redline Express event page.
The First Sundays On State Street Party Will Take Place This Coming Weekend
While annual Chicago traditions ranging from the Chicago Air & Water Show to the Bud Billiken Parade have long been key dates in the Chicago summer calendar, in recent years, another event has joined the collection. Now considered one of the the very best summer events in Chicago, Sundays on State is about to return this coming weekend for the first of its summer block parties. Having launched in 2021, the award-winning summer event series has flourished into one of the city’s most beloved events with over one million attended from all over the country enjoying it in its teething years. Now in its fourth year, the beloved Sundays on State parties will once again take place on State Street from Lake to Adams on Sunday, June 16th, and Sunday, July 14 following the continued success last year.
There Will Be No Navy Pier Fireworks On The Fourth Of July This Year
If the return of Navy Pier’s weekly fireworks shows had you excited for the July 4th celebrations this year, we’re sorry to say that the city will not be putting on its own special firework display on the federal holiday itself. The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events this week announced that it will not be organizing a Fourth of July firework display, which this year lands on a Thursday, stating the following: “As has been the case for several years, the City does not host fireworks for the July 4th holiday. Navy Pier continues to host their spectacular Independence Day fireworks display, which will occur on July 3rd this year.” In previous years, enormous displays would light up the skies above the lakefront from Navy Pier or the waters of Lake Michigan but in recent years the city has forgone any official celebration on the day of.
This Stunning Chicago Rooftop Is The Prime Spot For Navy Pier Fireworks
Perched atop The Chicago Athletic Association hotel, Cindy’s Rooftop stands out as one of the most stunning rooftop dining destinations. This unique eatery offers a captivating blend of comfort and sophistication, creating an elevated dining experience that delights. Guests can savor the dining experience while surrounded by breathtaking city views. The vibrant beverage culture adds an extra layer of allure, making Cindy’s Rooftop a must-visit for those seeking a truly exceptional culinary and social experience. The restaurant recently underwent a refresh, coinciding with Chef Kaleena’s exciting participation in Season 21 of Bravo’s Top Chef. Notably, Chef Kaleena is showcasing her culinary talents among 15 other outstanding rising star chefs, all competing for the highly sought-after title. Cindy’s now offers a more comfortable dining experience inspired by the panoramic views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. The design combines familiarity with rejuvenation. It pays homage to the past while embracing the future, resembling a Great Lakes waterfront house style.
A Century-Old Chicago Spot Made People Magazine’s National Summer Bucket List
With Chicago transitioning into its peak months there is no shortage of unforgettable events and activities ahead. From street festivals to aquatic adventures, there are a plethora of summer bucket list activities to enjoy in Chicago in the coming months. If you’re looking for one more, however, and you have a sweet tooth that needs feeding, you’ll find one more on People Magazine’s bucket list of 25 Things to Eat, See, and Do This Summer in the United States. From hiking through a picturesque wildflower field or exploring an Alaskan glacier to indulging in a wine spa or embarking on an Astronaut Training Experience at a Space Center, People Magazine’s list certainly had no shortage of incredible experiences. Among them, was none other than a trip to Chicago’s historic candy and ice cream parlor Margie’s Candies.
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Secret Chicago tracks down the best things to do in the city, from quirky restaurants and hidden bars to the best exhibitions, shows and nightlife in Chicago.
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