Sweating Champagne

Chicago Lifestyle and Mental Health Awareness Blog

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Chef BBQ: Presented by Green City Market

Chef BBQ 2022

Give me all the food, please! I attended Chef BBQ, presented by Green City Market, in Lincoln Park for the first time this year. This one-day food festival featured over 100 of Chicago’s top restaurants, brewers, winemakers, and mixologists by offering sample-size tastings. Contrary to the event’s name, the food at Chef BBQ was not just barbecue cuisine, but rather a variety of different dishes. Sustainability was highlighted throughout the entire event and its’ vendors. Attendance benefited Green City Market’s nonprofit mission to secure the future of food by deepening support for sustainable farmers, educating our community about where food comes from and why it matters, and expanding access to locally-grown food. Below were my favorite dishes of the night!

My Favorite Dishes From Chef BBQ

Dell’ Rooster

Cuban Style Braised Ox Tail on Sweet Corn Bread (Ropa Pal Viejo)

Inspiro Tequila

Luna Blanco with a lavender garnish

NoMI Chicago

Grilled Beef Brochette (Sauce vert, kaffir lime, herb salad)

Roasted Peach Corn Cake (hot honey, sweet cream ice cream)

Carnivale Chicago

Braised Short Rib on Grits

Big Delicious Planet

Mezze Plate (BDP zucchini, squash mama ganoush, feta, glow peppers, Bennison’s Bakery crostini)

Girl & The Goat

Chili Crunch Noodles

Hoosier Mama Pie Company

Lemon cream with raspberry topping

North Pond Restaurant

Cannoli (corn infused chocolate, hazelnuts, Nichol’s Farm corn mousse, and Joe’s blueberry compote)

List of Chef BBQ 2022 Participants

  • Adorn Bar & Restaurant
  • Avec
  • Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
  • Bazaar Meat & Bar Mar by José Andrés
  • Bell’s Brewery
  • Big Delicious Planet
  • Big Jones
  • Bistronomic
  • BLVD Steakhouse
  • Cafe Robey
  • Carnivale
  • Chilam Balam
  • Coda di Volpe
  • Cruz Blanca Brewery
  • Cultivate by Forbidden Root
  • Dablon Vineyards & Winery
  • Daisies
  • Dell’Rooster
  • Duck Sel
  • Dusek’s Tavern
  • Dutchbag Brew Co.
  • El Che
  • Eli’s Cheesecake
  • Floriole
  • Forbidden Root Restaurant and Brewery
  • Formento’s
  • Frontera Grill
  • Gaijin
  • Gayle V’s Best Ever Grilled Cheese
  • Gemini
  • Gioia
  • Girl and the Goat
  • Goose Island Beer Company
  • Half Past
  • Haymarket Beer Company
  • Honey Butter Fried Chicken
  • Hoosier Mama Pie Co.
  • Hopewell Brewing Company
  • Inspiro Tequila
  • Jaleo
  • Kikwetu Kenya Coffee Company
  • Kite String Cantina
  • KOVAL Distillery
  • Lake Shore Beverage
  • Lardon
  • Lillie’s Q
  • Longman & Eagle
  • Luna Bay Booch
  • Lure Fishbar Chicago
  • Metropolitan Brewing
  • Middle Brow Beer & Wine Co.
  • Momotaro Restaurant
  • Moody Tongue Brewing Company
  • Mordecai Chicago
  • Niteglow
  • Noble Fat
  • NoMI at Park Hyatt Chicago
  • North Pond Restaurant
  • Nude Dude Food
  • Odious Cellars
  • Off Color Brewing
  • Old Pueblo Cantina
  • Osteria Langhe
  • Piece Pizzeria & Brewery
  • Prairie Grass Cafe
  • Present Tense
  • Pretty Cool Ice Cream
  • Proxi
  • Recess
  • + many, many more

Chef BBQ Event Details

Chef BBQ was a well-organized event! It was easy to check in and get the appropriate GA or VIP wristbands. The size of each tasting was the perfect amount, and we were really able to discover a variety of restaurants and cuisine. I definitely recommend the festival and will be attending again next year!

Stan’s Donuts 5k: 2022

Stan’s Donut 5k

One of my favorite 5k events in the city is the Stan’s Donut 5k! This was my second year participating in the Adrenaline Special Events race, and it was just as fun as the first time. Held at Solider Field, participants took in Chicago’s beautiful skyline while tasting Stan’s glazed and cinnamon donuts. These were given upon each mile marker. Talk about a great way to wake up in the morning! This year I did the 5k with my family and it was a lot of fun. Keep reading to learn more about the 5k course and registration perks.

The 5k Course

The Stan’s Donut 5k course is held at Solider Field each year, which gives a very scenic route! My favorite part is the curve that opens up to a view of the skyline (see above). This 5k is a “fun run”, which means you don’t have to run, which is good for bad hip people like me. A lot of people choose to do a brisk walk so it wasn’t awkward to choose to.

One improvement suggestion: for placement in the race, our pace kept us at the front of the middle grouping. However, mini donuts at the first mile marker were already gone by then. This means that they only accounted for about half of the participants for mile 1 and is something that should be improved upon next year. Everyone deserves the same amount of donut incentive! 🙂

5k Registration Perks

Registration for the Stan’s Donut 5k includes a race shirt, race bib, photo ops, mini donuts on the course, a medal, and a post-race full size donut and bottled coffee. For the price of $39.99 per person, you get a lot for your money compared to other event prices. Plus, the race shirts are always cute. Make sure to stay updated with future events from Adrenaline Special Events and Stan’s Donut 5k events!

Things To Do In Chicago: Fall 2022

Upcoming Fall Events in Chicago

Hello, spooky season! Chicago is never scare with events, no matter what the season is. Fall is my favorite second to summer! There’s plenty of options to keep your calendar full. I’ve compiled a list of things to do in Chicago this Fall below for your viewing. While it doesn’t include everything, I made sure to include some of my favorite festival and events and those on my to-do list!

NOTE: this post will be updated as events arise.

September 2022 Events

Fireworks at Navy Pier

  • Date: Through September 3, 2022
  • Location: Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Avenue)
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Features: Firework show
  • Photo: navypier.org

Sundays on State

  • Date: Through September 4, 2022
  • Location: State & Lake (190 N State Street)
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Features: Food, shopping, arts
  • Photo: starevents.com

Rooftop Cinema Club

  • Date: Through September 5, 2022
  • Location: The Emily Hotel (311 N Morgan St.)
  • Cost: $18.75–$27.75 per ticket
  • Features: Outdoor cinema, personal headphones, drinks + food for purchase
  • Photo: taken by yours truly

Museum of Ice Cream

  • Date: Through September 5, 2022
  • Location: Tribune Tower (435 North Michigan Ave.)
  • Cost: $36-$44 per ticket
  • Features: 14 installations, ice cream treats, ice cream history, retail shop
  • Photo: instagram.com/museumoficecream

JoJo’s Retro Summer

  • Date: Through September 5, 2022
  • Location: JoJo’s Shake Bar River North
  • Cost: reservations, dining
  • Features: 90’s themed patio, retro cocktails, shakes, regular & Retro Summer food menu
  • Photo: facebook.com/jojosshakebar

Riot Fest

  • Date: September 16-18, 2022
  • Location: Douglas Park
  • Cost: $99-$300
  • Features: Headliner artists, food & drinks
  • Photo: riotfest.org

Chicago SummerDance

  • Date: Through September 17, 2022
  • Location: Varies per event
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Features: Live entertainment
  • Photo: chicago.gov/city

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up

  • Date: Opens September 22, 2022
  • Location: Goose Island (1465 N. Elston Ave.)
  • Cost: TBD
  • Features: Festive photo backdrops, food, drink, corn maze, axe throwing, carnival games
  • Photo: taken by yours truly

Chicago Gourmet

  • Date: September 22-25, 2022
    • September 22: Taco’s & Tequila
    • September 23: Hamburger Hop
    • September 24: Grand Cru
    • September 25: Prost! In the Park
  • Location: Harris Theater rooftop in Millennium Park
  • Cost: Varies between $60-$255
  • Features: A variety of drinks & food samples from local restaurants
  • Photo: secretchicago.com/chicago-gourmet/

Chicago Water Lantern Festival

  • Date: September 24, 2022
  • Location: Lincoln Park South Lagoon (2341 N Cannon Dr.)
  • Cost: $25.99-$55.99 (price increases as it gets closer)
  • Features: Lantern design and launch, food trucks, music
  • Photo: instagram.com/waterlanternfestival

Hyde Park Jazz Festival

  • Date: September 24-25, 2022
  • Location: Midway Plaisance Park
  • Cost: Free admission, suggested $10 donation
  • Features: More than 34 performances, food & beverage vendors, shopping
  • Photo: hydeparkjazzfestival.org

October 2022 Events

Wings of Mexico

  • Date: Through October 1, 2022
  • Location: Plaza of the Americas (410 N. Michigan Ave.)
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Features: Photo opportunity
  • Photo: taken by yours truly

Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest

  • Date: October 1-2, 2022
  • Location: Lincoln Avenue between Lawrence and Wilson
  • Cost: Free entry
  • Features: Food & drinks, live entertainment, vendors, family fun
  • Photo: lincolnsquare.org/apple-fest

Wing Out Chicago

  • Date: October 1-2, 2022
  • Location: St. Michael’s parking lot (1633 N. Cleveland)
  • Cost: $14 (GA) or $79 (VIP) per ticket
  • Features: Food & drinks, live entertainment
  • Photo: wingoutchicago.com

Chicago Latina Expo

  • Date: October 1-2, 2022
  • Location: Macy’s (111 N State St.)
  • Cost: $20-$250 per pass
  • Features: Speakers, career fair, vendors
  • Photo: eventbrite.com

Prince: The Immersive Experience

  • Date: Through October 7, 2022
  • Location: 540 N. Michigan Avenue (corner Michigan Ave. and Ohio St.)
  • Cost: $39.50+ per ticket
  • Features: 10 multidimensional spaces, all things Prince!
  • Photo: timeout.com

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5k

  • Date: October 15, 2022
  • Location: Solider Field Stadium Green (1410 Special Olympics Drive)
  • Cost: Free to sign up
  • Features: 5k walk
  • Photo: facebook.com/Strides/photos

Adults-Night-Out: Howl-o-ween

  • Date: October 27, 2022
  • Location: Lincoln Park Zoo (2001 North Clark Street)
  • Cost: $15-$25
  • Features: For 18+, live DJ, bars
  • Photo: eventbrite.com

Halloween Weekend

November 2022 Events

Harry Potter: Magic at Play

  • Date: November 11, 2022-May 14, 2023
  • Location: Water Tower Place (835 N. Michigan Ave)
  • Cost: $42.50-$67.50 per ticket
  • Features: Three floors of Harry Potter magic, souvenir shop
  • Photo: fever.com

Windy City Smokeout: Chicago’s Country Festival

Windy City Smokeout Chicago 2022

Yee haw, y’all! I attended my third Windy City Smokeout this past weekend and experienced new photo ops, new food, and live music. As expected, the country music and food festival was a blast! It never disappoints. Windy City Smokeout, in my opinion, is always the most organized, best layout, affordably-priced music festival I attend each year. The past couple years have been held in the United Center parking lot, which provides easy access to inside bathrooms and air conditioning. View some of my pictures below for a recap on this year.

The Photo Ops

Aside from all of the other great features of Windy City Smokeout, the photo ops are always BOMB. The festival, and many brands there, time a lot of time in their Instagrammable backdrops. Above are shots from Casamigos and Three Dots and a Dash. If you go, I highly recommend making time to take photos with them and find all of them throughout the grounds. There’s always a lot! My favorite this year was the wall of gold cowboy boots, pictured at the top of this post.

The Food & Drinks

Windy City Smokeout Chicago is not only known for their big country headliners, but also their abundance of food and drink vendors. Most feature BBQ choices. Our favorite drink stop each year is always Casamigos for their watermelon margaritas. There were many great food options this year including Bub City, Against the Grain, Lillie’s Q, and Smoque BBQ. This year I decided to try cheesy hominy from Hoodoo Brown Barbeque!

The Music

The artists at Windy City Smokeout are always top notch. I’m talking Sam Hunt, Willie Nelson, Tim McGraw, Lily Rose, Mckenzie Porter, Miranda Lambert. We stayed for Jordan Davis, who was awesome! The crowd was a fun atmosphere and the songs were perfect to dance to. Tickets higher than GA have access to bleachers for a higher view, which I’m not opposed to trying one year. Who’s your favorite country artist?

More to Know

General admission for Windy City Smokeout is usually under $60 per one-day, which is cheaper than other popular events in Chicago! The festival is usually held around the first weekend in August each year. Make sure to keep a look out for announcements on their Instagram! Can’t wait until next year!

If interested, my top can be found here & my denim skirt can be found here!

Chicago Market for Makers: Summer 2022

Market for Makers at Artifact Events

Every year I attend Market for Makers Chicago, an event highlighting a variety of small businesses, and this year was just as exciting! The Ravenswood favorite at Artifact Events featured 50+ makers with products available for purchase. These ranged from gorgeous jewelry pieces to gourmet dip mixtures. All spread out over two days! Below I’ve included my four favorite booths and the item I added to my possessions.

My Favorite Booths at Market for Makers Chicago

Tribe + Temple
Kono & Co
Kiki Earrings
Milwaukee Terrarium Company

Chicago Market for Makers has so many great small businesses to meet. This made it hard to narrow down my one budgeted purchase! Above show the four booths that caught my eye. Read about them below!

  • Tribe + Temple: These tropical glam jewelry pieces were BEAUTIFUL and so colorful. Designed by Emmy Davidian, the brand is inspired by places she has lived and take pride in representing a culture of resilient women.
  • Kono & Co: My favorite items from this jewelry vendor was the collection of Birth Flower and Zodiac Sign necklaces! Set very mini, these pieces were delicate and perfect for everyday wear. Definitely on my birthday wish list!
  • Kiki Earrings: I ended up getting a white smiley face necklace from this maker! It’s small and PERFECT. Featuring earrings and necklace, this new fav had a variety of wearable, everyday pieces.
  • Milwaukee Terrarium Company: AKA the cutest, unique terrarium displays. I can’t get my hands on one!

The next Market for Makers Chicago event will be in the Fall on October 22-23, 2022. General Admission tickets are usually between $8-$10, with VIP tickets usually between $15-$18 each. VIP gets you early admission an hour before general and market access all weekend instead of a specific day. Keep a look out for ticket sales on their website!

Pride in the Park Chicago

What Is Pride in the Park Chicago?

One of the best music festivals I’ve ever been to was Pride in the Park Chicago! This year it occurred in Butler Field of Grant Park, the weekend of June 25-26, 2022, during Pride Month. Attending with my sister was a blast. We dressed in rainbow, danced to newly-discovered artists, ate empanadas, and saw The Chainsmokers live! It will definitely be a top highlight of my summer. I can’t wait to attend again next year! Read below to learn more about Pride in the Park Chicago.

If interested, here is a link to my rainbow tie dye dress! On a side note, I have this dress in different colors and it is my most flattering favorite.

Pride in the Park General Info

This was my first year attending Pride in the Park Chicago, and it did not disappoint. Occurring over two weekend days, the music festival was held outside in downtown Chicago. Featured were LGBTQ+ performers, artists, and food vendors. AND really fun photo backdrops (peep the disco wall above)! Tickets were about $75 each for a 1-day pass, which is pretty good value compared to other music festival pricing. General Admission and GA+ was available for all ages, and VIP tickets were for those 21+.

My Pride in the Park Experience

We went straight to one of the stages when we got to Pride in the Park. Even discovered some new artists we like! After dancing – a lot – we explored the space and viewed local vendors. There was plenty of food options to choose from. I went with the buffalo chicken empanada from Cafe Tola and it was BOMB. Definitely something you can’t miss to try if you live in Chicago. The Chainsmokers were the main act for when we went on Saturday, and Alesso was the main act for Sunday. Dancing to their songs was so much fun! Leaving the park and seeing the skyline lit up with rainbow colors was the cherry on top of a great night. I highly recommend getting tickets to next year’s event!

Jack’s Big City Ranch Chicago

Chicago’s New Western Pop-Up

Saddle up for the wild wild (mid)west! Jack’s Big City Ranch Chicago, brought to us by the same creators of Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up and Jack’s Winter Village, is here for the summer. Located in Chicago’s Goose Island neighborhood, the pop-up features Instagramable photo ops, mini golf, go karts, mechanical bull riding, axe throwing, gem mining, food & drink. Tickets can be purchased for $23+ each. I recommend buying them ahead of time online. The experience is open to all ages, however you must be 18+ for axe throwing.

Instagramable Photo Ops

The best part of Jack’s Big City Ranch was the Western-themed photo backdrops positioned throughout the event’s 2 acres. From Shania Twain’s “Let’s go girls” to Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 clock to a big denim star, the options were top notch. Some of my other favorite photo ops included “Main Character Energy”, a cowboy hat wall with a beaded curtain, “Howdy”, a caravan filled with flowers, “Love Y’all”, and “Feeling Lucky?”.

Tickets & Event Add-Ons

Tickets for Jack’s Big City Ranch come in the form of a bundle. This will include admission plus one or more extras or drink tickets. Some popular packages include, but are not limited to:

  • Hole in One: 1 Drink + Mini Golf ($23-$26)
  • Wild West: 1 Drink + Bull Ride + 3 Axe Throws ($29)
  • Outlaw: Bull Ride + Mini Golf ($31)
  • Ready to Race: Go Kart + Mini Golf ($32)

Add-ons that can be purchased with a package include:

  • 1 Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic Drink ($9)
  • 2 Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic Drinks ($16)
  • Mechanical Bull Ride ($9)
  • 3 Axe Throws ($9)
  • Gem Mining Rough Bag 5lbs ($10)
  • Cowboy Hat ($10)
  • Go Kart Ride ($15)

Things to Know

As mentioned, I recommend buying tickets online ahead of time. Walk-ups vary on availability and are usually priced higher in person. All sales are final and can not be cancelled or rescheduled. You will need your government-issued ID to enter the pop-up. Restrooms are available on-site via portable toilets. There are more drink options than food, so you may want to eat beforehand if you don’t like limited BBQ selection. Jack’s Big City Ranch is completely cashless and only accepts credit card or Apple Pay for payment. Free street parking is on a first-come-first-served-basis, and paid parking is available on select nights. You can view their FAQ page for additional information.

Jack’s Big City Ranch is one of many fun events happening this summer. To view more, take a look at Things to Do in Chicago: Summer 2022!

Pixar Putt: Chicago Pop-Up

Pixar Putt at Navy Pier

I had such a fun time checking out Navy Pier’s new mini golf pop-up, Pixar Putt! Located at the entrance in Polk Bros Park, this outdoor experience features 18 holes of fun, interactive Pixar movie displays – Toy Story, Monsters Inc., Inside Out, Up, Brave, Finding Nemo, Onward, A Bug’s Life, Coco, and more. It was a Disney fan’s paradise! Not to mention a great place for photo ops. For $30-$33 per adult, tickets are available (online only) for reservations. Check it out now through August 21, 2022!

18 Pixar-Themed Holes

The best part about Pixar Putt was the nostalgically-decorated holes inspired by popular Pixar stories and characters. Each one created unique photo ops to capture while moving through the course. Some of the 18 holes were simple and quick, like putting through the open doors of Monsters, Inc., while others were more interactive, like the floating house from Up landing on top of Paradise Falls. Others that I enjoyed included Merida’s archery target from Brave, the memory bank from Inside Out, the claw from Toy Story, the oceanside from Luca, and a Ratatouille cooking board. All made for great laughs and a great time!

The Pixar Putt Experience

Experiencing Pixar Putt at Polk Bros Park will take about an hour to an hour and a half. After showing your pre-purchased tickets at the check-in hut, you will receive your club, a score card, and the option to choose the color of your golf ball. I recommend taking pictures in front of the Pixar Putt sign with your golf club and ball before getting in line to go in. We only had to wait about 5 minutes to enter the course, but this may vary depending on the time of day and amount of people. To reduce congestion and lines around a specific hole, putters are allowed to go to any hole that was open and float around as they saw fit. This made the experience more enjoyable by removing any painful, stagnant waiting. Small shade umbrellas are scattered throughout the course, however it is important to note that majority of your time will be uncovered in direct sunlight. There are no food or bathrooms offered at the pop-up, however the entrance to Navy Pier is right around the corner for easy access.

Pixar Putt is just one of many fun events happening this summer. To view more, take a look at Things to Do in Chicago: Summer 2022!

Things to Do in Chicago: Summer 2022

Upcoming Events in Chicago

#SummertimeChi is here! With warm weather making an appearance, the event calendar is filling up fast. I’ve compiled a list of things to do in Chicago this summer including a variety of festivals and events. While it doesn’t include everything, I made sure to include some of my favorites and those on my to-do list!

June 2022 Events

Fireworks at Navy Pier

  • Date: June 1-September 3, 2022
  • Location: Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Avenue)
  • Cost: Free
  • Features: Firework show
  • Photo: navypier.org

Pixar Putt

  • Date: June-August 21, 2022
  • Location: Polk Brothers Park at Navy Pier (600 E Grand Ave.)
  • Cost: $31-$33
  • Features: mini golf
  • Photo: pixarputt.com/chicago

Wings of Mexico

  • Date: June-October 1, 2022
  • Location: Plaza of the Americas (410 N. Michigan Ave.)
  • Cost: Free
  • Features: photo opportunity
  • Photo: by yours truly

Rooftop Cinema Club

  • Date: June-July 4, 2022
  • Location: The Emily Hotel (311 N Morgan St.)
  • Cost: $18.75–$27.75
  • Features: outdoor cinema, personal headphones, classic movie snacks, full bar, city views
  • Photo: facebook.com/rooftopcinemaclub

JoJo’s Retro Summer

  • Date: June-September 5, 2022
  • Location: JoJo’s Shake Bar River North
  • Cost: reservations, dining
  • Features: 90’s themed patio, retro cocktails, shakes, regular & Retro Summer food menu
  • Photo: facebook.com/jojosshakebar

Lincoln Park Greek Fest

  • Date: June 3-5, 2022
  • Location: St. George Greek Orthodox Church (2701 N. Sheffield Ave. Chicago, IL)
  • Cost: $10 suggested donation
  • Features: live music, entertainment, food
  • Photo: lincolnparkgreekfest.com

Jack’s Big City Ranch

  • Date: June 3-August 27, 2022
  • Location: Goose Island (1261 West LeMoyne)
  • Cost: $23-$69
  • Features: photo opps, mini golf, mechanical bull, go karts, axe throwing, gem mining, food & drink
  • Photo: facebook.com/bigcityranchchicago
  • Fun Fact: same company & location as Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up and Jack Frost Winter Village

Do Division Street Fest

  • Date: June 3-5, 2022
  • Location: Division Street between Damen & Leavitt (2000-2200 W Division St. Chicago IL 60622)
  • Cost: $10 optional donation
  • Features: live music, food, local artists, retail vendors, family fun fest, fashion shows
  • Photo: westtownchamber.org

Windy City Hot Dog Fest

  • Date: June 4-5, 2022
  • Location: Portage Park (4000 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago IL)
  • Cost: Unknown
  • Features: hot dogs, live entertainment, arts & crafts vendors, dog parade
  • Photo: chicagoevents.com

Run for the Zoo 5k & 10k

  • Date: June 5, 2022
  • Location: Lincoln Park Zoo
  • Cost: $25-$54
  • Features: 5k, 10k, swag bag, scenic views, post-race celebration
  • Photo: runsignup.com

Chicago Blues Festival

  • Date: June 9-12, 2022
  • Location: Millennium Park (Michigan Ave. & Columbus Ave.)
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Features: live music
  • Photo: wdcb.org

Puerto Rican Festival and People’s Parade

  • Date: June 9-12, 2022 (9th – carnival opens, 10th – festival opens, 11th – parade, 12th – closing day)
  • Location: Humboldt Park (Division Street)
  • Cost: Unknown
  • Features: carnival rides, live music, food, dancing, artisans, parade
  • Photo: secretchicago.com

Andersonville Midsommarfest

  • Date: June 10-12, 2022
  • Location: Andersonville’s Clark Street corridor (5200 N Clark St.)
  • Cost: $10 suggested donation
  • Features: live music, food, dancing, vendors, pet parade
  • Photo: andersonville.org

Old Town Art Fair

  • Date: June 11-12, 2022
  • Location: Old Town triangle
  • Cost: $12 per adult, kids are free
  • Features: live music, artists, garden walk, food
  • Photo: oldtownartfair.org

Grant Park Music Festival

  • Date: Select Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays June 15-August 20, 2022
  • Location: Grant Park
  • Cost: Free seating available, $26-$100 for reserved closer spots
  • Features: live music, bring-your-own food, beer and wine available for purchase
  • Photo: grantparkmusicfestival.com

Summer Smash Festival

  • Date: June 17-19, 2022
  • Location: Douglas Park
  • Cost: 3-Day GA $275 + service fees, 3-Day VIP $450 + service fees
  • Features: live music, food
  • Photo: thesummersmash.com

Chicago Pride Fest

  • Date: June 18-19, 2022
  • Location: Northalsted on Halsted Street from Addison to Grace St.
  • Cost: $15 suggested donation
  • Features: live music, food, art vendors, dancing, drag shows, pride parade, pet parade, giveaways
  • Photo: chicagopride.gopride.com

Gold Coast Art Fair

  • Date: June 18-19, 2022
  • Location: Grant Park’s Butler Field (S Lake Shore Dr & E Monroe St)
  • Cost: $10, free for children 12 and under
  • Features: live music, artists, food
  • Photo: chicagoparent.com

Célébrez en Rosé

  • Date: June 25, 2022
  • Location: Burnham Park (4100 S Lake Shore Dr)
  • Cost: GA $85 + fee, Wine Admission $130 + fee, Rose Garden Lounge $200 + fee, plus more
  • Features: live entertainment, photo installations, food, cashless bars, lawn games
  • Photo: facebook.com/celebrezenrose

Pride in the Park Chicago

  • Date: June 25-26, 2022
  • Location: Grant Park (between Columbus Dr. and Lakeshore Dr. on E Monroe St.)
  • Cost: $45-$300
  • Features: live music, food
  • Photo: facebook.com/prideparkchi

July 2022 Events

Chicago SummerDance

  • Date: July 6-September 17, 2022
  • Location: Varies per event
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Features: live entertainment
  • Photo: chicago.gov/city

Taste of Chicago

  • Date: July 8-10, 2022
  • Location: Grant Park (Jackson & Columbus)
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Features: food trucks, live music
  • Photo: nbcchicago.com

Millennium Art Festival

  • Date: July 15-17, 2022
  • Location: Michigan Avenue & E Lake St.
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Features: artists, food, live music
  • Photo: amdurproductions.com

Museum of Ice Cream

  • Date: July 16-September 1, 2022
  • Location: Tribune Tower (435 North Michigan Ave.)
  • Cost: $36-$44
  • Features: 14 installations, ice cream treats, ice cream history, retail shop
  • Photo: instagram.com/museumoficecream

Pizza City Fest

  • Date: July 23-24, 2022
  • Location: West Loop (1340 W Washington)
  • Cost: $59-$249 + service fees
  • Features: all you can eat from 18 vendors, book signings, drinks available for purchase
  • Photo: starevents.com

Sundays on State

  • Date: Sundays July 24-September 4, 2022
  • Location: State & Lake (190 N State Street)
  • Cost: Free admission
  • Features: food, shopping, arts
  • Photo: starevents.com

Lollapalooza

  • Date: July 28-31, 2022
  • Location: Grant Park
  • Cost: $125 and up
  • Features: live music, food and drink for purchase
  • Photo: lollapalooza.com

August 2022 Events

Windy City Smokeout

  • Date: August 4-7, 2022
  • Location: United Center parking lot
  • Cost: $44.95-$184.95 + service fee
  • Features: live music, food and drinks for purchase, photo opportunities
  • Photo: windycitysmokeout.com

Dancing in the Street

  • Date: August 5-7, 2022
  • Location: Hubbard Street between Paulina and Wood (1700 W. Hubbard Street)
  • Cost: $10 suggested donation
  • Features: live music, dancing, food & retail vendors
  • Photo: westtownchamber.org

LatiNxt Music Festival

  • Date: August 6-7, 2022
  • Location: Polk Bros Park (600 E. Grand Avenue)
  • Cost: Free
  • Features: live music
  • Photo: navypier.org

Stan’s Donut Run

  • Date: August 27, 2022
  • Location: Solider Field
  • Cost: $39.99+ (cost will increase as the event gets closer)
  • Discount: $6 off with promo code SWEATINGCHAMPAGNE
  • Features: 5k, 10k, swag bag, mini donuts on course
  • Photo: donut5k.com

One of a Kind Chicago: Spring Show

One of a Kind Show Chicago

One of a Kind Chicago: Spring 2022

I love a good market. One of a Kind Chicago visited The Merchandise Mart this weekend with their 6th annual Spring Show. Featuring over 300 artists, this shopping event showcased unique items from a variety of categories – food, jewelry, bath and body, art, ceramics, and more. Thanks to Heron Agency, I was able to check out One of a Kind Chicago on opening day! Keep reading below for my favorite artists and more about One of a Kind Chicago.

Raw Edge Chicago
Raw Edge
Janvier
Janvier
Tubby's Taste
Tubby’s Taste
Dip'n Good Dips
Dip’n Good Dips

My Favorite Artists

One of a Kind Chicago offers a lot of quality items to purchase. I wanted it all! Out of the artists I saw, these listed, and the ones shown above, were my favorite.

About the Event

One of a Kind Chicago’s Spring Show was held April 29-May 1 in the River North neighborhood. Tickets were $10 each for adults, with an optional event tote bag for an additional $5 (it was really cute!). Aside from the artists, the event had live music and a cafe to purchase quick food. Merchandise Mart is accessible off of the brown or purple line, and there’s a public garage across the street for paid parking. The event was wheelchair accessible and offered a coat check.

The next One of a Kind Chicago will be in Winter 2022! Mark your calendars for December 1-4, 2022 at The Merchandise Mart.

Interested in more Chicago-focused posts? View a list here!