chicago events

Chicago Food and Drink Festivals

February 17, 2020

Whether you are attending with friends, family, or on a date, Chicago food and drink festivals are a perfect way to experience what Chicago has to offer! I was always wondering what festivals were coming up, sometimes learning about them too late, so I have created a round up of popular food and drink festivals by month. There’s a pretty decent amount of them to look through. If there should be one added on here that you don’t see, let me know!

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Join Me for Girls Night Out at the Chicago Auto Show

February 9, 2020

Photo: facebook.com/events/2722924014464627/

It’s that time of year again: the Chicago Auto Show is in town! This will be my first year attending the event, and it will be with A Girls Guide to Cars at the Toyota exhibit. I literally can’t wait for their Girls Night Out event. It’s one you won’t want to miss. You can join the fun! Feel free to RSVP for this FREE event and please come say Hi to me if you attend!

This post is sponsored, however all opinions are my own!

What is Girls Night Out at the Chicago Auto Show?

Girls Night Out at the Chicago Auto Show will be held Tuesday, February 11 from 6-8pm. It will be an exclusive VIP experience in the Toyota exhibit highlighting the 2020 Highlander’s drivers assist and safety technology. Attendees will also have a chance to see the new RAV4 Prime, GR Supra Heritage Edition, and GR Supra Hyperboost Edition. The event is free to attend, so make sure to RSVP to enjoy ride and drives in Toyota vehicles, drinks, food, swag, and giveaways! Check-in begins at 5pm, wine tastings start at 7pm. Swag and social media contest winners will be announced at 8pm (must be there to claim).

The 2020 Toyota Highlander

Girls Night Out’s car of the hour will be the 2020 Highlander. This new SUV is built on safety, comfort, quality, durability and reliability. It offers a new chic, sophisticated look, a powerful V6 or new-generation hybrid powertrain, and more comfort and safety than before. Guests can try out the 2020 Highlander plus other cars, trucks, and SUVs in Toyota’s 44,980 square-foot display space! Read Toyota’s press release on the 2020 Highlander here.

Event FAQ’s

When is it? February 11, 2020 from 6-8pm

Where is it located? McCormick Place (Parking and Directions)

How do I RSVP? You can RSVP through this form here. It’s FREE.

Where do I check in? Upon arrival, please check in at the Girls Night Out table at the entrance to the South Hall. Be sure to grab your wristband here. If you’re having trouble finding it, look for the signs!

Perks: Wine tasting at 7pm, swag and social media contests, private VIP experience in the Toyota exhibit

Will coat check be included? No

Things to Do in Chicago This March

February 5, 2020

Time to come out of hibernation! Us Chicagoans will (hopefully) get a glimpse of Spring this month and I can’t wait. It’s about time for all the fun, festive events to make a come back. I have rounded up all the worthy things to do in Chicago this March for your viewing below. Which of them will you be trying out?

Charm’d: The Magical Irish Pop-Up Bar

March 1 – 14, 2020

True to the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago, Charm’d is an Instagram-worthy pop-up bar in Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood. The pop-up will be held inside Deuce’s and The Diamond Club, one of my favorite party spots. Events offered at the Irish themed pop-up include Paint n’ Sip, Bingo n’ Booze, Karaoke Night, Magic Mondays, and Sunday Funday. It is recommended to buy a ticket ahead of time online to make sure the day you want to attend does not sell out (tickets are also more expensive at the door). Themed food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Chicago Flower & Garden Show

March 18 – 22, 2020

Who else thinks flowers are absolutely beautiful? How about life-size gardens all in the same place? This year the Chicago Flower & Garden Show is hosting their annual event during a small part of March. Tickets can be bought here. The show will also offer Special Events throughout it’s debut, including a Chicago Reader party and networking event!

St. Patrick’s Day Chicago Green River Dyeing & Parade

March 14, 2020

One of the events Chicago is most notorious for is the green dyeing of the Chicago River for St. Patrick’s Day. This usually happens in the morning on the Saturday of St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the city (bar crawls, bar parties, etc.). This year it is occurring March 14, 2020 at either 9 or 10am. I recommend going to Upper Wacker for a good view of the river being dyed green! The Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade will start at Grant Park for the North Side. If you’re looking for a good bar crawl, I’m going to the one in Wrigley!

Macy’s Flower Show

March 22 – April 5, 2020

The Macy’s Flower Show is always a Springtime favorite. The event features beautiful flower installations all focused around a hand-picked theme. This year’s theme is Voyage to Oceanum – featuring floral aquatic beauty. I can’t wait to see the spread for the 2020 event at Chicago’s Macy Flagship location on State Street! Free to the public.

Chicago Beer Festival

March 14, 2020

Calling all beer lovers! Have a taste of Chicago’s best brews at the Chicago Beer Festival, held at The Field Museum. Those attending will receive 40 beer tasting vouchers to try. VIP also includes specialty beers poured during a special VIP session. The event is 21+ and tickets can be purchased here.

Uncorked: Chicago Wine Festival

March 21, 2020

Uncorked, a Chicago wine festival held at the Museum of Science and Industry, highlights over 200 wines and champagnes from around the globe. VIP tickets include an extra hour of tasting (4 hours), compared to general admission tickets for three hours of tasting. Dress or cocktail attire is recommended.

Things to Do in Chicago This November

October 11, 2019

*Updated for November 2019

Things to Do in Chicago This November

The temperatures have dropped and the city is buzzing with seasonal events and specials leading up to the holiday season. Who else is beyond excited to add all of these festive events to their social calendar?? Make sure to take a look and mark down dates for things to do in Chicago this November!

Christkindlmarket Chicago

One of my favorite seasonal events in Chicago comes back this November. Christkindlmarket is a festive holiday tradition in the city that graces Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville. Featuring vendors from all over the world, German food and drinks, and holiday entertainment, this event offers free general admission with food and drink available for purchase. Christkindlmarket is known for their souvenir boot mugs, which features a new design each year, are perfect for collecting, and perfect to have hot spiced wine in! This event is open to the public November 15 – December 24, 2019.

Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Ball

Enjoy an evening of food and philanthropy on November 8, 2019. Meals on Wheels Chicago‘s signature fundraiser, Celebrity Chef Ball, brings Chicagoans and chefs together to nourish homebound neighbors. Guests doing the VIP Chef’s Table option will enjoy a six-course dinner with cocktail pairings, desserts, and a live auction. Those doing the Chef’s Tasting Party will sample dozens of different chef stations, enjoy cocktails, a live auction and dancing.

MSI After Hours: Naughty or Nice

Time to get naughty. Just kidding. But actually. This 21+ holiday party at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry features spiked hot chocolate, Santa Claus and Krampus to decide what list you’re on, over 50 holiday trees and decorations, and a 45-foot Christmas tree to take selfies with. Tickets are required ($30 each) and includes free parking, coat check, a complimentary drink, and access to MSI’s exhibits.

Walnut Room Tree Lighting

Located inside of Macy’s on State St., The Walnut Room will have their annual tree lighting ceremony this November. The Walnut Room was the first restaurant to open inside of a department store, making it the perfect historic place to start off the holiday season in Chicago!

Zoolights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Another one of my favorite annual events to look forward to is Lincoln Park Zoo’s Zoolights. I love looking at the different light up displays synced with favorite holiday tunes while drinking a tasty hot chocolate. Admission into the zoo is free, however special events, like the zoo’s Holiday Market and Adults Night Out event, require a ticket.

Vegan Feast at Sunda

This River North (my neighborhood!) feast at Sunda offers guests a taste into Southeast Asia cuisine, on November 12, 2019, in celebration of World Vegan Month. Example dishes to try include Burmese Tea Salad, Shiitake Edamame Dumplings, and Filipino Mushroom Adobo. YUM. Guests will also have the special chance to try Sunda’s new vegan sushi menu, which launches November 1, 2019. Items on this menu includes Sweet Potato Caterpillar Roll and Beets Gunkan Maki. Tickets for Vegan Feast are $45 and can be purchased HERE.

The BMO Harris Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

On Saturday, November 23, 2019 enjoy a night holiday parade lead by Mickey Mouse and friends down North Michigan Ave. to Wacker Drive. Featuring one million lights, gaze upon a procession of decorated floats, marching bands, well-known Chicago mascots, and live entertainment all leading up to a firework show over the Chicago River. Join the celebration early the night before (Friday, November 22, 2019) for live music and sample treats from Chicago favorites including Garett’s Popcorn, The Eli’s Cheesecake Factory and more.

Heated Domes at City Winery Riverwalk

If you are worried about enjoying the Chicago River’s gorgeous views in Chicago winter weather, City Winery Riverwalk’s heated domes are your answer. Now until December 16th, reserve your own private heated dome for your next dining experience. Price is $85/guest: a non-refundable $25 rental fee per guest plus $60 each for food and drink minimum. Heated domes are 21+ only and include 2.5 hours inside the climate-controlled setting. Make your seasonal reservations here!

Writer Wednesdays

About Last Knife (ALK) has partnered with the American Writers Museum this season for Writer Wednesdays. Anyone who donates a book, starting on Wednesday 11/6, to neighboring Hotel Julian‘s library will receive a complimentary drink from ALK’s new literary-inspired menu! View some of the eight “Novel Approach” cocktails below:

Hemingway Daiquiri with rum, maraschino, grapefruit, and lime
Eventide – the name of Gwendolyn Brooks’ first published poem – with gin, americano, violette, and bitters
The Giving Tree – inspired by Shel Silverstein’s infamous children’s book – with sherry, cherry, and demerara
Bandit of Hell’s Bend – a Western fiction novel by American writer Edgar Rice Burroughs – with rye, cardamaro, and vermouth

Black Wednesday Turkey Bar Crawl

There’s always a bar crawl going on in Chicago, even right before Thanksgiving! This festive Black Wednesday bar crawl is only $10 and includes admission into Wrigleyville bars, a dinner buffet, gift cards to use during the crawl, drink specials, and more. Bars featured are Moe’s Cantina, Old Crow, Country Club, and Stretch with drink specials including $4 Bud Light, $5 Goose Island 312, and $6 Jameson at most bars.

Frosty’s Christmas Bar

Frosty’s will be back this year, and I’m guessing better than ever! I went to last year’s event and had a blast. This pop-up bar features themed drinks and 3 levels of all the holiday, Christmas decorations you can physically fit in a room. It is down right amazing. There’s even snow confetti canons. Make sure to wear something festive! Check out some inspiration from my visits here and here.

Christmas Around the World

View a floor-to-dome Grand Tree at this annual exhibit at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. Featuring more than 50 trees, with decorations representing holiday traditions and cultures around the world, attend this event from November 14 – January 5, 2019.

Seasonal Chicago Food & Treats

Now to the good stuff; FOOD. There are multiple places to put on your check out list this November (and December) for seasonal food and treats. Dine in with The Walnut Rooms’ Great Tree Buffet and enjoy a view of their giant Christmas tree!

Chicago Halloween Events to Check Out this October

September 24, 2019

Halloween is hands down one of my favorite holidays. I love all the witchy, spooky, magical TV shows, movies, decorations and events that emerge with coveted fall fashion (view a post of where to find cute fall dresses under $50 here). Y’all know I love attending a themed event. Below are the best Chicago Halloween events to check out this October!

Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up

October 3 – 31

I went to Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up last year and LOVED it! The Instagramable pumpkin house, multiple photo ops, corn maze, beer for purchase – the whole set up was perfect for a perfect Autumn night. I will defiantly be going back again this year!

House of Beetle Pop-Up

October 17 – 31

This October pop-up is new this year to Chicago, and I can’t wait to check it out! Think spooky Beetlejuice vibes 🙂 There will be themed drinks, great tunes and lots of Instagram photo opportunities.

Adults Night Out: The Great Pumpkin Glow

October 24

Any event at the Lincoln Park Zoo is always a good one. October’s Adults Night Out is all things pumpkin. Guests can enjoy a jack-o-latern trail, corn maze, cash bars and complimentary rides on the carousel until 9:45pm – all during zoo after hours!

Haunted Halloween Ball

October 26

It’s time to bring out your dancing shoes at Congress Plaza Hotel, one of the most haunted hotels in the world! For $20 general admission you can enjoy VIP nightclub meets lounge meets haunted house. Dress in your best costume!

River North Halloween Crawl

October 26

Every year my friends and I go on a Halloween bar crawl in River North and it’s always so much fun! The heart of the city, lots of bars to choose from, and everyone dressed to impress in their best Halloween costumes. It’s a must do!

Nightmare at Navy Pier: 5th Annual Halloween Ball

October 26

Navy Pier is another great location for events in the city. This year Nightmare at Navy Pier presents their 5th annual Halloween Ball including multiple DJs and a cash bar at the Aon ballroom. Get your costumes ready!

Halloween Booze Cruise

October 31

If you are looking for something to do on actual Halloween, the 31st, look no further than this spooky booze cruise on Lake Michigan. Enjoy a DJ, giveaways, a costume contest and more on the Anita Dee II. Hurry and get your tickets before they sell out!

Will you be attending any of these Chicago Halloween events this October? Comment which ones below!

Windy City Smokeout 2019

July 30, 2019

There’s nothing better than bbq, music, and Chicago’s beautiful skyline! I attended Windy City Smokeout again this year (check out my experience last year here) and it is hands down now my favorite music festival in the city. The atmosphere is great and the food and music are even better. With new additions and new recommendations, I have listed my tips for attending in the future below.

Attend More Than One Day

I’m not the biggest Country music fan, but I am a fan of a good time. Compared to only going to one day last year, this year we attended two days of WCS; Friday and Saturday. Surprisingly, Friday was the best day to attend! This day had less people than Saturday and had better headliners. This gave more room to dance and walk around! For this reason I recommend attending Friday not for sure.

Activate Your Cashless Wristband

WCS wristbands can be activated with a credit card on file for a fast payment option. I highly recommend doing this BEFORE you go as it was so easy to pay for things without ever having to take a card out! It charges directly to the card on file without any extra processing fees.

Get Margarita Boots from Casamigos

The Casamigos stand has been my favorite place to get drinks the past two years of going to Windy City Smokeout. They have the best, refreshing margs and this year added margarita boots! These were $20 each and so worth it. The amount of drink lasted longer, aka less standing in long lines to get another one. We really should have been Casamigos ambassadors, everyone was asking where we got our boot drinks!

STAY HYDRATED

Due to the time of year that the festival is held, it can get reallyyyyy hot. One of the days we attended was close to 90 degrees! Make sure to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated. There are Yeti canisters stationed around the festival that you can use to fill up your glass or water bottle for free. Use them!

Go With An Appetite

I have made the mistake of eating too close to going to WCS. Go with a fully empty appetite so you can enjoy all of the yummy food vendors stationed there! There are so many mouthwatering bbq options to choose from! The food is a big part of the festival – it’s not all about the music – and i’d say we spent half our time roaming around the different vendors.

Take Lots of Photos

One of the things I love about Windy City Smokeout are their photo ops. They always have cute backdrops that are perfect for snapping an Instagram-worthy shot. Between the famous ‘I Believe in BBQ’ and Happy Camper’s ‘HAPPY’ balloon set up, there was plenty of cute shots to choose from.

Save the Date for Next Year

I love that this festival automatically puts up next year’s dates right when it ends so you can plan ahead. Windy City Smokeout will be coming back to Chicago the weekend of July 10-12, 2020. Mark your calendars!

The Beachwaver’s Make Waves Launch Party

June 19, 2019

The Beachwaver’s Make Waves Launch Party

The Beachwaver has a new hair care line and I am all about it. The Make Waves Collection is women owned, cruelty-free, smells like a tropical vacation, and is for all hair types. Hallelujah. I was able to view the Make Waves collection first hand at The Beachwaver’s recent launch event, hosted at The J Parker rooftop bar in Lincoln Park. Talk about a party with a view! The event featured a Beachwaver-themed cocktail menu, a female-focused panel, cute photo ops, light bites, and the most AMAZING gift bags.

The New Make Waves Collection

You may know The Beachwaver brand for their hair styling tools, however their new Make Waves collection is worth trying! I love the smell of suntan lotion, palm trees, and coconuts – so the signature scent of the hair care products was something that stood out to me right away. Think instant beach getaway. With a great tan. And coconut oil.

My Favorite Products

I was most interested to try the Make Waves Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner, as I was looking to help tame my recent hair dryness. Made with coconut milk, they both did the trick! I tried the products the day after the event and loved them. My hair felt silky smooth and smelled like a coconut haven. I also really liked their Great Barrier Heat Protectant Hairspray, which is great for right after you curl your hair!

View me curling my hair using the 1” Beachwaver and Great Barrier Heat Protective Hairspray HERE!

Things to Do in Chicago this May

April 26, 2019

Who else is still recovering from the event scene come-back in April?? Now that the weather is starting to show hope towards #patioseason, events for Spring and Summer are in full swing. Read below for a roundup of things to do in Chicago this May! Listed in order by date 🙂

Fyre Festival Pop-Up

May 3 – 19, 2019

Replay Lincoln Park‘s newest pop-up experience is themed around the infamous Fyre Festival (celebrity models not included). Some “luxury” items that will be featured include “gourmet cheese sandwiches” and yummy frozen cocktails. Admission is free!

National Fitness Day @ Athleta Oak Street

May 4, 2019

Photo: aSweatlife Ambassadors – Eventbrite

Celebrate National Fitness Day with aSweatlife Ambassadors and Athleta’s Oak Street location! Two fun classes will occur: HIIT Bootcamp and Yoga Sculpt. There will also be an Instagram scavenger hunt challenge to participate in for the chance to win prizes! Grab your ticket here.

Celebrate Derby Day

May 4, 2019

Before celebrating Cinco de Mayo, it’s time to bring out your best Kentucky Derby Day hat! Derby Days is upon us, and many Chicago bars are celebrating. Not sure which one to go to? Check out the lineup before!

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo Weekend

May 4-5, 2019

It’s time to Cinco de Drinko! There are many festivities occurring around the city for Cinco de Mayo, including bar crawls and bar parties. You can find a list of them below!

It’s Britney Brunch

Every Saturday in May (4, 11, 18, 25)

It’s Britney…Brunch! Sounds like the best brunch ever to me. Join AceBounce every Saturday in May from 12pm-3pm for Britney karaoke led by house DJ, bottomless mimosas, and unlimited ping pong. For just $39 you can rock out to one of the most iconic artists of our time for a three hour package. Make sure to book your reservation to attend!

Yoga & Brunch at Pinstripes Chicago

May 5, 2019

Start your morning off right with bottomless brunch and an hour Corepower Yoga class at Pinstripes! Your $5 ticket includes the class, one complimentary mimosa, and $5 off Pinestripe’s bottomless brunch. Reservations for brunch are strongly recommended and it is BYOM (bring your own mat)!

Food Truck Social

May 11, 2019

This food truck soirée features over 15 popular restaurants – including some I love like La Cocinita and DaPizzaDude – perched at the Lincoln Park Zoo. What could be better than roaming around the zoo and trying different food from a variety of trucks?? General Admission for the 6pm time slot is sold out, but you can still grab a 7:30pm spot for only $10!

Celebrate Mother’s Day

May 11 – 12, 2019

Photo: Mother’s Day Brunch at The Metropolitan – Eventbrite

Chicago is known for having great brunch spots, especially when it comes to celebrating a holiday. This includes Mother’s Day! Find a quick list below of where to have Mother’s Day brunch in the city.

Lincoln Park Wine Fest 2019

May 17 – 19, 2019

Photo: Lincoln Park Wine Fest – Eventbrite

Do you like wine? Of course everyone does! Lincoln Park Wine Fest is back with their 5th annual wine fest for Chicagoans to cheers to summer. Located at Jonquil Park, this festival features over 90 different wines to taste with your 12 drink tickets. Make a note – Friday’s night will focus on rosé and sparkling wines only!

Gourmet Puerto Rico

May 18, 2019

First off, YES. As a fellow Puerto Rican, I was so excited to see Latinicity’s Gourmet Puerto Rico event. This nighttime event will feature five food stations cooking up the best fare to celebrate Puerto Rico’s finest chefs, cuisine, music, culture, and more. Proceeds benefit the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Organization and the Dia de la Mujer Latina Organization. Purchase your tickets here!

Sweat Cause: Namaslay for ABTA

May 18, 2019

Who’s ready to namaslay for a cause?! Join Sweat Cause for their official launch at Yoga Six. The event’s proceeds will benefit the American Brain Tumor Association, the charity that motivated Sweat Cause to form. Choose to do either a $40 yoga or yoga sculpt ticket!

Zoo-ologie 2019

May 18, 2019

Zoo-ologie is an annual cocktail party supporting the Lincoln Park Zoo – one of my favorite Chicago landmarks. Proceeds will benefit the Auxiliary Board of the Lincoln Park Zoo’s efforts towards their capitol campaign, The Pride of Chicago. Attendees will enjoy open bar, bites from Chicago’s favorites, a silent auction, and dancing at this festive event. Come party with the animals! VIP tickets are sold out. General Admission is available for $125.

Namas-tea (Yoga & Tea)

May 19, 2019

Photo: HollisticRX & Tiesta Tea – Eventbrite

Tiesta Tea says it best: There’s nothing better than Sunday than savasana and sipping tea mimosas! Love it. Hoping to go this event myself! Hosted by HolisticRX & Tiesta Tea, $10 will get you a goodie bag, tea mimosa samples, a 45-minute all-levels Vinyasa Flow, snacks, and services from local Chicago companies.

Summer Cocktails Fest on the Beach

May 24, 2019

Yum, summer cocktails! My favorite thing aside from champagne. Summer Cockails Fest on the Beach will be held at the Shore Club off Lake Shore Drive. Your $50 ticket will include 3 hours of cocktail tastings, giveaways, and more. Sounds like a great event to kick off summer to me! Make sure to use my code below for a discount 🙂

Use code ALYSSA at check out for a ticket discount!

Crawl of Thrones

May 25, 2019

Join other GOT fans at this one-day bar crawl in River North! The crawl is based off HBO’s popular Games of Thrones TV show and is in honor of it being in it’s last season. For less than $20 you get general admission, an LED bracelet, 16oz color changing cup, and access to photo ops and giveaways.

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend

May 27 – 28, 2019

Ahoy! It’s time to plan your beachy, sunny Memorial Day Weekend plans in Chicago. From yacht parties to bar crawls, there’s something for everyone to relax and have fun. Read a list of things to do below!

Wine Fest on the Beach

May 31, 2019

Shore Club is a great beachy spot located at Fullerton Beach. What better place to hold a wine fest by the water! The event includes three hours of wine tastings and giveaways, all while welcoming Chicago’s summertime weather. Pre-sale tickets are currently $50!

The Next Collective Women’s Conference

May 31, 2019

Join other #bossbabes at this one-day, women-only conference in Chicago. If you are interested in entrepreneurship or a career pivot, this is the event for you. The topic will be finding a personal purpose through listening to a panel of inspirational speakers. Early bird tickets go for $165. Hurry and buy yours before they go up to $180!

Which of these great events will you be going to? Comment below and let me know!

Market For Makers Chicago

April 7, 2019

Market for Makers Chicago

Market for Makers has graced the city with a two-day event! The event featured different vendors showcasing their products and work. Some included bath salts, apparel, jewelry, candles, and prints. Read below to get your questions about the event answered and to see which parts of Market for Makers Chicago was my favorite!

General vs. VIP Tickets

There are two ticket options offered for Market for Makers Chicago: General Admission and VIP. GA tickets are $7 online and $10 at the door. VIP tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door. Aside from price, there are a few other differences between the two. General Admission includes a free Market for Makers tote bag (it’s really cute!), flower crown making, and access to view all of the event’s Makers (vendors). VIP includes the same perks of General Admission plus early admission (11am), one drink ticket (there is a bar on the first floor by the photo ops), extra flowers for flower crown making (4 flower choices instead of 2), and the choice of a VIP tote bag or a ‘Selfmade’ mug. I went with the mug!

My Favorite Vendors

All of the Makers at the event were top notch. They did a great job of choosing what companies were there! The space was packed, so we tried to view all of the booths that we could. I liked them all! There were a few, however, that I LOVED. They included Earth Based Body, The Tipsy Gardener, XO Marshmallow, Cago Supply Co., Bohemian Reves, Harper + Ari, and Bloomwolf Studio. Most booths took card, but I would bring cash just in case.

DIY Flower Crown Station

The best perk of this event, whether General Admission or VIP, was making your own flower crown. I thought this was a really cute idea and it defiantly made the event unique! Instead of just browsing the different booths, eating, and going home, the DIY flower crown station created an experience to partake in. A+ for Market for Makers. There are a few things, however, to note for this area. The flower crown station is on the second floor towards the back. There were not a lot of tables to create your crown on, so some – like ourselves – found a window sill to work on. General Admission get their choice of two different flowers, four for VIP. Flower tape and wires are provided to create your crown and can be found at the tables. I recommend sticking with the daisies, the carnations did not stay very well!

The Photo Ops

Market for Makers Chicago good vibes only

There were some great photo backdrops on the first floor of the event space. All of them were fairly close to one another and didn’t have too long of a wait. Each had a ring light where you could take your own photo and send it to yourself via email or phone number. Make sure it sends! I would have someone take your picture on your phone just in case!

The Food

Market for Makers Chicago 5411 Empanadas

Like any good event, food is involved. All of the vendors, photo ops, and the bar were located inside. However, outside held three food trucks for dining options. 5411 Empanadas – one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago – Da Pizza Dude, and Mexi Tacos were all in attendance. They took cash and card. Seating and high tables were limited, but thankfully the sun was shining and the weather was great to stand!

What I Bought

While there were a lot of cute items, I chose only a couple to take home with me. These goodies included a sample size of Detox bath soak from Earth Based Body and Rose Gold Rosé marshmallows from XO Marshmallow. Read below to learn more about each!

XO Marshmallow

I first had a taste of XO Marshmallow’s deliciousness back in December at the Maëlle Beauty’s Holiday Soirée. They literally have the best marshmallows around. Their booth at Market for Makers Chicago showcased a variety of signature and newer flavors. Because I can’t resist rosé or sparkles, I bought a box of their Rose Gold Rosé marshmallows. It has edible rose gold glitter on top!

Earth Based Body

Earth Based Body, an unknown company to me before this event, had an aesthetically pleasing array of bath salt soaks, body cream, and more. I’m a huge fan of bath salt and use hot baths as a form of relaxation every week, so I was all about their bath soaks. There were a handful of great choices, but I went with a sample size of the Detox soak (full size found online here) containing black lava salt, activated charcoal, sea salts, and an arrangement of herbs and roots.

My Thoughts

Overall, the event was awesome! I absolutely loved it and would go again. Unless you really want a special tote or mug, no need to splurge on the VIP ticket. I promise you’ll have just as much fun with GA since the flower crown station – the best perk of the event – is included with both. Every good event has solid photo ops, so I was pleased that this one had a few to show off your flower crown. Although there wasn’t really anywhere left to sit, I really liked that there were food truck options. Shopping makes me hungry! All of the Makers had eye-catching products and I’m really happy with my take-home purchases.

Things to Do in Chicago This December

November 28, 2018

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in the most wonderful city! As if I didn’t love Christmas time enough, Christmas in Chicago is truly spectacular. The city comes alive with holiday cheer and the most festive events. There are many things to do in Chicago during Christmas. Read a list of them below!

Christkindlmarket Chicago

One of my favorite seasonal events in Chicago is Christkindlmarket. This Christmas market is a festive holiday tradition in the city that graces Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville. Featuring vendors from all over the world, German food and drinks, and holiday entertainment, this event offers free general admission with food and drink available for purchase. While Christkindlmarket is known for their souvenir boot mugs, which features a new design each year, this year’s featured mug is in the shape of a heart! This event is open to the public now until December 24.

Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park

The ice skating ribbon located in the Loop has been an annual tradition for Chicagoans to partake in each winter. With the beautiful city skyline as your backdrop, cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and a few laps around the rink. Admission is free, however skate rentals range from $12-$15. Fast Passes are available for those impatient to wait for a turn!

Frosty’s Christmas Pop Up Bar

Chicago’s favorite Christmas themed pop up bar, Frosty’s, is back this year! I went to last year’s event and had a blast (see picture above). This pop-up bar features themed drinks and 3 levels of all the holiday decorations you can physically fit in a room. It is down right amazing. There’s even snow confetti canons. Make sure to wear something festive! Tis’ the season for ugly sweaters.

Ride Chicago’s Holiday Train

While not the easiest to catch, every year Chicago’s L trains and buses feature festive holiday trains. These dressed up transit options are only available for on certain days and times. The full schedule can be found here. You might be one of the lucky people to get a ride from Santa and his helpers!

Holiday Tea at The Drake

If you have never had afternoon tea, The Drake’s Palm Court is a great place to start. This year’s Holiday Tea was my birthday outing wish with some of the women in my family, and boy was it worth it! Holiday Tea included a three-tier selection of tea sandwiches & deserts, your tea of choice, and festive carolers singing festive Christmas tunes.

Have a Drink at Butch McGuire’s

Locals know that come December, this family-owned bar in Gold Coast is the place to be whether it’s after-work or on a weekend outing. Featuring fun holiday decorations around the whole bar, Butch McGuire’s is a great place to grab a drink and get into the holiday spirit with decor from all your favorite Christmas movies.

Zoolights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Another one of my favorite annual events to look forward to is Lincoln Park Zoo’s Zoolights. I love looking at the different light up displays synced with favorite holiday tunes while drinking a tasty hot chocolate. I mean, who wouldn’t? Check out this picture from my first time at Zoolights in 2015! Admission into the zoo is free, however special events, like the zoo’s Holiday Market and Adults Night Out event, require a ticket.

Santa Baby Christmas Bar

Brand new this year is Wrigleyville’s Santa Baby pop-up bar, hosted at the popular Deuce’s and the Diamond Club. From what I have seen from pictures, this Christmas bar looks like a really fun time! The bar will feature festive drinks, ugly sweater competitions, Santa appearances, movie nights, karaoke, and human tree decorating. The festivities will run through January 6th.

Holiday Buffet at The Walnut Room

Located inside of Macy’s on State St., The Walnut Room features a huge Christmas tree each year for Chicago locals to admire. I recently went to see the tree for myself and my was it magnificent! There was even a cool Chicago-themed display around the bottom featuring local landmarks. One thing to note: reservations to The Walnut Room will get you a table at your requested time, however DOES NOT get you a table next to the tree. That is a separate list that you will have to put yourself on when you check in for your reservation.