Windy City Events

2nd Annual Snow Days Chicago Festival (Fri. 1/29 and Sat. 1/30)

Snow Days Chicago is offering a plethora of reasons why it’s better to brave the windy city weather this time of year versus those boring warmer climates.

The events during Snow Days Chicago on Friday and Saturday the 29th and 30th include a national snow sculpting competition, an activities igloo (don’t tell me you’ve never wanted to go in an igloo), dogsled racing demonstration, “snowboard rail jam”, and plenty more.

Grant Park will be filled with over 27 unique snow sculptures this weekend, and … (best part)… it’s FREE. So if you’ll be downtown at all during the festival, you have no reason not to swing by the Michigan Ave. local to catch some winter wonder.

The fest kicks off Fri. January 29th at 4 pm and ends 8 pm. Snow Days will be open Sat. Januray 30th from 11 am to 8pm. And, again, absolutely no cost (no, not even for an igloo tour).

Grant Park, S. Balbo & Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL, 60603

Fame Monster Lady Gaga Inspired Fashion Show (Sat. 1/9/10)

Flyer for Glam Live's Fame Monster Fashion Show

It’s hard to separate Lady Gaga from her already infamous style choices. This Saturday’s Fame Monster fashion show at the Victor Hotel is fully embracing Gaga’s taste for the eccentric and sending looks inspired by the Lady straight down the runway.

This Saturday’s show will feature bodypainting by Mario Ink, airbrush makeup by Airbrush Academy, a live photo shoot by Fearman Photo, and all the eclectic couture will be designed and sewn by Rosina~Mae.

The 10 pm-3 am show is 21+, unfortunately for all of us underagers. But for the eligible, the show will be a spectacle second only to Gaga herself strutting around a stage wearing lacey booty shorts, Frankensteinesque shoulder pads and enough glitter to instantly and permanently damage your eyesight.

The show starts Saturday January 9th, 2010 at 10 pm and rocks until 3 am at Victor Hotel and is 21+

311 N. Sangamon St. Chicago

Brillante Italian New Year at Tocco (Thurs. 12/31)

It’s time to start fretting over which new years party to chose, or in my case, find one to go to at all. Not to worry, Tocco is holding a Brillante Italian New Years celebration with live entertainment as well as the option of three different meal/drink packages– #1: $65 per person for a 5 course meal package (two seatings at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.), #2: $60 per person for the open bar package (from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.), and #3: $115 per person for the package combination.

Tocco will provide an elegant evening that will allow attendees to feel as if they have been transported to a fine European affair. The decadent five-course meal will include lobster, truffles and seafood salad with two antipasti, one primi, one secondi, one dolci and one glass of champagne. That’s so insanely swanky I’m not even quite sure what it means.

If you’re interested in ringing in 2010 in true Italian style at one of the more sophisticated spots, RSVP to the restaurant at 773-687-8895.

Tocco Chicago, 1266 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Fashion Frost- An Evening of Holiday Fashion (Fri. 12/18)

There aren’t many more holiday shopping events to take advantage of this season, but this Friday presents a big one: Fashion Frost, an evening of holiday fashion.  On Friday the 18th from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Chicago Center For The Performing Arts, this high end fashion show will take place featuring models strutting the runway in looks from incredible Chicago designers  (including the inspired looks of Rosina~Mae, Soledad Designs, Elda De La Rosa, Stiletto Squad, Horacio Nieto Jr., Yana Collection, Melanie Saldivar, Cobar, and Duvall).

There will also be live entertainment at this event from Chicago artists. It’s also offering gift bags (which are currentl valued at $300 each–and rising), raffles, complimentary cocktails and appetizers, and a silent auction. Oh, and you know it has awesome holiday deals on unique and innovative items from our talented local designgers.

The price for a ticket to the most likely last holiday fashion event of the year is $25. All proceeds to towards the Chicago Toy Drive.

The event will happen at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts at 777 N. Green Street

Buy tickets here or call 1-800-838-3006 to experience to gift-buying, gift-giving (to the Chicago Toy Drive) fashion show-viewing and muuuuuch more. Get all the holiday cheer while you still can!

Fashionista Shopping Soiree & Holiday Expo (Sat. 12/12)

The city of Chicago is making damn sure that no one misses a good shopping outing before the holidays hit. Here is yet another weekend dedicated to browsing and spending.

This Saturday December 12th from noon to 3 p.m., Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffee and Smoothies on Jackson is sponsoring and hosting a holiday shopping event. Admission is FREE, so why not stop in and peek around?

Like so many other city shopping extravaganzas, this shopping soiree offers tons of unique gifts from our talented local designers from clothes to jewelry to hand bags, and so much more. It’s even got free demos and “beauty treats.”

Just beware guys, this one looks like it is mainly an afternoon for the ladies (although most likely will be a great spot to find a present for your sister, girlfriend and/or momma!).

This event goes down this Saturday, December 12th from noon-3 p.m. at Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffee and Smoothies

850 W. Jackson, Chicago, IL 60607

Questions? Need more info? E-mail info@creneaume.com or call 312-520-3017

Bordeaux MatchMaking Wine Tasting (Thurs. 12/10)

On Dec. 10th, Chicago’s Borbeaux MatchMaking wine tasting event will commence. Wine tasting and passed hors d’oeuvre from 7 to 9pm will be followed by a party animated by renowned DJ’s until midnight. This is less of a wine tasting and more of a wild night out.

How it works is you first go to the Bordeaux website and take a little survey. I know what you’re thinking, but this survey is designed to understand your personal taste in wine. Upon arrival, you’ll be paired in a group of people with similar tastes in wine as well as cultural interests. This really is the perfect event if you’re new to the city and eager to meet a set of friends with common interests; it’s totally normal to attend alone. Don’t worry if you’re no wine connosseiur; there’s a beginner’s table!

The event is limited to 150 guests, so jump on it and register. Some reviews of the events from different cities rave about the attractive young crowd and the lively dance party at the end. Seems like a pretty hip spot to be seen this Thursday!

Register here and get the full details.

Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale (12/5-6 11 a.m.-7 p.m.)

The holiday season should officially be renamed the shopping season. Another day, another sale. This weekend’s shopping belongs to the Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale.

So why this sale over any other? Well, for one, the flyer and website are really cute. And secondly, the fair is showcasing over 150 of “today’s finest indie-craft and contemporary design talents.” In other words, everything is handmade by the craftiest people in the biz.  That being said, all the gifts you buy this weekend are guaranteed to be one of a kind.

Check out the online store to get a sense of what will be sold before you make the trip to the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse. But more than likely, you’ll find something for almost everyone on your list, whether you’re browsing for jewelry, clothing, ceramics, stationary, bath products, housewares, posters, comics or plush objects.

It is located at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse in West Town

1419 W. Blackhawk Street
Chicago, IL 60622
Event phone number: 773-227-2707

Santa Shuffle 5k Run (Sat. 12/5)

Costumes aren’t just for Halloween anymore! The Santa Shuffle 5k Run encourages (well, requires) you to throw on a cottony beard and a red suit for a run through Lincoln Park.

Be a part of this Saturday fun run for the fitness benefits or simply for the hilarious visual. Both are equally legitmate reasons to partake.

Every participant will be given a beard and red hat to wear during the race so hitting up Walgreens for the last minute disguise is unnecessary. The event also encourages runners of all skill levels to join the race (sorry, but I still don’t think I can bare the embarrassment of my nonexistent endurance). Motivation for the slow runners– awards will be given the person or group with the most creative Santa costume.

Join all the participants after the event at McGees Tavern & Grille located at 950 West Webster, Chicago, IL 60614.  All participants 21 and over will receive a drink coupon and a free breakfast buffet! Score!

Register online here for $30, or register the day of the event for $40.

The run goes down in Lincoln Park between Lake Shore Drive and Clark Street. So register and hit the streets at 9 a.m., if only just for the free breakfast and Santa hat!

Fashion and Shopping Extravaganza at The Creative Lounge (Sat. 12/5)

Flyer for the Fashion and Shopping Extravaganza in Wicker Park (Click for larger size)

Fashion Rocks Chicago and See More Shopping is inviting you (yes, YOU) to the ultimate all-inclusive shopping/fashion event I’ve ever heard of. The Fashion and Shopping Extravaganza this Saturday December 5th at the Creative Lounge in Chicago’s trendy Wicker Park offers plenty of reasons for you to log off eBay and hit the town for your holiday shopping experience.

Not only is there an incredible lineup of local fashion and jewelry designers, but this event will provide you with complimentary snacks, gift raffles, and will reward the early birds (it starts at 11 a.m. and lasts until 5 p.m.) with goodie bags and mini-makeovers courtesy of Sugar & Spice. And all for FREE! Yes, zero dollars! Won’t cost you one measy penny, FREE.

This is the perfect afternoon shopping day for you and your girls, but complimentary snacks? This is also quite the date opportunity as well. Two birds, one stone.

Please rsvp to lidia@evilkitty.net

Now check out this SOLID list of the amazing up-and-coming local Chicago designers that will be selling some of their unique, innovative, and straight up HOT designs this Saturday:

Rosina Mae, Evil Kitty, Anastasia Chatzka, 5p1t, CC Bella, K Fleye, Mr. Tastees, Poise.cc.

This event is located at the Creative Lounge Chicago
1564 N. Damen, 3rd floor
Chicago, IL

World’s Fair Simulation at the MSI (Sat. 12/5 & Sun. 12/6)

Maybe it’s too early for the holiday craze to fully kick in, or maybe you’re already sick of it. The Museum of Science and Industry is offering a pretty sweet two day event for those ready to take a break from jingle bells.

On December 5th and 6th from 2-3:30 p.m. the MSI will present a virtual simulation tour of the 1893 World’s Fair (aka the Columbian Exposition or “The White City”, or the event that debuted the world’s first ferris wheel, take your pick).  Fun fact: the virtual tour will take place in the only exisiting building from the Exposition–The Museum itself!

This event is back by popular demand, so you know it will be pretty cool (but it’s offering more than before this time around). Plus, tickets the to tour include general admission to the museum, so you can relive a middle school field trip and hit some other exhibits too. Two birds, one stone.

You can call for tickets at (773) 684-1414

$15 for members, $30 for non-members
Located in the Museum of Science and Industry
57th Street and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637