Blog Archives

SUMMER FUN

5/27/2016

KICK OFF THE SUMMER

The days have been getting longer, the weather is (finally) getting warmer and it’s Memorial Day weekend – the official first weekend of the summer. To that end let’s talk about some activities to enjoy outdoors. But first, a rare opportunity:

FREE ADMISSION

The Pritzker Military Museum is choosing to recognize Memorial Day by offering FREE admission Saturday May 28, 2106 from 10AM to 4PM (16:00). This is a special museum and worth dropping in.

FARMERS MARKETS

Most of the Farmers Markets are are already in full swing. You will find markets are held every day of the week! They are fun to walk around, mix with locals and often enjoy live music and other performances, but I think you will be tempted to buy some fresh produce, bakery items and/or fresh flowers.

FESTIVALS

While we do have some festivals throughout the year, summer of course is peak time for these festivities. Some celebrate ethnic diversity, food and drink, art, movies or a neighborhood. In an earlier post I listed the FREE festivals around the city, but here are 2 links to lists of festivals some of which charge a fee to enter Chose Chicago and Every Block

PARADES

Parades help celebrate ethnic diversity, memorialize events or people, and of course celebrate sports championships. This weekend is the Memorial Day parade, said to be the longest parade of its kind in the country. The parade steps off at noon at on State Street starting a Lake Street and ending at Van Buren Street.

Here is a link to the downtown parades and the neighborhood parades. Dates, locations and start times are listed for each event.

FOUNTAINS

There are several major fountains in the downtown area, but you will find water features in plazas and parks around the city. Some are large and inspiring, others are small and peaceful and some are interactive.

The granddaddy of them all and probably the most recognized is the Clarence F. Buckingham Memorial Fountain located in Grant Park between Lake Shore Drive and Columbus Drive at the east end of Columbus Parkway. It runs from 8AM to 11PM (23:00). The center nozzle shoots water 150’ into the air for 20 minutes every hour on the hour starting at 9AM. In addition, from dusk until closing, you will see and hear a 20-minute music, light and water show every hour from dusk through 10PM (22:00).

You also won't want to miss the Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Plaza Fountain located on the north side of the Chicago River at the base of McClurg Court. You can walk around and even under the fountain. In front of the fountain is the Water Cannon at the Nicholas J. Melas which shoots an arc of water across the Chicago River for 5 minutes every hour on the hour from 10AM to 3PM (15:00)and again from 5PM (17:00) to midnight.

A very popular and interactive fountain is the Crown Fountain by Jaume Plensa in Millennium Park. If you have children be sure to bring their swimsuits; they are welcome to join in the fun!

There are also fountains on Daley Plaza (by the Picasso statue on Washington Street between Dearborn and Clark Streets) and Exelon Fountaan on the Chase Plaza (by the Mac Chegal mosaic on Monroe Street between Dearborn and Clark Streets).

In the garden just south of the Art Institute is the Fountain of the Great Lakes.

Navy Pier also has an interactive fountain. It is currently under construction, but should be finished this summer.

Watch for the water fountains for horses, dogs and humans by the Historic Water Tower and Pumping Station at Chicago Avenue and North Michigan Avenue. Share a drink with a 4-legged friend.

Here’s a link http://www.choosechicago.com/blog/post/2013/08/A-Guide-to-Chicago-s-Must-See-Fountains/886/ to some of these and other fountains in the city with pictures and descriptions.

FIREWORKS

Navy Pier puts on a fireworks display every Wednesday night at 9:30PM (17:30) and Saturday night at 10:15PM (22:15). It’s fun to be on the Pier as music synchronized to the fireworks is played. But, you can also view the display from many places along the lakefront and along the river.

I suggest going to Buckingham Fountain around the time of the Navy Pier fireworks display. That way you can enjoy the fireworks and the fountain music, light and water show.

CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT

In an earlier post (May 22, 2016) I told you about all there is to do at the numerous facilities run by the Chicago Park District. This week marks the official opening of the beaches. A total of 26 beaches stretch from the north to the southside of Chicago and they are all FREE. It’s time to take a dip in Lake Michigan. You can find more information about the beaches as well as the park at the CPD website or download the FREE app. It's summer and time to "Get Out and Play!"

FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY

You can also enjoy the out of doors and nature in the Forest Preserves of Cook County. While their jurisdiction goes way beyond the city limits, there are many sites within Chicago to explore. All sites are FREE and many offer FREE programming. To get up-to-date information sign up for their FREE enewsletter and blog or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

FREE TRAIN RIDES

Children under 11 years of age ride FREE on the METRA trains starting this weekend. The program runs through Labor Day September 5, 2016. Each adult can bring up to 3 children.

All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites to get the most up-to-date information.

Want to receive announcements of new posts? Just leave your email address and I will notify you of new posts on http://www.ChicagoFreeForAll.com

If you know of a free event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com

Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com

Until then I hope to see you in Chicago!

0 Comments

CHINATOWN

5/20/2016

0 Comments

Chinatown is probably the most authentic ethnic neighborhood is Chicago. It is located relatively close to downtown and easily accessed by public transportation. Its boundaries are loosely defined as 18th Street on the north, Clark Street on the East, Interstate 55 on the south and the south branch of the river on the west. But the heart of Chinatown is Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road. There is so much to see as you explore this neighborhood. It should be on your “To Do List” while you are in Chicago.

These maps are conveniently located throughout the neighborhood so you can easily find the special sites along the way.

From downtown take the Red Line toward 95th Street and get off at the Cermak station. Walk less than 1 block west and you have arrived. At Cermak and Wentworth you will find one of the maps and 3 interesting structures. The first is the Nine Dragon Wall. It is a replica of the original located in Bai Hai Park northwest of the Forbidden City in Beijing. It’s name comes from the 9 sculptured dragons featured on the wall, but see how many of the 500 smaller dragons you can find. In Chinese culture, the dragon symbolizes protection, fortune and is a powerful emblem of imperial power.

Just beyond the Nine Dragon Wall is the Chinatown Pavilion. This is a classic-style Chinese structure. It serves as the entrance to Chinatown Square shops to the north and Wentworth street shops to the south.

Across Cermak Street and spanning Wentworth Avenue is the Chinatown Gate. The Chinese symbols read “Everthing Under the Heaven, For the People” This is also the location of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration each year and each October runners in the Chicago Marathon run under this gate.

Along or near Wentorth Avenue you will find Chinese American Museum of Chicago at 238 23rd Street It is located in a former Chinese store and warehouse built in 1896. You will also find:

-Chinese Christian Union Church 2301 S Wentworth Avenue
-Allen Lee Square at Wentworth Avenue and 23rd Street
- Buddhist Temple 2249 South Wentworth Avenue
-The Family Association Building 2238 South Wentworth Avenue
-The Chinese Community Center and Confucius Statue 250 W 22nd Place
-St. Therese Chinese Catholic School 247 W 23rd Street and
-Pui Tak Center is a social service agency located 2216 West Wentworth Avenue the former home of the On Leong Merchants Association.

And last but not least, the Sun Yat-sen Park at Princeton Ave and 24th Street is dedicated to the founding father of the modern Chinese Republic. The Sun Yat-sen Museum can be found on the 2nd floor of the building at 2445 South Wentworth Avenue and admission is FREE.

You should also spend some time in Chinatown Square 2133 South China Place. This 2-story, outdoor shopping mall houses numerous shops and restaurants and is home to the Pan Asian Cultural Center. It is not only for tourists; you will find locals shop and eat here.

In the square look for the statues of the 12 animals representing the Chinese zodiac. Also there is a 320 square foot mural depicting the story of Chinese immigrants to the United States. It is made of 1000,000 individually cut and hand-painted glass tiles.

The Chinese Veterans Memorial stands at the intersection of Princeton Avenue, Cermak Road and Archer Avenue. Dragon Columns stand at the end of major streets in Chinatown.

Along the Chicago River is the Ping Tom Memorial Park. The architecture within this 12 acre green space is inspired by Chinese architecture and a place you will often see residents practicing yoga, tai chi and quigong. Each July this is the site of the annual Dragon Boat Race Festival.

While it’s not free, the Chinese American Museum of Chicago is a bargain at $5 for adults and $3 for children. It traces the history of Chinese Americans in the Midwest and holds priceless and historical artifacts.

I’ve already mention the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration held at the end of January or early February and the Chinese Dragon Boat races held every July. Other annual events in Chinatown include the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May and the Chinatown Summer Fair in July. These special events shouldn't be missed, but any time is a great time to visit Chinatown!

BONUS

Here's a link to some of the events going on this weekend (May 20,- 22, 2016) http://www.redeyechicago.com/restaurants-bars/redeye-chicago-festivals-this-weekend-may-20-21-22-20160518-story.html

All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites for the most up-to-date information.

Want to receive announcements of new posts? Just leave your email address and I will notify you of new posts on http://www.ChicagoFreeForAll.com

If you know of a free event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com

Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com

Until then I hope to see you in Chicago!

0 Comments

Just 1 thing

5/13/2016

0 Comments

I'm taking a little break from posting, but did want to share something with you today. Almost every week I learn about a new event or place in Chicago that is Free For All and this is a good example.

At the northwest corner of LaSalle and Monroe Streets stands the Northern Trust Company Bank Building. This little plaque is fixed to the corner of the building.

.If it's too difficult to read let me give you the text:

NUMBER ONE CITY DATUM

"This bench mark designates the primary datum for the city of Chicago.
It is from this point that all heights in the city are measured.

The city datum is hearby established as a plane 17.640 feet below
the bench mark cut on top of the bottom stone of granite base at the
southeast corner of the Northern Trust Company Bank building at the
northwest corner of S. LaSalle Street and West Monroe Street.

Septmember 12, 1928 Municipal Code of Chicago

So, the next time you are in the neighborhood, stop by and see how tall you are above the city datum plane.

I hope to be back in full force next week.

Until then, I hope to see you in Chicago!

0 Comments

Info

5/6/2016

0 Comments

I've had some questions about how to use my blog. ChicagoFreeForAll.com is not a "what's happening today" site. Rather, I think of my blog as a reference book. Each post is a different chapter covering a specific area/neighborhood or topic. Most of the information can be used throughout the year. But occasionally check the end of the blog for timely information or Updates. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com.

Now on to this week's post. Today is all about how to get information beyond my blog using other online sources as well as magazines and newspapers that are Free For All!

FREE INFORMATION

There are lots of ways of getting current information both before you arrive in Chicago and once you are here. One way is to review the online sites; the other is to read the many FREE periodicals.

First, if you are coming into town by air (either O’Hare or Midway) or rail (AMTRAK or METRA) you will find FREE magazines and brochures in the terminals and stations. Some of the booklets and magazines have maps and information about public transportation. In addition, there are some information booths there that are staffed with knowledgeable people to answer you questions and give you directions.

At O'Hare stop by one of the Traverls Aid desks or watch for the Travels Aid volunteers who wander the terminals. They have information for travelers and of course are there to assist you whatever your need.

Next, once you are downtown stop at the Visitors Center in the lower level of Macy’s Department Store on State Street. Much more information is available there and is FREE for the taking. In addition, staff is there to answer your questions.

Finally, head 1 block east to the Chicago Cultural Center. In the Washington Street lobby there is some FREE printed information largely about the activities in the building. There is also a volunteer who can answer questions. In the Randolph Street lobby there is more FREE brochures, maps etc. and an information booth manned by volunteers.

One periodical worth picking up is CHICAGO magazine. It is the Official Visitors Guide from Choose Chicago and its members. You can usually find the latest copy at the air and train terminals and the visitors center.

Another periodical available at the airports and train stations as well as the Visitors Center is WHERE CHICAGO. This monthly publication is "The complete guide to go" and is where you can "Find the best of the city".

CONCIERGE PREFERRED is a smaller booklet, but contains maps and lists information on shopping, dining, nightlife, culture and attractions.

Another magazine is TRAVEL ILLINOIS which is published by the Illinois Office Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism.

PERIODICALS

As you walk around the city watch for the news kiosks that have FREE periodicals. This list of the periodicals is presented in alphabetical order and all of them are FREE. This is sample of the FREE magazines and newspapers I found around downtown.

CHICAGO DISPATCHER serves” Chicago’s taxi drivers, public chauffeurs, rideshare drivers and the riding public since 2002”

CHICAGO PARENT If you have children, this periodical is filled with family-friendly information. Their website has links to several blogs and you can also find them on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

CS Interested in “Modern Luxury” then CS is for you. They cover issues about your home, but also dining, fashion and society events.

FW CHICAGO comes to you from Chicago-Women which covers news as well as work, money, life and love, food, drink things to do, profiles, events and contests. You can also read the magazine online and sign up for the enewsletter.

HOY_is the largest Spanish-language periodical and is published Monday through Friday.

JEWISH STAR is published twice a month and covers local as well as national and international news. Its focus is on literature and arts, politics and the Middle East. I could not find a link to this periodical.

NATURAL AWAKENINGS_focuses on healthy living. It covers topics for a healthy body, home, pet, earth and includes local advertisers and events.

NEWCITY_is “Chicago’s only locally owned and operated cultural weekly.“ The paper published every Thursday and is supplemented on their website you can also sign up for the enewsletter.

THE READER_also comes out every Thursday and covers some Chicago news, sports etc, but more than that it covers what’s going on in the music scene, arts and cinema. The online edition has videos and lets you search the archives, see the “Best of Chicago 2015” and click on the “Agenda” for a list of activities in calendar form. You can sign up for their enewsletter and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

REDEYE is published Monday through Friday by the Chicago Tribune newspaper. Online there are articles and videos and you can search for music, news, food and drink, guides and patios. Sign up for their newsletter to get info on Eat, Drink, Ticketbooth and for the RedEye Rundown. You can also download their IPhone and Android App for FREE.

THE SEEN is self-described as “Chicago’s International Journal of Contemporary & Modern Art” where you will fine “in-depth writing on exhibitions, as well as highlight essays, artist profiles, and reviews.” Sign up online for their mailing list.

WINDY CITY TIMES is “The voice of Chicago’s Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Trans and Queer Community since 1985” and is the only publication covering LGBTQ issues in the city. It is published weekly and topics covered include: theater, food, arts, travel, sports, health and a calendar of events. The website includes video content including archived episodes from www.windyCityQueercast.com

NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLICATIONS

As you explore the neighborhoods, keep an eye out for the FREE local newspapers and magazines. These are usually displayed in shops and restaurants. This is a great way to focus in on what’s going on in a specific area of the city. You’ll find articles of interest to the residents and visitors, calendars of events and lots of advertising and coupons for deals in the area. Here are just a few.

INSIDEBOOSTER: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, North Center and Lincoln Square neighborhoods.

News-Star: Rogers Park, Edgewater, Uptown and Andersonville.

SKYLINE: News of the Loop, Streeterville, River North, Near North, Gold Coast and Old town.

SOUTH SIDE WEEKLY: Englewood, Washington Park, South Shore to name a few.

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSTIES

I’ve already recommended schools are a great place to find FREE art, theater and music performances to name a few, but all have school periodicals that provide even more information.

Columbia College The Columbia Chronicle

DePaul Univeristy The DePaulia

Robert Morris University The Eagle News

University of Chicago The Chicago Maroon and UCHICAGO ARTS

CITY OF CHICAGO

Another great place for all kinds of information around the city is to sign up for each Alderman’s newsletter. You can find the Map of all 50 Wards at the City of Chicago website and a list of all Alderman or type in an address to locate the Ward and Alderman for that site. Most of the Alderman have enewsletters.

eGUIDES

MetrowalkZ claims to offer “everything you need to explore Chicago on your Smartphone”. It’s FREE by going to MetrowalkZ and tapping Chicago. There you will find instructions for self-guided walking tours, maps, deals and discounts and you can search by attractions, dining, nightlife.

NOT FREE BUT TO BE CONSIDERED

STREETWISE

Not free but a good cause, StreetWise is a newspaper sold by individuals who find themselves needing a hand up not a handout. You will find vendors all over the city who sell each paper for $2. $1.10 of the sale price goes directly to the seller the balance is returned to the organization. Each vendor must qualify and register with the Streetwise organization. They must be wearing their Streetwise badge and can not ask for additional money. I often buy a paper from one vendor then give it to another vendor to (re)sell – thus benefiting 2 vendors for the price of 1 paper.

Reading these publications online before you come or picking up a FREE copy when you arrive will help you enjoy your stay that much more.

UPDATE

A new piece of public art was unveiled today. It is called “Yellow Art” and is located near Michigan Avenue and Jackson Boulevard. This is the first in a series of new art work to be added to the Chicago landscape this summer. Stay tuned…

I hope you will search out some of the FREE resources for even more information of what's going on in Chicago and Free For All!

All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the website to get the most up-to-date information.

Want to receive announcements of new posts? Just leave your email address and I will notify you of new posts on http://www.ChicagoFreeForAll.com

If you know of a free event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com

Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com

Until then I hope to see you in Chicago!

0 Comments

CHICAGO FREE FOR ALL!

SUMMER FUN

CHINATOWN

Just 1 thing

Info

Archives

Categories

CHICAGO FREE FOR ALL!

SUMMER FUN

CHINATOWN

Just 1 thing﻿

Info

Archives

Categories

Just 1 thing