Chicago HQ » Events

Building Chicago brick by brick

www.chicago-hq.com — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 21:06:16 +0000

Coming to Chicago from October 29^th through to the 31^st, LEGO KidsFest is a combination of an educational, interactive and creative event. Located at McCormick Place, the exhibit will feature large scale LEGO constructions as well as building zones for creating your own LEGO masterpiece.However, there are other features for the KidsFest. At the Cool Creations showcase, LEGO fans can view the creations of other LEGO designers. Meanwhile, at the incredible Creation Nation exhibit, families build their own mosaics to add to a gigantic map of the United States. In-fact, the map is so large it reaches the size of a basketball court.On Sunday, LEGO KidsFest will host a special Halloween event. Not only will visitors enjoy Halloween treats, but a costume contest, and other exciting holiday themed festivities.If your child is 16 years old or under, an adult must accompany them. To guarantee your place at the event, log onto the sites website and book your tickets today.

Lollapalooza lives on in the Windy City

www.chicago-hq.com — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 18:00:03 +0000

Lollapalooza starts in Grant Park, Chicago today and runs through Sunday, and alternative rock fans around the world are breathing a sigh of relief.When Jane’s Addiction launched Lollapalooza as their farewell tour in 1991, there was no way of knowing the lasting success the tour would have. After its inception, the festival grew to encapsulate the alternative rock scene of the 1990s, including subgenres like grunge. The cancellation of the show in 1998 was seen as a major indicator that alt rock was past its prime. In 2003, a new iteration of the show toured before being cancelled again the next year. Then, in 2005, Chicago provided the birthing place for the new era of the festival. No longer a touring show, the festival is now scheduled to be held at Grant Park until 2018.Headliners for Friday night include Lady Gaga, The Strokes, the Black Keys, and Hot Chip. Classic post-punk group Devo will also be going on at 4 P.M. at the Parkways stage. Overall, there are 8 different stages, with artists from all across the popularity scale. Festival-goers are sure to find someone new during their visit. For those who can’t make it, there’s a Live Webcast available at the official website from 2 P.M. 10 P.M. each day.Festival goers are encouraged to go green as they rock out, by using public transportation or riding a bike. For food, they can visit Chow Town, consisting of booths from Big Star, Bleeding Heart Bakery, Kuma’s Corner, and more, all overseen by chef Graham Eliot. Alternatively, there’s the Green Street Farmer’s Market, featuring plenty of fresh fruit, smoothies, and organic espressos. And if you have a young rock star you want to bring along, you’re in luckchildren 10 and under get in free with an adult.

Wrigley FieldHome of the Chicago Cubs

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:46:15 +0000

When most people hear ‘Chicago’, they think ‘The Windy City’. When sports fans hear Chicago, they think of the Chicago Cubs. Unfortunately, one of the Cubs most notable features is that they haven’t won a Championship game in 102 yearslonger than any other major North American professional sports team. Wrigley Field, the ballpark the Chicago Cubs call home, is the second-oldest ballpark in the majors (behind Boston’s Fenway Park). The history of Wrigley field also manages to expand beyond Chicago in the form of songthe famous ballpark tune “Take me out to the Ballgame” was made famous by broadcaster Harry Caray during a the seventh inning of a Cubs game in the 1990s. Despite the teams championship losses, games are still widely attended by passionate Cubs fans and easygoing baseball fans alike. The bleachers are always filled with energetic fans cheering their team on while munching on all American hot dogs and drinking ice cold beer. The old-school scoreboard that’s been in place since 1937 makes a great addition to an already historic team.If you’re in the Lake View area, be sure to check the times of home games and get a piece of the action. After the game, head on over to The Cubby Bear, a festive bar across from Wrigley Field. If Cubby’s is too packed, try Sluggersa double-decker bar with an impressive game room. If you’re looking for food near the field, try Salt and Pepper, Heaven on Seven, the Kit Kat Lounge, or Bar Louie. If you’re not ready to head back home, there are cute coffee shops nearby including Fly Me to the Moon, the Pick Me Up Caf, or Julius Meinl where live music is usually playing for your entertainment. If the music scene interests you, Wrigleyville can provide you with hopping music venues like the Wild Hare who hosts Reggae bands 7 nights a week.

On the Calendar

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:21:41 +0000

If you’re in the Windy City during the sultry months of summer, your calendar is in luck. Chicago’s diverse city offers a dazzling array of events and performances that can be enjoyed by the whole family. If you’re going to be in Chicago August 24-29, you’ll definitely want to visit the Navy Pier for Pepsi Tall Ships Chicago 2010. During this unique festival, more than 20 historic Tall Ships sail into the Navy Pier. The Tall Ships, which consist of pirate reminiscent schooners, brigantines, brigs, and barques, sail in from Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and the US. A festival honoring the ships offers nightly fireworks, daily music and entertainment, as well as tours and rides on the historic ships.If music is your scene, head over to the popular Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago on July 10^th and 11^th for the Rock Around the Block music festival. The festival features thirty of Chicago’s most talented bands performing on three stages throughout the day. Of course, delicious culinary stands and artisan vendors will be set up along the streets for your enjoyment.On August 7^th and 8^th, head over to Retro on Roscoea fun-filled street festival held annually. The festival consists of live music entertainment, the Windy City Chili Cook-off, and Retro’s Antique Car Show which showcases over 50 antique classic and muscle cars.In addition to outdoor festivals, Chicago also offers a phenomenal Broadway scene. This summer, Broadway in Chicago is featuring Billy Elliot the Musicala funny yet serious tale of a boxer turned dancer. The musical has been nationally recognized on many occasions: Time Magazine recognized Billy Elliot as the ‘Best musical of the decade’ and it won Best Musical at the 2009 Tony Awards and the NY Drama Critic’s Circle. Be sure to catch the show at the Ford Center for the Performing arts before it goes offstage on October 24^th.