13 spooktacular Halloween weekend events in Chicago

Costumes and specialty cocktails, pumpkins and beer. Halloween is for everybody — kids, adults, families and singles. Check out a few of the events going on this weekend around Chicago: Cactus Bar and Grill Halloween Benefit, Loop, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28, free to attend, donations of canned goods encouraged. All-day celebration [...]

Consider the oyster

Shaw’s Crab House kicks off its 23rd annual “Royster with the Oyster” Festival at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10 Nightly oyster specials feature, plus an Oyster Slurping Contest, On Monday, both locations offer 50ยข raw oysters on the half shell from 3 to 6 p.m. In Schaumburg, the deal continues through Friday, Oct. 14. Among [...]

Five uncommon Chicagoland spots for food with live music

Break out of your entertainment routine and check out these options for dining with live music and no cover.

Chicago’s Italian Americans celebrate

August in Chicago is full of celebrations of Italian-American heritage. Events include: Aug. 11–14: Taylor Street Italian Festival, Taylor Street and Ashland Avenue, Chicago. This Little Italy festival lines Taylor Street with booths offering a variety of Italian food, a wine garden, culinary presentations and four stages of continuous live entertainment including The Rat Pack [...]

The Heartland Cafe: 35 years in Rogers Park

The Heartland Cafe in Rogers Park celebrates 35 years of serving “Good Wholesome Food for the Mind and Body!” on Thursday, Aug. 11.

Night out: Steampunk, vaudeville, Jews and freaks, oh my!

Klezmer meets steampunk in a most unusual evening Wednesday, June 22.

New Chicago BBQ fest premieres at Six Corners

Summer festival season gets a new entry this weekend with Portage Park’s first annual Six Corners BBQ Fest.

Time travel: The Legendary Drifters meet The Rat Pack

The Legendary Drifters, the continuation of the original group known for such hits as “Under the Boardwalk,” make a guest appearance during the 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 17, performance of “The Rat Pack Summit Review,” a monthly event at Excalibur in River North.

More free food and fashion

      Start your summer in style at Carlucci’s annual summer kickoff party, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, June 9. Enjoy an exclusive fashion show on the Downers Grove patio featuring the spring and summer collection from rising Chicagoland designer Britney Devaris, showcasing swimwear and cover-ups, casual looks and cocktail clothes. The event includes [...]

10 delicious things to do in Chicago Memorial Day weekend

Summertime at last! Is there anywhere better than Chicago to spend Memorial Day weekend? We don’t think so. Here are just a few of the things to do this weekend. Watch the Chicago Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade in the Loop, 11 a.m. Saturday, May 28, free. After the opening ceremony at the [...]