We've selected some of the best bargains in Chicago-area Dining, Accommodations, Sightseeing, Entertainment and Cultural Events at Budget-pleasing Prices
Taquitos de Pollo - crispy taquitos filled with chicken and poblanos, topped with homemade sour cream and guacamole. Fried black beans. 9.95
445 North Clark in River North 312.661.1434
"Our goal is to serve you seasonal sustainably raised vegetables, meat and poultry; fish from sustainable fisheries. We support local, artisanal farmers"
Francescas North
1145 Church Street • Northbrook, IL 60062 • 847-559-0260 info@francescasnorth.com Menu: Pizzas from $7.95 Ensalada $4.95 -$6.25 Most Entrees (large portions!) $10.95 to $14.95 Tiramisu big enough to share $5.95
"Francesca's North opened in May and instantly became the hottest spot on The North Shore - for good reason. Scott Harris has mastered the art of serving generous portions of good food at low prices in stylish simple surroundings with friendly service - a winning formula that eludes so many." Chicago Magazine – Dennis Ray Wheaton and Anne Spiselman
Billy Goat Tavern and Grill
"Ordering at the Billy Goat may go something like this: "Cheezborger! Cheezborger! You want doublecheez?!? Who's next!?! WHO'S NEXT!?!" If you take more than one second to answer: "Don't look at the menu, look at ME! I order for you - DOUBLECHEEZ!" If you only feel like a single: "No. DOUBLECHEEZ!!!" If it's the end of the week: "It's Friday, doublecheez for everybody! It's payday! Triplecheez for the big guy!" Want French fries with that? "No fries - CHEEPS!" Thirsty? "No Pepsi - COKE!" To drink: "Coke or Diet?!"
Earwax
1561 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, (773) 772-4019.
Vegetarian, Eclectic. Breakfast, lunch, dinner: seven days
Trattoria No 10
10 N. Dearborn, Chicago (312) 984-1718 Monday-Friday, $12 all-you-can-eat buffet special. Reservations suggested.
Free (and almost Free) Chicago Buffets and Happy Hour Eats
Alumni Club
871 E. Algonquin Rd. Schaumburg, IL 60173-3807
847-397-3100 Possibly the largest sports bar in the Chicago suburbs. Happy hour buffet Wednesday through Friday . Chicken, ribs and other finger foods.
Ba-Ba-Reba
2024 N. Halsted, Chicago (773) 935-5000
Daily 3-6 p.m. $2 tapas and $2 Bud and Bud Light long necks.
Big Chicks Sunday Buffet
Check out Sundays at Big Chicks, a mostly gay/lesbian neighborhood pub at 5024 N. Sheridan Rd. 773-728-5511 . SAMPLE MENU: "This Sunday it's Southern Fried Chicken and biscuits, organic mesculin salad, dessert and fruit salad. Come hangout every Sunday and enjoy our good cooking!"
"Buffet normally begins at 4pm... and goes to 6pm.
All of this absolutely FREE! Enjoy our Sunday drink special of $2.50 vodka lemonades! Buffet restricted to Big Chick customers. A beverage must be purchased to enjoy the buffet."
Darts, Billiards/Pool. Deejays Thursday, Friday and Saturday. "Once a month Big Chicks hosts 'Feast of Fools,' a night devoted to performance art pieces."
Bird's Nest
2500 N. Southport Lincoln Park "Almost free": $.10 wings before 8 pm weekdays. Free pool on Monday. $1.50 beer on Thursdays and Fridays.
Brother Jimmy's BBQ and Booze 2909 N. Sheffield. Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood, just north of Diversey. $.10 wings and $5 pitchers on Wednesdays.
The Buzz
308 W. Erie St. After work salsa party on Wednesdays. Complimentary buffet from 5-6 p.m. ($5 after 6). Dance lesson with Manny Lopez from 6:30-7:30 p.m. leads into as night of salsa and other Latin dances.
Cleos
Complimentary appetizer buffet, Saturdays 11 p.m.-1 a.m. 1935 W. Chicago Ave. 312-243-5600
Cork and Kerry
Classy neighborhood bar at 10614 S. Western Ave. 773-445-2675 Free appetizer buffets at 5 pm on Fridays. $2 domestic beers on Tuesdays. $3 Guiness pints on Wednesdays. (offers subject to change).
The California Clipper
1002 N. California Ave. Bingo night, complimentary pizza and prizes, 9 p.m.-midnight on the last Monday of every month.
Clybar
2417 N. Clybourn Ave. 773-388-1877 Complimentary pizza, 5-8 p.m. on Fridays.
Frank's
2503 N Clark Sundays $4 32 oz beers and free pizza. Free Buffet during Bears Games.
Jack O'Sullivans Public House 2142 N. Clybourn Ave. (2200N, 1400W)
(773) 549-9009 Western edge of Lincoln Park Fridays: free buffet with carving station from 5pm to 7pm.
Kelsey's
An old-style neighborhood saloon in the heart of Lincoln Park. Fridays: free buffet from 4-7 PM. Plus $1 burgers on Mondays and $0.20 wings on Tuesdays.
Kendall's
2263 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago Tel: (773) 348-7200
"Lincoln Park sports bar has 12 satellites and 7 big screens and lots of monitors (home for the local DePaul basketball), two pool tables, a variety of video games (including Golden Tee golf). There's a free buffet from 4-7pm on weekdays."
Kincades Neighborhood sports bar in Lincoln Park. 950 W. Armitrage (under the El) Free Happy Hour buffet every Friday from 5 til 7. Dollar burger with fries all day Monday. 20 cent wings Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The Map Room
1949 N. Hoyne Chicago 773-252-7636
"On 'International Night,' each Tuesday, there's a free buffet featuring food from anywhere in the world, and the bar hangs the flag from the featured country or region, plays music from the area and usually has a speaker in to talk about the area."
McGee's
950 W. Webster. (773) 868-8073 Fridays: $5 Martinis and Midnight Madness! Free pizza and surprises
Sedgwick's Bar and Grill
1935 N. Sedgwick (312) 337-7900 "Don't miss our free buffet Friday afternoon and Saturday at midnight, and we're Chicago's best place to catch English and European soccer and international rugby!" Check out menu and dailiy specials
Timbers Charhouse
295 Skokie Valley Rd. Highland Park, IL 60035
847-831-1400 Huge suburban sports bar. Friday happy hour buffet 4:30-7 p.m. features veggies and pizza.
Trader Todd's
3216 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-975-8383
Daily: $2 food menu, midnight-2 a.m. Tuesdays: $2 Adventure beers, $2 burgers with fries. Mondays: Half-price food and drinks, karaoke at 8 p.m.
Trader Vic's
17 E. Monroe St. 312-917-7317
Thursdays and Fridays: Complimentary appetizers 4:30-6:30 p.m. On 3rd Wednesday: Complimentary appetizers, half-price zombie cocktails, hula dancers perform, 7-11 p.m. No cover.
Chicago Sports Bars offering Free Food During Games.
Half Time Sports Bar & Grill
27W103 North Avenue, West Chicago, IL
(630) 293-0553 "Many TVs, serve free buffet at halftime and good chicken wings." Live rock band Saturday nights. Packer fans.
Will's Northwoods Inn
3030 North Racine, Chicago, IL (773) 528-4400
"By far the best Packer bar in Chicago. Free cheese and sausage, hot dogs, hamburgers, brats and halftime raffle. Also Musky Fest in early October."
Chicago Wine Tastings
Complimentary Randolph Wine Cellars Saturday Wine Tasting
"enjoy a complimentary tasting at randolph wine cellars each saturday between noon and six. we'll pop open some wines for you to try while you shop. focused, themed tastings of carefully selected wines. "
Randolph Wine Cellars Third Tuesday Wine Tasting
"join us the third tuesday of each month for our monthly wine tasting where we feature over thirty wines in our beautiful loft overlooking the chicago skyline. cost is $30.00 per person for two hours of swirling and sipping fun. each tasting features a different theme, such as a specific region, a particular vintage or a holiday. complimentary hors d'oervres will be provided. please enter through randolph wine cellars. tastings are from 6:00pm to 8:00pm"
Chicago Coffee Houses
Bourgeois Pig
738 W. Fullerton Pky., Lincoln Park near DePaul (773) 883-5282. Breakfast, lunch, dinner til 11 weekdays, midnight Fri and Sat. "Located in an old brownstone, it's true to 60s-coffeehouse form, with creaky hardwood floors, hundreds of newspapers and books lining the shelves, and a menu of homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods posted on four huge blackboards."
Ennui Cafe
Coffee, Art, Live Music
6981 N. Sheridan Rd. 773.973.2231
" a haven for neighborhood regulars for years. An outdoor patio open in warmer months affords patrons a view of the lake, and interesting people-watching along Sheridan. ... an ideal hangout for Loyola and Northwestern students who get tanked on coffee and study. Its proximity to a chess club next door also makes it an ideal location for chess fiends looking for a good match. The live bands featured on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights are always free, but small donations are actively and strongly encouraged...."
Aldi
Click on "Store Locator" for 20 Chicago area locations
"Aldi is an international retailer specializing in a limited assortment of private label, high-quality products at the lowest possible prices."
Big Lots
Bedford Park 7440 S Cicero Ave (708) 496-9927
Franklin Park 10492 Grand Ave, (847) 288-1184
Chicago 4628 West Diversey Avenue 773-283-3241
Markham 2925C West 159th Street 708-331-4079
Orland Park 15032-38 La Grange Rd (708) 873-0675
Calumet City 1699 River Oaks Dr 708-868-4743
Homewood 3055 183rd St. (708) 798-9511
Lombard 441 E. Roosevelt Rd. (630) 953-9420
Woodridge 7340 Woodward Ave (630) 852-6639
Des Plaines 785 W. Golf Road (847) 228-1254
See website for additional stores.
Cub Foods
2627 N Elston Ave (773) 252-6400
7200 S Cicero Ave (708) 496-0095
112 W 87th St (773) 874-9592
Food 4 Less
3039 S Cicero Ave, Cicero, 60804 - (708) 652-4257
7770 S Cicero Ave, Burbank, 60459 - (708) 499-7950
12150 S Pulaski Rd, Alsip, 60803 - (708) 385-3046
Sav-a-Lot
"... provides high quality foods and everyday items at savings up to 40% less than conventional chains."
710 West 43rd Street (773) 254-3026
4701 S. Cottage Grove 773-548-1634
420 South Pulaski 773-533-1690
Deal$ 4738 N. Western Ave. 773-271-1923
3939 West Ogden
Click Here to be notified of specials via newsletter
Chicago Co-op Food Markets
Co-op Express
1226 E. 53th Street Chicago, IL 60615
773.363.2175 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
55th Street Co-op Market
1526 E. 55th Street Chicago, IL 60615
773.667.1444 7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
Chicago Open Air and Farmers Markets
Chicago's Green City Market
Features the Highest Quality, Locally Farmed Sustainable / Organic Foods Wednesdays & Saturdays May 18th - October 29th 7am to 1:30pm " The Chicago Green City Market is located north of LaSalle Street in Lincoln Park along the path between 1750 N. Clark and Stockton Drive. Discounted parking is available for $3.00 for the first hour with validation in the parking lot off of Stockton Drive... Lincoln Park Trolley Service Free Trolley service through Lincoln Park and along Michigan Avenue to Chicago's most popular sites. The trolley service stops directly in front of Chicago's Green City Market and runs every 20 minutes."
Oak Park Farmers Market
This Oak Park tradition is open every Saturday from June through October, from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. "The Market is a step back into simpler times . . . buying things from the farmers who grow them, surrounded by the sounds of live bluegrass music , the smell of freshly made donuts, and the profusion and variety of nature's bounty." Map of Market Free parking in garage until 1 p.m.
Ashbary Coffee House
8695 S. Archer, Willow Springs Tel: (708) 839-6963 "Music meets poetry meets java at this West Suburbs coffeehouse. Wednesdays host an acoustic and spoken word open mic; Thursdays feature improv comedy open mic and Friday through Sundays present live shows with improv comedy by an in-house troupe. All shows begin at 9 p.m. No cover, but a one (coffee) drink minimum."
Pick a Cup Coffee 1813 Dempster, Evanston, IL.
Thursdays 7:00 Pm - 10:00 Pm
Open Mic every Thursday Musicians and Poets are especially welcome.
"Over the past 30 years, The Poetry Center has presented many of the world's best-known poets as well as some prominent novelists... Nobel Prize winners, U.S. Poet Laureates, MacArthur Genius Award winners and Pulitzer Prize winners."
"Few clubs anywhere offer a wider range of first-rate world music, from wildly vibrant Afro-pop to avant-garde jazz, than HotHouse." -The New York Times
"Best Cultural Gem Downtown - What makes this house so hot? One of the most beautiful music rooms in the city, it features great live indie, jazz, soul or wold music on any given day and always has intriguing art on display."
-Best of Chicago, NewCity
The Green Mill
4802 North Broadway (Lawrence & Broadway)
Chicago.IL.60640 773.UPT.5552
"The most famous bar in Uptown if not all of Chicago, the Green Mill is one of famous gangster Al Capone's ... former speakeasies form the Prohibition-era roaring 20's ... it has also been a hangout of Charlie Chaplin and Gloria Swanson. The oldest jazz club in the US ... it remains one of the city's liveliest jazz venues."
Bossman Blues Club
3500 W. Lake, Chicago Tel: (773) 722-8744 Suggested two drink minimum
Artis's Lounge
features Tre' and The Blueknights Blues Band
249 E. 87th St. 773-734-0491 Sunday's at 7. Free.
Chicago Dances and Mixers
Ballroom Chicago
Weekly Calendar lists many dozens of free and inexpensive dance lessons. Sample Recent listing (refer to current week's list for actual events)
Tango Chicago
Cousin's Turkish Dining 3038 W. Irving Park Chicago IL 60622 8:00 - 9:00 pm Argentine Tango Lesson w/Tom Aksoy Dancing 9:00pm Until Midnight
$5.00 covers the whole night (optional $5 buffet also offered! For Info Call: (773) 968 0101
Democratic Leadership for the 21st Century.
Put yourself on their upcoming events list. Recent event offered "Free Admission for up to 100 guests between 5-7pm First two drinks for $0.50 Free Pig Roast Buffet from 5-7pm"
Party Planning Committee (PPC) Parties, Pub Crawls, Beach Volleyball, and other fun stuff since 1994. Chicago Is Our Playground! "... The PPC is not-for-profit "organization" (we use this term loosely) of volunteers who organize and promote pub crawls, parties, and other fun events for ourselves and our friends such as our flagship event, The Chicago Fourth of July Party, and what has become another part of our storied tradition, The Twelve Bars of Christmas. Most of our events center around Chicago's historic Lincoln Park neighborhood. Incidentally, PPC used to stand for "Party Planning Committee", however we just simply call it "the PPC" these days. "
" The JazzCity series is an innovative music education series that traces the evolution of Swing, Bebop, Latin-Jazz and Free-Jazz, highlighting Chicago's rich historical jazz legacy with legendary local musicians. Several programs travel citywide—repeating the themes of Bebop Brass, Saxophone Summit, Big Band/Big Dance and Sonidos Calientes (Hot Sounds), with a different roster of performers presenting their interpretations of the themes at each park. Through oral history, workshops and concerts, JazzCity reconnects Chicago's communities to their own jazz history and America's own art form."
All programs are free and open to the public – seating may be limited. For more information, please call 312/427-1676.
Maxwell Street... Birth of the Blues
"Without Maxwell Street as a incubator and proving ground for Chicago Blues musicians, there would be no Chicago Blues Festival. Maxwell Street gave blues musicians a chance to hear each other jam and pick up extra money between jobs. Without Maxwell Street, many of the migrating blues musicians could not have stayed long in Chicago; they would have had to return to Memphis, St. Louis, or the Delta."
On Sundays, visit the New Maxwell Street Market at Canal and Roosevelt Road, from 7:00AM to 2:00PM. " Canal Street runs parallel to Halsted and is about a half/mile east of it. Gourmet Mexican street food abounds and in good weather the blues musicians still play. This is the biggest market in Chicago but it still is only a third the size of the old market. This market is definitely worth a visit."
Jim's Hot Dog Stand
1320 South Halsted (312-666-0533) - Hotdogs with grilled onions ... open 24 hours.
Blues Still Holdin On Maxwell Street
"... Piano C. Red, who use to play in front of the Johnnie Dollar Thrift Shop on Old Maxwell Street, has returned to the New Maxwell Street Market with his Flat Foot Boogie Band. He plays there every Sunday, weather permitting, at the far southern end of the New Maxwell Street Market, on Canal Street, on the bridge, by 16th Street. The 400 vendor Market operates every Sunday. Piano C. Red is there from 10AM to 3PM. There is no admission to the market. There is usually available free parking on 16th Street, just west of Canal. "
Blues at Chicago's New Maxwell Street Market
"... They're keeping the tradition alive. In good weather, three blues bands regularly play at the New Maxwell Street Market. Visitors from all over the world still come to sit in with them. At this time, Willie James's Band plays at the far south end of the market; David Lindsey's Band plays in the middle of the market in front of the Terminal Tap; and Piano C. Red's Flat Foot Boogie Band plays at the northwest corner of Canal and Roosevelt Road, kitty corner to the Blues Bus... "
Art Institute of Chicago
"The benefits of volunteering are many. First and foremost is the wonderful environment of the Art Institute, where staff and volunteers work together to make positive contributions to an institution they love. Volunteers also take part in continuing education programs, including free lectures, presentations, and tours, so they can learn more about the extensive collection. There are also Museum Shop discounts, annual recognition events, and the chance to constantly meet new people and make new friends. Volunteers also receive the quarterly Volunteer Newsletter, with behind-the-scenes articles about the museum, essential volunteer information, and spotlights on special exhibitions."
Free Admission Days for Chicago Museums, Zoos, Planetariums and Aquariums
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum
2005 Free Days:
• Mondays and Tuesdays January 10 through March 1 and September 12 through December 20.
Museum admission is free on these days.
An additional fee for shows applies.
Art Institute of Chicago
Ford Free Tuesdays. "Join us each Tuesday for a free dose of culture. Thanks to Ford Motor Company, the Art Institute is able to provide exciting and constantly changing free programs and activities throughout the day. Drop by any time—there’s always something to see on Ford Free Tuesdays."
111 S. Michigan, Chicago, IL, 312/ 443 3600
Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art
Admission is free from 5 - 8 pm on Tuesday evenings. Marshall Field's Free Tuesday Evenings are generously sponsored by Marshall Field's Gives. Located 220 East Chicago Avenue, just one block east of Michigan Avenue, in the heart of the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago
Chicago Childrens Museum
Free Family Night sponsored by Kraft: Thursday evenings, 5 - 8pm Located at the Navy Pier.
Lincoln Park Zoo Free 365 days a year (parking is $12). Off Lake Shore Drive just north of downtown at 2001 N. Clark St (Fullerton Parkway exit). Summer hours: Grounds: 9-6
Museum of Science and Industry
Free Admission Day Schedule for 2005: Free on Mondays and Tuesdays from January 3 through March 15; Free every day from June 5 through June 10; Free on Mondays and Tuesdays from September 12 through November 24; Free on December 24
Shedd Aquarium
"Discount Days will run June 5 -10. During this time, general admission is free, and admission to the Oceanarium and Wild Reef is available at the reduced rate of $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children 3-11." Check website for current information .
Metra's $5 Weekend Pass offers unlimited rides on both Saturday and Sunday.* This pass may be purchased on Saturday and/or Sunday on the train or at Metra ticket offices. Weekend parking is available at all stations.
Free Summertime Lincoln Park Trolley
"Take advantage of this fun and free means of getting around! The Lincoln Park Trolley provides everyone with an environmentally friendly way to visit the Lincoln Park neighborhood and area cultural institutions including the Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Historical Society and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. The newly expanded trolley routes connect CTA and Metra riders to some of Chicago's favorite summer hot spots. "
"Trolley services begins Memorial Day weekend (May 29) and runs through Labor Day (September 6). All routes run from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Routes 1 & 2 run 7 days a week. Route 3 runs on weekends only, with the addition of Memorial Day and Labor Day."
Free Trolley between Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier. "Chicago's Free Trolley System offers weekend service to some of the city's most popular museums, shopping destinations and visitor attractions. The free trolleys travel to and from Navy Pier, the Museum Campus, Lincoln Park Zoo, Michigan Avenue and State Street with many stops in between." Information at 1-877-244-2246
Chicago Art Gallery Openings
List of Chicago Galleries and schedule of openings.
Opening celebrations of new exhibits usually take place on Friday evenings. 5-8 p.m. All events are free.... and typically feature refreshments and a chance to mingle with other art aficionados.
"At First Fridays, visitors can unwind after work and enjoy an intriguing mix of culture, ranging from live music and performance art to experimental films and hands-on art stations. First Fridays also hosts the opening night events for 12 x 12: New Artists/New Work , a series of monthly exhibitions featuring emerging Chicago artists.
"First Fridays tickets, which include museum admission, live entertainment, and complimentary Wolfgang Puck hors d'oeuvres, are $14 ($7 for MCA members). Tickets are available the evening of the event. Doors are open from 6-10 pm. A cash bar is available until 9:30 pm. Guests must be 21 or older to enter ."
"Advance tickets are now available for $10 ($7 MCA members). Please call the MCA Box Office at 312.397.4010 or visit TicketWeb ."
Far Out Friday at the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
Telescope viewing of the night sky, unlimited shows in the historic Sky Theater and the world's first StarRider Theater, lectures by leading space science specialists, and Doane Observatory tours. Adults $15, Children and Seniors $12
SOFA
InternationalSculpture Objects & Functional
Art (SOFA) Expositions held in late October or early November at the Navy Pier. A 4 day ticket is a bargain.
HotTix
Half price tickets to more than 125 Chicago area theaters. Available shows posted daily. Tickets must be purchased in person at any Hot Tix location.
Theatre Thursdays
"Thursdays are the perfect night to check out Chicago’s red-hot theater scene. Each Thursday, we'll offer specially-priced tickets to one of the hottest shows in town, cocktails and appetizers before or after the show, PLUS the chance to schmooze with the artists or go behind-the-scenes." Events sell out fast, so reserve 2-3 weeks in advance.
Get Free Tickets to Plays, Festivals and Events by Ushering and Volunteering
One way to find out about ushering opportunities is to read Craig's List regularly... where you can find posts like this:
"Interested in seeing "Defending the Caveman" but don't want to pay $39.50-$45? Why not usher? All you have to do is tear tickets for a half hour and help clean up cups after the show and you get to watch the show for free! "
League of Chicago Theatres
has a list of member theaters. You can contact these theaters and inquire about ushering jobs.
Some examples:
Beverly Arts Center of Chicago
"Usher and see the performance! Come one hour before the performance and stay for light housekeeping after the performance. Your theater admittance is complimentary."
Chicago Humanities Festival
Uses 500 volunteers to help to take tickets, control crowds, distribute materials, assist in seating, manage book signings, and guarantee the most pleasant experience possible for all Festival attendees. As an added incentive, we offer volunteers free tickets to Festival events; two free tickets of their choice for every 3-5 hour volunteer shift!
Chicago International Film Festival
"We are always looking for capable volunteers to assist us in managing our events. Volunteers are needed to help direct hundreds of students off and on buses before and after screenings."
Goodman Theatre
"Through our ushering program individuals are offered the opportunity to see Goodman productions for free. Usher duties include stuffing and handing out programs, taking tickets at the door and seating patrons. All ushering requests must be made by phone to the ushering voice-mail system at 312.443.3808. You will be asked to leave your name, phone number, the dates you are available to usher, and how many people in your party (maximum of four)."
University of Chicago Presents
"once a student has ushered for six concerts, he or she will be eligible to attend a concert with other dedicated ushers to see a Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert downtown in the spring. It is our way of rewarding hard-working ushers." This online "ushering manual" is a great overview of what's expected of ushers, how to dress, etc.
Chicago Summer Festivals
Chicago Folk & Roots Festival "... For two days in Welles Park (in the Lincoln Square neighborhood), The Old Town School of Folk Music's commitment to educate, honor, and present American and International artistic traditions and styles is on display in a multi-staged open-air festival environment celebrating artistic diversity and cultural harmony." Early July.
"... Since 1904, Ravinia has been Chicago's “sound of summer ,” a place where you can meet up with your friends, have a wonderful time and hear some of the greatest music in the world."
Seasonal Employment Opportunities and Internships:
Ravinia employs seasonal workers and interns. Part of compensation includes free admission to events and meals in addition to hourly wages. "... Members of the summer staff assist with all aspects of the Steans Institute's daily operations including: stage-managing, artist transportation, meal arrangements, video and audio recording (no experience necessary), and general office work."
Chicago Blues Festival
".... For four days in late spring each year, the lakefront in Grant Park is packed with blues bands and enthusiasts from all over the world for the Chicago Blues Festival, the largest free blues festival in the world.... The main attractions of the festival for many are the sideshows alongside Grant Park, where you might see a big name stop by for an impromptu performance, or a future star giving a jaw-dropping set on a makeshift stage.... At night, the festival carries on in clubs all around the city, from the more well-known and well-heeled venues to the downtown spit-and-sawdust bars where you find the real Chicago blues experience."
"Senior Celebrations is an annual kick-off day held in September for the Art Insights program. Senior Celebrations offers a variety of programs throughout the day, such as small informal talks in the galleries, live music, and sketch classes. See School of the Art Institute artists painting in the galleries. More than 70 volunteers help make Senior Celebrations possible each year. Senior Celebrations is generously funded by the Hulda B. and Maurice L. Rothschild Foundation."
Chicago for Art Students
University Nights
"Twice a year, the Art Institute opens its special exhibitions exclusively to university students and faculty. These free, evening events allow you to avoid the normal crowds, enjoy gallery talks by curators and area scholars, and socialize with other art-loving students and faculty at a coffee-bar reception."
"Free, but you must register to attend. Individuals are welcome, or instructors can arrange to bring a class. Space is limited and once capacity is reached, registration will close."
"To register, send an e-mail to unight@artic.edu or leave a message at (312) 857-7182 with your name, e-mail address, and school that you attend.
2. On the evening of the event, enter the museum at the Michigan Avenue entrance.
3. Bring your school ID to gain entrance. Only current students and faculty may attend."
About Face Theatre
About Face Youth Theatre is hosting a theatre lab in the summer of 2005 investigating home and homelessness with a diverse ensemble of Chicago's LGBTQ youth and their allies. Youth ages 14-20 years old are eligible to join us. No experience necessary. Participation is free of charge. This is your chance to join a diverse ensemble of amazing youth activists and artists, listen to incredible life stories, raise your voice by telling your own story and become an agent for change in the community.
Chicago Accommodations
Priceline is your best bet for Cheap Hotel Deals in the Chicago Area
Why spend $120 or more a night for a hotel in the heart of Chicago when you can book online... stay in the burbs... and save enough to splurge on some great dining and entertainment.
We recently booked 6 nights at a 2 star extended stay hotel in one of Chicago's suburbs just 20 minutes west of O'Hare for less than $200. That's about $33 a night... or more than $40 less than than the advertised rate. I figure we saved about $250.
Cheap T rick: go to Google look for the hotel you are interested in ... and note the location. Go to Priceline , and request that location only for a 2 star hotel. Put in a $20 price. Keep upping the price until the "warning" that you have little chance of getting a room at that price goes away. Now add a few dollars to your bid. I like to add $5 or $6. I've found that if you bid the lowest price, you'll often be asked to re-bid at $9 o more higher. So it's best to go in at a "reasonable" rate to begin with.
I have never gone wrong with Priceline... but if "buying a pig in a poke" is a bit too unnerving for you, try Hotwire . You'll pay a bit more... and it's still a bit of a guessing game... but at least you know your price.
Chicago Area Bookstores
Booklegger's Used Books
2907 N. Broadway Chicago, IL , 60657
Phone: 773-404-8780 books@bookleggers.com
Over 10,000 used books in stock on all subjects, plus CDs, cassettes, books on cassette and videos. Open 7 days a week, starting at noon.
Recycle Your Used Books at Myopic ... and Earn Extra Cash... or Book Credit.
We are always looking for quality used books in many diverse subject areas such as: Art, Architecture, Fiction, History, Psychology, Philosophy, Science Fiction, Poetry, Cooking, Sociology, Music, Drama etc. You can sell us your books for store credit, or cash. We pay a fair price for good books!
If you have more than 3 large boxes, or 4 full bags of books, you now need to make a Monday appointment with us. Please call 773.862.4882, and speak with Cat or Adrienne. We will not take walk-ins on Monday.
REGULAR (walk-in) BUYING HOURS
Fridays 6pm to 10pm Saturdays 11am to 6pm
Village Discount Outlet
Not as "upscale" as Goodwill, but the prices are typically a lot cheaper. I found a stack of really interesting vinyl LPs at 20 cents each, a wooden dish rack for 90 cents and a wire and glass bead lampshade for 90 cents.
There are a dozen stores in the Chicago area.. and growing. Here are some of them:
2032 N Milwaukee Ave nr Armitage (773) 486-7603
2855 N. Halsted Chicago, IL 60657 773-348-9466
4898 N Clark St, Chicago, 60607 (708) 388-4772
Roscoe and Damen, Chicago
2514 W 47th St (708) 388-4772 3301 West Lawrence Ave Chicago
900 N Farnsworth Ave Aurora (708) 388-4772
Wow and Zen
18th and 19th century furnishings, accessories from rural China and Tibet, or wire and wood accent pieces from Europe ... at prices that are uniquely affordable.
DSW Shoe Warehouse
3131 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 975-7182
This large national chain offers 30,000 pairs of designer shoes at 25% to 50% discount. Clearance at additional 30% to 70% discount.
Filene's Basement
830 N Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 482-8918
TJ Maxx Stores
2840 North Broadway Chicago, IL 60657 773-975-2347
1745 West Fullerton Chicago, IL 60614 773-327-1124
11 North State St Chicago, IL 60602 312-553-0515
6456 West Irving Park Rd Chicago, IL 60634 773-725-9400
3337 Golf Road Skokie (Evanston), IL 60203 847-982-9890
