
What we’re about
This group is for anyone who 50 and older wanting to remain active and enjoy the activities available in Chicago. We welcome anyone who wants to meet new people & DO SOMETHING FUN! We will do more than just eat & drink, but we will have events that are centered on food and conversation.
"Active" means doing some of what this great city offers. Events like music and dancing, shows and exhibits, theater and maybe an occasional movie. There will also be things such as dining and meet ups at coffee shops. In warmer months, there will be opportunities for outdoor activities.
I live in Ch8cago and will primarily list events in Chicago.
Group members are encouraged to propose events, and I will be happy to list them on the group webpage.
Thanks,
Rob
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Class of 68 at the Arlington Heights Frontier DaysRecreation Park, Arlington Heights, IL
Time for some patriotic rock n’ roll!
https://theclassof68.com/Index.asp#Appearances
The Class of ’68 captures the spirit of the 1960’s with energy and passion, playing timeless hits that changed the world from the British Invasion to Woodstock and beyond. Used in countless movie soundtracks and television commercials, the band’s classic rock repertoire has arguably the widest appeal of any musical genre. Ideal for any large stage or intimate setting, The Class of ’68 is a unique experience, complete with a wide array of stage clothes that has kept audiences entertained and on the dance floor in some of Chicago’s best venues since 2002.
The band plays from 6: to 7:45 p.m. on the Frontier Stage,
Entertainment/Bands – Frontier Days| OUTSIDE FOOD, COOLERS, DRINKS, AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ARE NOT PERMITTED | |
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| Carry-ins and backpacks will be checked, per AH Police. |Food and Drinks are available for purchase and help to fund Festival expenses. Food and drink will be sold in the Main Food Tent and the back of the park.
PARKING-
There is limited street parking surrounding Recreation Park, as well as an adjacent parking garage. There also are free shuttles from other nearby lots. Here is a link to a related map-
FDF_Flyer2025.pdfThis event is FREE. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR.
We will sit left of center close to the stage for spontaneous dancing. Please look for the white balloon.If you decide to stay later, the BoDeans will be playing on the main stage at 8:00 p.m.
This will be posted on two meetup groups, We look forward to seeing you!
- 🍻 🧱 Beer, Bricks & the Berlin Wall: Lincoln Square Tour 🥨Western Brown Line Stop, Chicago, IL
🍻 🧱 Beer, Bricks & the Berlin Wall: Lincoln Square Tour 🥨
Stroll through this European-style North Side neighborhood and uncover stories of immigrants, industry, and art in a vibrant, ever-evolving Chicago community.
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📅 Saturday, July 5, 2025
🕚 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Start: Western Brown Line Station – 4648 N. Western Ave
🎯 End: Queen of Angels Church – 2330 W. Sunnyside Ave
💥 Cost: $20 per person (paid at start — Cash, PayPal, Zelle, Venmo accepted)
🚶♀️ Distance: Approx. 2 miles outdoors
⚠️ Note: The tour ends ~2 blocks from where we start. Plan your parking accordingly—it’s an easy walk back if you park in between.
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🚶♂️ What to Expect
✅ ~2 miles of relaxed outdoor walking
✅ European-style shops with Old World flair
✅ Historic churches, theaters, and iconic German businesses
✅ Chicago immigrant history & architecture
✅ Stories of pickles, streetcars, breweries & community📸While it’s not a formal photo walk, there will be plenty of Instagram-worthy moments! Multi-meetup groups will be attending!
Led by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide, you’ll trace Lincoln Square’s journey from immigrant roots to creative hub. Spots are limited—reserve yours today to get an up-close look at the history, charm, and character of Lincoln Square!
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🏛️ Stops & Highlights
🧱 Berlin Wall Monument at Western Station
🎨 Lincoln Square Mural & Maypole
💊 Merz Apothecary
🪑 Giddings Plaza
🥨 Gene’s Sausage Shop
🌿 Savory Spice Shop
🗽 Abraham Lincoln Statue
🏤 DANK Haus German American Cultural Center
🎥 Davis Theater
🎻 Krause Music Store
🎶 Old Town School of Folk Music
🍺 Niedersachsen Club
📚 Sulzer Regional Library
🍰 Lutz Bakery
🌳 Welles (Gideon) Park
⛪ Queen of Angels Church
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🍽️ Optional After-Tour Lunch
After our walk, some of us will grab a bite at:
🍗 Luella’s Southern Kitchen
🥪 Jerry’s Sandwiches
🥨 Gene’s Sausage Shop
⚠️ Bring cash if joining for lunch, as some venues don’t do separate checks!
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👟 What to Bring
✅ Good walking shoes
✅ Water
✅ Sunscreen/hat
✅ Weather-appropriate clothing for Chicago summer
💵 Cost: $20 per person – please pay at the start of the tour
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🚗 Parking & Transit Tips
• Metered parking on Lincoln, Western & Lawrence
• Free street parking on side streets (watch permit signs)
• Easy CTA access via Western Brown Line
• Plan your route with the CTA Trip Planner
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📌 RSVP & No-Show Policy
✅ Please keep your RSVP up to date.
✅ No-shows without updates hurt planning for everyone.
✅ Cutoff time to update your RSVP is the event start time.
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Come experience Lincoln Square like never before! Let’s explore its Old World charm, German heritage, and diverse small businesses together on a lovely summer Saturday morning.✨ Space is limited—RSVP now and join us for this unique neighborhood adventure! 🇩🇪🏛️
- CHICAGO w/special guest Stevie McVie at RAVINIA in Highland Park (TIX AVAIL)Ravinia Festival, Highland Park, IL
Are you a fan of classic rock, legendary horn sections, and timeless hits like "Saturday in the Park" and "25 or 6 to 4"? You won’t want to miss this! Let’s see the iconic band Chicago live at Ravinia! We’ll be kicking back on the lawn with blankets, chairs, delicious food, and plenty of wine — the perfect summer night picnic set to one of the greatest bands of all time. Let’s sing along, dance, and soak up every nostalgic note under the stars! These shows sell out fast, so grab your tickets soon and join the party!
**Tickets are $55 for GENERAL ADMISSION LAWN SEATS + service fee. You can also rent a chair and/or table if you do not want to lug one from home. Chairs are $10 and tables are $12.Just add before checkout. I already rented 1 table, so maybe we only need 1 more table? Go here to purchase a ticket, Pick SATURDAY 7/5/25, GENERAL ADMISION LAWN
"Chicago with special guest Stevie McVie"
https://www.ravinia.org/events/detail/chicago#showing_87REMEMBER, BEFORE YOU CHECK OUT, YOU CAN ADD A CHAIR AND/OR A TABLE SO YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LUG ONE ALONG ON THE TRAIN!
ALSO KEEP IN MIND THERE IS A $24 SERVICE PROCESSING FEE, BUT IT IS FOR THE WHOLE CART, SO IF YOU ARE ATTENDING MORE THAN ONE SHOW, IT IS STILL $24! OR SEE IF YOU WANT TO BUY TICKETS WITH OTHER MEMBERS TO SAVE FEES! ALSO, YOU CAN GO TO THE HIGHLAND PARK BOX OFFICE FOR NO FEES!We are doing the following shows this season at Ravinia, so click on the link here Active 50s + Group Events to sign up for any of those shows as well:
- 6/6/25 An Evening with Heart
- 6/28/25 Al Green with special guest The O'Jays
- 7/5/25 Chicago with special guest Stevie McVie /
- 8/21/25 Lenny Kravitz
All of these are posted on Meetup, so sign up for one or all of them! Best to purchase all at once to save fees if attending several shows! It will be a fun summer!
Please try to come early so it is to meet at the front & sit together. I will post my location once I arrive. I plan to arrive at 5 pm when the gates open!
We’re teaming up with several other Meetup groups for this fun event, so it’s a multi-group gathering! If you see my name with a large number next to it, that means lots of people are attending from various groups — it's going to be a great crowd!
If you drive, it is $25 for parking. For bigger shows, they may send you to satellite lots, so I strongly suggest coming early if you can! Otherwise, you will have to wait for shuttle buses to bring you to the venue. Can also park at the Highland Park Metra station after 4 pm for free & shuttle over. More details here:
https://www.ravinia.org/visit/getting-here#trainI will most likely take the Metra. You will need to take the Union Pacific North line. You can get on at Chicago OTC, Clybourn, Ravenswood etc.
If you want to ride the Metra with me, meet me at the Ravenswood station, or if you get on before me, then we can meet on the train. Once it gets closer, we can coordinate train time as the summer schedule is not out yet! The train stops at Ravinia’s Tyler Gate (“Ravinia Park” stop)*.
The nearby “Braeside” stop is only a quarter-mile walk from Ravinia. For more info, go here: https://www.ravinia.org/visit/getting-here#trainPLEASE, BRING FOOD OR DRINKS TO SHARE. WE DO THIS PICNIC POTLUCK STYLE SO ALL MUST BRING SOMETHING! JUST LEAVE A COMMENT AS TO WHAT YOU WILL BRING! I WILL RENT A TABLE, BUT BRING A TABLE IF YOU CAN, SO WE CAN SET UP EVERYTHING!
Chicago is a pioneering American rock band formed in 1967, known for blending rock and roll with a bold brass sound to create a genre-defying mix of jazz-rock, pop, and classical-infused music. Originally named Chicago Transit Authority, the band quickly shortened its name after their debut album and went on to become one of the most commercially successful and longest-running bands in history. Their lineup has evolved over time, but founding members like Robert Lamm (keyboards/vocals), James Pankow (trombone), and Lee Loughnane (trumpet) have remained active.
Chicago made its mark with ambitious compositions and a politically and socially conscious edge in the early years, producing enduring classics like “25 or 6 to 4,” “Beginnings,” and “Saturday in the Park.” In the 1980s, the band transitioned into a more pop-oriented sound, scoring major hits with power ballads like “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” “You’re the Inspiration,” and “Hard Habit to Break.” Their ability to evolve with the times without losing their core identity helped them maintain a multi-generational fan base.
To date, Chicago has sold over 100 million records, earned more than 20 Top 10 hits, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. They are recognized as “The Band with Horns,” one of the few rock acts to make horns a central part of their sound. With over 38 albums and a non-stop touring schedule, Chicago continues to be a vital presence in the world of live music. https://chicagotheband.com/
Ravinia Festival is an outdoor music venue in Highland Park, Illinois. It hosts a series of outdoor concerts and performances every summer from June to September. The first orchestra to perform at Ravinia Festival was the New York Philharmonic under Walter Damrosch on June 17, 1905. It has been the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) since 1936. Located in the Ravinia neighborhood, the venue operates on the grounds of the 36-acre (15 ha) Ravinia Park, with a variety of outdoor and indoor performing arts facilities, including the architectural prairie style Martin Theater. The Ravinia Festival attracts about 600,000 listeners to some 120 to 150 events that span all genres from classical music to jazz to music theater over each three-month summer season. https://ravinia.org/
If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use the Metra trip planner. https://ridertools.metrarail.com/maps-schedules/train-lines/UP-N
If you drive, see info I gave above on parking or check Ravinia's website
PLEASE KEEP RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!
- 🏰🌿 History, Hedges & Hidden Treasures Walk of Old Irving Park💎4200 W. Irving Park, Chicago, IL
🗺️ Explore Old Irving Park: A Chicago for Chicagoans Walking Tour!
“A Pay-What-You-Can event with Chicago for Chicagoans – discover the history, homes, and hidden gems of Old Irving Park!” 🏡🌳
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🏰🌿 History, Hedges & Hidden Treasures Walk of Old Irving Park💎
📅 Sunday, July 6, 2025
🕚 11:00 AM – ~1:00 PM
📍 Start: 4200 W. Irving Park Rd
🎯 End: Eris Brewery & Cider House – 4240 W. Irving Park Rd
👟 Distance: Approx. 2 miles of walking
⚠️ Note: Tour ends ~2 blocks from where we start. Plan your parking accordingly—it’s an easy stroll back if you park in between!
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✨ About the Tour
Join us for a special public walking tour through one of Chicago’s most captivating historic neighborhoods: Old Irving Park!
This event is presented in collaboration with Chicago for Chicagoans, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping residents learn about their own city. Unlike my usual private tours, this one is open to the public—all Meetup members, friends, and newcomers are welcome!💸 This is a Pay-What-You-Can event. Donations will be collected at the end of the walk per nonprofit policy.
✅ Registration is required:
👉 Reserve your spot on Eventbrite
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🏘️ What You’ll Discover
We’ll stroll through the leafy, historic streets of Old Irving Park to uncover:
• 🏛️ Historic Architecture
• ⛪ Diverse Religious Heritage
• 🌳 Small-Town Feel in the City
• 🌍 Cultural Layers & Immigrant Roots
• 💎 Local Gems and History📸 Not a formal photo walk, but you’ll find plenty of Insta-worthy stops along the way! ✨
👥 This event is a fun collaboration — multiple meetup groups will be attending, so come meet new friends and explore together!
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📜 Why Old Irving Park?
Old Irving Park is a distinct neighborhood within Chicago’s Irving Park community. Locals say it offers the best of both worlds—the conveniences of city living combined with a charming suburban feel.
It’s home to iconic Chicago architecture, from elegant Victorian mansions to turn-of-the-century bungalows—some buildings here even predate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.Originally named “Irvington” after author Washington Irving, the name changed to “Irving Park” when it was discovered another Illinois town already had the original name. The area attracted Chicago’s wealthiest families who built grand mansions along Irving Park Boulevard between 1870 and 1874.
The Great Chicago Fire in 1871 accelerated Irving Park’s growth, as many sought refuge outside the devastated city. By 1889, Irving Park was annexed into Chicago as part of Jefferson Township. Improved infrastructure like city streets, streetcar lines, and water services drew more residents. Between 1895 and 1914, over 5,000 buildings were constructed by new owners, shaping the neighborhood’s unique character.
🏘️ Stops & Highlights
A few places we will stop at during the walk:
• 🚉 4200 W Irving Park Rd – The Whistle Stop Inn
• 🏠 3926 N Keeler – Charles Loucks House
• 🏡 3900 N Keeler – C.O. Loucks House
• 🏠 3945 N Tripp – The Race House
• 🏠 3916 N Tripp – Nuveen House
• ⛪ 3850 N Tripp – Mt Olive Church
• ⛪ 3801 N Keeler – Irving Park Methodist Church
• 🏫 3601 N Milwaukee – Carl Schurz High School
• 🏛️ 4362 W Grace – John Gray Mansion
• 🏠 3854 N Kostner – John & Clara Merchant House
• ⛪ 3857 N Kostner – St John’s Episcopal Church
• 🏠 4041 N Lowell – Emeril Jensen House
• 🏋️ 4251 W Irving Park Rd – Irving Park YMCA
• 🍺 4240 W Irving Park Rd – ERIS Brewery and Cider House
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🤝 About Chicago for Chicagoans
Founded in 2016 by Patti Swanson, Chicago for Chicagoans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit using pay-what-you-can tours to connect residents to their city.
🌐 Learn more or donate
💖 Make a tax-deductible contribution to support community learning.
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🚇 Getting There
✅ Easy CTA access—plan with CTA Trip Planner or Google Maps
🚗 Driving? Metered parking on Irving, Keeler or Pulaski. Free side street parking nearby (watch permit signs).
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📌 RSVP & Attendance Policy
✅ Please keep your RSVP up to date.
✅ No-shows without notice make planning difficult for everyone.
✅ Cut-off time to update your RSVP is the event start time.
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Can’t wait to walk with you in my neighborhood! Come discover Old Irving Park’s history, charm, and community spirit on this special summer Sunday morning.✨ RSVP today and join this unique Chicago adventure! 🏡🌳