What we’re about
🎉 Welcome to Windy City Wanderers! 🌆
We’re so excited to have you here!
Whether you’re new to Chicago or a lifelong local, this group lets you explore the city in fresh, unforgettable ways. Think of it as being a tourist in your own town—discovering hidden gems, fun facts, and unique experiences across Chicagoland. 🗺️✨
This group is the sister to our original, "1001 Things to See in Chicago Before You Die," and we’ll be hosting lots of joint events together! 🤝
🎟️ Membership Info:
- Enjoy a 90-day FREE trial
- After that, it’s just $12/year
- Want to skip the dues? Host an event, and your annual fee is waived! 🙌
🚇 Most events happen in the city or nearby suburbs like Oak Park, Evanston, and Park Ridge—and all are CTA-accessible.
❗Group Policy: We have a “3-strikes” no-show policy. Miss three events without updating your RSVP, and you'll be suspended for 3 months. This keeps things fair and respectful for everyone.
🎉 This is a year-round group—winter won’t slow us down! We’re all about meeting new people and having fun through one-of-a-kind outings all over the Chicago area.
💬 Got questions or ideas? Want to lead an outing? Message us anytime—we’d love to hear from you!
Let’s stay connected:
📘 Facebook Page
👥 Facebook Group
📸 Instagram
🌟 Sister Group on Meetup
Can’t wait to wander with you!
Giovina R.
Organizer, Windy City Wanderers 🌬️🚶♀️🚶♂️
🌿✨ Palmer Square: Step Inside Logan Square’s Gems - Housewalk 2025 🌳🏡✨
🏛️ 35th Biennial Logan Square House & Garden Walk 2025 with Palmer Square Focus
📅 Saturday, September 20, 2025
⏰ 10 AM – 5 PM
📍 Kickoff: Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church
3062 W Palmer Square, Chicago, IL 60647
🎟️ Tickets required
✨ Logan Square Preservation proudly presents the 35th Biennial House & Garden Walk—a rare chance to step inside some of Logan Square’s most stunning historic homes & gardens, with a special spotlight on Palmer Square.
***
🌟 What’s Included
- Guided interior access to 10 sites, including:
- 7 historic homes on Palmer Square
- Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church (1910, Lowe & Bollenbacher)
- Additional unique homes, from the "Schwinn Mansion” on Humboldt Blvd to a converted church residence
- 🚗 Vintage Car Show – 50+ collectible cars lining Palmer Square’s north side
- 👩🏫 Docents provide architectural & historical insight at every stop
- 🌳 Explore beautifully kept gardens and the historic Humboldt & Palmer Square boulevards
***
🎟️ Tickets
- $35 Early Bird (thru 9/14/25)
- $50 Regular & Day-of
👉 Advance tickets recommended (may sell out!)
🔗 Buy Tickets Here
🔗 Direct Link
(Tip: The system auto-adds a donation—opt out if you wish)
🎟️ Online sales close 9/19/25; after that, purchase at the door at higher price.
***
🚶 What to Expect
- Walk runs 10 AM – 5 PM
- We will not end where we start—plan accordingly
- Trolley may be available; otherwise, expect to walk between sites
- We’ll grab a bite nearby after the tour (optional, location TBD)
- Bring comfy shoes + water
***
🚗 Getting There & Parking
- CTA: Short walk from the California Blue Line station → CTA Trip Planner
- Street parking available on Kedzie, Fullerton, Humboldt, & side streets (watch permit signs)
- Possible special parking lot—confirmation closer to date
***
ℹ️ About the Event
- Started in the early years of Logan Square Preservation, this is the group’s longest-running education & outreach event
- Funds raised support:
- 🌳 Tree planting
- 📜 Historic archives
- 🎉 Free community events
- 🏛️ Preservation advocacy
***
🌳 Palmer Square History:
· Named for Charles Palmer, a prominent late-19th-century Chicago developer
· Central green space features a landscaped triangle & fountain, surrounded by grand Tudor Revival, Prairie, and Classical Revival homes
· Historically home to Chicago’s middle- and upper-middle-class families
· Park and homes preserved as part of Logan Square’s historic district, highlighting the neighborhood’s rich architectural heritage
📌 RSVP / No-Show Policy
- Cut-off time to update RSVP = event start time
- 3 no-shows (without updating RSVP) → suspension from RSVPs for 3 months
- Must check in with host on arrival
***
👉 Don’t miss this chance to step inside 10 historic gems, see vintage cars, and experience the architecture & history of Logan & Palmer Square up close!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 🎤🌮🎶 Live Band Karaoke + Taco Tuesday! Multi-Group Meetup! 🎶🌮🎤All Star Seafood and sports, Chicago, IL
🎤🌮🎶 Live Band Karaoke + Taco Tuesday! Multi-Group Meetup! 🎶🌮🎤
⭐ Hosted by Deanna ⭐
Come on out for an incredibly fun Tuesday night—join multiple Meetup groups for Live Band Karaoke at All Star Seafood & Sports!
If you've never done live band karaoke before, you're in for a treat! This isn't your standard machine karaoke—the band plays live and helps you out if you don't know all the words or need support. Whether you want to take the mic or just watch and cheer on others, it's a blast either way.
✅ No experience necessary! The band will back you up and keep the energy high.
✅ Or just hang out and enjoy! Watching people perform with a live band is half the fun.
✅ Multi-group event: Expect a bigger, livelier crowd than the RSVP count—these typically average 10–12 people from our group alone, plus attendees from other groups.We want laid-back, non-judgmental, fun-loving folks who want to have a good time and support each other—even if someone can't carry a tune in a bucket!
🎉 TACO TUESDAY SPECIAL!
Come hungry and enjoy their awesome Tuesday Taco specials. Pair your food with drinks from their full bar.***
📅 WHEN:
Tuesday night! Live Band Karaoke starts at 8 PM.
🕗 Arrive early to get a good spot, hang out, grab food and drinks before the singing starts!***
📍 WHERE:
All Star Seafood & Sports
730 S. Clark St., Chicago, IL
✅ Website
✅ Facebook
✅ Menu***
🚗 PARKING INFO:
Street parking on Clark, Polk, and Wells Streets (watch for no parking and permit-only signs—it can be tricky).
⭐ Highly recommend using SpotHero or Parking Whiz for the safest and easiest option.
🚇 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
Plenty of CTA options—plan your route here: CTA Trip Planner***
✨ WHAT TO EXPECT:
✅ Sing with a live band (they’ll help you!)
✅ Amazing taco specials
✅ Drinks, friends, fun vibes
✅ A supportive crowd from multiple Meetup groups
✅ Outstanding food & a full bar
✅ Even if you don't sing, it's a great show!***
⚠️ OUR NO-SHOW POLICY:
✅ Please update your RSVP if you can’t make it!
❗ 3 no-shows without updating = 3-month hold from events.
✔️ Cut-off to update is the event start time.
✔️ Message the host if you’re running late.
✔️ Always check in with the host when you arrive.***
✨ Come sing your heart out, try some delicious tacos, cheer on your friends, and have an unforgettable Tuesday night with great people. Whether you’re the next Beyoncé or just want to laugh and clap along, this event is for you.
See you there! 🎤🌮🍻
- 🎷🎸Chicago Summer Blues Bash: Melvin Taylor at Historic Chess Records 🌆🎶Chess Records, Chicago, IL
🎷🎸Chicago Summer Blues Bash: Melvin Taylor at Historic Chess Records 🌆🎶
Record Row Concert Series 2025 – Last Show of the Season!
Let’s head back to the Willie Dixon Blues Garden for a fun night of free live blues music—a summer favorite! This time, we’ll catch the legendary Melvin Taylor, one of the greatest blues and jazz guitarists of all time, performing live next to the historic Chess Records Studio, now home to the Blues Heaven Foundation.
🗓 Thursday, September 11, 2025
🕕 Meet at 6:00 PM | 🎵 Music: 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Blues Heaven Foundation Garden – 2120 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago
🎟 FREE EVENT
***### Tentative Plan:
- 6:00 PM – Meet & greet in the garden and grab seats (limited seating available, feel free to bring a lawn chair)
- 6:00–7:30 PM – Blues concert under the summer sky 🎸🎤
- 7:30 PM – Walk to a nearby spot for bites & cocktails
- 7:40–9:15 PM – Dinner & socializing
***
### 🎷 About the Performer:
Melvin Taylor – Born to Play GuitarMelvin Taylor is one of the greatest guitarists in the history of rock, blues, and jazz. Often called “a guitarist’s guitarist,” Melvin is a self-taught master influenced by legends such as Albert King, Jimmy Reed, Wes Montgomery, and Jimi Hendrix.
He has shared stages with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Carlos Santana, George Benson, Buddy Guy, and B.B. King. A prolific composer, producer, and recording artist, Melvin’s breathtaking solos and fluid style cross blues, jazz, rock, and soul. His love of music shines through every performance, thrilling audiences around the world.
***### 🎶 About the Venue:
The Blues Heaven Foundation, founded by Willie Dixon, preserves the legacy of blues music and supports musicians’ rights. The venue is located in the historic Chess Records building, once home to blues icons like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Etta James, and Chuck Berry.👉 Blues Heaven Foundation: http://bluesheaven.com
🕰 Note: The museum closes at 4 PM. Last tour is at 3 PM—come early if you want to explore!
Record Row Concert Series info: http://bluesheaven.com/record-row-concert-series/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BluesHeavenFoundation
***### 🍽️ After-Show Food & Drinks (Nearby Options):
- Fatpour Tap Works – McCormick (2206 S. Indiana): https://fatpourchicago.com/mccormick/
- Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar (2210 S. Michigan): https://williamsinnpizza.com/
- Jerk Villa Bar & Grill (2216 S. Michigan): https://www.jerkvillabarandgrill.com/
- Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta (2106 S. Michigan): https://www.pizanoschicago.com/
- Il Culacino (2134 S. Indiana): https://ilculacinorestaurant.com/
***
### 🚇 Transit & Parking:
- CTA Trip Planner: https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
- CTA Red or Green Line + buses #1, #3, #4, #29
- Metered street parking & nearby garages
***
### ❗ No-Show Policy Reminder:
🚫 3 no-shows without updates = 3-month RSVP suspension
⏰ Cut-off time to update is start time of the event
📩 If late, message the host directly
📍 Be sure to check in with the host on arrival
***🎤 Bring your good vibes, maybe your own chair, and get ready for another unforgettable night of blues in one of the most historic music spots in the city!
- 🌟🎨 RAW 23: Ravenswood ArtWalk — Eats, Beats & Street Vibes 🍴🎤✨🎶W Irving Park Rd & N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL
🌟🎨 RAW 23: Ravenswood ArtWalk — Eats, Beats & Street Vibes 🍴🎤✨🎶
***
RAW 23rd Anniversary! Ravenswood ArtWalk: Arts + Industry TourRAW returns this September for its 23rd anniversary! Join us Saturday, 9/12, 1:30–6:30 PM for a massive weekend-long celebration of arts, industry, and community. This isn’t just a stroll — it’s one of Chicago’s biggest art walks!
📍 Where: Ravenswood Ave (Lawrence → Irving Park)
🕛 When: Sat 9/12, 1:30–6:30 PM | Group meet-up: Irving & Ravenswood✨ What to Expect:
- 🖼️ Open Studios & Galleries
- 🎤 Live music & dance on two stages
- 🛍️ Outdoor arts market with 50+ local makers
- 🍴 Food trucks galore
- 🍺 Malt Row Beer Garden
🎶 Saturday Music Lineup Highlights:
GRCC Stage (Ravenswood & Belle Plaine):- 5:00 – Rami Gabriel Jazz Trio w/ Joe Policastro & Quinn Kirchner
- 3:45 – Reilly Downes & the Acid Cowboys
- 2:30 – Wicked Drawl
- 1:15 – Lydia Cash
- 12:00 – The Millers
- 11:10 – Lucy Holden
Rendezvous Arts Stage (Ravenswood & Berteau):
- 4:00 – Jonas Friddle Bluegrass Trio
- 1:30 – Matt Ulery Jazz Trio
- 11:00 – Goran Ivanovic
🌟 Since 2001, RAW has transformed the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor into an arts hub — where former factories now house studios, makers, brewers, and innovators.
🔗 More Info:
- Event site: https://ravenswoodchicago.org/signature-events/ravenswood-artwalk/
- FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/689050139796061/689050143129394
🚇 Transit: Brown Line + CTA buses nearby | CTA Trip Planner
🚗 Parking: Limited! Metered spots on Lawrence/Montrose/Irving, some free side streets (watch permit signs).🙌 Proceeds support the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce & Ravenswood Community Council.
❗ No-Show Policy:
- 3 no-shows without RSVP updates = 3-month freeze.
- Update RSVP by start time or message host if late.
- Check in when you arrive.
