What we’re about
Welcome to our fun and active group!
Whether you're new to Chicago or have lived here for a while, becoming a member of this group allows you to explore the Chicago area in ways that most residents may never experience. It’s like being a tourist in your own city as we uncover hidden gems and unique experiences.
This group is a sister to the original, "1001 Things to See in Chicago Before You Die," and we will be hosting many joint events together.
Our goal is to create a club filled with enjoyable events, giving you the chance to meet new people while participating in unique and diverse outings throughout Chicagoland. This is a year-round group, and winter won't slow us down!
The annual dues are $12 per member, but you get a 90-day free trial to see if you enjoy the group! If you choose to host an event, your annual dues will be waived. We are a highly active and social group with a wide range of activities throughout Chicago.
Most of our events take place in Chicago or nearby suburbs like Evanston, Oak Park, and Park Ridge. All events are accessible via public transportation, which is why we primarily focus on Chicago.
Please note that we have a firm "three strikes" policy regarding no-shows. If you don't attend an event without updating your RSVP, you will receive a strike. After accumulating three strikes, you will be suspended from the group for three months. We aim to maintain fairness and fun for all our members.
If you have any questions about the group, suggestions for events, or would like to lead an outing, please let me know. Hosting an event allows you to waive your annual dues!
Please also check out & join our Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1571684466442303
We also have an Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/1001thingstoseeinchicago/
Giovina Romandine
Organizer for Windy City Wanderers!
🏛️Architects of Eternity ⛪🗿: A Walk Through Graceland’s Artful Legacy 🕊️🏺
Graceland Cemetery in Chicago is more than just a burial ground; it's a testament to the art and architecture of a bygone era, featuring works by many notable architects and sculptors.
📅 Sunday, July 27, 2025
🕥 Meet at 10:30 AM sharp
📍 Graceland Cemetery Main Gate – 4001 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL
💵 $30 per person –paid at the start — (Cash, PayPal, Zelle, Venmo accepted)
Special Guest Tour Guide: Many Crypt
Join us for a summer stroll through one of Chicago’s most beautiful and storied spaces—Graceland Cemetery, long known as the “Cemetery of Architects.” This private tour will focus on funerary architecture and sculpture, exploring how design, symbolism, and artistry combine in this peaceful landscape.
🌳 Graceland’s Design Legacy:
The cemetery owes its exceptional beauty to 19th-century landscape architects. Horace William Shaler Cleveland initiated its first unified plan in the 1870s, replacing curbs and fences with flowing lawns and natural contours. William Le Baron Jenney, better known for his skyscraper innovations, brought engineering expertise to the layout. Later, Ossian Simonds enhanced the grounds further with native plants and prairie-inspired landscaping—creating the tranquil, pastoral atmosphere that makes Graceland a hidden gem for architecture lovers and visitors alike.
🏛️ What You’ll See:
- Stunning mausoleums & sculpture by Louis Sullivan, Lorado Taft & more
- The Getty Tomb, Palmer Family Mausoleum & Burnham’s island grave
- Symbolism in tomb design & the history behind notable residents
- How art, nature, and memory are interwoven in this open-air museum
🎙️ Your Guide: Mandy Crypt
Chicago native Mandy Crypt has led history tours for over six years, partnering with Effing Chicago, Chicago for Chicagoans, and more.
Known for her lively storytelling and curiosity about the obscure, she specializes in women’s history, queer history, Victoriana, and the strange and unusual. Learn more: facebook.com/MandyCrypt
👣 This is a 1.5-mile walking tour on cemetery paths. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
📍 Meet at the Main Gate (4001 N. Clark St) at 10:30 AM
💵 $30 – Pay in cash, Zelle, or Venmo at check-in (please bring exact change if using cash)
🚇 Easily accessible by CTA (#22 Clark bus, #80 Irving Park bus, Sheridan Red Line)
🚗 Street parking available on Clark & side streets
🍽️ Optional lunch at a nearby spot after the tour — all are welcome!
📸 Bring your camera—this tour offers plenty of striking photo ops.
🙌 Please RSVP responsibly and do not be a no-show—this is a private, prepaid tour.
🔗 More info on our partners:
- Mandy Cyrpt: https://www.mandycrypt.com/
- Effing Chicago: effingchicago.com
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 🎤 Tuesdays on the Terrace at MCA – Featuring Rotary Connection 222 🎷Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, IL
🎷 It’s Back! Tuesdays on the Terrace at the MCA 🎶
🗓️ Tuesday, July 22 | 5:30–8:00 PM
📍 Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago – 220 E Chicago AveOne of Chicago’s favorite FREE summer traditions returns—live jazz in the MCA’s stunning sculpture garden every Tuesday evening! 🏙️
We’ve been attending for years and it never disappoints—relaxed vibes, amazing local jazz, and a perfect way to spend a warm summer night under the skyline. 🎺 Bring a blanket, grab a seat, and take in the music!✨ Admission is FREE – But there are TWO separate ticket registrations!
🎟️ 1. MCA Museum Entry (FREE for IL residents after 5 PM)
Reserve here: https://experience.mcachicago.org/6435/6488
✅ Select Tuesday, 7/22 and check “IL Resident After 5PM” to get free tickets.
🎟️ 2. Tuesdays on the Terrace Fast Pass (for priority access to garden seating)
Grab your free Fast Pass here: https://experience.mcachicago.org/7222/7227
⚠️ Fast Passes go fast! If unavailable, walk-ins are still welcome, space permitting.🎤 7/22 LIVE MUSIC: Rotary Connection 222 – The Stepney Sisters Tribute to Charles Stepney
These powerhouse sisters bring the legendary producer’s music to life. Following a Millennium Park debut, they're now recording an album and expanding their live presence.🎶 Hosted by Al Carter-Bey (WDCB 90.9FM) & Richton Guy Thomas (WHPK 88.5FM)
⏰ Music: 5:30–8:00 PM🪑 First-come, first-served seating. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for the grassy area!
🥂 Food & drink available for purchase (no outside food/drink allowed)
🖼️ Galleries open until 9 PM—perfect for browsing during intermission!
⚠️ In case of rain, the concert will be canceled (check announcements by 2 PM)🎨 Learn more: https://mcachicago.org/Programs/Music/Tuesdays-On-The-Terrace
🌐 Performer info: https://visit.mcachicago.org/events/tuesdays-on-the-terrace-rotary-connection-222/🚇 Accessible by CTA Red Line and multiple buses
🚗 Limited street parking – consider SpotHero or ParkWhiz🙋♀️ Let’s make this a tradition again!
Please RSVP responsibly and keep your status updated. Walk-ins welcome but seating is limited.
- 🍷 Swirl, Sip, Repeat: $10 Wine Tasting Wednesdays at Buzzed by ZEA 🍷Buzzed By ZEA - Salon & Bar, Chicago, IL
🍷 Swirl, Sip, Repeat: $10 Wine Tasting Wednesdays at Buzzed by ZEA 🍷
🗓️ Wednesday, July 23, 2025
🕔 5:00–8:00 PM (we will meet at 5:30 pm but can come earlier)
📍 Buzzed by ZEA Salon & Bar – 3707 N Halsted St, Chicago
💰 Only $10Unwind midweek with a relaxed and fun wine tasting experience hosted by the always engaging Michael Roberts, expert sommelier and chocolatier! For just $10, you’ll enjoy generous pours of up to 6 wines from around the globe—plus the chance to purchase your favorites (most bottles under $25). 🍷🍫
✨ Highlights:
- Casual, walk-around format—perfect for after work
- No food pairings, but chocolates are for sale 🍫
- Several lite bites/charcuteries available for purchase 🍴
- All wines 🛍️ are available for purchase at discounted prices
- Great way to sample new wines and discover hidden gems
- Ideal for both newbies and wine nerds alike—Michael keeps it fun and informative!
- 🥂 Stay afterward if you’d like to grab a bite nearby—there are plenty of great options
🍽️ Buzzed by ZEA doesn’t serve food, but we’ll grab dinner nearby afterward for anyone interested.
💬 If you love Michael’s Wine Classes but can’t always make the big month-end sessions, this is your chance to experience his magic in a more casual, weekly Wednesday night setting—still fun, still informative, but more low-key. No food pairings, just great wine and great company!
🚫 No wine snobs here! Michael keeps things educational, approachable, and super enjoyable for all levels
***
📍 Venue Vibe:
Buzzed by ZEA Salon & Bar is a stylish neighborhood spot—a hybrid hair salon + craft cocktail bar where you can sip, socialize, and savor. During the day, it’s a salon; by night, the music goes up and the vibe turns lounge-y! Chic, cozy, and lively, it’s the perfect midweek escape.
More info:
🔗 Buzzed by ZEA Website
🔗 Facebook Page
🔗 Michael’s Chocolate & Wine Classes – Divine Dales
***
🚗 Getting There:
🚇 Easy by CTA: Use CTA Trip Planner or Google Maps
🚘 Driving? Metered parking on Halsted + limited free parking on side streets. Check signs carefully!
🅿️ For best parking: use SpotHero or ParkWhiz
***
⚠️ RSVP & No-Show Policy:
🚫 3 no-shows without updating = 3-month RSVP freeze
⏰ Cut-off to update RSVP = event start time
📲 Missed check-in? Message the host directly
❌ Repeated no-shows = removal from the group
***
🍷 Come solo or bring a friend—Michael always makes it a great night. Whether you’re wine curious or wine obsessed, this is the perfect way to ease into summer Wednesdays! - 🎶✨ Weekly Wednesday Concerts at Millennium Park – Summer 2025! ✨🎶Millennium Park, Chicago, IL
🎶✨ Weekly Wednesday Concerts at Millennium Park – Summer 2025! ✨🎶
Multi-Group Event
Hosted by Giovina, Tom, Susan & Nelson!Join us all summer long for the Grant Park Music Festival Wednesday night concerts! This has become a beloved tradition for our Meetup groups—great music, good company, and plenty of shared food and wine.
Whether you’ve been coming for years or it’s your first time, you’ll feel right at home.
***
📅 WHEN:
Every Wednesday (weather permitting)
🎵 Music begins at 6:30 PM
⏰ We start gathering around 5:45 PMNote: Giovina won’t be hosting every week. When she isn’t there, Tom, Susan, or Nelson will be your hosts. Look for any of us—either way, we’re always in the same spot every week.
***
📍 WHERE:
Millennium Park – Great Lawn
We meet way at the back of the lawn near the sidewalk.
You can’t miss us!
📌 Map Pin & Visual Guide: Group Spot Map
🎟️ Gates open 90 minutes before the concert.
Please allow extra time for bag checks & security screening.***
🍷 WHAT TO BRING:
✅ Wine, beer, or your favorite beverages
✅ Snacks & food to share—think cheese, crackers, fruit, dips, baked goodies
✅ Blanket or low lawn chairs
✅ Bottle opener or corkscrew
✅ Cups, napkins, plates, or toothpicks (if you can)
✅ Dress for the weather (bring layers!)✨ If anyone has a small folding table, please bring it! I have 2, but we always need more for all the food and drinks.
***
🛍️ Food Nearby:
Running late or don’t want to cook?
Grab something at:
• Mariano’s (Randolph St.)
• Macy’s Food Court (State St.)***
📍 WHERE TO FIND US:
We always sit way at the back of the Great Lawn near the sidewalk.
✔️ It’s easy to spot us—we’re the big group with blankets, chairs, wine, and food!
✔️ If you’re early, just grab a bench nearby and wait for the group.
✔️ See our spot here: Map Link
🎼 Concert Schedule:
Every week features a different performance!
✅ See the full 2025 season lineup:
Grant Park Music Festival Schedule
✅ Know before you go – security details:
Millennium Park Security Info
✅ Venue map & seating:
Venue Map***
🚗 PARKING & TRANSPORTATION:
Public Transit:
• Easy access via CTA trains & buses
• Plan your trip: CTA Trip Planner
Parking:
• Grant Park North Garage or Harris Theater Garage recommended
• Limited metered parking nearby—arrive early if driving
• Use SpotHero or ParkWhiz for deals***
🙌 RSVP & NO SHOW POLICY:
✅ Please update your RSVP if your plans change!
✅ The cutoff to change your RSVP is the event start time.
✅ If you’re running late, message your host directly.
❗ 3 no-shows without updating = 3-month RSVP freeze.***
🌟 Ready to unwind midweek with great music, good food, and fun people?
Bring your friends, a bottle of wine, and a blanket—and let’s make the 2025 season the best yet!
See you on the lawn! 🎶🍷🌿✨
- 🔥 Blues Under the Stars! Live Show @ Historic Chess Records with Joe Pratt🎸🎶Chess Records, Chicago, IL
🔥 Blues Under the Stars! Live Show @ Historic Chess Records🎸🎶
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 amazing Joe Pratt & Source One Band featuring New Orleans Beau, performing live next to the legendary Chess Records Studio, now home to the Blues Heaven Foundation.
🗓 Thursday, July 24, 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 (Fatpour, Williams Pizza, Jerk Villa, etc.)
- 7:40–9:15 PM – Dinner & socializing
***
### 🎷 About the Performer:
Joe Pratt & The Source One Band bring soul, funk, R&B, and blues to life in an electrifying performance. With a rich history of collaborating with legends, their shows are dynamic, nostalgic, and crowd-pleasing every time.
***
### 🎶 About the Venue:
The Blues Heaven Foundation, founded by Willie Dixon, preserves the legacy of blues music and supports musicians’ rights. The venue is in the historic Chess Records building, once home to blues icons like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Etta James, and Chuck Berry.🕰 Note: The museum closes at 4 PM. Last tour is at 3 PM—come early if you want to explore!
🌐 Blues Heaven Foundation Website
🎶 Record Row Concert Series Info
📸 Facebook Page
***
### 🍽️ After-Show Food & Drinks (Options Nearby):- Fatpour Tap Works – McCormick (2206 S. Indiana)
- Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar (2210 S. Michigan)
- Jerk Villa Bar & Grill (2216 S. Michigan)
- Pizano’s Pizza (2106 S. Michigan)
- Il Culacino (2134 S. Indiana)
***
### 🚇 Transit & Parking:- CTA: Accessible via Red or Green Line + buses #1, #3, #4, #29
- CTA Trip Planner
- Metered street parking & garages nearby
***
### ❗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!
