About us
🎉 Welcome to & Windy City Wanderers! 🌆
We’re so glad you’re here!
Whether you’re new to Chicago or a lifelong local, these sister groups are all about being a tourist in your own city—discovering hidden gems, rich history, fun facts, and unforgettable experiences across Chicagoland. 🗺️✨
Windy City Wanderers is the sister group to 1001 Things to See in Chicago Before You Die, and we host many joint events together—so you’ll often see crossover adventures and shared outings. 🤝
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🗓 What to Expect
We host fun, social outings year-round (yes, even in winter ❄️). Expect:
• Walking tours & neighborhood explorations
• Concerts, lectures & theater
• Pop-up dinners, trivia & social nights
• Museums, festivals & special events
Events take place throughout Chicago and nearby suburbs like Evanston, Oak Park, and Park Ridge.
🚇 All events are CTA-accessible.
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💬 Why Join?
• Discover new places all over Chicagoland
• Meet new people and make real connections
• Enjoy an active, well-curated event calendar
• Try the group FREE for 90 days
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💰 Membership
• 90-day free trial
• Annual dues: $12/year after the trial
• 🎉 Host an event and your dues are waived!
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🚨 RSVP / No-Show Policy (Please Read)
To keep events fair and running smoothly:
• A no-show without updating your RSVP = 1 strike
• 3 strikes = a 3-month pause from events
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🤝 Stay Connected
📘 Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576822533554
👥 Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1571684466442303
📸 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/1001thingstoseeinchicago/
🌬️ !001 Things to See in Chicago Before You Die Meetup (sister group)
https://www.meetup.com/windy-city-wanderers
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💡 Have an idea for an event? Want to host or co-host?
Just message me—I’d love to hear from you!
Can’t wait to explore, wander, and discover Chicago together 💙
Cheers,
Giovina Romandine
Organizer, Windy City Wanderers 🌬️🚶♀️🚶♂️
Upcoming events
20
✝️🎥 Capture the 49th Annual Pilsen Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross 📸✝️
799 W. 18th Street, Chicago, IL, US✝️🎥 Capture the 49th Annual Pilsen Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross 📸✝️
49th Annual Pilsen Via Crucis: Living Way of the Cross, a tradition in the Pilsen neighborhood since 1977
To celebrate a longstanding Chicago tradition, thousands gather along 18th Street in Pilsen every Good Friday for the Pilsen Via Crucis (Living Way of the Cross) — a powerful, moving reenactment of the Passion of Christ that has taken place every year since 1977.
I’ve attended this event several times and find it deeply inspiring. Whether you’re religious or not, this is truly something to experience in person — just for the incredible photography and cultural significance alone.
📅 Event Details
🗓 Date: Friday, April 3, 2026 (Good Friday)
⏰ Time: 8:45 AM – approx. 2:30 PM (end time flexible & weather dependent)
📍 Meet Location: 799 W. 18th Street, Chicago
🚶 Walking Distance: Approx. 1.5–2 miles, mostly outdoors
🔔 Please arrive by 8:45 AM so we can get positioned before the opening scenes begin.***
⚠️ IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ ⚠️
THIS IS A MOSTLY OUTDOOR EVENT WITH CONTINUOUS WALKING.
We will be following the procession on foot for much of the route.
🧥 Dress for the weather (layers, comfortable shoes, rain gear if needed)
🚶♀️ Expect standing, walking, and slow movement with large crowds
🌦️ Event is rain or shine — however, if conditions are very cold or heavy rain, the host may cancel for safety and comfort
👉 NO PARKING on 18th Street during the procession.
If driving, plan ahead — the procession does NOT end where we start, and you will need to walk back to your car unless you park strategically.⏱️ Timing:
I don’t know the exact timing of each station, but plan about 2.5 hours if you want to see the entire reenactment. We may not stay for the full event, but we’ll try to see most of it and then end with lunch in Pilsen before restaurants get overwhelmed.🚶 Important Notes (Please Read):
- This is a walking procession following the crowd
- 1.5–2 miles total, mostly outdoors
- Dress for the weather
- Event happens rain or shine
- If it is very cold or heavy rain, I will cancel — it’s too much time outdoors
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📸 PHOTOGRAPHERS: READ THIS
This is a fantastic street photography opportunity — emotional scenes, movement, and powerful visuals.
⚠️ Fast-moving event — plan to shoot on the go
🎒 Bring lightweight gear only (no time for tripods)
🚶♀️ We’ll often move ahead of the procession for clearer angles
🚉 Some photographers stand on the 18th Street Pink Line station platform for overhead shots
👀 Stay alert and respectful — crowds are dense and constantly shifting
👉 Think mobility over perfection — this is about moments, not setups.🗺️ 2026 UPDATED ROUTE & LOCATIONS
(Locations subject to change)
NEW START LOCATION (as of 2025)
📍 18th Street & Halsted Street Approx. Address: 799 W. 18th St
Scenes include:- The Last Supper
- Prayer in Gethsemane
- Jesus before Pontius Pilate
🆕 Last year marked a major change — the opening scenes will take place outdoors on a stage, rather than inside Providence of God Church. “Moving the opening scenes outdoors will make the experience more accessible and more deeply engaging for the community.” — Nellie Quintana, Director
Middle Stop
📍 Harrison Park 1824 S. Wood St.- Crucifixion reenactment
End
📍 St. Pius Church 1919 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago- Closing prayer service (We usually pull off at Harrison Park and head to lunch instead.)
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🌮 Lunch in Pilsen (After the Walk)
After the procession, some of us will grab lunch at one of the nearby restaurants in the area. These places do not take reservations so we will go where the most seats are available!- 5 Rabanitos – 1758 W. 18th St
https://5rabanitos.com/ - Pochos – 1727 W. 18th St
www.pochoschicago.com - Taqueria Los Comales – 1544 W. 18th St
https://www.loscomales.com/ - Frida Room – 1454 W. 18th St
https://thefridaroom.com/
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📖 About the Via Crucis
The Pilsen Via Crucis (Living Way of the Cross) is a free, family-friendly Good Friday tradition that reenacts the final day of Jesus Christ’s life through live scenes and a solemn procession along 18th Street. Thousands attend each year, rain or shine.The Pilsen Via Crucis-Living Way of the Cross, is an annual tradition that has taken place every Good Friday since March 28, 1977. Participants of this graphic, live re-enactment, begin at 18th Street and Union, at Providence of God Church and interpret the Last Supper, prayer at Gethsemane and Jesus before Pilate. Participants then process along 18th street for the Crucifixion, located at Harrison Park, 18th and Wood.
The final stop is at St. Pius Church for the closing reflection.
This event appeals to thousands of Pilsen community members, many who follow the Stations of the Cross procession along 18th Street yearly, rain or shine🔗 Learn more:
- https://www.facebook.com/Pilsen-Via-Crucis-743104822409528
- https://blockclubchicago.org/2019/04/19/pilsens-via-crucis-brings-people-together-on-good-friday/
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🚗 Parking & Transportation
- NO PARKING on 18th Street during the procession
- Metered parking on Halsted & 19th
- Free side streets (check signs for permit parking)
- If driving, consider parking near the end or midpoint — the procession does NOT end where it begins
- CTA riders: 👉 https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
⚠️ RSVP & No-Show Policy (Please Respect)
- 3 no-shows without updating your RSVP = 3-month event ban
- RSVP cutoff = event start time
- If late, message the host
- Failure to check in with host counts as a no-show
- Continued no-shows may result in removal from the group
22 attendees
🎶🎨🔥Golden Hour @ Epiphany: Free Blues, DJ & Art -April Edition 🎷🎸🍸
Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 South Ashland Avenue,, Chicago, IL, US🎶🎨🔥Golden Hour @ Epiphany: Free Blues, DJ & Art -April Edition 🎷🎸🍸
Free Blues Friday @ Epiphany Center for the Arts in the West Loop!
We had such a great time ln January, we’re heading back for more! Join us for a relaxed Friday night of live music, art exhibits, and happy hour vibes at the stunning Epiphany Center for the Arts in the West Loop. ✨
📅 Friday, April 3, 2026
🕕 6:00–10:00 PM
📍 Epiphany Center for the Arts 201 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago
🎟️ FREE admission (some events require registration)### ✨ Event Lineup
🎧 Golden Hour w/ DJ Patrixia | 5:00–8:00 PM
FREE • Café space • No registration required
🎸 Free Blues Friday: Freddie Dixon Band | 7:30–9:30 PM
FREE • Epiphany Hall
👉 Register here:
https://epiphanychi.com/events/free-blues-friday-featuring-freddie-dixon-band-4-3/✨ Itinerary:
🎧 Golden Hour w/ DJ Patrixia | 5:00–8:00 PM (FREE, Café)
🎸 Free Blues Friday: Freddie Dixon Band | 7:30–9:30 PM (Epiphany Hall)
🎨 Art Exhibits 5-10 pm (free)🍷 Happy Hour Specials (5–7 PM)
• Select ½-price house wine bottles
• Select $4 craft beers
• Some 2-for-1 lite bites (Inside café/Sanctuary)
Arriving after 6? No problem! We’ll grab tables early, enjoy the DJ + bar, check out the galleries, then head to the Great Hall for blues at 7:30. 🎶🖼️🎧 About Patrixia
Patrixia (pronounced Patricia) is a DJ and producer born and bred in Chicago, specializing in darker genres ala darkwave, goth, and industrial, but never afraid to showcase and mix in her Latine roots. Influenced by the sounds of the city she grew up in, Patrixia started DJing in 2017, playing many clubs and festivals around the city and beyond. She’s opened for acts such as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Nitzer Ebb, The Hacker and Miss Kittin, Pan Pot, Bloody Mary, and more..
🌐 https://patrixia.com/🎸 About Freddie Dixon Band
Freddie is the embodiment of the Chicago Blues. The 2nd son of the world-famous 7th Son, Willie Dixon, Freddie has been surrounded by the Blues since the day he was born. His father is a blues legend as a song writer, producer, and musician. Willie was at the helm at Chess Records for many of the sides cut in the 1950’s, 1960’s and into the 1970’s.Freddie began his blues career learning his chops playing with a number of musicians in south side blues clubs. He was soon hired to play in his father’s band, The Chicago Blues All-Stars and traveled around the world spreading the gospel of the blues.
The torch was handed to Freddie in the early 1990’s when his father passed away. Since then, Freddie has continued as a blues ambassador playing to crowds from Europe to Australia as well as locally in Chicago. In 2020 Freddie, along with Chicago Blues legends John Watkins and Maurice John Vaughan produced a 2 disc CD called “3x3,” which is available at most on line retail outlets.
Freddie is a member of the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame and currently resides in Chicago with his wife Linda.
🌐 https://freddiedixonbluesband.com/### 🎨 Current Art Exhibits
• Forget Me Not
• Ringleader — Noël Morical & Mat Mancini
• Portraits of People Who Make Music — Alexa Viscius
• Something Old, Something New… — Ben Foch
• Parallel Acts — Soo Shin & Tim Stone
• Tether Me to the Ground or Let Me Float🖼️ More info: https://epiphanychi.com
☕ Café Bar & Menu: https://epiphanychi.com/cafe-bar-menu/🚗 Getting There
CTA Trip Planner: https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
Metered street parking on Ashland & Adams; limited free side-street parking (check signs).⚠️ Please keep your RSVP updated and avoid no-shows. See you there! 🎶✨
27 attendees
🎤🌮🎶 Live Band Karaoke/ Multi-Group Meetup! 🎶🌮🎤
All Star Seafood and sports, 730 South Clark, Chicago, IL, US🎤🌮🎶 Live Band Karaoke /Multi-Group Meetup! 🎶🌮🎤
**⭐ Hosted by Deanna (**musiclovermay18) ⭐
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! 🎤🌮🍻
5 attendees
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