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!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Live band karaoke / multi-group eventAll Star Seafood and sports, Chicago, IL
****Multi-Group Event with Deanna as Host!******
Come on out and be a rock star and sing with the band! So much fun and if you don't know how to sing, the band will help you out! Or if you just wanna watch, the band is absolutely awesome!
Because this is a multi-group event, more people come than signed up. In the past, this group usually averages 10 to 12 people.
Also if you are hungry when you come, there will be a Taco Tuesday special!
outstanding food, outstanding band, and your opportunity to sing with the band if you so like! singing with the band is so much fun! so come on out and join us! there is also a Tuesday taco special
Live Band Karaoke! Tuesday night! Starts at 8pm. Come join the fun & Bring your cheering Squad.
https://allstarseafoodandsports.com/
https://www.facebook.com/allstarseafood/
MENU: https://allstarseafoodandsports.com/menus/If you are taking public transportation please check their website for directions or use google maps or CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
If you drive, there's street parking nearby on Clark, Polk and Wells streets. Watch for no parking and permit only signs. Parking can be tricky here. Best to use SPOT HERO or Parking Whiz to be safe.
PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO SHOW POLICY:
- 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
- cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
- not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festivals type of events)
- continual no shows will result in removal from the group!
- 🍷 $10 Wine Down Wednesday with Sommelier Michael Roberts at Buzzed by ZEA! 🍷Buzzed By ZEA - Salon & Bar, Chicago, IL
🍷 $10 Wine Down Wednesday with Sommelier Michael Roberts at Buzzed by ZEA! 🍷
🗓️ Wednesday, June 18, 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 12 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 🍫
- 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 Grant Music Festival 2025 @Pritzker Pavilion-BYOB & Potluck!Millennium Park, Chicago, IL
**WEEKLY WEDNESDAY CONCERT OF THE 2025 SUMMER SEASON AT MILLENIUM PARK! THIS IS MULTI-GROUP EVENT**
THIS IS A WEEKLY EVENT, BUT I (GIOVINA) WILL NOT HOST EVERY WEEK. WHEN I AM NOT THERE, THEN TOM, SUSAN OR NELSON WILL BE THE HOST SO PLEASE LOOK FOR ME OR TOM SUSAN OR NELSON! EITHER WAY WE ARE ALWAYS IN THE SAME SPOT!!
Join us for another season of concerts in Millennium Park! This concert begins at 6:30 PM. We begin to assemble about 5:45 PM. This event is weather dependent so please check back for updates! A lot of the original members will recall we have been doing this for a while & always have a great time! Let's continue the fun!
Gates open 90 minutes before start time. Please enter Park via Randolph, Monroe or Millennium Garage. Plan some extra time for security.
Bring wine, snacks, blankets, chairs if you like. Bottle opener or two for the wine. Dress for the weather. Look for us in our spot way on the back of the lawn near the sidewalk. You can't miss us! See map pin or this image at the link: http://bit.ly/2H6tuWw
This is a joint meetup with the 1001 Things, Windy City Wine & a few other meetups, so it is going to be a fun event! (Windy City Wine goes every Wednesday.) Tom Susan & Nelson are hosts for that event!
IF ANYONE HAS A SMALL PORTABLE TABLE TO BRING THEN PLEASE DO! IT MAKES IT EASIER TO PUT THE WINE & SHARED FOOD FOR ALL TO ENJOY! I HAVE 2 TABLES BUT SINCE BIG GTOUP, WE WILL NEED SOME EXTRA!!! (if you been to these you know we have a lot of food and wine!!!)
Bring some wine, beer, and some food/snacks to share and enjoy! Mariano's is close by on Randolph St. and Macy's on State St. Food suggestions include cheese & crackers, fruit plate, baked goods, hummus & chips.
It's always a nice gesture to bring some extra cups, napkins, toothpicks or small plates if you can.
EVERY WEEK IS A DIFFERENT CONCERT LINEUP. CLICK ON LINK BELOW FOR SCHEDULE
The entire festival lineup can be found here: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2025-season
The entire festival lineup can be found here: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2025-season
Please note these security details for the park: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/plan-your-visit/millennium-park-security-protocols
VENUE MAP: https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/seating-venue/venue-map
We will meet way at the back of the great lawn, right next to the sidewalk. If you're early, just sit on one of the benches and wait for the group to assemble. You can't miss us! See map pin or this image at the link: http://bit.ly/2H6tuWw
If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/ - easily accessible by bus and train.
If you drive, use SpotHero or ParkWhiz as it is a challenge over there. Look for the Grant Park North Parking Garage or the Harris Theater Garage. There is some metered parking but best to use a parking lot or garage.
PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO SHOW POLICY:
- 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
- cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
- not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festivals type of events)
- continual no shows will result in removal from the group!
- 🌇 Evening Cocktails with a View @ The Rooftop – Riu Plaza Streeterville 🍹Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago, Chicago, IL
🌇🍹 Sunset Rooftop Drinks in Streeterville – NEW Spot!
🗓 Thursday Evening
⏰ 6:30 PM Sharp
📍 Rooftop Bar Chicago at RIU Plaza Chicago – 27th Floor
150 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611
🔗 Venue Info | Food Menu | Drink Menu
***
Let’s toast the season on one of Chicago’s newest rooftop gems! ☀️🍸
Located in the heart of Streeterville, this sky-high terrace was made for golden hour selfies, skyline lovers, and anyone ready to elevate their evening.
🌆 Panoramic city views
📸 Glass balcony thrills – 88 meters above ground!
🍽 Tasty bites & crafted cocktails
✨ #RiuPeople moments you’ll want to share
***
👥 GROUP INFO
This is a multi-group event—we’ll be joined by other Meetup groups.
✔️ 6 people per table
✔️ We have 4 tables of 6 (6+6+6+6 = 24 total spots)
✔️ We may not be seated together. Please be flexible and follow restaurant's rules.
⚠️ Arrive ON TIME at 6:30 PM
We cannot hold seats or guarantee admission if you’re late.
***
💵 CASH ONLY for Group Checks
No separate checks allowed. Please bring cash and add 32% to your total (12% tax + 20% tip).
Credit cards = too complicated for large groups. Help us keep things easy!
***
🚇 GETTING THERE
🚌 Public Transit: Use CTA Trip Planner or Google Maps
🚗 Driving? Use SpotHero or ParkWhiz for best deals. Metered street parking also available nearby.
***
📸 Why You’ll Love It:
• Brand new rooftop experience in the city
• Relaxing vibes, international menu, amazing photo ops
• Glass balcony view: not for the faint of heart!
• Perfect for after-work fun, summer nights, and socializing
***
🚫 NO SHOW POLICY
• Must RSVP or update by event start time
• 3 no-shows = 3-month RSVP restriction
• Always check in with the host (especially for large group events!)
***
Let’s kick back, relax, and raise a glass above the Windy City! 🌇🥂
