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!
The summer festival season continues! Let’s celebrate one of Chicago’s most iconic eats—the mighty hot dog 🌭—at the 4th Annual Windy City Hot Dog Fest in Portage Park! Join us as we explore vendor tents serving creative twists on the Chicago-style dog, enjoy live music, shop local artisans, and maybe even catch the Hot Dog Eating Contest or the Top Dog Parade (yes, it involves actual dogs 🐶) Come even if you don't like hotdogs as they serve up more than wieners!
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!
Get Ready for the 4th Annual Windy City Hot Dog Fest! Decide for yourself whether ketchup belongs on a hot dog at Chicago’s beloved Windy City Hot Dog Fest, happening Friday to Sunday, May 30–June 1, in the vibrant Portage Park neighborhood. Some of Chicagoland’s most iconic hot dog stands will go head-to-head to claim the title of Best Frankfurter—and you get to be the judge!
But the fun doesn’t stop at the food. Savor live performances by incredible local and regional artists on the mainstage, explore a variety of arts and crafts vendors, and enjoy family-friendly activities in the kids’ area. There’s even a community stage showcasing local talent!
The Windy City Hot Dog Fest is brought to you in partnership with the Six Corners Chamber of Commerce. Dedicated to fostering a thriving shopping and entertainment district, the Chamber celebrates the area’s rich history, supports the arts, promotes sustainable practices, and creates unforgettable events that strengthen community pride.
Nine of Chicagoland's favorite hot dog vendors will compete to be the "Top Dog!" You get to be the judge: Chicago's Doghouse, Baked Cheese Haus, Bust Outs, Byron's Hot Dogs, J's Bacon Hot Dogs, Sausage Fest Food Truck, Frannie's Cafe, Tikka Masala Dogs and Lee Concessions.
Prove your hot dog loyalty by joining the hot dog eating contest. Five registrants can compete in a five-minute eating contest on Saturday, May 31 at 3:30 pm. Sign up online at windycityhotdogfest.com or on-site if spots are available. The winner will receive bragging rights!
Besides tasty dogs, patrons will listen to great local and regional acts on the event's mainstage. Plus, don't miss the kids' area, arts & crafts vendors, Polar Bare Bath (soaps and body care), Lil Bird Kitchens LLC (jarred relishes), and Papa Caps Foods (hot sauces).
💵 $10 suggested donation at the gate, which you are not obligated to pay. You can give a lesser amount or no money, as it is NOT required!
MAIN STAGE
Saturday
12:30pm – Mariachi Los Palmeros
2:00pm – Largemouth Band
3:30pm – Whatever, Nevermind (Nirvana Tribute)
5:30pm – RICO! – Santana Tribute (WE WILL SEE THIS BAND)
8:00pm – Journey Recaptured (WE WILL SEE THIS BAND)
COMMUNITY STAGE AT THE SIX!
Saturday
12:00 pm – The Chicago Ballet Center
1:30pm – A Short Leap Theater Company
3:00pm – One River
4:30pm – Marianne + The Imaginary Band
6:00pm – Rob Moore
7:30pm – C3zr
Rico is defined as a band with a rich sound of diversified musical cultures. A mixture of sophisticated melodic genres and ethnicity coming together is the essence of Rico! This sound can be heard on their CD’s entitled “Make Music (2010)” and “Casa De Tambores (2004)”. Influenced tremendously by the sound and spirit of Santana, you can say Rico is the modern day Santana. https://ricojams.com/
RECAPTURED features Bob Biagi, and features all of the lights, sounds, and Journey-esque atmosphere, with what you would expect from a show called RECAPTURED This is not a cover band, but a group of talented musicians and vocalists who have perfected every nuance of what made Journey the Super Group they are. RECAPTURED performs all the hits that made Journey famous one fabulous hit after another. It is time to be RECAPTURED. The definition of Tribute is: a gift, testimonial, compliment, or the like, given as due or in acknowledgment of gratitude or esteem. https://www.recapturedband.com/
If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use the CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
If you drive, there is metered parking on Irving, Cicero and Milwaukee (away from the fest area). There is even a public lot for the shopping district. Free on side streets. Easy parking in this area
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!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 26th Annual Maifest in Lincoln Square with Live Music, German Food & Beer!Across from "The Old Town School of Music", Chicago, IL
The summer festival season continues! Maifest is a wonderful German tradition that welcomes spring. Come join the fun & celebrate German Culture. The proceeds from the fest help support many German Organizations throughout Chicago and the suburbs. Admission is free & open to all ages!
Let's experience German food, beer, music, dance and Gemütlichkeit. Have a brat and a beer and most of all have a great time!
CASH ONLY FOR FOOD & DRINK ATMs on site - so bring cash if you want to eat & drink to avoid the ATM fees!
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!
Maifest has been an annual festival brought by the Maifest Committee, President Joe Matuschka and Vice President Joe Bradtke. Special thanks go to 47th Ward Alderman Matt Martin.
Admission to Maifest Chicago is FREE and open to all ages. Taking place in Lincoln Square, Chicago’s original German neighborhood. Outstanding German and American food and beer are available for purchase. German and American bands provide entertainment throughout the fest.
Mayfest Chicago is a 501(c)(3) organization founded to promote Chicago's German heritage. The four-day fest benefits German-American organizations, including The Rheinischer Verein, St. Hubertus Jagd Club, the American Aid Society, the Donauschwaben Youth Group, Edelweiss Trachten Verein, D’Lustigen Holzhacker Buam, Egerlander Dance Group, Dank Haus, and others.
Maifest is the traditional German celebration of the arrival of spring.
Maifest is still celebrated throughout Germany with the maypole (maibaum) decorated to show off the history and crafts of the local village or town.
Maifest, like Octoberfest, has now become a popular celebration throughout the world. Chicago's German community welcomes all to their Maifest in Lincoln Square; the heart of Chicago's German Community
Main Stage
5:30 PM – The Phenix
8:00 pm - Mai Queen Crowning & Keg TappingAuxiliary Stage
5:30 PM – Palomahttps://www.maifestchicago.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089720783791The Phenix Band - German American Band for all occasions! https://www.facebook.com/phenixband/
Paloma German American band that plays traditional German songs for the older generation but also rocks for the younger generation. https://thepalomaband.com/
If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use the CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
If you drive, there is metered parking on Western, Lincoln, Lawrence & even Montrose, Limited side street parking. This area is tough to park during the fest,the so watch for permit-only parking!
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!
- 4th Annual Windy City Hot Dog Fest featuring RICO & Journey Recaptured!Windy City Hot Dog Festival, Chicago, IL
The summer festival season continues! Let’s celebrate one of Chicago’s most iconic eats—the mighty hot dog 🌭—at the 4th Annual Windy City Hot Dog Fest in Portage Park! Join us as we explore vendor tents serving creative twists on the Chicago-style dog, enjoy live music, shop local artisans, and maybe even catch the Hot Dog Eating Contest or the Top Dog Parade (yes, it involves actual dogs 🐶) Come even if you don't like hotdogs as they serve up more than wieners!
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!
Get Ready for the 4th Annual Windy City Hot Dog Fest! Decide for yourself whether ketchup belongs on a hot dog at Chicago’s beloved Windy City Hot Dog Fest, happening Friday to Sunday, May 30–June 1, in the vibrant Portage Park neighborhood. Some of Chicagoland’s most iconic hot dog stands will go head-to-head to claim the title of Best Frankfurter—and you get to be the judge!
But the fun doesn’t stop at the food. Savor live performances by incredible local and regional artists on the mainstage, explore a variety of arts and crafts vendors, and enjoy family-friendly activities in the kids’ area. There’s even a community stage showcasing local talent!
The Windy City Hot Dog Fest is brought to you in partnership with the Six Corners Chamber of Commerce. Dedicated to fostering a thriving shopping and entertainment district, the Chamber celebrates the area’s rich history, supports the arts, promotes sustainable practices, and creates unforgettable events that strengthen community pride.
Nine of Chicagoland's favorite hot dog vendors will compete to be the "Top Dog!" You get to be the judge: Chicago's Doghouse, Baked Cheese Haus, Bust Outs, Byron's Hot Dogs, J's Bacon Hot Dogs, Sausage Fest Food Truck, Frannie's Cafe, Tikka Masala Dogs and Lee Concessions.
Prove your hot dog loyalty by joining the hot dog eating contest. Five registrants can compete in a five-minute eating contest on Saturday, May 31 at 3:30 pm. Sign up online at windycityhotdogfest.com or on-site if spots are available. The winner will receive bragging rights!
Besides tasty dogs, patrons will listen to great local and regional acts on the event's mainstage. Plus, don't miss the kids' area, arts & crafts vendors, Polar Bare Bath (soaps and body care), Lil Bird Kitchens LLC (jarred relishes), and Papa Caps Foods (hot sauces).
💵 $10 suggested donation at the gate, which you are not obligated to pay. You can give a lesser amount or no money, as it is NOT required!
MAIN STAGE
Saturday
12:30pm – Mariachi Los Palmeros
2:00pm – Largemouth Band
3:30pm – Whatever, Nevermind (Nirvana Tribute)
5:30pm – RICO! – Santana Tribute (WE WILL SEE THIS BAND)
8:00pm – Journey Recaptured (WE WILL SEE THIS BAND)COMMUNITY STAGE AT THE SIX!
Saturday
12:00 pm – The Chicago Ballet Center
1:30pm – A Short Leap Theater Company
3:00pm – One River
4:30pm – Marianne + The Imaginary Band
6:00pm – Rob Moore
7:30pm – C3zrRico is defined as a band with a rich sound of diversified musical cultures. A mixture of sophisticated melodic genres and ethnicity coming together is the essence of Rico! This sound can be heard on their CD’s entitled “Make Music (2010)” and “Casa De Tambores (2004)”. Influenced tremendously by the sound and spirit of Santana, you can say Rico is the modern day Santana. https://ricojams.com/
RECAPTURED features Bob Biagi, and features all of the lights, sounds, and Journey-esque atmosphere, with what you would expect from a show called RECAPTURED This is not a cover band, but a group of talented musicians and vocalists who have perfected every nuance of what made Journey the Super Group they are. RECAPTURED performs all the hits that made Journey famous one fabulous hit after another. It is time to be RECAPTURED. The definition of Tribute is: a gift, testimonial, compliment, or the like, given as due or in acknowledgment of gratitude or esteem. https://www.recapturedband.com/
If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use the CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
If you drive, there is metered parking on Irving, Cicero and Milwaukee (away from the fest area). There is even a public lot for the shopping district. Free on side streets. Easy parking in this area
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!
- Record Row Blues Concert @Chess Records featuring 75th Anniversary ReviewChess Records, Chicago, IL
Let's go BACK for the FREE Thursday night Blues Concerts in The Willie Dixon Blues Garden next to old Chess Records Studio. These free mini blues concerts are a great way to see some old school blues bands & tons of fun! We do these all the time, and they are a blast!
Tentative Itinerary:
5:50- 6 pm - meet & greet in garden - grab seats
6 - 7:30 pm - Blues Concert in the Garden featuring various bands celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Chess Records & Opening Night
7:30-7:40 pm - walk over to Fatpour, Williams Pizza, Pizanos, or another nearby spot
7:40 - 9:15 pm - grab a bite + some cocktailsThe garden will have chairs set up for the show, but it is first-come first first-served. You can bring your lawn chairs, too.
Performer on 6/5/25-Opening Night & 75th Anniversary of Chess Records Review (various blues bands) - this is also in conjunction with the Chicago Blues Festival taking place that weekend!
Willie Dixon created his BLUES HEAVEN FOUNDATION with the mission to Promote, Preserve, and Protect Blues and to help artists and musicians obtain what is rightfully theirs, to educate both adults and children on the history of Blues and the business of music.
To achieve this mission, we have successfully executed several programs, including the Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon Scholarships,
Music Mentors Program, Record Row Concert Series, Emergency Artist Assistance, and more programs to begin soon! This foundation is located inside the landmarked & historic Chess Records Building.Chess Records, formed and run by brothers Leonard and Phil Chess, was a company that produced and released many important singles and albums, which are now regarded as central to the blues and rock music genre. At one time, Chess Records was considered "America's greatest blues label" with notable acts including Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, Etta James, Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley. Willie Dixon was one of the main producers, songwriters and arrangers of the signature "Chess Records Sound".
Chess Records was based at several different locations on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. The most famous location was 2120 S. Michigan Avenue from around 1956 to 1965. During those years, acts such as Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and Sonny Boy Williamson II recorded at the legendary studio. It was later immortalized by British rock group The Rolling Stones in "2120 South Michigan Avenue", an instrumental recorded there during the group's first U.S. tour in 1964. The Stones recorded at Chess Studios on two more occasions. In 1993, Willie Dixon's widow, Marie, purchased the building which was then renovated and re-opened in September 1997 with a dedication ceremony. It is now home to Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation.
http://www.bluesheaven.com
http://www.bluesheaven.com/record-row-concert-series.html
https://www.facebook.com/bluesheavenfoundationUnfortunately, the museum will be closed during the concert but you can come earlier to check it out. The last tour is at 3 pm each day.
After the concert we will walk over to one of several nearby spots to grab a bite & drink:
Jerk Villa Bar & Grill 2216 S Michigan Ave,
Fatpour Tap Works - McCormick 2206 S Indiana Ave,
Steve's Bites 80 E Cermak Rd,
Il Culacino 2134 S Indiana Ave,
Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar 2210 S. Michigan
Pizano's Pizza & Pasta 2106 S. MichiganIf you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
Accessible by the Red line and Green line “L” stops. Also near the #1 Bronzeville/ #3 King Drive / #4 Cottage Grove/#29 State Street bus stops.If driving, there is usually metered spots on South Michigan and nearby streets plus several parking garages
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!
- An Evening with HEART at RAVINIA in Highland Park (BUY TIX NOW)Ravinia Festival, Highland Park, IL
Love all things rock? Are you a fan of the powerhouse duo Ann & Nancy Wilson from Heart? Do you blast '70s and '80s rock like it never went out of style? Then this is your night! Let’s see the legendary band Heart live at Ravinia! We’ll be on the lawn, turning it into our own rock ‘n’ roll picnic — bring your chairs, blankets, food, and wine. We’ll toast to the music, sing along, and dance the night away under the stars! Ravinia shows often sell out, so grab your tickets soon — you don’t want to miss this epic night!
**Tickets are $49 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 FRIDAY 6/6/25, GENERAL ADMISION LAWN " An Evening with Heart"
https://www.ravinia.org/events/detail/heart#showing_59REMEMBER, 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 links below to sign up for those shows as well:
- 6/6/25 An Evening with Heart https://www.meetup.com/windy-city-wanderers/events/307492148/
- 6/28/25 Al Green with special guest The O'Jays https://www.meetup.com/windy-city-wanderers/events/307492430/
- 7/5/25 Chicago with special guest Stevie McVie https://www.meetup.com/windy-city-wanderers/events/307492244/
- 8/7/25 Earth Wind & Fire https://www.meetup.com/windy-city-wanderers/events/307492561/
- 8/21/25 Lenny Kravitz https://www.meetup.com/windy-city-wanderers/events/307492834/
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!
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!
Heart is an American rock band formed in the early 1970s and led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, who became trailblazers for women in rock music. With a sound that blends hard rock, folk, and later polished pop-rock, Heart rose to fame with their debut album Dreamboat Annie (1975), featuring iconic tracks like “Crazy on You” and “Magic Man.” Their fierce energy, powerful vocals, and skilled musicianship set them apart, particularly Ann’s commanding voice and Nancy’s dynamic guitar work. The band achieved massive commercial success throughout the late '70s and '80s with hits like “Barracuda,” “These Dreams,” “What About Love,” and the chart-topping power ballad “Alone.” Known for their emotionally charged performances and ability to evolve with the times, Heart sold over 35 million albums worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Their influence endures, both as pioneering women in a male-dominated genre and as creators of some of rock’s most memorable songs.
https://www.heart-music.com/
https://www.youtube.com/thebandheartRavinia 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 above I gave on parking or check Ravinia's website
PLEASE KEEP RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW
