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 🌬️🚶♀️🚶♂️
Featured event
🎄✨ Broadway Barbara’s Holiday Spectacular – Live at The Den Theatre! 🎶💃
🎄✨ Broadway Barbara’s Holiday Spectacular – Live at The Den Theatre! 🎶💃
✨ A Holiday Tradition – Broadway Barbara Returns!
Behold — it’s a Christmas miracle! Broadway Barbara, legendary performer and social media sensation (@BroadwayBarbaraOfficial), returns to The Den Theatre for a festive, high-energy holiday spectacular. Celebrate the release of her new holiday album We Need a Little Barbara with a show packed with:
🎤 Classic holiday tunes
💃 All-singing, all-dancing fun
🎁 Christmas surprises & holiday cheer
This is a true gift to yourself — Broadway Barbara live onstage in Chicago!
📅 Monday, December 15, 2025
⏰ Showtime: 7:15 PM (we meet at 7 pm)
📍 The Den Theatre – 1333 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
🎟️ Tickets: $35 + fees | Must buy in advance — assigned seating
My seat: M3 | Seats still open in Rows M, N & O
👉 Buy tickets here: https://tickets.thedentheatre.com/event/broadway-barbaras-holiday-spectacular-rlnjrj
🎟️ More info: https://tickets.thedentheatre.com/
🍽️ Two-Item Minimum
Plan ahead to enjoy drinks or bites at The Den — it’s required for all guests.
🍽️ Pre-Show Dinner (Optional)
Some of us may arrive early around 5:30 PM to grab a bite before the show at Falafel & Grill, Antique Taco Wicker Park, or CAVA. All are welcome to join! Check back closer to the event date for updates and to finalize dinner plans.
***
✨ Behold – it’s a Christmas miracle!
Broadway Barbara – legendary performer, social media sensation (@BroadwayBarbaraOfficial), and unstoppable force of pure entertainment – makes her triumphant return to The Den Theatre!
And this year, Barbara’s giving the season a real kick in the Santa pants! To celebrate the release of her new holiday album – We Need A Little Barbara (available this fall from Razzmatazz Records) – she’s bringing along a sack packed with classic holiday tunes, a sleigh full of slay, and at least two stockings piled full of Christmas surprises.
This all-singing, all-dancing, all-Barbara evening is the perfect holiday treat. Give yourself the gift that keeps on giving: Broadway Barbara, live onstage in Chicago!
💃 A Holiday Show with Camp, Parody, & Old Broadway Glamour! 🎶
Think campy, over-the-top parody, silly humor, and classic Broadway flair — if you love singing, dancing, and old-school theater glitz, you will love this show. Broadway Barbara, the faux Broadway diva with 400,000 social media followers, is back to dazzle Chicago with a holiday spectacular full of laughs, glitz, and glitter. 🎤💃
Read more about her: https://playbill.com/article/meet-broadway-barbara-the-faux-broadway-diva-who-has-300-000-followers-on-social-media
***
🌟 What to Expect:
🎄 Classic holiday tunes
🎁 Silly surprises & outrageous fun
💃 All-singing, all-dancing, all-Barbara energy
🍽️ Two-Item Minimum – plan ahead for drinks or bites.
🌟 About Broadway Barbara
Barbara Dixon is a living legend: singer, dancer, and unstoppable entertainer. With decades of experience from Broadway to near-Hollywood, Barbara brings boundless energy, unforgettable tunes, and incredible stories to every performance. Fans and critics alike agree — every room becomes her stage!
Follow Barbara online:
🌐 https://www.broadwaybarbara.com/
📸 https://www.instagram.com/broadwaybarbaraofficial/
📺 https://www.youtube.com/broadwaybarbara
🏛️ About The Den Theatre
Located at 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave in Wicker Park, The Den Theatre opened in 2010 and has grown into a vibrant, multi-level live-entertainment venue. It houses five intimate performance spaces (from 50–300 seats) — perfect for theater, comedy, improv, musicals, and more. On the first floor, you’ll find The Den Bar & Lounge, where audiences gather before and after shows to socialize and enjoy craft cocktails The Den is home to several resident theatre companies (like About Face Theatre and First Floor Theater), and consistently features national comedians, local stars, and original productions. Their mission centers on connection, accessibility, and artistic diversity — creating a welcoming space for audiences and performing artists alike. Parking note: There’s no on-site parking — use SpotHero, ParkWhiz, or meter parking on Milwaukee Ave & side street
🚆 Transit & Parking:
CTA Trip Planner: https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
Street parking available (metered & nearby side streets). Watch for signage.
❗ No-Show Policy:
3 no-shows without updating RSVP = 3-month restriction
Update RSVP before start time; message host if late
Check in with host upon arrival
🎄✨ Join us for a silly, glamorous, high-energy holiday evening — Broadway Barbara style!
Upcoming events
62
🎤🌮🎶 Live Band Karaoke + Taco Tuesday! Multi-Group Meetup! 🎶🌮🎤
All Star Seafood and sports, 730 South Clark, Chicago, IL, US🎤🌮🎶 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! 🎤🌮🍻1 attendee🎤🌮🎶 Live Band Karaoke + Taco Tuesday! Multi-Group Meetup! 🎶🌮🎤
All Star Seafood and sports, 730 South Clark, Chicago, IL, US🎤🌮🎶 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! 🎤🌮🍻6 attendees
🎁✨ Holiday Magic After Dark-Lightscape Show at Chicago Botanic Garden!🎄🍸
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL, US🎁✨ Holiday Magic After Dark-Lightscape Show at Chicago Botanic Garden! 🎄🍸
🎄✨ Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden – Adults Only Night! 🍸🌟
📅 Thursday, December 4, 2025 | ⏰ 7:00–9:00 PM
📌 Hosted by: Mary Kinas
Join us for one of the most magical holiday experiences in Chicagoland — Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden! We’ve chosen Adults Only Night (21+) for an evening filled with breathtaking lights, music, and special handcrafted drinks just for the grown-ups.
Please buy your ticket very soon because these nights and time slots sell out! I would hate for you to miss it!
🥂 Pre-Dinner at PF Chang’s (Northbrook)
- We’ll meet at 5:15 PM at PF Chang’s, 1819 Lake Cook Rd., Northbrook (near Northbrook Court Mall).
- If you can’t make it right at 5:15, just join when you can!
- After dinner, we’ll carpool to the Garden for our 7:00 PM entry to Lightscape.
🌟 How to Get Your Ticket (PLEASE READ ALL THE WAY THRU):
1️⃣ Go to the Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape page
2️⃣ Choose “Lightscape 21 and Over Only.”
3️⃣ Select Thursday, Dec 4 – 7:00 PM entry time
4️⃣ Tickets: $36 (nonmembers)
5️⃣ Parking: $18 per car (members park free)
Here is the direct ticket link for Adults Night on 12/4/25 Make sure to hit Lightscape 21 and Over Only:
https://secure.chicagobotanic.org/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=2050&c=12165
🚗 Transportation:
If you have a car and can offer a ride, please comment below!
Some members will carpool from the city, while others will meet at PF Chang’s to carpool from there and split parking costs at the Garden.
🚗 Carpooling Info
Need a ride? 🚘 Got a car with extra seats? 🪑 Drop a comment here so we can match people up!
👉 When posting, please include:
- 🚀 If you’re coming early for dinner or just for the light show portion at the Botanical Gardens
- 🕒 If you’ll stay for the whole event
- 📍 What part of the city are you located in / pickup area
✔️ RSVP only after you’ve purchased your ticket
🚫 Please update your RSVP if plans change
👯♀️ Guests are welcome — bring a friend and let’s make it a magical night!
🎉 With multiple Meetup groups joining in, it’s the perfect chance to mingle, make new friends, and enjoy some holiday magic together!
✨ Don’t miss this festive adults-only Lightscape adventure!14 attendees
✨🎁 5TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY @ DAD'S PLACE IN WRIGLEYVILLE! (w/KARAOKE!)🎁🎅⛄🤶
Dad's Place, 3369 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, US🎉🎄🎅 ANNUAL MULTI-MEETUP HOLIDAY PARTY! 🎅🎄🎉
📍 Dad's Place – Wrigleyville
🗓️ Starts at 7:00 PM — Please be on time to grab tables!! ⏰✨
Get ready for the MOST ✨🎁 FESTIVE 🎁✨ night of the year — our Annual Holiday Party is back and bigger than ever at Dad’s Place in Wrigleyville! 🍻🎉
Expect food 🍔, drinks 🍹, holiday cheer 🎄✨, and karaoke 🎤😄 all night long!
And YES — karaoke is TOTALLY optional 😉🙌 (sing, cheer, vibe — it’s all good!)
we'll be partying with multiple Meetup groups, so get ready to meet new people 🤝✨, make holiday memories 📸🎁, and celebrate the season together!
***
🍔🍕🌭 DELICIOUS MENU ALERT! 🤤🎉
Come hungry — we’ve got all the goodies!
🍔 Burgers
🧀 Quesadillas
🌭 Brats & Chips
🍕 Pizza
🥑 Guac & Chips
YUM. 😋❤️
***
🎤🎶🎄 ABOUT DAD’S PLACE
Wrigleyville’s coziest, friendliest, karaoke-loving holiday spot!
- 🎤 Karaoke & live music
- 🍺 Great drinks & tasty food
- 🎄 Cozy, festive, neighborhood vibes
🔗 Venue website: https://www.dadsplacechicago.com/
***
✨💚❤️ FESTIVE ATTIRE ENCOURAGED! ❤️💚✨
Bring the HOLIDAY SPIRIT — any holiday you celebrate! 🎅🕎🎄🌟
🎉💫 Classic Holiday Festive Ideas:
- 🤶 Ugly sweaters (the uglier, the better!)
- ✨ Sparkles, sequins, glitter — SHINE!
- ❤️💚 Holiday colors galore
- 🎅 Santa hats • 🦌 Reindeer antlers • 🧝 Elf gear
- 🔔 Fun jewelry, scarves, socks — GO BIG!
The more festive, the more fun. 🔥🎄
***
🚇🚗 GETTING THERE
- 🚆 Public Transit: CTA Trip Planner / Google Maps
🔗 transitchicago.com/planatrip
- 🚗 Driving: SpotHero or Parking Whiz recommended
***
❗🚫 NO-SHOW POLICY
Help keep our events amazing! 🌟
- ❌ 3 no-shows = 3-month RSVP freeze
- 🕢 Update your RSVP before the event starts
- 📩 Late? Message the host!
- ✔️ Check in with the host at certain events
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