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
17
🎤🌮🎶 Live Band Karaoke/Uno 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!
📅 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 seafood and desserts
✅ 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
🎉🎂🥳 GIOVINA’S 60TH BIRTHDAY BASH — SIXTY & FABULOUS! 🥳🎂🎉
American Legion Tattler Post 973, 4355 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA, Chicago, IL, US🎉🎂🥳 GIOVINA’S 60TH BIRTHDAY BASH — SIXTY & FABULOUS! 🥳🎂🎉
🎈 SIXTY & FABULOUS! LET’S CELEBRATE! 🎈
It’s a BIG birthday, and we’re going to celebrate in style! 🥂🎊
Every October, I love celebrating my birthday with my Meetup family and longtime friends. This year, we're wrapping up the festivities with a 60th Birthday Party Blowout! 🎉
My actual birthday is October 22, but with Halloween in the mix, we're celebrating together in November.
The final details are now ALL SET, so see updates below & mark your calendars. Get ready to party! 🥳
📅 Saturday, November 7, 2026
⏰ 6:00–11:00 PM
📍 American Legion Tattler Post #973
4355 N. Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618
https://www.tattler973.org/🍽️ FOOD & DRINKS — IT'S A POTLUCK! 🍕🥗🍰
We're having a potluck, so please bring a dish to share! Picnic-style food that's easy to serve is best.📝 PLEASE SIGN UP FOR WHAT YOU'RE BRINGING!
Let's coordinate so we have a nice variety of food and don't end up with 15 bags of chips and no dessert! 😂
👉 Potluck Signup:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4DAFA62EA5F8C07-66901705-giovinasPlease sign up with the dish you're planning to bring so everyone can see what's already covered. Let's have a little bit of everything!
🍲 KITCHEN NOTE: The hall has a small kitchen with a microwave and sink, but NO STOVE. Please plan your dish accordingly. Crockpots may be an option, but kitchen space is limited. Coolers and ice are always appreciated!
🥂 DRINKS — CASH BAR! 🍺🍷🍹
The hall will have a cash bar, and everyone will run their own tab. They accept both cash and credit cards.🍻 Expect a limited drink menu with basic well drinks, beer, wine, and cider. This isn't an elaborate cocktail bar, so please plan accordingly!
🍸 MOST IMPORTANTLY: PLEASE TIP YOUR BARTENDERS
WELL! ❤️ They’re helping make our celebration special, so let's show them some appreciation for their service. 💵👏🎉 WHAT'S ON THE PARTY AGENDA?
🥳 Giovina Trivia — how well do you REALLY know me? 😂
🎶 Party music to get us in the celebratory spirit
📸 Old photos and plenty of reminiscing
🎂 Birthday cake, of course!
🥂 Great food, good friends, laughs, and perhaps a cocktail or two!
Sixty years of adventures, friendships, and making memories—and I'm just getting started! ❤️🎁 GIFTS? PLEASE DON'T FEEL OBLIGATED! ❤️
Honestly, your presence is the present! 🥰 I really just want to celebrate this milestone, hang out with my friends, share some laughs, and make more great memories together!That said, several people have asked about gifts, so I'm sharing my Amazon Wish List for anyone who would like a few ideas. 🎁
🛍️ Amazon Wish List:
https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/31OXCI8EWBM8?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_6MEPR439832RVJDKKAYDPlease know that there is absolutely NO obligation to bring or send a gift! Having you there to celebrate my 60th birthday with me is what matters most. ❤️🎂🥳
🚆 GETTING THERE — PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The party is at American Legion Tattler Post #973 on Western Avenue.
🚌 CTA buses:- #49 Western
- #X49 Western Express
- #78 Montrose
- #81 Lawrence
The #49 and #X49 travel along Western Avenue, and the #78 and #81 may be useful depending on where you're coming from. Check your route and stop locations before heading out.
🚆 Brown Line: The Western Brown Line station is at 4648 N. Western Avenue, north of the venue. Allow extra time for the walk from the station.
📱 CTA Trip Planner:
https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/🚗 PARKING INFORMATION
🅿️ Metered parking: Metered spaces are available along Western Avenue and Montrose Avenue near the American Legion Post.
🚗 Free street parking: You may find free parking on nearby side streets, but watch carefully for permit parking restrictions! Check all posted signs before leaving your car to avoid a ticket.
Please allow extra time to find a spot, especially on a Saturday evening. 🎉📌 PLEASE UPDATE YOUR RSVP!
If you previously marked yourself as interested or said you'd attend based on the original save-the-date, please update your RSVP so I have a better idea of how many people to expect.
⚠️ NO-SHOW POLICY
😬 3 no-shows without updating your RSVP = 3-month event restriction.
⏰ RSVP cutoff is the event start time. Running late? Message the host directly!Come ready to eat, drink, laugh, socialize, and help me celebrate SIX DECADES! 🎂🎈🥳
I can't wait to celebrate this milestone with my Meetup family and longtime friends. The location is confirmed, the potluck signup is ready, and now all we need is YOU!
Let's make this a birthday bash to remember! ❤️🥂🎉72 attendees🎤🌮🎶 Live Band Karaoke/Uno 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!
📅 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 seafood and desserts
✅ 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
🥂🎄 Sip, Sparkle & Celebrate: Illuminate 900 @North Michigan Ave Shops! ✨🍸
900 North Michigan Shops, 900 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, US🥂🎄 Sip, Sparkle & Celebrate: Illuminate 900 @North Michigan Ave Shops! ✨🍸
🎄✨ Holiday Lights, Festive Fun & A Little Holiday Glamour! 🎅🎁
📅 Thursday, November 19, 2026
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM (meet at 5:45 pm)
📍 900 North Michigan Shops
900 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611🌟 LET THE HOLIDAY MAGIC BEGIN!
One of Chicago’s most beautiful holiday kickoff celebrations is back! Join me at 900 North Michigan Shops as this elegant shopping destination transforms into a winter wonderland filled with holiday music, festive entertainment, delicious bites, cocktails and a spectacular Christmas tree!
The star of the show? A towering 50-foot holiday tree and the magical countdown when Santa and a Make-A-Wish child flip the switch to illuminate the holiday lights! 🎄✨
We’ve done this event for the past four years, and it’s always one of our favorites. It’s festive, beautiful, and supports a wonderful cause! ❤️
🎟️ 2026 TICKETS & PRICES
All proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Illinois! ❤️
🔴 RED PASS — Ages 10 & Under
$5 + $1.54 ticket fee = $6.54 total
🟢 GREEN PASS — Ages 11+, No Alcohol
$15 + $2.04 ticket fee = $17.04 total
🟡 GOLD PASS — Ages 21+, Alcohol Included
$35 + $3.04 ticket fee = $38.04 total 🥂🍷
🎉 I’m going GOLD! The Gold Pass includes unlimited alcoholic drinks, so that’s my choice for the evening!
🍸 A little insider tip: The drinks are unlimited, but you have to wait in line to get them. Sometimes the lines eat up so much time that you barely get to enjoy all those included drinks! 😂 Plan accordingly and don't spend the whole party standing in a bar line!
If you choose the GREEN Pass, you can purchase alcoholic beverages separately at the bars in Aster Hall, if available.👉 BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE:
https://events.humanitix.com/llluminate-900-2026
⚠️ Ticket fees are additional to the listed prices. Check the ticket page for current availability and full pass details before purchasing.
🎗️ YOUR TICKET SUPPORTS A GREAT CAUSE!
Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Illinois, helping bring life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses. ❤️🎄 WHAT TO EXPECT
✨ A spectacular holiday tree-lighting ceremony
🎶 Live performances by Chicago arts organizations
🎤 Choirs, musicians and a live DJ
🍪 Sugar-cookie decorating and seasonal activities
💃 Costumed dancers and festive holiday characters
📸 Picture-perfect holiday photo opportunities
🍽️ Seasonal food and holiday bites
🥂 Beer, wine, champagne and signature cocktails with the Gold Pass
🎅 Santa’s grand arrival and the magical tree-lighting countdown
It’s a festive, multi-level holiday celebration filled with sparkling decorations, ambient lighting, music and plenty of Christmas spirit!🥂 AFTER THE EVENT
Once the official festivities wrap up at 8 PM, we can continue the evening at Aster Hall, located inside 900 North Michigan Shops, for additional food, drinks and conversation. Any food or drinks purchased afterward will be at your own expense.🧥 A FEW HELPFUL TIPS
• Arrive a little early to get settled and enjoy the atmosphere.
• Coat check availability and fees should be confirmed closer to the event.
• Dress festively if you like — holiday sparkle is always welcome! ✨
• Buy your ticket in advance and review what your chosen pass includes.
• Gold Pass holders: allow time for drink lines!🌐 OFFICIAL EVENT LINKS
🎄 900 North Michigan Shops — Illuminate 900:
https://www.shop900.com/900-event/llluminate-900-holiday-tree-lighting-benefiting-make-a-wish-illinois-2026/
🎟️ 2026 Ticket Sales:
https://events.humanitix.com/llluminate-900-2026
❤️ Make-A-Wish Illinois:
https://wish.org/illinois/illuminate-900-tree-lighting
🚆 CTA Trip Planner:
https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/🚆 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
900 North Michigan Shops is conveniently located near Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.
CTA Trip Planner:
https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/🚗 PARKING
The 900 Shops self-park garage is located at 911 N. Rush Street. Rates and special event validations can change, so check current pricing before you go.
Parking information:
https://www.shop900.com/
You can also compare nearby garages using SpotHero:
https://spothero.com/📌 PLEASE UPDATE YOUR RSVP!
If your plans change, please update your RSVP by the event start time so someone else can take your spot.⚠️ NO-SHOW POLICY
• Three no-shows without updating your RSVP = a three-month restriction from joining new events.
• RSVP changes must be made by the event start time.
• Running late or having trouble finding the group? Message the host.
• Repeated no-shows may result in removal from the group.🎄✨ Let’s kick off the holiday season with twinkling lights, festive music, delicious treats and a little holiday magic — all while supporting a wonderful cause!
Hope you can join me for another beautiful evening at Illuminate 900! ❤️🥂🎅
14 attendees
Past events
1092
