Pumpkins, Sanctum, And Lowriders – Chicago Reader

It’s scary how much fun stuff is happening right now! Spooky season never misses. 

It Takes a Village (ITAV) Pumpkin Patch
Sat 10/21, includes a petting zoo, a bounce house, face painting, food, games, and a train, 4020 W. Division, free to attend, all-ages. Reservations required events.eventnoire.com/e/itav-pumpkin-patch-2023

For a classic autumn adventure appropriate for the whole family, look no further than the annual It Takes a Village (ITAV) Pumpkin Patch. Happening on Saturday, October 21, this free event includes a petting zoo, a bounce house, face painting, food, games, a train, and—oh yeah!—a pumpkin to take home and carve. ITAV is converting the parking lot of their Division Street location (4020 W. Division) into a pumpkin patch, but the fun sprawls across the block. The event happens from 10 AM-2 PM. Reservations are required to guarantee a pumpkin.

Sanctum Dark Music Festival
10/26-10/28, various locations, various ages, tickets start at $40. Full details and tickets at sanctumfest.com

Does a four-on-the-floor beat bring out your devilish side? Sanctum Dark Music Festival might be for you. Now in its second year, this festival is a celebration of macabre club culture, and it provides a reliable sampling of the hottest established and emerging acts in synth pop, darkwave, and electro-industrial. Running from Thursday, October 26 to Saturday, October 28, the fest opens with a lower-key “pre-party” at Epiphany Center for the Arts (201 S. Ashland) featuring Bestial Mouths, Un Hombre Solo, Blood Handsome, and Replicant. Things really heat up the next night at Thalia Hall and the adjoining Tack Room (1807 S. Allport) with Friday’s talent featuring Kontravoid, Buzz Kull, Tempers, Debby Friday, Madeline Goldstein, and Panic Priest. Saturday is also at Thalia Hall, and features performances by the Soft Moon, Geneva Jacuzzi, Pelada, Spike Hellis, SDH, and Conjunto Primitivo. Events at Thalia Hall are for those 17 years old and up, and Tack Room and Epiphany events are 21+.

If you check out our music section, you’ll see my impassioned plea to experience Geneva Jacuzzi, but every night promises at least one act that will delight you, if you’re into music you can dance to in black latex. Speaking of which, this year’s master of ceremonies—er, sacrilege—is Chicago’s favorite rubber-clad naughty feline Wildcat Shadow. Tickets start at $40 and go up based on the night with two- and three-night passes available.

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Christmas In Chicago : Best Things To Do | Holiday Markets, Shows & Events

There’s no time like the holidays in Chicago, where you can’t help but feel the magic of the holiday season. Each winter, the city is full of bustling excitement and seasonal celebrations, from The Magnificent Mile to Millennium Park to our vibrant neighborhoods.

And no matter what holidays you observe, you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate. You can admire twinkling light displays, go ice skating with skyline views, shop for gifts in a charming neighborhood boutique or pop-up market, catch a holiday show in a stunning downtown theatre, or sip hot cocoa while strolling our snow-dusted streets.  

Here are just a few of our favorite holiday events, including festive light displays, family-friendly activities, and beloved traditions this winter season in Chicago.

See the holiday lights

It’s not the holidays in Chicago without dazzling light displays around every corner. Check out ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, when the historic zoo is illuminated by millions of colorful lights, including moving displays set to music. Don’t miss special events like holiday concerts, a sensory-friendly evening, an adult’s night out, and more.

In the nearby suburbs, Brookfield Zoo hosts its annual Holiday Magic display, a local tradition for more than 40 years. Zoo-goers can stroll along the many pathways lit with more than two million twinkling lights, including the 600-foot-long Tunnel of Lights with thousands of colored bulbs all synchronized to music.

Just outside the city, Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Garden is an immersive nature-inspired experience that allows visitors to explore the scenic garden grounds after dark. Walk the illuminated trail and admire the various light installations that transform the natural landscape into a dazzling wonderland.

And in nearby Lisle, Illumination: Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum is another breathtaking outdoor experience. The one-mile paved path winds through the sprawling arboretum and offers views of captivating lighting designs. Afterward, cozy up by the fire to make s’mores and head to the concessions tent.

Explore more: Check out all our favorite spots to see Christmas lights in Chicago.

Explore a charming Christmas marketPhoto by Abel Arciniega

Experience the magic of an authentic German Christmas market at the always-buzzing Christkindlmarket.

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The Best Bookstores In Chicago

New Book joy interiorPhotograph: Courtesy of New Book Joy

Shop the stacks for new and used titles, from non-fiction to fantasy, at the top independent bookstores in Chicago.

Lindsay Eanet

No matter the season, staying in and curling up with an exciting new book next to the fireplace is never a bad idea. Lucky for you, Chicago’s independent bookstore scene continues to grow larger and more diverse—both geographically and by topic. You can now find shops specializing in romance novels, ecology, theatre and so much more. Some of our top picks also double as coffee shops, making them the perfect places to spend an afternoon. So the next time you’re on the hunt for a page-turner, browse the stacks inside these well-read and well-loved Chicago bookstores. 

Best bookstores in Chicago

1. Myopic Bookstore

This legendary used bookstore, one of Chicago’s oldest and largest, stocks three floors’ worth of books from floor to ceiling. Ask the friendly staff for recommendations, or choose your own adventure and wander the labyrinthine stacks to find your new favorite. 

2. Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery

From the vibrant murals to the cozy kids’ section to the cafe, Danielle Mullen’s River West space is made for browsing, community building and taking your time. Browse the shop’s well-curated stacks or check out its regular schedule of events, which have included a dreamy Book Club Dinner Party, storytime with Time Out Market and a happy hour homage to the old Scholastic book fair. Plus, in addition to the store’s literacy-focused sister nonprofit, Parenthesis, Semicolon’s #ClearTheShelves program has given away seven-figures worth of books to Chicago Public Schools students.

3. The Last Chapter

A passionate reader and member of the community known as “romancelandia,” Amanda Anderson opened The Last Chapter, the newest bookstore on our list, in Roscoe Village in September of 2023. Romance lovers can pick up titles by popular authors like Sarah J. Maas and Jasmine Guillory, or browse by genre (sports, holiday, etc.), along with sections highlighting LGBTQ+ and BIPOC love stories. Before you leave, snap a selfie in one of the ‘gram-worthy photo booths, and even share the name of the fictional character you’re not-so-secretly pining for. 

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4. Exile in Bookville

Chicago history is everywhere in this bookstore,

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Nintendo Events – Play Nintendo Tour

Locations

Check out the Play Nintendo Tour at the following venues from June 13 to Sept. 2.

The Shops at South Town
Salt Lake City, UT

June 13 – June 16
Thursday, June 13: 11am – 8pm
Friday, June 14: 10am – 8pm
Saturday, June 15: 10am – 8pm
Sunday, June 16: 12pm – 6pm

10450 S. State Street
Sandy, UT 84070

Located near HomeGoods and Round 1 Bowling & Amusement.

The Woodlands Mall
Houston, TX

June 27 – June 30
Thursday, June 27: 11am – 8pm
Friday, June 28: 11am – 8pm
Saturday, June 29: 11am – 8pm
Sunday, June 30: 12pm – 6pm

1201 Lake Woodlands Dr.
The Woodlands, TX 77380

Located on 1st Level near Dillard’s.

Jordan Creek Town Center
West Des Moines, IA

July 11 – July 14
Thursday, July 11: 10am – 8pm
Friday, July 12: 10am – 8pm
Saturday, July 13: 10am – 8pm
Sunday, July 14: 11am – 6pm

101 Jordan Creek Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50266

Located in Center Court.

King of Prussia
King of Prussia, PA

July 18 – July 21
Thursday, July 18: 10am – 8pm
Friday, July 19: 10am – 8pm
Saturday, July 20: 10am – 8pm
Sunday, July 21: 11am – 6pm

160 N. Gulph Rd
King of Prussia, PA 19406

Located in Nordstrom Court.

American Dream®
E. Rutherford, NJ

July 25 – July 28
Thursday, July 25: 11am – 9pm
Friday, July 26: 11am – 9pm
Saturday, July 27: 11am – 9pm
Sunday, July 28: 11am – 8pm

1 American Dream Way
East Rutherford, NJ 07073

Located in Court A, Level 1.

Haywood Mall
Greenville, SC

Aug. 1 – Aug. 4
Thursday, Aug. 1: 10am – 8pm
Friday, Aug. 2: 10am – 8pm
Saturday,

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The Best Things To Do Indoors In Chicago

People celebrating while playing dartsPhotograph: Courtesy of Flight ClubThe best things to do indoors in Chicago

When it’s pouring rain, snowing or disgustingly muggy, escape the weather with these fun indoor activities in Chicago.

Zach Long

Samantha Nelson

The Windy City is filled with beautiful parks, bustling shopping districts and dramatic outdoor art installations, but when it’s raining or snowing, you shouldn’t let it ruin your day. There are world-class museums where you can explore everything from dinosaurs to modern art, relaxing spas for self-care, plus active fun to be had like bowling, bouldering and table tennis. So don’t let the weather get in the way of having a great day and stay warm and dry by enjoying some of the best things to do indoors in Chicago.

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago

Catch a matinee at Music Box Theatre

You could spend an afternoon sitting in the dark at a variety of Chicago movie theaters, but the Music Box caters to anyone with a preference for independent films, foreign cinema, vintage movies and documentaries. Have a drink in the lounge before taking your seat in the ornate main theater or the smaller screening room—and don’t forget to ask for butter (the real deal, not the pungent fake stuff) on your popcorn.

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Take a dip at Aire Ancient Baths

If you’re going to spend some time indoors, you might as well make it a luxurious, relaxing experience. Inspired by Greek and Roman bath houses, Aire squeezes six thermal baths into a River West building that once housed a factory. Guests get 90 minutes to take a dip in as many of the baths as they like, though you can extend your stay by indulging in a massage or a variety of spa treatments (they call them “rituals”).

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Visit your favorite exhibits at Art Institute of Chicago

No matter how many times you’ve visited the Art Institute of Chicago, it’s nice to come back and see some of your favorite works on display. While some gravitate to Sunday on La Grande Jatte or the New Contemporary collection in the Modern Wing, it can be equally fun to venture to the museum’s Medieval and Renaissance Art galleries or explore the art of ancient Egypt in the basement.

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The 10 Best Apps For Discovering Events Happening Around You

Getting out and enjoying an event with friends is one of the best ways to make lifelong memories. No matter what your budget is, there’s always some sort of entertainment available—finding it has always been the difficult part.

Today you can connect with local events happening near you by simply using your smartphone. Whether you’re relaxing at home or enjoying time in a new city, you can use these smartphone apps to find the best local events.

1. Eventbrite

Eventbrite is one of the greatest event apps for finding local happenings of all kinds. Music festivals, craft shows, and even bar crawls are right at your fingertips.

Enable access to your location to see what’s happening around you or search by city. The app then gives you dates, times, locations, maps, and similar events. You can also check ticket prices and order those that are available.

You can browse events by category or search for something specific. Plus, you can share happenings with your friends or save your favorites with a free account. It’s even great for finding activities for your kids.

Download: Eventbrite for Android | iOS (Free)

2. TickPick

The biggest benefit of TickPick is the app’s straightforward pricing model. One of the worst things about buying tickets from traditional ticket sites is the service fees. Although the concert ticket may be listed under $40, after service fees they often end up costing well over $50.

TickPick calculates all fees and assorted pricing directly into the displayed cost so that you know exactly how much it will cost you to attend local events. It’s a great way to find local events and figure out immediately whether you can afford to attend.

You can use the app to find deals on last-minute local events, and also use it directly to scan your tickets for entrance.

Download: TickPick for Android | iOS (Free)

3. Fever

Fever serves as a one-stop hub for discovering and exploring a wide range of events in major cities around the world. With its user-friendly interface and extensive database, it enables you to effortlessly find and attend events tailored to your preferences and interests.

Whether you’re looking for concerts, parties, art exhibitions, sports events,

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September 2023 Events Calendar For Chicago

September might be here, but don’t despair—summer in Chicago isn’t over yet! From Labor Day weekend festivities to summer festivals (including Riot Fest), we’ve still got plenty of warm weather fun to take advantage of before the leaves start to turn and the temperature drops. Soak up the sun at the best Chicago beaches and rooftop bars, or spend your weekends checking out the end of festival season at events like the Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Printers Row Lit Fest or ARC Music Festival. And if you really can’t wait for fall to arrive, might we suggest some early leaf peeping? Whatever your mood, you’ll find plenty of ways to keep busy with our roundup of the best things to do in Chicago this September. 

RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2023

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President Of Powerful Realtors Group Is Accused Of Sexual Harassment

Real Estate|President of Powerful Realtors Group Is Accused of Sexual Harassment

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President of Powerful Realtors Group Is Accused of Sexual Harassment

An employee described a “culture of fear” at the National Association of Realtors, a powerful nonprofit that controls access to nearly every U.S. home listing.

The exterior of a building is glass. The word, Realtor,” and the R in a block font are emblazoned on the glass. Passers-by walk in front of the building.The National Association of Realtors has 1.5 million dues-paying members, making it the largest professional organization in the country. It owns the trademark to the word “Realtor.”Credit…Jamie Kelter Davis for The New York Times

By Debra Kamin

Debra Kamin spoke to more than 25 members, employees and former employees of the National Association of Realtors, traveling to both Chicago and Washington, D.C., while reporting this story.

Published Aug. 26, 2023Updated Aug. 29, 2023

[Update: Mr. Parcell resigned on Monday from the National Association of Realtors in the wake of The Times’s investigation.]

One woman said the man put his hands down his pants in front of her. Another woman said the same man texted her a picture of his crotch. A third woman said she had a consensual relationship with the man, only to have him retaliate after it ended.

The man is Kenny Parcell, the president of the National Association of Realtors, a powerful nonprofit organization with more than $1 billion in assets that controls access to nearly every American home listing. All three women, who worked at the Chicago-based group, said they were sexually harassed by Mr. Parcell, and described a pattern of behavior that included improper touching and lewd photos and texts.

Within the organization, known as N.A.R., and its affiliates, 29 employees and former leaders told The New York Times that even after years of complaints of sexual harassment, discrimination and retribution by Mr. Parcell and other leaders, little changed. Many of these claims have begun to surface in recent weeks after Janelle Brevard,

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35 Best Things To Do With Kids In The Chicago Suburbs (2024)

One of the best parts about living in Milwaukee is having easy access to the world-class popular attractions in Chicagoland (without the daily traffic!).

Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg Chicago Chicago’s suburbs are packed with family-friendly attractions and activities.

Whether you’re planning an easy day trip from Milwaukee, a full weekend of fun, or just wondering what to do while you visit relatives, we found 35 of the best things to do with kids in the Chicago suburbs.

Read on for the best kid-friendly activities in the suburbs of Chicago, organized by region.

North Suburbs of Chicago Schuamburg

In the North Suburbs, Schaumburg takes the lead for the most family-friendly activities.

    Bison’s Bluff, Photo from parkfun.com
  1. Enterrium: For a giant hangout space with bowling alleys, ping-pong tables, and arcade games, head to the Enterrium at Woodfield Mall, formerly known as Pac-Man Entertainment.
  2. Legoland Discovery Center: One of the main attractions in this suburb is the Legoland Discovery Center, a must-visit for lego-lovers with giant lego displays, amusement park rides, a 4D theater, and kid-sized lego worlds to explore.
  3. Bison’s Bluff: Nearby Bison’s Bluff is one of the area’s best nature playgrounds with a large bison, waterfall, multi-tiered tree house, art area, music area, climbing walls, indoor nature center, and slides leading to the base of the bluff.
  4. Challenge Course at Meineke Park: Also in Schaumburg is the free Challenge Course at Meineke Park, with an extensive ninja warrior course complete with ramps, vault wall, floating boards, ropes, and climbing walls. Digital timers even allow them to score their performance.
  5. Peppa Pig World of Play: The Peppa Pig World of Play has 14 themed areas including Peppa Pig’s Treehouse, Miss Rabbit at the Supermarket, and George’s Fort.
  6. Medieval Times: Travel back in time where knights in shining armor battled for honor on their horses. Medieval Times is an immersive experience for the whole family.
  7. Pilot Pete’s: For a restaurant that will delight your kids, check out Pilot Pete’s, an aviation themed eatery. It has airplanes hanging from the ceiling, and you can watch the real airplanes at the neighboring Schaumburg Flying Club from your table!

Hotels in Schaumburg Skokie

Further easy in Skokie,

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August 2023 Events Calendar For Chicago

It’s the last full month of summer in Chicago, but that doesn’t mean the fun is stopping anytime soon! From the annual Chicago Air and Water Show along the lakefront and Bud Billiken Parade in Bronzeville to summer festivals like Lollapalooza, Ruido Fest and Ribfest Chicago, you’ll find plenty of ways to keep busy in the hazy late summer heat. Plus, don’t forget to plan a couple of languid afternoons at the best Chicago beaches—Lake Michigan’s often frigid water is at its warmest this month. Looking for even more ways to fill your summer days? Scroll through our list of the best things to do in Chicago this August. 

RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2023

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