Tag: Chicago Events

ByChristian Piekos

My Block, My Hood, My City created a fun-filled day in downtown Chicago for 1,000 young people from the West Side and the South Side.

CHICAGO (WLS) — Cheers of excitement started a fun-filled Saturday for 1,000 young people from Chicago’s South and West sides.

Nathaniel Viets-VanLear is the director of youth development for My Block, My Hood, My City, the nonprofit organization debuting its very first “Downtown Day.”

“The energy is electric and young people are so excited to explore their city,” Viets-VanLear said.

The organization works to provide more opportunities for the city’s youth.

“It’s a crazy issue that Chicago deals with that so many of its young people have never been downtown,” Viets-VanLear said. “People aren’t approaching this event with fear. They are approaching it with, ‘Oh, my God, yes, welcome these young people downtown. We’ll donate to your cause.'”

Ranging from 13 to 22 years old, each visitor to the Loop was given a $50 gift card to explore the city.

“An organization like My Block is so important, because it gives students opportunities and brings more resources to communities. Most students don’t get to see downtown often and My Block is giving students that opportunity,” said Damarion Spann.

Cathy Holleb is a tour guide downtown, and volunteered with My Block, My Hood, My City on Saturday.

“I want them to have the opportunities that everyone does. Why shouldn’t they?” Holleb said.

The teens were sent out across some of the most iconic sites in the city, and said they feel uplifted by this unique opportunity.

“I went to a museum, and they had Black people, African Americans, and it was great to learn more about my culture and my people,” said Jessikah-Rae Merritt.

My Block My Hood My City hopes to make this inspiring trip downtown an annual affair for the city’s rising next generation.

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CHICAGO (WLS) — Shane van Gisbergen won the NASCAR Cup Series in Grant Park on Sunday afternoon.

After multiple weather delays, the race finally kicked off, but it was cut down to 75 laps from 100 laps. That race was supposed to begin at 4:05 p.m., but started just after 5:15 p.m.

“It was crazy seeing the rain. I was heartbroken, thinking I wasn’t gonna go,” said Caron Steele.

It was a long day of uncertainty, but fans finally heard that beloved sound.

READ MORE | Chicago Cubs-Guardians game delayed due to possible inclement weather, team says

“It’s just so exciting to hear the sound of the cars rippling through the city,” said Stuart Llewellyn.

Pit crews did what they could to clear the track of standing water after hours-long deluge, using every resource available, including a leaf blower.

WATCH: ABC7 Team has fun with NASCR driver Ryan Preece

ABC7 Chicago Team has some fun with NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece ahead of the race.

“Once we saw it was tapering off, we saw they were drying the cars off, we got excited. We hit it, and got down here,” said John Llewellyn.

Elijah Williams helped sing the national anthem, which they moved inside the media room to usher in the race.

“I’ve been a racing fan pretty much my whole life, and this is actually my first NASCAR event. And, I got the opportunity to perform. It feels surreal,” Williams said.

WATCH: NASCAR podcaster Andrew Kurland shares excitement

NASCAR podcaster Andrew Kurland joined ABC7 to talk about his excitement for the first-ever Chicago street race and a new era of NASCAR.

Fans were more than ready, especially since the weather kept drivers off the race past their scheduled start time.

“I feel like a soggy mess. My sweatshirt is soaked. My shoes, I feel like I’m walking on water, but it’s worth it,” said Amber Jeschke.

“We got absolutely soaked, but we had a fun time,” said Will Otter.

“I’m excited about it. I mean, it’s the first time anything like this has happened, so I’m very happy to be part of it,” said Malcolm Majors.

WATCH: NASCAR Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese ready for race day

NASCAR Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese talks to ABC7s Christian Piekos ahead of first race.

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Brimming with a variety of hands-on exhibits, interactive museums in Chicago offer visitors the unique opportunity to engage with art, science, history, and culture. These one-of-a-kind spaces showcase everything from legendary athletes to sweet frozen treats to immersive art experiences. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s an interactive museum in Chicago for everyone.

Check out these must-visit interactive museums in Chicago.

Color FactoryColor Factory

Located inside the iconic Willis Tower, Color Factory aims to inspire visitors to discover and embrace artful wonder and joy. This vibrant immersive museum partners with creatives, art institutions, nonprofits, and brands to produce thoughtfully curated experiences for individuals of all ages. 

Explore a wide range of whimsical installations and rooms, such as a St. Patrick’s Day-inspired green ball pit and a 1,500-square-foot maze based on Chicago’s iconic architecture. In addition, every visit includes sweet honeydew ice cream from local dessert shop Kurimu and colorful souvenirs designed by artists. 

Sloomoo Institute

At the Sloomoo Institute, children and the young at heart are encouraged to experiment with soft, stretchy, and colorful slime. Play with dozens of different handcrafted slimes or even create your own custom design at the DIY slime bar. From pastel fluffy slime to see-through ooze packed with glitter, this hands-on museum features slime of all textures, scents, and colors. And when you’ve had your fill of slime fun, engage with kinetic sand, immersive CGI videos, and glow-in-the-dark elements.

Medieval Torture Museum

Tucked away in the Loop, the Medieval Torture Museum is ideal for adults with a morbid curiosity. Discover the chilling details of the darkest parts of the medieval period, all while examining more than 100 historical devices and tools designed for torture. 

Every ticket comes with an audio guide, featuring dozens of stories from criminals and victims, recorded and performed by a professional actor. Additionally, brave souls can access the included ghost-hunting experience through an app to locate ghosts within the museum and hear their grim tales.

WNDR Museum

Let’s Survive Forever by Yayoi Kusama, photo by Kirsten Miccoli

Experiential and provocative, WNDR Museum showcases dynamic, multisensory works of art. Thanks to a brilliant collective of designers, artists, and poets, this innovative museum in the West Loop merges technology and art to bring to life 20-plus interactive installations and exhibits.

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