Memorial Day Weekend: Fun for everyone
What will you do with your three-day weekend?
Chicago has so many events, it may be hard to decide!
Friday, May 27
- Prost! German Beers of Chicago
- What? A trolley pub crawl hosted by the Chicago History Museum
- When? May 27, 6 – 9 p.m.
- Where? The tour will visit several of the best bierstubes in Chicago
- Highlights include:
- History lessons while drinking beer
- Drink specials
- More information: http://www.westmontbbq.com
- Nerds at Heart’s Holidate
- What? A singles bash
- When? May 27, 7 p.m.
- Where? Hidden Shamrock
- Highlights include:
- Board games and trivia
- Ice cream tasting
- Beach-reading giveaways
- More information: http://www.yelp.com
- Red, White & Bar-B-Q
- What? A BBQ competition
- When? May 27, 28 and 29
- Where? Ty Warner Park in Westmont, Ill.
- Highlights include:
- Three days of free live music
- Chili-tasting contest
- Cooking demonstrations
- More information: http://www.chicagohistory.org
- Cubs games
- What? A baseball game against the Pirates (May 27, 28, 29) or the Astros (May 30)
- When? May 27, 28, 29 and 30
- Where? Wrigley Field
- Highlights include:
- Free T-shirts for the first 10,000 fans on Memorial Day
- More information: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com
Saturday, May 28
- Soldier Field 10 mile
- What? A 10-mile race
- When May 28, 7:30 a.m.
- Soldier Field
- Highlights include:
- A race shirt and goody bag
- Finish on the 50-yard line
- The Hut-Hut Hike, a non-competitive walk
- More information: http://www.soldierfield10.com
- Yoga at the Lincoln Park Zoo
- What? Outdoor yoga at the zoo
- When? May 28, 9 – 10 a.m.
- Where? Lincoln Park Zoo
- Highlights include:
- A view of the city skyline
- An opportunity to learn the basics of yoga
- Connection with nature
- More information: http://www.lpzoo.org
- Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival
- What? A music festival with entertainment, arts, crafts and food
- When? May 28 and 29
- Where? N. Sheffield between Belmont and School
- Highlights include:
- Ten bands in two days
- More information: http://www.chicagoevents.com
- Memorial Day Parade
- What? A parade to honor those serving and those who have served
- When? May 28, noon
- Where? State St. from Lake St. to Van Buren
- Highlights include:
- A free celebration
- One of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation
- More information: http://www.cityofchicago.org
- Green City Market
- What? An outdoor food market
- When? May 28
- Where? Lincoln Park between Clark and Stockton Drive
- Highlights include:
- Products from local farmers
- A cooking demonstration by Tim Cottini of Cafe Ba Ba Reeba
- More information: http://www.greencitymarket.org
- Navy Pier Fireworks
- What? Fireworks fun
- When? May 28, 10:15 p.m.
- Where? Navy Pier
- Highlights include:
- Music by B96
- Proximity to restaurants, shopping and Lake Michigan
- More information: http://www.navypier.com
Sunday, May 29
- Bike the Drive
- What? A 30-mile bike ride
- When? May 29, 5:30 – 9:30 a.m.
- Where? Lake Shore Drive
- Highlights include:
- A car-free bike ride
- A festival from 8 a.m. – noon
- Fruit, water and snacks at rest stops
- More information: http://www.bikethedrive.org
- Boozehounds
- What? A chance to enjoy a drink while your dog plays and enjoys treats
- When? May 29, 1 – 4 p.m.
- Where? Uptown Lounge
- Highlights include:
- Drink specials
- Socializing with friends and pooches
- More information: http://www.yelp.com
Monday, May 30
- New Music Monday
- What? A concert in the park
- When? May 30
- Where? Millennium Park
- Highlights include:
- Justin Townes Earle
- Andre Williams and the Goldstars
- A chance to discover new music
- More information: http://explorechicago.org
NBA playoff stars’ Chicago connections
League MVP and Chicago native Derrick Rose wasn’t the only hometown hero Chicagoans could have rooted for at the start of the NBA playoffs this year. Check out the playoff stats of four stars with a Chicago connection below. Roll over and click on each image to learn more about the players who made heroic efforts to claim this year’s championship.
Photos by Keith Allison licensed under Creative Commons
Wade photo
Rose photo
Brown photo
Garnett photo
Who’s playing this week? Your guide to the games
The Bulls are heating up as they move on to next round of the playoffs against the Heat, and the Chicago Fire are cooling down as they head north to Toronto this week. Take a peek at who’s playing who, how teams fared against each other the last time they faced off and predictions from fans about the outcomes for this week’s series.
Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants (Home)
May 13, 2011 1:20 PM
“I’m assessing the season already, overall, and I have to say, they usually tend to do better with the difficult opponents, so I’m going to say that they’re going to do fairly well against the Cardinals and the Giants, and then they’re going to go back to their usual ways.” Rebecca Parrilla, 40, Cubs fan from Andersonville
Chicago White Sox vs. Oakland Athletics (Away)
May 13, 2011 9:05 PM
The Chicago White Sox only pulled off 1 of 3 wins during their April series against the Oakland Athletics. Here’s a recap of the last game and tune in for another three-game series this weekend.
Chicago White Sox vs. Oakland Athletics (Away)
May 14, 2011 3:05 PM
According to MLB.com, Gavin Floyd has been confirmed to pitch Saturday’s game.
Chicago Fire vs. Toronto FC (Away)
May 14, 2011 6 PM
Watch the Chicago Fire as they play Toronto FC at BMO Field.
Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat: Game 1 (Home)
May 14, 2011 7 PM
The Bulls beat the Atlanta Hawks Thursday night and will now move on to the Eastern Conference finals, where they will take on the Miami Heat Sunday at 7 p.m.
Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants (Home)
May 14, 2011 6:10 PM
Mike Harber, 30, a Little Italy resident, on who will take the series: “I think the Giants will probably win. I don’t have a lot of confidence in the Cubs at this point, just to be honest. People get mad at me, but I guess I’m too much of a realist.”
Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants (Home)
May 15, 2011 1:20 PM
Jeremy English, 26, a Fox Lake resident, on his prediction for the three-game series against the Giants: “Two out of 3 against the Giants. Depending on our pitching matchups, I think we can do it.”
Chicago White Sox vs. Oakland Athletics (Away)
May 15, 2011 3:05 PM
Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds (Away)
May 16, 2011 6:10 PM
Matt Garza may be pitching Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, according to MLB.com.
Chicago White Sox vs. Texas Rangers (Home)
May 16, 2011 7:10 PM
Check out Bloomberg Sports’ season predictions for the White Sox. Are they living up to their potential?
Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds (Away)
May 17, 2011 6:10 PM
Chicago White Sox vs. Texas Rangers (Home)
May 17, 2011 7:10 PM
The White Sox couldn’t pull off a win in their last spring training game against the Rangers on March 12. Which team do you think will take home more runs this week?
Chicago Cubs vs. Florida Marlins (Away)
May 18, 2011 6:10 PM
Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians (Home)
May 18, 2011 7:10 PM
Jake Peavy has been listed as the probable pitcher for Wednesday night’s game against the Indians, according to MLB.com. Check out how he’s been playing on ESPN.com.
Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat: Game 2 (Home)
May 18, 2011 7:30 PM
How will the Bulls fare against the Heat with a home-court advantage? Check out this NBA Intelligence recap from the last time both teams played in sweet home Chicago.
Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Indians (Home)
May 19, 2011 7:10 PM
Chicago Cubs vs. Florida Marlins (Away)
May 19, 2011 6:10 PM
“Well, you know, 2003, that’s like a rivalry now. We always have to… win those games, but the Marlins have a decent team. I would rank them just a tad bit better than the Cubs at this point. That should actually be a good series. We’ll see what happens.” -Mike Harber, 30, Little Italy resident
Chicago Cubs vs. Boston Red Sox (Away)
May 20, 2011 6:10 PM
Andersonville resident Rebecca Parrilla, 40, on how the Cubs are faring this season: “It’s such a toss-up this year. They’re so inconsistent, and they’re not producing any runs either. That’s the big problem they have, is that they’re not getting RBIs. They’re not getting the hits when they have the base runners. Hopefully, that’s going to turn around.”
Chicago White Sox vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (Home)
May 20, 2011 7:10 PM
Where Chicagoans go to watch soccer
While most Chicagoans are still sleeping off Friday and Saturday night hangovers, a loyal group of soccer enthusiasts gather at bars like North Center’s Globe Pub, 1934 W Irving Park Road, to watch “the beautiful game”. Expats and natives alike pack in – six-hour time difference be damned – to look on as their favorite English Premier League, Major League Soccer and La Liga teams duke it out in age-old rivalries.
Arsenal vs. Stoke
Up bright and early for the 8 a.m. Arsenal vs. Stoke match, financial markets professional Fernando Adler spent some time before kickoff relaying the troubled history between the North London and Straffordshire clubs to a friend.
“They don’t come out to play soccer at all. At all,” Adler explained. “They’re only out there to foul. They are the opposite of Arsenal, the antithesis of Arsenal.”
Originally from Argentina, Adler spent some time working in London, where he became an obsessed Arsenal fan. Though it’d be easier for him to watch at home, he makes the trek to the Globe for the exciting atmosphere.
“This place is awesome,” Adler said. “I think, because it’s kind of a pain to watch these matches, you get more of a hardcore group here, which is nice. Like, people here cry [over games].”
Adler isn’t the only expat who enjoys the Globe.
“Usually when I come in here, more than half of the people are not from the United States. You have English, you have Irish, you have people who have lived in England. A lot of Africans.”
Gary Winters, one of the pub’s owners – and a disgruntled Arsenal fan – also spoke to the Globe’s diverse crowd.
“Liverpool fans usually have the whole back area filled up when they play” Winters said. “And they often lose. And United has a pretty good following. Usually there’s also a whole load of Germans back there.”
Winters spent most of Arsenal’s frustrating match (they lost 3-1) joking around and screaming at the TVs with friends Doug Mraz and Rich Balabuzko.
“Arsenal supporters are by far the best tippers and by far the funniest,” Winters joked.
“And most handsome!” Mraz added.
To quell the disappointing result, the three treated themselves and a few lucky patrons to champagne in celebration of St. Totteringham’s Day, one bright spot in Arsenal’s otherwise painful season.
Manchester United vs. Chelsea
As the bar filled with Chelsea and Man United fans, architect Ani Tipnis and waitress Rose Salvi, both Liverpool fans, prepared to root for Chelsea to beat their team’s biggest rivals.
“It’s not that I want Chelsea to win. I just want United to lose,” noted Tipnis, who’s originally from India.
They shared a table with Roxanne Provence, a public school teacher, and Dili Yang, a grad student, who are both somewhat saddened Arsenal fans who stayed to watch, hoping Arsenal’s London rival Chelsea could thwart United’s chances of winning a record 19 league titles.
Two hours later, however, their prayers were left unanswered after United’s Nemanja Vidic scored the second goal that secured his team’s 2-1 victory over a lackluster Chelsea.
United fans cheered. Chelsea fans headed for the door while Collin Carter, a telecommunications account manager, sat at a now empty table waiting for the La Liga match to begin.
A supporter of both Barcelona and Manchester United, Carter, who was born in Jamaica and has been coming to the Globe since 1999, was clearly happy with the win. “It’s been a good season,” Carter said, with a smile.
Though fans of bitter rivals, Tipnis and Carter, a Scouser – Liverpool backer – and a Red – Manchester backer, – enjoyed some friendly post-match banter, further proof that the Globe isn’t your average football pub.
“It is truly a world bar, in my opinion,” Tipnis said. “You’ll make good friends here.”
Our favorite places to watch our favorite teams
Some are winning and some are losing, but at least they’re playing.
Chicago has three major teams currently in the hunt for greatness, and with spring finally blooming, there are plenty of places to watch the Bulls battle for Eastern Conference supremacy (and the White Sox and Cubs battle for .500 records).
Check out this edition of the Chicago Loopster for a comprehensive list of some of the best places in the city to watch your teams get their win on. And if you’re in the mood to do a little bit of celebrity-watching at halftime, take a look at our list of Chicago’s top celebrity hangouts.
Additional information courtesy of CBSChicago.com.
BULLS
Victory Liquors – 2610 N. Halsted St., www.victoryliquors.com
With an 84-by-164-inch TV plastered to the wall and three separate rooms for those who prefer to watch in a calmer atmosphere, this Lincoln Park/DePaul bar is a perfect place to cheer on D-Rose and the Bulls in the company of plenty of your fellow enthusiasts.
Four Shadows – 2758 N. Ashland Ave., www.fourshadows.net (Menu)
For those who would rather watch the game with hardcore fans instead of the casual passerby, this is the place for you. This Lakeview spot features 22-ounce Miller Lite stadium cups for four bucks, tons of TVs and some of the best wings and tater tots in town.
WHITE SOX
Cork and Kerry at the Park – 3258 S. Princeton Ave., www.corkandkerrychicago.com
Can’t get in to the game? Head over to Cork and Kerry at the Park. Forget about the fact that it’s located on the outskirts of U.S. Cellular Field, or that you’ll be surrounded by fellow ChiSox fanatics: The food is the big draw here. In addition to featuring traditional game-day food, Cork and Kerry also masterminds specialty items inspired by whatever team the Sox are playing. (And don’t worry – they’ll be happy to make vegetarian accommodations.)
Shoeless Joe’s – 10290 W. Higgins Rd., www.shoelessjoesrosemont.com (Menu)
How can you ignore a White Sox bar with a name like that? CBSChicago.com calls it, “The next best thing to actually being at U.S. Cellular Field,” and not only because it’s named after the infamous Black Sox orchestrator. The menu leaves little to be desired, offering steaks, ribs and burgers, and it features 30 TVs and – big news – a clean bathroom.
CUBS
Murphy’s Bleachers – 3655 N. Sheffield Ave.,www.murphysbleachers.com
This is the go-to spot for Cubs fans before, during and after games. Located right across the street from Wrigley’s bleacher section, Murphy’s boasts plenty of daily specials ($1 mini burgers on Mondays!), an extensive and moderately-priced beer list and it was named Chicago’s best sports bar by AOL CityGuide in 2004.
Sluggers – 3540 N. Clark St., www.sluggersbar.com (Menu)
This Wrigleyville spot loves all of its Chicago sports equally, but with the Blackhawks currently out of season, Cubs fans dominate. With over 30 TVs (including six 10-foot big screens), batting cages, skee ball and dueling pianos after every Cubs home game, you’ll never be bored (even if there’s a rain delay).
CELEBRITY
Rockit Bar & Grill – 22 W. Hubbard, www.rockitbarandgrill.com
Blackhawks phenoms and BFFs Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane enjoy this River North spot, which is definitely known better for its burgers than its plasma TVs. Slightly more upscale, this is a place where you can get the best burger in the nation, according to “Good Morning America,” but you can still enjoy the game.
Hub 51 – 51 W. Hubbard, www.hub51chicago.com
Whether it’s Jessica Simpson, the White Sox’ Gordon Beckham or the Bulls’ Kyle Korver, Hub 51 – though deemed by some to be a bit hoity-toity – is the place to see and be seen while seeing the game. If there’s a game happening sometime from 3 – 6 p.m., definitely stop by for half-price sushi, but outside of those hours, the tacos, crab nachos and ahi tuna burger are must-haves while celeb-watching.
The Fifty/50 – 2047 Division St., www.thefifty50.com
No matter what day of the week it is or what game is on, anyone from the Blackhawks’ Jordan Hendry to the Dodgers’ Marcus Thames to Jake Peavy of the White Sox flocks to The Fifty/50 for some of the best burgers, sweet potato fries and milkshakes in the city, not to mention the beer selection. Warning: Among the three levels of seating, the temptation to people-watch could interfere with your game-watching.
Best in Fitness: Top 10 Gyms
Want a killer view while killing time on the treadmill? Or how about the ultimate place to get your ‘ohm’ on? Find your perfect match in our top 10 favorite fitness centers in the city, each excelling in their own area of expertise. No more excuses!
Chicago’s Crosstown Rivalry: Cubs vs. White Sox
The Cubs and White Sox begin a three game series on Friday at Wrigley Field. While the teams will only play six games this regular season and the results shouldn’t have too much of an effect on each team’s playoff chances, the series means so much to the city of Chicago.
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Find Chicago’s Cubs and White Sox bars
Where are the Cubs and Sox bars in Chicago located? Most bars are located on the team’s home turf near U.S. Cellular and Wrigley Field. No bars dare to declare Cubs allegiance on the South Side, but a few Cubs and Sox bars co-exist side by side in the Loop — and one brave seafood restaurant declares its Sox pride on the North Side.
View Cubs/White Sox Bars in Chicago in a larger map





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