Festivals and Events in Chicago Area

Fall and Winter in Chicago means fun times.  There are many festivals and events happening all around Chicago for the Fall and Winter 2022.  Below we list several noteworthy festivals and events worth checking out.

Updated:  February 10, 2023

Chicago Area Events

Free Chicago Museum Days

Free days to the Chicago Museums for Illinois Residents for 2023 have been announced.  See the dates at Free Chicago Museum Days.

January 2023

January 5         Crafty Kids  Ages 3 – 7  1 - 5 PM - 3600 Lexington Drive 

January 6-8     Great American Dog Show - Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center

January 6          Hoffman Estates Public Skate - Triphahn Center & Ice Arena

January 6          Windy City Bulls vs. Lakeland Magic - Now Arena

January 7           Windy City Bulls vs. Lakeland Magic - Now Arena

Jan. 11 - 15      Chicago Boat Show - 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

                            Prices:  $15/ages 13-plus, $10/seniors 62-plus with ID, 

                            free/ages 12 and under with the purchase of an adult ticket

                            For discounted tickets:  use code "INFL2023"

Jan 11 - 15      Journey to the Sun at Chopin Theatre  1543 W. Division, Chicago

                              Prices:  $25/adult, $15/ages 18 and under, free/ages 5 and under

Jan 11 - 16        The Art of Brick at Museum of Science and Industry - Chicago 

January 14         Windy City Bulls vs. Cleveland Charge - Now Arena

January 16         Windy City Bulls vs. Cleveland Charge - Now Arena

January 19         Windy City Bulls vs. College Park SkyHawks - Now Arena

Jan 20 - Feb 5    Chicago Restaurant Week - Multiple Restaurants participating

January 28         Global Connections Lunar New Year at 1 pm - Navy Pier

January 28        Chinese New Year Dumpling Making Dinner  - Hing Kee Restaurant

January 28-29   Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live Glow Party - Now Arena

January 29        Chinatown Parade for Lunar New Year - parade begins at 1:00 p.m.

• Starts at the intersection of 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue
• Travels north on Wentworth towards viewing stand at Cermak and Wentworth.

February 2023

February 1 - 5       Lake Geneva 28th Annual Winterfest -  Lake Geneva, WI

February 4 - 5       Bull Riders World Tour Finale - Now Arena

February 11       The Pajama Crawl - Chicago's Coziest Winter Bar Crawl! - Wrigleyville

February 11 - 20    Chicago Auto Show - McCormick Place Complex

February 18 - 19    55th Annual Mad City Model Railroad Show & Sale - Madison, WI

February 25th        Naperville Ale Fest - Winter Edition    Naperville - Frontier Park

February 25th     Schaumburg Highschool Craft Fair 10 AM to 4 PM - Schaumburg 

March 2023

March 7 - 19th     Annie playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre - Chicago, IL

March 11                Outreach Basketball Tournament - Warrenville, IL

April 2023

April 8                    Easter Egg Hunt - Morning & Afternoon - Bettendorf Castle

May 2023     

May 27th                 Muddy Dash  - Fox Valley Off Road Ottawa, IL  

Final Thoughts

Chicago is great in the Winter.  These events and festivals are just a sampling of the many festivals, concerts, and events in the Chicago area.  

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Apple Picking Chicago!

Fall is apple picking season.  September to early October is the prime picking season.  So, grab your boots, your flannel shirt, and a sturdy basket—it’s time to plan you apple picking adventure.  

A guide for Apple Picking and Apple Orchards near Chicago so you can have an Apple Picking Good time!

Updated:  September 21, 2024

Apple Picking Chicago!

Apple Picking Tips!

There are a few apple picking tips to pick the best tasting apples:

• Avoid Bruising - Store and stow your apples with care. Gently place apples in the carrying container and don’t throw the apple container in the car once you are done picking.  Bruised apples will rot faster and causes the other apples to rot as well. 

• Pick, Don’t Shake – Never shake the branches and don’t pull the apple straight off the tree.  Give a little twist and roll the apple upward off the branch. 

• Work from the Outside in – The apples on outer branches ripen first so it is best to pick from the outside of the tree, first.   Work your way in as the season progresses.  Once you pick an apple the ripening process stops— so make sure the fruit is ready to be picked for the best taste.  An apple is ripe if the stem is easily removed from the spur of the branch.  

Pick, Don't Shake

Apple Picking Near Chicago

All Seasons Orchard

Apple Picking! Good Time

• Address:  14510 IL-176, Woodstock, IL 60098
• Cost: $9 for Barnyard fun, u-pick $12 1/4 peck bag, etc.
• Distance from Chicago:  60 miles
• Phone:  815-338-5637
• E-mail:  info@allseasonsorchard.com 
• Website:  http://allseasonsorchard.com/

About:  All Seasons Orchard is an apple orchard, pumpkin patch and corn maze located in Woodstock, IL in McHenry County.  According to Chicago Parents, the “orchard boasts more than 15,000 apple and pear trees. (All Seasons has one of the largest Honeycrisp orchards around.) . . . At the on-site bakery you can watch the making of extremely delicious apple cider doughnuts along with other amazing fall treats.”

Credit:  Apple Holler Website

• Address:  5006 S Sylvania Ave, Sturtevant, WI 53177
• Cost: $20/per person (1/4 peck bag), $26 (1/2 peck bag), etc.
• Distance from Chicago:  66 miles
• Phone:  262-884-7100
• Website:  https://www.appleholler.com/

About: Voted one of “Top 10 Best Orchards” in the country in the September, 2015 USA Today “Top Best” contest.  78-acre family farm.  Besides picking peaches, pears, and apples, you can stroll the picturesque rolling hills of the orchards and explore a breathtaking forest of 150-year-old oak trees.  According to Chicago Parents, the apple picking package includes “your picking bag, tractor-drawn tour of the orchard and all access to the Kids Korral Play Area. The play area includes straw mountain, the Amish built train, Rainbow Play Structure and more.”

Photo Credit:  Boggio's Website

• Address:  12087 IL-71, Granville, IL 61326
• Cost:  Call for Pricing
• Distance from Chicago:  108 miles
• Phone: 815-339-2245
• E-mail: boggiosorchard@hotmail.com
• Website:  http://www.boggiosorchardandproduce.com/ 

About:  Family-oriented owned orchard and produce. Orchard includes freshly picked produce, bakery, livestock farm and local craft shows. There is also a petting zoo and corn mazes.  According to Chicago Parents, “Choose from over 1,800 apple trees.  You have the option of purchasing a peck, 1/2 bushel or bushel bag to fill. Clippers are not provided.”

Source: Christ Orchard Website

• Address:  4317 Texas Rd, Elmwood, IL 61529
• Cost:  $30/half bushel, $18/one peck, $10/half peck
• Distance from Chicago:  185 miles
• Phone: 309-446-3324
• Website:  https://www.christorchardonline.com/

About:   Located near Elmwood, Illinois, Christ Orchard has been committed to growing high-quality farm fresh items since 1977. The orchard includes apples, apple picking, pure honey, apple cider, pumpkins, squirrel corn, squash, gourds, Indian corn, mums, straw bales, corn stalks, fruit butters and preserves, soy candles and much more.  According to Chicago Parents, “Customers can pick their own apples at this location from September to mid-October. Take a wagon ride to the orchard and make sure to hit up the Apple Shed for cider and other fall favorites afterwards. Also, offers u-pick pumpkins.”

Cody’s Farm & Orchard

Photo Credit:  Cody's Website

• Address:  19502 River Rd. Marengo, IL 60152
• Cost:  Call for Pricing
• Distance from Chicago:  62 miles
• Phone:  815-568-7976
• Email:  codysfarmfreshvegetables@yahoo.com
• Website:  https://www.codysfarm.com/

About:  Provide high quality, fresh home grown fruit and vegetables.  Cody’s is a family business that values health, happiness of children, education and making family memories.  According to Chicago Parents, “The orchard is filled with fun things to do, including picking apples and pumpkins.”

• Address:  200 S. COUNTY LINE RD, HOBART, IN
• Cost:  Apple picking only prices:  $10 (1/4 peck), $20 (1/2 peck), $30 (full peck)
• Distance from Chicago:  41 miles
• Phone: 219-947-4477
• E-mail:  barn@countylineorchard.com
• Website:  https://www.countylineorchard.com/ 

About:  County Line Orchard has Bee Yurts, Corn Maze, a kid’s petting zoo, U-pick Apples, Pumpkins, and Sunflowers.  According to Chicago Parent, “The Indiana orchard has more than 30 varieties of apples to be picked from. Meet the bees, check out a kid’s farm and leave with a few dozen donuts.”

• Address:  3902 S Duncan Rd, Champaign, IL 61822
• Cost:  $9 per person — 1/4 peck bag included free (holds 8-10 apples), 5+ admissions — $8 each
• Distance from Chicago:  140 miles
• Phone:  217-359-5565
• Website:  https://curtisorchard.com/ 

About:  Family owned since 1977.  Pick apples & pumpkins, feed goats, celebrate birthdays, and much more.  Fresh country air and plenty of memories are waiting for you at Curtis Orchard.  Free activities include a petting zoo and playground.  Additional fees for corn maze, pony rides, putt-putt golf and rope maze.

Heinz Orchard

Photo Credit:  Heinz Orchard Website

• Address:  1050 Crest Road (corner Atkinson & Crest), Green Oaks, IL 60048
• Cost:  1/2 Peck Bag (holds approx. 6lbs): $10, 1 Peck Bag (holds approx. 12lbs): $20
• Distance from Chicago:  38 miles
• Phone:  847.770.3449
• E-mail:  heinz.orchard@yahoo.com
• Website:  https://www.heinzorchard.com/ 

About:  This is a small, family-run orchard and Chicagoland's closest orchard located in Green Oaks, IL (next to Libertyville).  Heinz Orchard specializes in PURE APPLE PICKING FUN in a beautiful surrounding!  Hayrides, food/drink, corn mazes are not available. 

• Address:  19412 Shabbona Rd, Malta, IL 60150
• Cost:  Call for pricing
• Distance from Chicago:  69 miles
• Phone:  (815) 825-2158
• Website:  https://jonamacorchard.com/ 

About:  Jonamac Orchard is a three generational family farm owned and operated by the McArtor Family since 1984. The apple orchard is part of the 105 acre farm in Northern Illinois, with over 20,000 apple trees.  Jonamac grows over 30 different varieties of red, yellow, and pink apples.   Also, there is a Cider House on the grounds with taps of hard ciders and apple wines!  

• Address:  2500 Johnson Rd, Oswego, IL 60543
• Cost:  Call for pricing
• Distance from Chicago:  50 miles
• Phone:  (630) 219-8194
• Website:  https://kellersfarmstand.com/

About:  The apple orchard houses 16,000 apple trees.  You can pick your own apples and there are over 20 apple varieties to choose from.  

Orchard fresh Apples

Final Thoughts

Quite a few Apple Orchards exist near Chicago so if you are looking to purchase orchard fresh apples September and October are the ideal months for apple picking.  Many of the Orchards listed are within an hours drive from downtown Chicago.  

Happy Apple Picking and Apple Pie Making!!

For a list of Chicago area pumpkin patches check out Chicago Pumpkin Patches.

Source Articles:  

• Best Places to Pick Apples Chicago
• Chicago Parents - Apple Picking Near Chicago

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Lake Geneva Venetian Festival

Lake Geneva, WI:  August 17th-21st, 2022 

This is the 60th year of the Lake Geneva Venetian Festival.  It is a five-day festival of great family entertainment and is capped off on Sunday with a traditional Venetian Style lighted boat parade.

The five-day Festival runs from Wednesday August 17th- Sunday August 21st and takes place at Flat Iron, Library, and Seminary Parks in picturesque downtown Lake Geneva

Venetian festival weekend includes a Craft Fair, Carnival, Water ski show, Traditional festival food and a beer tent featuring live music and on Sunday night the lighted boat parade is followed by the area’s largest fireworks display over Geneva Lake.

Come and check out these Lake Geneva Venetian Festival activities and events:

• Carnival - Rides, Games, and Food for Every Age Group! 
• Entertainment Pavilion - Beer Tent and live music
• Art & Craft Fair - Lakefront Craft Fair where all of the products are Homemade!
• Baggo Tournament - Saturday starting at 11:30 AM CT
• Water Ski Show - Wonder Lake Ski Team Sunday Afternoon at the Riviera Beach
• Boat Parade & Fireworks - Venetian Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks Along the Entire Waterfront on Sunday starting at Dusk.

Credit:  Lake Geneva Jaycees

Venetian Festival Schedule

August 17th (Wednesday):  5 PM - Midnight  ** Carnival - Wristband Night till 10:30 pm

August 18th (Thursday):  5 PM - Midnight  ** Carnival Wristband Night till 10:30 pm

August 19th (Friday):  5 PM - Midnight ** Carnival ends at 11:30 PM

August 20th (Saturday):  

• 10 AM - 5 PM:   Arts and Crafts Fair
• 11:30 AM - 3 PM:   Baggo Tournament
• Noon - Midnight:  Beer Tent
• Noon - 11:30 PM:  Carnival   ** Carnival Wristband Afternoon Noon - 5 PM
• 3 - 6 PM:  Free Live Music - Terry Byrne - Coming by way of Chicago, Terry Byrne brings Rockin country and blues with an Irish twist.
• 8PM - Midnight:  Paid Live Music ($5 cover) - Too Hype Crew

August 21st (Sunday):

• 10 AM - 4 PM:  Arts and Crafts Fair
• Noon - 10:30 PM:  Carnival
• Noon - Midnight:  Beer Tent
• Noon - 3 PM:  Free Live Music - Rock Central
• 3 - 6 PM:  Free Live Music - Big Al Wetzel Band - If you know Lake Geneva, you know Big Al!
• 6 PM:  Water Ski Show - Wonder Lake Ski Team shows off in front of the Riviera Beach
• 8 PM - Midnight:  Paid Live Music ($5 cover) - Dirty Canteen Another Local Favorite. Dirty Canteen Rock & Rolls through the final night of the festival.
• Dusk:  Lighted Boat Parade
• Immediately Following the Lighted Boat Parade:  FIREWORKS!

Final Thoughts and Further Information

Support a good cause as this event brings in money for the Lake Geneva Jaycees.

This is the 60th year of the Lake Geneva Venetian Festival so the fireworks show should be spectacular and fun will be had by all. 

Further details on the Lake Geneva Venetian Festival are available at:  https://www.venetianfest.com/

Chicago Best Restaurants

Best Restaurants - Chicago River North, Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, and Uptown

Open Table recently published an article on “Chicago Greats” which is an article in a series on restaurants around the country that define their cities.  “Chicago Greats” are restaurants who helped shape Chicago’s world-class dining scene.

Included are restaurants from the “Chicago Greats” list in River North, Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, and in Uptown Chicago. 

The Restaurants are organized by Neighborhood:

• River North (5)
• Lincoln Park (4)
• Gold Coast (2)
• Uptown (1)

River North "Chicago Greats" Restaurants

• Tanta - by Owner Gastón Acurio - one of Peru’s most famous chefs

Photo: by Rieder

• Highlights:  Delivers inventive Peruvian food served in a stylish Peru-inspired space.  Tanta is known for its pisco sour cocktails too.
• Cuisine:  Peruvian fare
• Address:  118 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
• Phone:  (312) 222-9700

• Jaleo - by Chef José Andrés in a light-soaked dining room

• Highlights:  Open Table describes Jaleo as “a vibrant celebration of Spanish flavors and techniques. Its whimsical approach to tapas offers croquetas de pollo served on a ceramic chicken and paella by the pan in a light-soaked dining room lush with tiled accents.”  
• Cuisine:  Spanish fare and tapas
• Address:  500 N Clark St #465, Chicago, IL 60654
• Phone:  (312) 820-7771

• Shaw’s Crab House - A Chicago premier Seafood Restaurant

• Highlights:  Shaw’s is the top seafood destination in Chicago and offers great seafood and an extensive oyster selection.  Offers classic fare & sushi in a relaxed space with a vintage vibe.
• Cuisine:  Seafood and Oyster bar
• Address:  21 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611
• Phone:  (312) 527-2722

• Chicago Cut Steakhouse - patio overlooking the river & nice wine list

• Highlights:  Modern steakhouse located downtown alongside the Chicago River.  Offers a few dining spots with a view of both the tour boats cruising the river and the lively dining room.  Menu includes a full array of classic steakhouse options and a mix of originals too.
• Cuisine:  Steak and seafood
• Address:  300 N La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60654
• Phone:  (312) 329-1800

• Gene & Georgetti - Chicago’s oldest steakhouse

Credit:  Gene & Georgetti

• Highlights:  Established in 1941, Gene & Georgetti options include steak, seafood, & Italian specialties.  Restaurant is in a traditional setting and atmosphere.
• Cuisine:  Steak, seafood, and Italian
• Address:  500 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60654
• Phone:  (312) 527-3718

Lincoln Park "Chicago Greats" Restaurants

• Boka -  stylish, modern setting with a lounge & candlelit back garden patio

• Cuisine:  American Fare
• Address:  1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
• Phone:  (312) 337-6070

• North Pond - offers creative American fare made with local ingredients

Photo by Martha Williams

• Highlights:  Hidden gem.  Open table says “North Pond may be one of the most overlooked restaurants in Chicago.” and that the restaurant location is “tucked inside Lincoln Park, the Arts and Crafts-style structure—formerly a warming shelter for ice skaters—was converted into a restaurant in 1998.”
•  Cuisine:  American Fare
• Address: 2610 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
• Phone: (773) 477-5845

• Café Ba-Ba-Reeba - serves authentic Spanish fare and Sangria

Credit:  Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

• Highlights:  Chicago's original tapas bar, serving authentic Spanish cuisine
• Cuisine:  Spanish Tapas
• Address:  2024 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
• Phone:  (773) 935-5000

• Juno Sushi Chicago - ultramodern surroundings

Credit:  Juno Sushi

• Highlights:  Japanese fare & sushi pairs with sake & cocktails in ultramodern surroundings.  Open table describes Juno as, “a fan favorite for creative sushi displays” and that it, “has served some of the city’s freshest sashimi since 2013”.  
• Cuisine:  Japanese fare and Sushi
• Address: 2638 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
• Phone: (773) 935-2000

Gold Coast "Chicago Greats" Restaurants

• Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Quality steak and memorable desserts

Credit:  Gibsons

• Highlights:  One of the highest grossing independent restaurants in all of Chicago.  This is the quality Chicago steakhouse and in a prime location just off the Magnificent Mile.  Open Table indicates Gibsons is the first restaurant in the country to have its own USDA certification, Gibsons Prime Angus beef.
• Cuisine:  Steak and seafood
• Address:  1028 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
• Phone:  (312) 266-8999

• Maple and Ash - Redefining the steakhouse experience

• Highlights:  This is a sprawling restaurant with velvet dining chairs and soaring ceilings.  Has an extensive wine list, where the priciest bottle is $10,000.
• Cuisine:  Steak and seafood 
• Address:  8 W Maple St, Chicago, IL 60610
• Phone:  (312) 944-8888

Uptown "Chicago Greats" Restaurant

• Demera Restaurant - City’s top destination for Ethiopian food, flavors, and culture

• Cuisine:  Ethiopian fare
• Address:  4801 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
• Phone:  (773) 334-8787

Source Article:   The Greats Chicago 

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Chicago Area Craft Breweries

Chicago Loves Beer

Craft and Microbreweries abound in Chicago.  We are blessed with many options of craft and local breweries.  This list is compiled from different sources including Karl Klockars book Beer Lover's Chicago.  Our list is categorized by different towns.

Chicago Breweries

• DryHop Brewery - 3155 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
• Goose Island - Multiple Locations
• BREWHOUSE - 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
• TAPROOM - 1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612
• BARREL WAREHOUSE - 603 N Sacramento Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612
• Moody Tongue Brewery - 2515 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
• Whiner Beer Company - 1400 W 46th St, Chicago, IL 60609

Arlington Heights, Libertyville, Linconlnshire Breweries

• Arlington Ale House - 111 W Campbell St UNIT 3, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
• Mickey Finn's Brewery - 345 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048
• Half Day Brewing Company - 200 Village Green, Lincolnshire IL 60069

Downers Grove, Geneva, St Charles Breweries

• Stockholm's Restaurant & Brewery - 306 W State St, Geneva, IL 60134
• Penrose Brewing Company - 509 Stevens Street, Geneva, IL 60134
• Art History Brewing - 649 West State St., Geneva, IL 60134
• D and G Brewing - 303 N 4th St Suite A, St. Charles, IL 60174
• Riverlands Brewing Company - 1860 Dean St Unit A, St. Charles, IL 60174
• 93 Octane Brewery - 1825 Lincoln Hwy, St. Charles, IL 60174
• Alter Brewing - 2 locations
• 12 S. First St • St. Charles, IL 60174
• 2300 Wisconsin Ave • Downers Grove, IL 60515

Algonquin, Barrington, Elk Grove Village, Itasca, and Roselle Breweries

Church Street Brewing Company

Address:  1480 Industrial Drive Unit C, Itasca, IL 60143

Phone:  630-438-5725

Website:  https://www.churchstreetbrew.com/

Kid Friendly

Founded:  2012

Founders:  Lisa & Joe Gregor

Tours:  Yes

Flesk Brewing

Address:  200 Applebee Street Suite E, Barrington, IL  60148

Phone:  (224) 655 – 7291

Website:  https://www.fleskbrewing.com/

Founded:  2011

Founders:  William & James O’Brien

Tours:  No

Mikerphone Brewing Company

Address:  121 Garlisch Drive, Elk Grove Village, IL  60007

Phone:  847.264.8904

Website:  http://www.mikerphonebrewing.com/

Founded:  2010, went professional 2015

Founder:  Mike Pallen

Tours:  Check

Pollyanna Brewing Company

Address:  245 E Main St, Roselle, IL 60172

Other Locations:  Lemont & St. Charles

Phone:  847-285-1909

Website:  https://pollyannabrewing.com/

Founded:  2014 in Lemont, IL

Founders:  Ed Malnar, Brian Pawola, Ryan Weidner

Tours:  Check

Scorched Earth Brewing Company

Address:  203 BERG ST., ALGONQUIN, IL 60102

Phone:  224-209-8472

Website:  http://scorchedearthbrewing.com/ 

Founded:  2014

Founders:  Michael & Jennifer Dallas

New Owner:  Greg Doyen

Tours:  Yes

Wild Onion Brewery & Banquets

Address:  22221 N. Pepper Rd., Lake Barrington, IL 60010

Phone:  847-381-7308

Website:  https://onionbrewery.com/

Founded:  1997

Founders:  Mike, Pat, & John Kainz

Tours:  Yes

Additional Thoughts

Chicago is blessed with a great variety of micro, Nano, craft, and local breweries.  We will continue to add to this list of Chicago craft breweries that call the Chicago area home.  If you don't see a brewery on the list you feel should be included please include it in the comments or email us.  Thanks!

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com