The City of Chicago celebrated its 175th birthday on March 4, 2012. To mark this important milestone, the city is hosting 175 days of special events, festivals, promotions, as well as dining deals, shopping specials, hotels deals, and guided tours for such signature events as the
Taste of Chicago, Air and Water Show, and the Chicago Blues Festival. Chicago's 175 days of celebrations ends August 26, 2012. Below you will find some key events and deals. For more events and promotions,
visit the City of Chicago's 175 Birthday Web site.
Maxwell Street became host to a market by city ordinance in 1912, which preserved its early dwellings into the 21st century. This walking tour will point out the cultural mix of the original neighborhood and its redevelopment. Free. Pre-registration required at info@maxwellstreet.org with "Maxwell Street Tour" in subject line, and number in tour party indicated in e-mail text.
On April 6, celebrate National Carmel Popcorn Day and Chicago's 175th Birthday at any of Garrett Popcorn's shops with complimentary treat size servings of CaramelCrisp® from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. (limit one per person).
Meet the direct descendants of the great Azaleas that once bloomed at the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 at Lincoln Park Conservatory's Spring Flower Show. Free. (Tip: After the show
why not tour Chicago's famous Old Town Neighborhood located just blocks from the Conservatory off of Wells Street.)
To help Chicago celebrate its birthday, the Conrad Chicago (521 N. Rush Street) is offering the following pacakge. Rates begin at $185/night. Request SRP Code P5. Standard room accommodations for 1 evening; 7 customized pillows from the Sleep Menu to experience while on property; Deluxe Aroma Turndown Services; Sleepyhead Elixir (herbal beverage created in Chicago to help promote the natural onset to sleep); and more. For more hotel deals in Chicago,
check out this list of hotel specials for Chicago's 175th birthday celebration.
Navy Pier's Family Pavilion (600 E. Grand Street) will be transformed into Storybook Square where Mother Goose and her storybook friends come out to play. Event includes Watch the Grandfather Clock indicate what time it is: "Game Time," "Story Time," "Play Time," and more. Pose for a picture with Bonny Bunny atop Hippity-Hop Hill. Dance to the music of Al Scorch's Country Soul Ensemble. Free.
This 25th Anniversary Concert features Grammy Award winner Paquito D’Rivera and leading female composer Gabriela Lena Frank as composers, musicians, and hosts performing with the Chicago Chamber Musicians at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive at 8 p.m. Adults $25-$45/students $10.
Join Emmy Award winner Orbert Davis and his 57-piece Chicago Jazz Philharmonic in a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald. In March of 2012, Ella Fitzgerald would have turned 95 years old. Concert takes place at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway. Ticket prices vary.
Get an exclusive look at brand new material created for The Second City's 100th Revue that will cover politics and other funny matters. The Second City is located at 1616 N. Wells Street. (Tip: Receive 20% off regular priced tickets for The Second City’s 100th Revue on The Second City Mainstage for Tuesday – Thursday and Sunday performances. Call the box office for reservations at 312-337-3992. Use code “CHI BDAY” to receive discount. Limit 4 tickets per order. Offer valid April 1 - 29, 2012. Ticket prices range between $23 - $28.
Gather with friends to tour Robie House - Frank Lloyd Wright's "cornerstone of modern architecture." April After Hours tours include live music, drinks, and light hors d’oeuvres. The interior spaces of the Robie House and its many private balconies will be open (weather permitting) for guests to explore one of America’s most celebrated architectural icons. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1908, the Robie House was an example of a new way of American living, with the development of flexible living spaces and use of building materials such as steel. $30 Preservation Trust members/$35 non-members.
The Chicago Bulls will celebrate Chicago’s Birthday during their game againist the New York Knicks at 8:30 p.m. at the United Center. Cheer on the home team and local star Derrick Rose at this match-up at the “Madhouse on Madison.” And don’t forget to snap a picture with Bulls legend, Michael Jordan’s statue at the eastern entrance to the stadium. Ticket prices vary.
