Chicago Like a Local Blog

Folkert de Jong's Operation Harmony (2008) courtesy of James Cohan Gallery

This autumn, Navy Pier's enormous Festival Hall will host over 100 of the top contemporary and modern art galleries in the world. From September 20-23rd visitors are invited to gaze upon pieces that will make their jaws drop! Works that will make their heads spin! And, weird stuff that will give them pause in a way they're not totally comfortable with! 

This weekend college football returns and there's a lot to be excited about in Chicago. There is as much hope as there is pride this time of year, and 2012 brings a great deal of intrigue and optimism for Notre Dame, Northwestern and U of I fans.

The holiday hype. Every year, it comes earlier and earlier. But if you're thinking of a family trip to Chicago this holiday season, NOW is the time to reserve your seats for two of our most cherished family performances. Oh, and it's never too early to cue the Mariah!

Fashion's Night Out (FNO) is a global celebration of fashion and retail. Chicago is getting in on the action next Thursday, September 6 and with an overwhelming amount of events to attend, here are my top picks for where the best shopping and most fun will be had.

With only 17 more games at U.S. Cellular Field this season, the Chicago White Sox are caught up in a gripping, highly competitive pennant race. If playoff-caliber baseball isn't enough to get you to the ballpark, we should also mention that they sell beer and premium beef hot dogs at the stadium! Sit back, relax and strap it down as we give you three more awesome reasons to visit U.S. Cellular Field. 

A scene from Babes with Blades' latest production, "Susan Swayne and the Bewildered Bride." Photo by Johnny Knight. 

Of the 300-plus theatre operations in Chicago, one of the few that's a cut above the rest is a group called Babes with Blades. This highly unique theatre company, which is celebrating its 15th season, dedicates its productions to telling stories about strong, three-dimensional woman who aren't afraid to show passion and aggression on the surface. 

Photo courtesy of Jim Newberry  

Chicago's had many proud days - the invention of the skyscraper and Michael Jordan era Bulls come to mind. But, perhaps, our city's most gratifying moment came this week, when the rock gods shined down upon hometown hero Justin "Nordic Thunder" Howard and crowned him king of the air guitarists.

The little blue box.

For women, it is a symbol of all things pretty and opulent. For men, it is the ultimate "get out of the dog house" card.

On September 4, Caroline Abbott will make her debut at American Girl Place in Chicago. Caroline is the 13th heroine to join American Girl's family of characters growing up in important time periods of American history, from 1764 to 1973. The fabulous series of books that accompanies her debut are set exactly 200 years ago, when Caroline was an independent and adventurous young girl living near Lake Ontario in New York.