1001 Things to See in Chicago Before You Die

05/29/2026

🕊️⛪ Domes, Murals & Hidden Gems — Ukrainian Village Uncovered! 🏛️🌿

Join us for a Sunday morning stroll through one of Chicago’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods! Explore stunning churches, murals, immigrant history, architecture, and hidden landmarks while hearing stories of the people and visionaries who shaped Ukrainian Village. Perfect for history lovers, architecture fans, and curious Chicago explorers!

🗓️ Sun, May 31, 2026
⏰ 10:30 AM–1 PM
🚶 Approx. 2.2 miles
📍 Start: Saints Volodymyr & Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church, 739 N. Oakley Blvd.
🏁 End: Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, 2320 W. Chicago Ave.
🌦️ Casual pace | Outdoors | Rain or shine

🎫 Get tickets on Eventbrite 👉

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/domes-murals-hidden-gems-ukrainian-village-uncovered-tickets-1990592925024

📸 Facebook Event 👉

https://www.facebook.com/events/1964022717555366/

Walking the Ukrainian Village Historic District & see all the beautiful churches & grand architecture!

05/19/2026

✨ Beyond Six Corners: Theatres, Bungalows & Portage Park Walking Tour! 🎭🏡

“Discover the history, homes, and hidden gems of Portage Park’s east side on a Chicago for Chicagoans walking tour!” ✨

🌳 Step into one of Chicago’s most charming and overlooked neighborhoods on this guided walking tour through East Portage Park! Beginning at the historic Six Corners intersection, we’ll wander past beautiful vintage theatres, lush parks, beloved local businesses, and block after block of classic early 20th-century bungalows. 🏡

Uncover stories of immigrant communities, neighborhood transformation, and the rich history behind Chicago’s beloved Bungalow Belt — all right here in my own backyard! 💫

Perfect for architecture lovers, local history buffs, urban explorers, and anyone who loves being a tourist in their own city! 😊

🗓 Saturday, May 23, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM (approx.)
☕ Start: City News Café, 4018 N. Cicero Ave.
🏁 End: Biagio Banquets, 4242 N. Central Ave.
💟 Distance: Approx. 2 miles
🌦️ Casual pace | Outdoors | Rain or shine

🎟️ Get tickets on Eventbrite 👉

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/east-portage-park-walking-tour-registration-1987362136649

05/14/2026

🏰🌊 Gilded Age Grandeur: Discover Chicago’s Iconic Lakefront Homes! 🏛️💫

Step into Chicago’s Gilded Age on this private guided tour of the Gold Coast Historic District — one of the city’s most affluent and architecturally stunning neighborhoods! Stroll past grand mansions, historic townhomes, and elegant row houses built by the industrialists and visionaries who shaped this vibrant lakeside community. ✨

Perfect for architecture lovers, history buffs, and anyone who loves being a tourist in their own city! 😊

🗓 Sunday, May 17, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM (~1.8 miles)
📍 Start: Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. (Meet OUTSIDE by the water fountain)
🏁 End: 3 Arts Club Cafe at RH Chicago, 1300 N. Dearborn St.
🌦️ Casual pace | Outdoors | Rain or shine

🎫 Get tickets on Eventbrite 👉

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gilded-age-grandeur-discover-chicagos-iconic-lakefront-homes-tickets-1989421187325

📸 Facebook Event 👉

https://www.facebook.com/events/2346375739203924/

Step back in time and explore the stunning lakefront mansions that defined Chicago’s Gilded Age charm.

05/05/2026

🌟 Thank you so much for joining my walking tours this past Saturday & Sunday! 🌟

It was a pleasure sharing the experience with you.

⛪ Coming up:
Walking Tour of Gold Coast Sunday 5/17/26
Walking Tour of Portage Park East Saturday 5/23/26
Walking Tour of Lincoln Park Saturday 5/30/26
Walking Tour of Ukrainian Village Sunday 5/31/26

👉 RSVP here: Look for these to be posted soon!

If you enjoyed the event, stay connected for more unique Chicago experiences.

🔗 Follow here:
Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/1001-things-to-see-in-chicago-before-you-die

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576822533554

Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/1001-things-to-see-in-chicago-before-you-die-67124474083

💡 I’m most active on Meetup! See you soon💙

05/04/2026

Hey Meetup gang! 🎶 I just posted a bunch of Ravinia shows we'll be attending this summer — hope you can join us for one or all five! 🙌

I know it's early, but I'd strongly suggest buying your tickets NOW — a few of these will sell out very soon! 🎟️

🎶 2026 RAVINIA SHOWS THIS SEASON (Join for 1 or come for all 5!)

📅 7/12 — Billy Idol

https://www.meetup.com/1001-things-to.../events/314307208

📅 8/20 — Ricky Martin

https://www.meetup.com/1001-things-to.../events/314307215/

📅 8/22 — Bonnie Raitt

https://www.meetup.com/1001-things-to.../events/314307221/

📅 8/27 — Kool & the Gang + Morris Day & The Time + Con Funk Shun

https://www.meetup.com/1001-things-to.../events/314307231/

📅 9/5 — Rod Stewart + Richard Marx

https://www.meetup.com/1001-things-to.../events/314307242/

👉 All shows are General Admission Lawn. We ride the Metra together to the park (some drive), arrive early to snag a great spot on the lawn, and enjoy our signature potluck picnic! 🧺🍷

For all upcoming 1001 Meetup events click here 👇:

https://www.meetup.com/1001-things-to-see-in.../events/

05/04/2026

🌮🍹 RSVP REMINDER! Wednesday night is the night!

Thought we missed Cinco de Mayo? No worries — we're keeping the celebration going! 🎊 Since many of us will be at the Richard H. Driehaus Museum on May 5, we're heading to Bucktown on Wednesday, May 6 for a festive post–Cinco dinner at Manchamanteles! 🔥

✨ Bonus: It's Happy Hump Day, so we get to enjoy their awesome Wednesday specials!

🍨 Sweet ending alert! We'll keep the night going with a stop at nearby Margie's Candies for ice cream after dinner.

📅 Wednesday, May 6 · 6:30–8:30 PM CDT
📍 Manchamanteles · 2009 N Western Ave., Chicago, IL

**MAKE SURE TO RSVP FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER 5/6/26!** 👇
https://www.meetup.com/1001-things-to-see-in-chicago-before-you-die/events/314293025/

04/30/2026

🏰 Old Irving Park Walking Tour: Hidden Gems, Mansions & Untold Stories 🌿💎

Explore Old Irving Park on a Chicago for Chicagoans walking tour!

Step into spring with a guided walk through one of Chicago’s most charming and historic neighborhoods. 🌳✨ Wander tree-lined streets filled with Victorian-era mansions, hidden architectural gems, and fascinating stories that bring this once-sleepy railroad suburb to life.

From grand homes to neighborhood landmarks, you’ll discover how Old Irving Park evolved into one of the city’s most distinctive historic enclaves. 💫

Come walk, learn, and enjoy a beautiful spring morning—it’s the perfect way to explore the city and meet fellow curious Chicagoans! 🌇

🎤 Led by your passionate, ever-curious guide (that’s me!)—perfect for architecture lovers, history buffs, and anyone who enjoys being a tourist in their own city 😊

📍 LOGISTICS
📅 Sunday, May 3, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – ~1:00 PM
📍 Start: Whistle Stop Inn
🏁 End: Eris Brewery and Cider House
👟 Distance: Approx. 2 miles

🎟️ Register on Eventbrite: 👉

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/old-irving-park-walking-tour-registration-1987353107643

04/25/2026

🌸 Hidden Gems & Grand Mansions — Logan Square Heritage Walk! 🏛️

Walking Logan Square’s Grand Boulevards

Celebrate spring with a private guided walk through one of Chicago’s most architecturally stunning and historically rich neighborhoods!

🌳✨ As the boulevards burst into bloom, we’ll explore the heart of Logan Square’s Historic Boulevard District—where elegant mansions, lush landscapes, and iconic monuments reveal a story shaped by design, diversity, and time. 💫
Stroll, learn, and soak up the spring sunshine—it’s the perfect way to experience Chicago and connect with fellow explorers! 🌇

🎤 Led by your passionate, ever-curious guide (yes, me!)—perfect for architecture lovers, history buffs, and anyone who enjoys being a tourist in their own city 😊
________________________________________
📍 LOGISTICS
📅 Saturday, May 2, 2026
⏰ 12:00–2:15 PM
Start: ⛪ St. John Berchmans Catholic Church
🏁 End: 🗿 Illinois Centennial Monument
________________________________________
🎟️ Get tickets on Eventbrite: 👉

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hidden-gems-grand-mansions-logan-square-heritage-walk-tickets-1988203317644

📘 Facebook Event: 👉

https://www.facebook.com/events/1487673319511094/

Discover the coolest hidden spots and stunning old mansions on a chill walk through Logan Square’s best-kept secrets!