While it’s fun to shop at year-round stores or visit permanent exhibits, it’s exhilarating to take part in Chicago’s “pop-up” events – shopping, art, music or food experiences that happen just for a brief moment – and then they’re gone. If you’re in the know about these happenings – thanks to reading The Chicago Lifestyle, of course – you can take advantage of these fleeting events. You’ll have a unique experience, and you might find some unique items, that you’ll never find anywhere else.
Art
Chicago is a city full of incredible art, visible in many museums, neighborhoods and galleries. Here are some new ways to experience art this month.
ACTIVATE Pop-Up Loop Art Party
The Chicago Loop Alliance, which manages the art and sculptures shown in the loop, is hosting an innovative event called ACTIVATE – which they describe as “part spectacle and part happy hour – featuring art and live music in a unique urban setting.” On Thursday, May 1 from 5 – 10 p.m., the Sullivan Center Alley will be overtaken for the ACTIVATE party, featuring art curated by Johalla Projects and a Zipcar DJ booth. Artists will use lights and lasers to simulate the “death of winter and the rise of spring.” The event is free and beer and wine will be served for $2 (cash only). Sullivan Center Alley can be accessed from Monroe between State and Wabash. RSVP here and get a free drink ticket.
Red Bull Canvas Cooler Project – Showcased in Chicago Restaurants and Bars
20 emerging Chicago artists were recently selected to each create a masterpiece on a Red Bull cooler covered in canvas. Paired with owners of Chicago’s hottest bars and restaurants, the artists were challenged to create their cooler in fitting with the theme of one specific venue. The artists were only given one day to execute on this creative project, and the coolers were submitted to judges to vote on the best piece, for submission into SCOPE Art Fair in Miami. The remaining creations will go on display in the next few weeks in locations including:
- Hub 51
- Three Dots and a Dash
- Bub City
- Chop Shop
- Empty Bottle
- The Brixton
- And many more!
When you visit any of these locations in the next month, be sure to ask (and watch out for) these unique pieces of art. You’ll be able to surprise your friends when you know where they came from!
{Photos courtesy of Red Bull}
Music
Listen in for this one-of-a-kind concert coming up next week!
Kaleidoscope Concert Featuring Lawrence University Musicians
Imagine a kaleidoscope of jazz, bluegrass, classical and opera music – all converging in one performance. Talented musicians from Lawrence University travel to Chicago to perform for one night only at Park West Theatre (322 W. Armitage) on Tuesday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. The performance will feature acts such as Cuban drumming, a bluegrass quartet, an operatic aria and even a didgeridoo. Past shows have sold out and have amazed concertgoers with the fast-paced variety of music compiled into one event. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here. A pre-show reception with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will begin at 5:30 p.m.
{Photo courtesy of Lawrence University}
Fashion
Get ahead of the curve with Chicago designers’ brand new clothing lines.
Chicago Designer Spring Showcase
Sine Qua Non Salon (2766 N. Lincoln Ave.) is hosting a spring trunk show featuring Chicago’s top designers this Friday, April 25 from 6:30 – 9 p.m. You’ll have the opportunity to see hot new clothing lines as well as preview new style bar services. Enjoy wine and treats from Paper Moon Bakery while taking advantage of retail promotions and salon booking deals. Fourteen unique vendors will show off their goods at this one-time event. The first 20 people through the door will receive a free blowout!
Shopping
Vintage Garage Flea Market
Sunday, April 27 will mark the 3rd season of the Vintage Garage flea market. From 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., visit 5051 N. Broadway for a wide selection of vintage clothing, jewelry and mid-century furniture from 100 of the finest vintage dealers in the Midwest. Admission is $5. The event will also feature a “Vintage Style Ride” at 11:30 a.m. – bicyclists dressed in vintage clothing riding along the lakefront.
Randolph Street Market
The classic Randolph Street Market (1350 W. Randolph) will return this weekend, April 25 – 26 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days. A treasure trove of all kinds of goods, from clothing, posters, furniture, home goods and more, the Randolph Street Market encourages hours of browsing to pick up just the right item that no one else has. This month the market is indoors, and admission is $10. As a special offering at this month’s market, Tandem Felix Letterpress will be offering classes to learn how to use a wooden letterpress for printing. Classes are $25 (including market entry) and tickets can be purchased here. Bonus! Show your entry ticket receipt after the market for a free glass of Prosecco at Nellcôte.