All The Fun of November

The cool crisp fall weather came in fast and November is right around the corner. If you’re like me, and love the fall, you want to do everything falls-y. But sometimes, you just want to cuddle up inside and watch Netflix. Also, save money, especially with the holidays coming up. 

There is always something to do in Chicago and you don’t always have to dig deep into your pockets to afford it either, but still have a fun time. November to me is that awkward month because its not completely cold, but it’s not always warm enough to be able to stay outside all day. I love the fall, being outside with all the leaves, taking my dog for a walk, going to pumpkin patches and bonfires but I do love making some hot cider, Halloween or Christmas movies and being lazy. But I also love always being able to do something and go out, rather than be trapped at work, bombarded with school work, or just sitting inside. The struggle lol.

Here’s a list of a few things going on in and around the Chicago area in November! Start filling in your free time with fun things to do with friends and family; and get up off the couch, seriously, live a little bit and enjoy your time. Be one of those people to add the same picture on Instagram doing the same thing everyone else does, or do something that not everyone does!

Note: ALWAYS check Groupon!!!!

Let’s talk FREE:

The Christkindlmarket:

Christkindlmarket, Photo by: Marisa Mackowiak, IPhone 6

-Opens on November 17^th until 

December 24^th 

-Open daily from Sunday-Thursday 11 A.M.- 8 P.M. and Friday-Saturday 11 A.M.-9 P.M. 

-Held at the Daley Plaza with FREE Admission. 

Millennium Park’s Ice Rink:

-Opens November 17^th, 2017 and closes March 4^th 2018. 

-Skating is free and open to the public, skate rentals are available for $12

-Hours vary from: 

• Mondays–Thursday, 12 Noon–8pm
• Fridays, 12 Noon–10pm (ice skating lesson at 11am)
• Saturdays (November 18–January 8), 10am–10pm (ice skating lesson at 9am)
• Saturdays (January 18–March 8), 10am–9pm (ice skating lesson at 9am)
• Sundays, 10am–9pm (ice skating lesson at 9am). 

Please note: Ice resurfacing lasts approximately 10-20 minutes.

Millennium Park Ice Rink, By: Marisa Mackowiak, IPhone 6

Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon:

-Opens November 17^th, 2017. 

-Skating is free and open to the public.

-Skate rentals are $12 Monday-Thursday and $14 Friday-Sunday and Holidays. 

                  

              -You can purchase a $40 Fast Pass that includes skates and a locker for one. Hours vary from: Monday-Thursdays noon-8 P.M., Friday Noon-10 P.M., Saturday 10 A.M.-10 P.M., and Sunday 10 A.M.- 8 P.M.

Please note: Zamboni times depend upon weather conditions and can take up to 45-60 minutes. They clean the ice two to three times a day.

Check the website for the holiday hours and more!

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival: 

– Saturday November 18^th, 2017. 11 A.M. – 7 P.M. 

-Everything is free- Unless you want to purchase something from vendors or food. You can expect retailers, restaurants and attractions down Michigan Avenue near Pioneer Court. 

-The tree-lighting starts, followed by the parade, which is Disney themed! Expect fireworks to follow the parade over the Chicago River at 6:55 P.M. 

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade, 

By: Marisa Mackowiak, Samsung Galaxy S4.

This is my favorite event to look forward to every fall/winter. My cousin and I have gone to this for years and its always a blast! Disney is one of my favorites and I love the feeling of this festival, it puts me into the holiday mood. They always have some pretty good artists performing there as well. I got to see one of my old favorite bands there 5 years ago and 

meet them! 

Please Note: The Dusable Bridge (Michigan Ave Bridge) closes at 3:30 P.M to accommodate pedestrians and traffic. At 5:30 P.M., 

Can’t join the fun? Tune into ABC 7 at 6 P.M. for the excitement. 

For more information click here!  

DON'T FORGET!!!: The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade at 8 A.M. on Thanksgiving morning. The parade will go down State St. from Congress to Randolph. Tune into NBC 5 for the Live Stream. 

Lincoln Park ZooLights:

-Starts up Friday, November 24^th 2017 and ends Sunday, January 7^th 2018. 

-Admission is free and hours vary from: 4:30-9 P.M. 

-Check the website for updates, and Special Events/ Members only nights.

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights, By: Marisa Mackowiak, IPhone 6

November gets a little chilly,

so let’s stay inside, 

warm up, eat and dance!

Chicago Museum free days:

• Adler Planetarium- November 10^th, 15^th-17^th.

• Art Institute of Chicago- Free 5-8 P.M. Every Tuesday.

• The Field Museum- November 12^th and 19^th.

• Museum of Contemporary Art- Every Tuesday.

Note: Free to Illinois Residents only; Must show ID.

Hungry? Love Mac N’ Cheese? 

Then you’ll want to be here on November 4th for the Mac & Cheese Festival! 

-UIC Forum 725 W Roosevelt, Chicago, IL 60608

-12-3 P.M. (Lunch) and 6-9 P.M. (Dinner)

-Tickets are $65 for General Admission and $105 for VIP and can be purchased here.

Note: GA Tickets includes admission, All-You-Can-Eat, 5 tickets for beer, wine and spirits, and your vote on the best mac & cheese! VIP Tickets includes admission, All-You-Can-Eat, 5 drink tickets for beer, wine and spirits, Priority check-in, access to VIP section, Mac & Cheese Fest official t-shirt, and your vote on the best mac & cheese!

-For more Information, check out their website! 

Let’s not fan-girl right now, but...

-The Weeknd will be here on November 2^nd at The United Center at 7:30 P.M.

-Quick 12 minute Uber, or 20-25 minute CTA Blue Line to Illinois Medical District stop, Green or Pink line ride to Ashland. (From the Loop)

-Tickets are still available for as low as $39! Grab ‘em fast! 

Guns N' Roses:

If you haven’t seen Guns N’ Roses yet, you’re missing out. I saw them last year with my Dad at Soldier Field, it was easily in my top 3 favorite concerts of the year. I grew up on Rock N’ Roll/ Metal music, so when a good classic band comes around, you’ll most likely see me there.

-They will be performing at the United Center on Monday, November 6^th.

-Quick 12 minute Uber, or 20-25 minute CTA Blue Line to Illinois Medical District stop, Green or Pink line ride to Ashland. (From the Loop)

-Tickets are still available for as low as $59 

Guns N' Roses, Soldier Field, 2016. 

By: Marisa Mackowiak, IPhone 6

On the same day:

-LCD Soundsystem will be at Aragon Ballroom

-30 minute Red Line ride to Lawrence. (From the Loop)

-Tickets are still available for as low as $56. 

Let’s talk feels...

-If you have not seen an Odesza show before, PLEASE get to the UIC Pavilion on November 11^th at 7:30 P.M.

-Quick 13 minute Blue Line ride to Racine. (From the Loop)

-Tickets are selling fast and are currently went up to $66 

Odesza, North Coast Music Festival. 

By: Marisa Mackowiak, IPhone 6

Got Thanksgiving weekend off and want to hide away from the

Black Friday crowd?

-Come see Louis the Child at Aragon Ballroom on Friday, November 24^th at 9 P.M.

-30 minute Red Line ride to Lawrence. (From the Loop)

-Tickets are still available for $28. 

More into R&B and Rap?

-Check out Khalid at Aragon Ballroom November 29^th, 2017 at 8 P.M., 

-Sponsored by Red Bull Sound Select.

-30 minute Red Line ride to Lawrence. (From the Loop)

-Tickets might be sold out through Ticketmaster, but you can snag some for $57 on StubHub right now! 

Migos & Lil Yachty:

-They will both be performing at The Riviera Theatre, November 30^th at 8 P.M.

-30 minute Red Line ride to Lawrence. (From the Loop)

-Tickets might be sold out, but you can purchase some for $85 on StubHub. 

- Also sponsored by Red Bull Sound Select. 

Thanks for reading and hope you fight the cold and have some fun in November!