’Tis the season for unbridled consumerism masking as some of us insisting that “gift giving is my love language!” While we can’t stop the avalanche of gifting that is already in motion (although Reverend Billy would disagree), we can encourage you to check out some local pop-up holiday markets and consider purchasing directly from Chicago […]
Tag: shopping
Posted inAgenda
Art markets, Joy to the World, and personal style
Free Street Theater joins up with Plant Chicago for a winter market and storytelling event at Plant Chicago’s building (4459 S. Marshfield). From 11 AM-3 PM, you can enjoy stories (1-2 PM), songs from Orcas Are Dolphins (playing 11:30 AM-1 PM), a clothing swap, and the chance to purchase wares from local vendors, including Zeitlin’s […]
Posted inCity Life
To dye for
“Natural” is a word that might evoke wholesome feelings, but also blandness. Just think of a kid’s reaction when they hear they’re getting fruit for dessert. The same rationale is often applied toward natural dyes—that they are good for you and the environment, but a bore to the eye. According to fashion designer, natural dyer, […]
Posted inAgenda
La Vuelta Ensemble, Numero Group warehouse sale, concerts, and more
There’s two opportunities to spend all your money today if you’re a music lover! Delmark Records (the oldest continuously operating jazz and blues independent record label in the U.S.) opens the vaults for a warehouse sale today, offering vintage office and recording equipment, CDs, vinyl, and more (open until 5 PM, 4121 N. Rockwell). And […]
Posted inStreet View
Sparking joy
“I guess I’m an eclectic dresser,” says Mary Griffin, 72, who currently works part-time at Essential Elements-Chicago boutique in Avalon Park. “Everything about me is eclectic. My home is eclectic. There’s not a pair of anything in my house—nothing matches. My friends enjoy coming over to my house because they say it’s like going to […]
Posted inAgenda
Dia de Muertos celebration, Shape Shifter Night Market, cat films, and Starcrawler
The Pilsen organization SGA Youth and Family Services hosts the annual Dia de Muertos parade and celebration this afternoon at Dvorak Park (1119 W. Cullerton), celebrating life and honoring the memories of community members and loved ones that have passed away. The event has been happening for 43 years, making it the longest-running free Dia […]
Posted inAgenda
Pillars market, Mohawk Johnson, comic book theater, and more
From 3-8:30 PM, the Trans Chicago Empowerment Center (2753 W. Division) is hosting a Halloween edition of Pillars, its marketplace for trans BIPOC vendors. Along with tarot readings, poetry books, and handmade wares for sale, there will also be free gender-affirming nail services for trans individuals. Yecy, a local Latinx nail artist, will be providing […]
Posted inAgenda
Vintage Fest, Sérgio Mendes, Hurricane Fiona benefit, and more
Today is the final day of the Chicago Vintage Fall Fest (19th and Blue Island), an outdoor gathering of vendors, music, and more, happening from noon-8 PM. Fabulous Freddies Italian Eatery will be selling food, and the day is stacked with DJs: DJ AuntieSocial from noon-2 PM; Angelfuk from 2-4 PM; Light of Your Vida […]
Posted inAgenda
Work from home, work on your home, and more
Does your work from home soundtrack need a refresh? Patrixia, our latest Chicagoan of Note, is a DJ who dominates the digital club space. She’s so good at getting the digital party started that it’s how she makes a living. Part of that comes from hosting free DJ sets on Twitch three times a week, […]
Posted inAgenda
Records, Ruido, robots, and Peaches
Chicago Vinyl Connection celebrates one year of bringing independent record sellers, vintage vendors, and music lovers together with today’s latest edition of their nomadic gatherings of good times dealers. Thousands of new and used albums will be for sale this afternoon at Chicago Vinyl Connection 010 from a long list of locals, including South Rhodes […]
Posted inCity Life
A skateboarding symposium, drag performances, and art talks
Happy days are here again with these upcoming events and things to do in the week ahead! FRI 5/27 This weekend the Martin (2500 W. Chicago) is hosting an exhibition by Tigray Art Collective titled “Wa’ela Exhibition.” The Tigray Art Collective is made up of artists from Tigray, a northern state in Ethiopia, making work […]
Posted inCity Life
Beyond the time warp
Fashion often has a nostalgic quality. It seems keen on repeating itself every 20 years or so. Right now, for example, we are somehow back at the early aughts. Nothing against it—after all, there’s always a way of making anything work, and it can be fun to bring back certain styles. But it’s also very […]
Posted inBest of Chicago
Best place to buy luxurious menswear created by local Black designers
“To each their own, and Agriculture to all” could be the motto of Christopher Brackenridge, 43, and Milton Latrell, 42, the owners of Agriculture menswear boutique, which offers custom-made suits, personalized styling services, and a wide range of ready-to-wear garments at every price point. “We cater to different people and body types,” says Latrell. “When […]
Posted inCity Life
A needle in a haystack
Who knew finding all the materials to make one cross-stitch pattern for a kid’s room would be so hard? Lauren Venell, 41, learned it the hard way—she almost gave up on the project given how difficult her search was. And that’s a lot to say since Venell does not seem easily intimidated by a challenge. […]
Posted inCity Life
The Reader’s 2021 Gift Guide
Here are some goods, places to donate, and more ideas to consider for this Chicago gift giving season. And remember, you can always find items that support the Chicago Reader at our gift shop, store.chicagoreader.com. Adam M. Rhodes, staff writer and co-host of Chicago Queer & Now A donation in any amount to Brave Space […]