With Halloween fast approaching, it's time to put the finishing touches on your costume. We believe that looking around our city may bring a fantastic amount of inspiration, whether you're just not inspired or haven't had time to pick something up yet. With that in mind, check out these Chicago-themed costume ideas for Halloween and express your Chicago love.

1. Ditka, Coach

This is a classic, but it's so simple to pull off and is so Chicago. All you need for the Coach Ditka outfit are the famous Bears sweater vest, aviators, a mustache, and a shirt and tie. If you don't already have a Bears sweater or sweater vest in your wardrobe, Amazon has you covered.

2. Retro Bulls Addict

You could utilize the mustache and aviators to match with your old Bulls apparel, similar to the Ditka costume. With the Bears' current season, we'd understand if you wanted to represent the Bulls rather than the Bears. Just make sure your Chicago accent is flawless!

3. Dangerous Business

This one is really straightforward to do. All you need is a white button-down shirt and some very short shorts that are concealed by the shirt's length. Pair with white socks and black sunglasses to complete the outfit.

Four. Mean Girls

Another timeless option, you can't go wrong with a Regina George costume for Halloween. With all of the fantastic characters and the many clothing they wear during the film, you have a lot of options here, but we're going with traditional Regina. You'll need her "A Little Bit Dramatic" tank, which is available here. Wear a pink cardigan over the tank and either a pleather black mini skirt or a pleated pink mini skirt to complete the outfit; she is pictured wearing both.

The Blues Brothers (5th)

This is another iconic Chicago style that is really easy to achieve. You just need a black suit, a black tie, a black hat, and black sunglasses. This Halloween, represent Chicago in style.

President Barack Obama

You can't go wrong going up as our president for Halloween, since he is without a doubt one of Chicago's favorite sons. All you need is your best suit and, of course, an Obama mask, which can be found at almost any costume shop. If you can't find one for whatever reason, we've got you covered.

7. The Flapper Girl

If you want to travel even further back in time than the Coach Ditka appearance, the antique 1920's Chicago flapper girl costume is ideal. Styleably represent Chicago and the Roaring Twenties. You're likely to find something you like among the many flapper girl costumes available at Party City.

Chance The Rapper 8th

Rep Chance this Halloween to ensure you get on that super light beam, since he is another of Chicago's beloved sons. Chance has a variety of styles, but you can put together a nice Chance costume with some overalls and a classic White Sox cap.

9. Any Chicago Sports Figure

Some could call it a sham, but we think it's just a great basic costume. Put on one of your favorite Chicago sports jerseys and pretend to be your favorite Chicago athlete. The possibilities are unlimited. You might be Patrick Kane or Kris Bryant. Please, though, leave the old Derrick Rose jersey at home.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Who doesn't adore Ferris Bueller, a famous Chicago film? This Halloween, channel your inner Ferris with his entire movie costume. Look at the outfit here.

Ferris wouldn't be having nearly as much fun if it weren't for his girl Sloane Peterson. Don't go to Halloween without your daughter; luckily, a full Sloane costume is also available. Check it out right here.

11. CTA Track Employee

The fantastic CTA. Nothing has a stronger love/hate connection with the people of Chicago than the CTA. Dress in blue and wear one of those awesome neon construction vests for Halloween, and you could well find up getting to lead a railway car yourself! The CTA is probably OK with that; they even have a kid's track worker outfit.

Harry Caray (12th)

This Halloween, you can't go wrong with the Harry Caray look. All you need are some thick-framed black spectacles, white hair, suspenders, and a love of Cubs baseball.

The post Try These 12 Amazing Chicago Costume Ideas for Halloween appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

Finally, fall has here! Are you ready to decorate your home with the beauty of the season? Use some of the décor suggestions below when it's time to pack it all away.

Establish a focus.

You could be anxious to fill your home with as many items with an autumnal theme as you can if you appreciate the change of the seasons and can't wait to exhibit your pumpkin décor. Before going crazy with the decor, pick one (or two, okay) main focal points to prevent overloading your guests.

Your focal point may be placed anywhere you and your people spend the most time together, such the coffee table, kitchen island, fireplace mantel, or dining room table. You need to be able to enjoy it!

Place more compact layouts in the other spaces of your home when that is finished. Accent pieces like miniature pumpkins, candles with a fall theme, fake fruit and greenery, and other such things are lovely.

Choose local art

If you want to add a heartfelt and attractive touch to your Christmas décor, why not frame the work of a local artist? It will make your home seem like a part of the neighborhood, and we guarantee you'll grin every time you see it. With each new season, you can build quite the collection, and taking it out of storage will definitely bring back some pleasant memories.

Dollar stores, please

You don't need to spend a lot of money at pricey department stores if you're decorating on a tight budget. You may discover some high-quality items in the dollar sections of many stores, or you can check out the dollar shop in your neighborhood to see what special Christmas discounts they are providing. You'd be surprised at how many great items are available at much reduced prices, and there are typically a few unique finds included, too.

How do your patio and front porch look?

Since the first thing visitors notice when they arrive at your home is your front porch, this is an excellent chance for you to demonstrate your decorating skills. A cheerful wreath, a few pumpkins, and a floor mat with a fall theme may transform the room completely! Some people go so far as to spend more money on scarecrows, lovely signage, or glowing orange lights.

What are your fall decorating tips? Tell us in the comments!

The post Fall Decorating: Tips and Tricks for Your Autumn Home appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

Two Ways to View the Navy Pier Fourth of July Fireworks Display in Downtown Chicago: Lakeside Lights

Chicago the Beautiful

At Navy Pier, the metropolitan skyline sparkles over Lake Michigan as water lapping against the coast. As children play and giggle, the fountains burst into life as the Chicago sun sets behind you.
As the Cubs gain the lead, Wrigley Field is filled with the sound of the bat, and then…
Over Willis Tower, the sky erupts, illuminating the already starry night with hues of red, white, and blue.

Wow, you say to yourself as the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel rotates and a refreshing breeze caresses your face. You are surrounded by a beautiful aura of light as colors brilliantly reflect off the water in a stunning display. People are smiling in awe and looking up at the sky with strong energy.
It's time for one of the most lovely American holidays and celebrations!

Fireworks on July Fourth!

With the best fireworks shows close to downtown Chicago, Catalyst Chicago wants to make sure your Fourth of July is unforgettable.

Below are links to numerous fantastic shows. Be sure to reserve your boat tour on the Summer of George lakefront cruise before space runs out.

1. Navy Pier Fireworks – the most wonderful show!

Navy Pier kicks off Independence Day weekend with the specatacular Hilton Fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 2.

To secure a prime viewing location along the Pier, visitors are advised to get there early. By way of Hilton's generosity, guests will receive "diffraction glasses," which will give the fireworks display a thrilling new level of visual intrigue (while supplies last).
One of the numerous free outdoor events honoring the Fourth of July weekend is Hilton Fireworks at Navy Pier, which is accompanied by holiday-themed music.
Reminder: There won't be any fireworks on July 4th, Monday.

2. Chicago River and Navy Pier Boat Cruise

On your trip to the lake, join as people cruise along the Chicago River while enjoying beautiful views of the city's cityscape. Once on the water, you may see the spectacular fireworks display from Navy Pier, the best of 2022, with unrestricted views.

Don't panic if Navy Pier doesn't have fireworks. We're going to see fireworks somewhere else! It'll be a fireworks and alcohol cruise!

Free gifts include a personal American flag.

Check out the Chicago Tribune's post on where to find more Fourth of July performances and activities in the Chicago area for a comprehensive list. see fireworks here.

If you have any inquiries or know of any other local shows, please leave a remark for us!

The post ​​​​​​​Two Ways to View the Navy Pier Fourth of July Fireworks Display in Downtown Chicago: Lakeside Lights appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

Treat your mom to eggs benedict, pancakes and bottomless mimosas with the help of these special Mother's Day menus

Mother's Day this year is coming up on Sunday, May 8—have you made plans yet? If not, the best Mother's Day brunch deals are here to save the day. Stop by some of the top brunch spots in Chicago for special menus stacked with towering plates of French toast, pancakes and bottomless mimosas sure to make your mom's day. (And of course, it never hurts to tack on a bouquet from one of the best flower shops in Chicago.) Want to plan the best Mother's Day ever? Check out some of the most promising Mother's Day brunch options in Chicago this year.  

Where to have Mother's Day brunch

1. The Langham

Go all-out this Mother's Day at The Langham's flowers and brunch extravaganza, where guests can arrange their own bouquets and enjoy a customizable three-course menu, plus buffet stations of pastries, seafood and carved meats for grazing. A live acoustic duo provides music to set the mood, and kids can check out a card-coloring station to make something creative for Mom. $225 per person, $50 per child. Reservations available via Tock. 

2. etta

Feeling a little stumped in the gift department this year? Let the folks at Etta take care of things. Reserve a spot at the restaurant's River North or Bucktown locations for a three-course, family-style meal that boasts delicious brunch options (think blueberry coffee cake, soft scrambled eggs with fava beans and challah French toast) along with complimentary roses and rosé for your mom. $65 per person, $25 per child. Reservations available via SevenRooms.

3. The Bristol

If you've got picky kids coming to brunch, we bet they'll be satisfied by The Bristol's selection of hotcakes, sausage, buttered noodles and scrambled eggs for the little ones. Even more importantly, adults will dig special a la carte Mother's Day dishes with luxe touches, like deviled eggs and caviar or fromage omelet with watercress and truffle. Prices vary. Reservations available via OpenTable.

4. Soul & Smoke

Prefer to stick closer to home? Pick up a Mother's Day offering of three jerk grilled lamb chops from Soul & Smoke, which are served with a side of sweet-and-tangy pineapple salsa. The lamb chops alone are enough to feed a small family, but we won't fault you if you tack on a half-pound of the restaurant's succulent brisket or some cornbread muffins. $30.50. Order via Tock for pick-up May 7–8. 

5. Beatrix

Treat Mom to breakfast in bed with Beatrix's brunch to-go package, which includes scrambled eggs, melon and berries, brown sugar berries, maple chicken sausage and lobster and crab enchiladas with soft scrambled eggs and salsa verde. Round off your meal with an order of take-and-bake cinnamon rolls for a sweet treat. $43 per person. Order via Tock by May 7 for pick-up May 8. 

6. Prime & Provisions

Pick and choose from Prime & Provisions' buffet-style brunch, where you'll find options like eggs benedict, cinnamon French toast and made-to-order Belgian waffles, among other treats. If you want to go above and beyond, add on a $75 flower bouquet to complement breakfast options. Prices vary. Reservations available via OpenTable. 

The post The Best Mother’s Day Brunches in Chicago for an Amazing Meal with Mom appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

The city expects a large crowd to attend the celebrations, so here's what you should know if you want to attend.

Saturday at 10 a.m., the dyeing of the Chicago River begins.
The Chicago River is colored green the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day, unless the event falls on a Saturday, a tradition that will celebrate its 60th year in 2022.
The city and bar owners are bracing for throngs as the St. Patrick's Day Parade returns to downtown Saturday after a two-year hiatus »
The dyeing process runs roughly three-quarters of a mile east from Orleans Street to Columbus Drive. It covers a significantly larger area than in the pre-COVID era.
Are you watching from the comfort of your own home? Watch the livestream from WMAQ-Ch. 5.
20 St. Patrick's Day promotions at restaurants and pubs in the Chicagoland region »
Saturday, March 12th is the date.
10 a.m. start time (The river takes about 45 minutes to turn totally green.)
During the season, bridges are closed to spectators.

Saturday at 12:15 p.m., the Downtown St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks out.
Between the completion of the dyeing of the Chicago River and the start of the parade, which is now in its 65th year, there is about a two-hour delay.
Saturday, March 12th is the date.
12:15 p.m. start time
Starting at the intersection of Columbus and Balbo drives, travel north for about a half-mile on Columbus to Monroe Street.
Spectators can only approach the parade route via Jackson Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive starting at 10 a.m.
At the procession route's entrances, all bags and handbags will be searched. It is not permitted to bring alcohol, coolers, open beverages, CamelBaks, or personal water bottles.
Are you watching from the comfort of your own home? Watch the live stream from WLS-Ch.7.

Getting into the city
Because of the expected big crowds and traffic closures, organizers recommend giving yourself extra time to get to these events and use public transportation.
Federal regulation requires masks to be worn on public transportation, even if riders are vaccinated.
Guinness 0 is now available in a non-alcoholic version, just in time for St. Patrick's Day. We take a bite — and then make a change.
Chicago Transit Authority is a public transportation system in Chicago.
For information on bus and rail fares, schedules, and maps, go to transitchicago.com.
Lines of rail:
Exit at Lake, Monroe, or Jackson stations on the Red Line.
Exit at Jackson, Monroe, or Washington stations on the Blue Line.
Exit at State/Lake, Washington/Wabash, or Adams/Wabash stations on elevated lines (Brown, Green, Pink, or Orange).

Road closures causing bus reroutes:

• Chicago River dyeing (9-10 a.m.): Wacker Drive will be closed from Orleans Street east to Columbus Drive. Buses will be rerouted to turn north or south of the Chicago River.

• St. Patrick’s Day Parade (12:30-3 p.m.): Columbus Drive will be closed from Monroe Street south to Roosevelt Road.

Unlimited ride passes can be purchased through the Ventra app for $5 or $15 for one day or three days.
Metra
Union Station and Ogilvie Transportation Center are served by six Metra lines. The BNSF Railway, Milwaukee North, and Milwaukee West lines all arrive and depart at Union Station, which is connected to LaSalle Street Station.

• Ogilvie is where the Union Pacific North, Union Pacific Northwest, and Union Pacific West lines come and depart.
  LaSalle Street Station is where the Rock Island line comes and departs.
  Use the Ventra app to purchase tickets in advance. At downtown stations, conductors will check tickets before boarding.
  There are two weekend-pass options available from Metra. On Saturday or Sunday, unlimited rides are $7. With each fare-paying adult, up to three children under the age of 11 can ride for free. Throughout $10, you may get unlimited rides for the weekend with the Ventra app.
  For route timetables and maps, go to metra.com. On Saturday, all Metra trains are alcohol-free. Bicycles are also prohibited on March 12th.
  Parking can be reserved ahead of time with SpotHero or Millennium Garages.

Other parades taking place in the city this weekend

• Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Noon on Saturday, March 12.

• South Side Irish Parade: Noon on Sunday, March 13.

• Northwest Side Irish Parade: Noon on Sunday, March 13.

The post St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Events in Chicago 2022 appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

It's fantastic news that the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade will be going ahead this year! Aptly named "Where Grateful Hearts Gather"

Thanksgiving in Chicago is marked by the huge and enduring popular Thanksgiving Day parade on the city's famous State Street, where it has been taking place since 1934 and will be watched live by crowds of hundreds of thousands, with millions more watching on Tv and online via the free live stream. The total audience for this parade has been estimated at an incredible 4 million.

Particular features of this parade include large helium filled balloons that lead off the parade, most notably that of official parade mascot Teddy Turkey. 

The parade also includes marching bands, dance groups, local sports teams, equestrian groups and around 100 floats. It is actually one parade that it is possible to apply to take part in, with applications taken via the event's official website.

Date

The Chicago parade is on Thanksgiving Day as always, which in 2021 falls on Thursday 25th November.

Start time

The parade steps off at 8am and will be completed by 11am.

Parade Route

The parade route is very straightforward, progressing down State Street from Congress Parkway to Randolph Street.

Best Viewing Spots

In terms of viewing points, the best advice is to get there early to secure a decent spot, with total viewer numbers estimated at up to half a million, people generally start arriving around 6am. 

Popular areas tend to be on the eastern side of State Street, in between Congress Parkway and Harrison, and on one of the corners of State Street and Van Buren.

TV & Live Streaming

The Thanksgiving parade is one of the most widely watched in the United States, thanks in large part to the TV broadcast by Chicago channel WGN Channel 9. 

This channel have also for several years now been live streaming the parade, allowing viewers to watch online from around the country, or indeed in the apparent absence of any geo-blocking, anywhere in the world:

Chicago parade live stream

Another viewing option you might like to consider for a different perspective on the parade is to check out some of the live streaming webcams in the area. There are several in excellent positions, including at Macy's right on State Street:

Chicago webcams

Hotels and Accommodation

If you're in Chicago for Thanksgiving then be aware that it is a chilly time of year so plan accordingly. The local hotels do get busy for this period so you will need to make your reservations as far is advance as possible to get the best prices. You can search and check availability for local hotels here.

The post Thanksgiving Events: The Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade Is Back appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

The holiday season is right around the corner, and Chicago offers some awesome events and shows to enjoy this year. If you love light shows and want to get into the holiday spirit, one of the best events in the area is at the botanic garden. 

Chicago Botanic Garden’s splendid holiday light display and light walk is back this year! Lightscape is a unique holiday experience that sold out last year. All the colors you could imagine shine and twinkle with tons of new features at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s, or just want to see some beautiful lights, this is a great event!.

This wonderful trail will take you through dozens of different light displays over the course of a 1.25-mile walk through one of the most beautiful light shows in Chicago. Different artistic installations from multiple artists will line the walkway and glow in the night sky, set to seasonal music that is sure to ignite the senses.

With new installations and artists each year, this year’s display is sure to be a dazzling and unique experience. Over 80% of this year’s Lightscape trail will feature new installations from local Chicago artists as well as international ones.

A Light Show with Artistic Flair

• The french artist Pitaya has created a massive display of poppies called “Floraison” which cling to trees and hang above the walkway canopy.

• Light-saturated pillars that move up and down, creating a landscape of changing shadows and light that is constantly transforming and changing, done by the Australian artist Mandylights.

• Chicago artists Christopher Wren and Fog-Man Enterprises have created the McGinley Laser show – lights and lasers dancing across the water with synchronized music, creating shapes and reflections that rise in the sky.

You won’t want to miss this wondrous display, which will also include the classic crowd favorites like Singing Trees and the Winter Cathedral. A newly reimagined Fire Garden and Heritage Tree will also be present.

Please note that this is not technically a holiday-themed show, but does celebrate the season.

Collaborators include Sony Music, Culture Creative, and Arny Granat from WAD Entertainment.

Details

Event Date: 

Friday, November 12, 2021, to Sunday, January 2, 2022

4:30 pm – 11:30 pm 

with flex tickets available

Last entry at 9 pm

Closed Nov. 25, Dec. 24 & 25

Price is dependent on the day you choose to attend.

Standard:

Adult: $24/$26

Child 3-12: $12/$14

Premium:

Adult: $26/$28

Child 3-12: $13/$15

Child under 3: free

Tickets purchased the day of the event are an additional $2 per ticket

Buy your tickets here!

Erin Benassi

(847) 835-6819, direct

[email protected]

Do you have other holiday events you love? Let us know in the comments!

The post Lightscape: Chicago Botanic Garden’s Beautiful Holiday Season Light Show Is Back appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

Rooftop Asylum Halloween Party at I|O Godfrey

This fourth-floor rooftop will be transformed into a haunted asylum, complete with Halloween food and drink specials (like a charcuterie skull, toxic waste mac, and cheese, or purple poison cocktail). Plus, the roof will be outfitted with nine haunted igloos, each decked out in spooky decor that fits a different Halloween theme. Reserve your spot today.

TILT Terror Nights at 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

Get your thrills and chills while hovering more than 1,000 feet above Chicago. This Halloween event at 360 CHICAGO offers guests a special after-dark experience, featuring a longer and faster spin on their signature TILT ride. You’ll also find Halloween-themed cocktails and to-die-for city views. Get your tickets today.

Haunted Halloween Ball at Congress Plaza Hotel

Dress up for Chicago’s largest and scariest Halloween costume party. Experience a night of thrills at the Haunted Halloween Ball on Oct. 30 at the (reportedly haunted) Congress Plaza Hotel. The massive ballroom of the 122-year-old hotel will transform into a zombie-themed dance floor where live DJs, vampire bellmen, and costumed go-go dancers rule the night. The event starts at 9 p.m. and goes until 3 a.m. Tickets are available for purchase online. 

Totally 80’s Halloween Party at Time Out Market

Swing by Time Out Market Chicago for a Totally 80’s Halloween Party as the food hall travels back in time on Oct. 30. Drink a Pop Rocks-rimmed cocktails, jam to an awesome ’80s soundtrack, snap photos in front of giant Lite Brite, play Pac-Man, or set a high score on Super Mario Bros.

Afrofusion Halloween Party at The Promontory

Dance the night away at this Afrofusion Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 30. The Promontory in Hyde Park is hosting this costume content and dance party, where international DJs fuse hip-hop, R&B, reggae, and afrobeat into a one-of-a-kind musical experience. General admission tickets and table reservations are on sale now.

Adults Night Out at Lincoln Park Zoo

While zoo-goers might be familiar with Lincoln Park Zoo’s Fall Fest from Oct. 8 – 21, adults can enjoy an evening stroll among wildlife with a beer, cider, hard seltzer, or glass of wine in hand at Adults Night Out: The Great Pumpkin Glow. With multiple bars and no crowds, this after-hours event offers music from a live DJ, lawn games, and free rides on the Endangered Species Carousel. This special night takes place on Oct. 28 from 6:30 – 10 p.m. and tickets can be purchased online.

Tarot Cocktails at The Gwen

The Gwen Hotel, recently named the best hotel in Chicago by Conde Nast Traveler, will have a full menu of tarot-themed cocktails for October. They’ll also host Halloween events, like screenings of classic horror movies.

Haunted Halloween Booze Cruise

Celebrate Halloween on the water this year. Set sail from DuSable Harbor on a Haunted Halloween Booze Cruise aboard the Anita Dee I Yacht. With amazing skyline views, a full bar, and music, you can dance the night away in your Halloween best at this 21+ event. Enjoy the lake breeze on the open deck as you take in Chicago’s landmarks lit up at night. Costumes are encouraged and tickets can be purchased online.

The post Halloween Parties in Chicago: The Best Events for Halloween Weekend appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.

1. Grandpa Rossy. This one's easy enough, just grab a David Ross jersey and a cane or walker. 

2. Pizza Squirrel. You stole our pizza and our hearts earlier this year. Just a squirrel costume and a slice of pizza. Bonus: You won't be as hungover as your friends the next day because you'll be eating throughout the night.

3. The Aloha Billboard. The Aloha billboard hung in Logan Square for over a year, gaining quite a following including a Tumblr page asking if it was still up. Even though it’s been taken down now, dress up as the Cameron Crowe flop starring Bradley Cooper and Emma Stone and see how many people get it.

4. Paul McGee. Do you have a long beard (or a fake one)? Perfect. Pair with glasses and a Hawaiian shirt to get the look of Chicago's best bartender. The downside? Everyone might ask you to make drinks all night.

5. Navy Pier Ferris Wheel. Just wear lights that blink and change colors constantly. 

6. Bill Murray at the White House, or at the Cubs Game. Podium + Cubs gear.

7. Ferris Bueller. Faded jeans, white T-shirt, cardigan. Easy-peasy. You can also easily turn this into a group costume and add on Cam and Sloane. 

8. Honey Butter Fried Chicken. This is a group costume, where one friend dresses as a honey bottle, another as a stick of butter, and the last as a chicken. Get it? Get it?

9. The Ghosts of Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo. Best friends can just sport this duo's jerseys and hang out together all night, occasionally staring lovingly at each other as only these two can. Don't worry, everyone else will be staring longingly at you, too. 

10. Billy Corgan. Just shave your head or get a bald cap and carry around a cat all night, an ode to his PAWS Magazine cover.

11. Wiener's Circle employee. You know what to do.

12. Easy characters. This is so simple, literally just wear anything in your closet because the characters on this Netflix show look just like all of us. 

13. Kevin McCallister. It's been years since Kevin's family left him alone in the 'burbs while they went on vacation (a feat that could never happen in our technology-riddled lives), but anyone will recognize your costume if you just sport a maroon sweater and keep your hands at your face all night poised to scream.

14. Shameless Characters, duh. Bring the whole family. And some booze…

The post The Ghost of Kris Bryant and 14 Funny Chicago Costume Ideas for Halloween appeared first on Atrio Apartments Blog.