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late to the party as always, but if anyone wants to see legendary storefront theatre in action (in a park), my company is performing our shakespeare review in Winnemac at 6 tonight and tomorrow (weather permitting). it's short, family friendly and way more sophisticated than a review in a park has any reason to be.

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Regrets only from me as I wish all y'all to enjoy my marvelous hometown, a place so nice they had to name it twice! (Chicago is only nominally part of Illinois. But you're right--I was thinking of NYC.)

If anyone runs into the Baldwin Brothers, pay them many dollars to play for you. Seriously. My favorite Chicago band ever.

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Or you can go to the train station and get lost in it as it's bigger than some/many airports. That's what I did the last time I went to Chicago (was meeting someone). But getting lost was easy for me as I can get lost anywhere. I do not like Chicago traffic because I do not like cars being close to me. I don't like people being close to me either which is why I don't "do" crowds. Also I recommend taking the river tour and going out through the locks to Lake Michigan, especially if you've never gone through locks. That was how I learned how they work -- all the teacher's chalkboard diagrams in the world couldn't explain it to me. Also I saw a duck in the lock paddling like mad to stay on top of the water. No one else is ever as impressed with that as I was. Also the botanical gardens are free. I'm going to go someday. I don't know why I'm babbling; I think it's past my bedtime.

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What: DNC Convention LGBTQIA+ Welcoming Event

Where: Sidetrack at 3349 North Halsted Street

Ahhh, Boystown. Last time I was there I was doing naughty things, and ended up going home with some hot guy.

Dammit why didn’t I take some vacation so I could come (join the fun)!

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i remember sidetracks as a thrilling adventure with my just out of the closest bff. it was wild and crazy for a cis white suburban girl just out of college.

more recently it has become a place to do ACA outreach in staid enrollment events.

how times change.

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Also, if there are any Wonketeers who are a bit tipsy late at night and want a snack with mild trauma, go to The Weiner's Circle for a late-night hot dog with a side of verbal abuse. It's a thing, and it's great. This was their COVID commercial: https://youtu.be/qRLB0eFmmw4?si=nmWANuiWmJ9ao5J4

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OMG I’m so going next time I’m there.

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Aug 16Liked by Sara Benincasa

Just came back from a wedding in Chicago. Nifty city! Great architecture (Chicago-style bungalows, downtown riverfront), Millennium Park, the AWESOME Field Museum......

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If you watch last night's Colbert he read out other events that sounded fun too....

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Sheeittt, if I could go to Chiiiicago I would def go to Weed Street! that is all....

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Theater queens be advised: Sidetrack is the best place for piano singalongs!

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Aug 16Liked by Sara Benincasa

Ta, Sara. To all the Wonketteers going to Chicago for this great series of events, have a wonderful time and stay safe. Beloved husband Meccalopolis and I will be on our honeymoon. Yes, we first met at a Wonkmeet. Our lesbian social justice warrior rabbi gave a shoutout to Wonkette during the ceremony.

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Wow, all that and she didn't mention the Garfield Park Conservatory, just 2 CTA stops W of Damen, a calm green oasis in the mid of all that hubbub.

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It’s close to the United center and the wonk meet, as well

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word

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And if ya wanna go a bit farther out, Oak Park (several stops west on the green or blue lines) has it's own small cool Conservatory, featuring 3 distinct rooms and a gabby parrot. AND, the world's coolest soft-serve shot at Oak Park and Garfield Aves, "The Hole in the Wall".

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Also a lot of Frank Lloyd right houses and a super cute downtown with an independent book store that’s closing and is having a big sale. It’s on the green line — like the wonk meet.

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Truth

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I was going to ask if Gridr is going to shit the bed like it did duriing the RNC. But if it did, everyone would be all "Damn right it did! We're bumping our liberal parts all over the city. No shame in our game."

Be safe out there, kids.

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I have been told that live band karaoke is a thing in Chicago.

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Thank you, Sara, for this wealth of info about the best city in these US of A!

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Your streets and rooms will be cleaner if you stop wearing all those undies. That's the correct takeaway from the Charlie XCX video, right?

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author

I feel it is a secret ad for the pickup and delivery laundry service RINSE because Good Lord, imagine cleaning that stuff up.

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Edgewater's where I live. It's nice. And as they say in Chicago, "It's cooler by the lake."

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if the weather holds, we're doing our free shakespeare review in winnemac tonight and tomorrow night!

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