In this week’s list of events in Chicago architecture and history, we highlight a behind-the-scenes tour of an architecture firm, a pub crawl of Chicago’s entertainment history, and a Mardi Gras-style party celebrating the year of our city’s birth.
1. Chicago’s 177th Birthday Celebration – Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.
CELEBRATION – Tuesday, March 4th, 10:30am-7pm
FREE
Chicago turns 177 years old on Tuesday with a Mardi Gras-themed celebration and food truck rally in downtown’s Daley Plaza. The event kicks off with a short program including a drum interpretation of “Happy Birthday” by the American Indian Center of Chicago and a Mardi Gras-style parade into the plaza where DJ Lisa Rene will provide all-day entertainment. Enjoy a host of food trucks with lunchtime and after work dining options or relax with a glass of beer or wine from Goose Island. And most importantly, there will be free cake from Eli’s Cheesecake!
2. Tour of bKL Architecture LLC -225 N. Columbus Dr., Suite 100
TOUR – Tuesday March 4th, 6pm-9pm
FREE – reservations required
For architecture enthusiasts of Chicago, this week the Young Architects Forum Meetup Group is offering a brief studio tour and firm overview of bKL Architecture LLC. One can network afterwards over free pizza, generously provided by the firm, and drink specials off wine, beer, and cocktails from Filini Bar & Restaurant.
3. Historic Chicago Bar Walking Tour – 435 N. Michigan Ave., inside Argo Tea
TOUR – Saturdays, 5:45pm
$34 plus drinks – reservations required
Due to the popularity of our Historic Chicago Bar Tour, Chicago Detours is permanently adding a second Saturday evening tour to our regular Saturday 5pm tour schedule. On this tour we drink, eat and learn about the history of Chicago entertainment, meaning anything from jazz history to prohibition, social clubs, and nightlife. Plus we look at some spectacular Chicago architecture on this walking tour that stays mostly indoors.
