What we’re about
"Culture, Cuisine, Cocktails, Coffee & Convos = Community"
http://www.socialfundation.com for the full calendar.
This is a Chicago-Suburban meet-up group designed for people who enjoy the cinema, fine cuisine and more. Most evening events will consist of a movie, dinner, or a combination of both. Others may include a matinee followed by a film discussion afterwards at a local cafe. From time to time there will also be a foreign film, Indie or Classic movie scheduled, or even live theater.
We will have dining venues which will include diverse cuisines from around the world or around the block. In addition, other fun activities such as music venues, bowling, wine tastings, outdoor music fests/concerts, and more! Join us for ongoing dinner events like Porkapalooza, an exploration of area BBQ places; and BurgerTime, the same concept, but with Burgers. Check out the Pages section for where we've been and where we're going. Please let us know if there's some thing/some place you'd like to try, or if you'd like to host an event.
Please note: While all are welcome, consistent no-shows and those who use e-mail/Meetup to disparage other members will be removed from the group.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- $5 First Fridays Stand Up Comedy Shows at Chicago's best venue!Laugh Factory, Chicago, IL
The Laugh Factory in Lakeview (Broadway & Belmont) is open for comedy and we all could use some laughs! We always get A LOT of people to attend these shows. Often times over 100 Meetup members!
If you attend by yourself or with friends and want to be seated in the Meetup group section, simply request this when you check in at the ticket booth! Then just say hi to those around you :)
Every First Friday of the month we get $5 TICKETS to their shows at 7:00, 9:15 & 11:30 pm. They're ALWAYS hilarious!
--------------------------------
Get your $5 tickets ASAP before the quantity they give us get sells out. And with our "laugh or get a refund" policy (that has never in 4 years been requested), I know you'll enjoy your MUCH NEEDED night out! This event is posted in lots of different Meetup groups, so the RSVP # won't show how many are actually attending.
READ THE DESCRIPTION OF EACH SHOW AND GET YOUR $5 TIX HERE: https://tinyurl.com/firstfridayslaughfactory
*You can purchase tickets for several people and multiple shows this night through the link. No physical tickets will be issued. Your name will be on a list at the door and all tickets will be under the purchaser's name. Groups of up to 6 people can be sat together if arriving together.
Please Note: These shows are for ages 18+ w/ ID. If you show up after start time you will not be able to enter. There is a 2 drink minimum per person per show (non-alcoholic or alcoholic). Drinks are reasonably priced, and a comedy show is funnier with a few drinks, so this shouldn't be an issue with how cheap our tickets are :) Also, an 18% service fee (aka gratuity) will be applied to all drink tabs at payment to be given directly to service staff.
No refunds or exchanges but tickets can be transferred.
--------------------------------
Is there parking? Street parking and some garages are available throughout the area. However, public transit, ridesharing apps, and taxi services are highly encouraged.
What is the dress code? There is no dress code. Be comfortable!
READ THE DESCRIPTION OF EACH SHOW AND GET YOUR $5 TIX HERE: https://tinyurl.com/firstfridayslaughfactory
Enjoy the laughter!
-Ben
- Private Guided Tour of the Historic Quinn Chapel AME Church in South LoopQuinn Chapel AME Church, Chicago, IL
Discover the rich history of Quinn Chapel AME Church in the South Loop through an exclusive private tour led by a knowledgeable guide. Immerse yourself in the captivating stories and insights that bring this beautiful landmark to life. Join us for a unique journey through faith and community!
Quinn Chapel AME Church, also known as Quinn Chapel of the A.M.E. Church, is home to Chicago's first African American congregation. This congregation was formed in 1844 by seven individuals who began meeting as a nondenominational prayer group in the home of a member. In 1847, the group became an official congregation of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the first independent Black denomination in the United States. The church was named in honor of Bishop William Paul Quinn. The current structure, designed by architect Henry F. Starbuck, was built in 1892. In the years leading up to the Civil War, the church played a significant role in the city's abolitionist movement, serving as a stop on the Underground Railroad for those escaping slavery from the Southern United States.
We will have a private docent-led tour through the church. Before the tour, we are allowed to walk around and take pictures. Since we are getting a private guided tour, there is a $10 fee per person. I will collect $10 from everyone and give it to the Quinn Chapel AME Church in appreciation of the tour. Please bring CASH for the donation! If necessary, I can accept Zelle, Venmo & PayPal so I can give one big group donation after the tour. All need to check in with me at the start of the tour & pay me directly~
The tour promises to be an enlightening event on a Saturday morning. It is an event that brings multiple meetup groups together! Although it's not exclusively a photo tour, there will be ample chances to snap pictures!
After the tour, some of us will get lunch at one of the many nearby places:
Apolonia 105 E Cermak Rd, http://www.apoloniachicago.com/
Fatpour Tapworks 2206 S Indiana Ave, https://fatpourtapworks.com/mccormick
Il Culaccino 2134 S Indiana Ave. https://ilculaccino.com/All are welcome to join! BRING CASH IF JOINING FOR LUNCH, AS SOME VENUES don't accept separate checks!
Quinn Chapel originated in 1844 when seven individuals began meeting in the home of John Day, located between Randolph and Lake Streets near State Street. As the group grew, they relocated to Maria Parker's home and, in 1846, to an old schoolhouse at State and Madison Streets. They petitioned the African Methodist Episcopal Church for recognition as a congregation, which was granted on July 22, 1847. They named the chapel in honor of Bishop William Paul Quinn, who organized many A.M.E. churches.
Since 1891, Quinn Chapel has stood at the corner of Wabash Avenue and Twenty-fourth Street, contributing to the area's cultural heritage and Gothic architecture, designed by Henry F. Starbuck (exterior) and Charles H. McAfee (interior). In 1979, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The chapel played a vital role in the abolition movement and served as a station on the Underground Railroad. It also helped establish Bethel A.M.E. Church, Chicago Provident Hospital, and Elam House. Notable figures, including Presidents McKinley and Taft, educators like George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington, and influential preachers have spoken from its pulpit. Recent speakers include Governor Rod Blagojevich, Mayor Richard M. Daley, and Senator Barack Obama.
Quinn Chapel has hosted various events, such as the premier performance of Wynton Marsalis’ “Mass” and featured in films like “There Are No Children Here” and “Losing Isaiah.” Today, its members continue to carry out the Lord’s work, honoring their rich history.Quinn Chapel has stood at the corner of Wabash Avenue and Twenty-fourth Street since 1891, and has contributed significantly to the cultural heritage and visual Gothic style of architecture prominent in the 1800’s in buildings designed by Henry F. Starbuck (exterior) and Charles H. McAfee (interior). The Joint Commission on Landmarks designated Quinn Chapel to its National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Quinn Chapel is rich in history. Prior to the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation, Quinn played an important part in the abolition movement in Chicago and served as a station for the Underground Railroad. Quinn was also instrumental in founding Bethel A.M.E. Church, Chicago Provident Hospital, and Elam House. Presidents William B. McKinley and William Howard Taft, educators George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington, poet and literary genius Paul Lawrence Dunbar and three of the most gifted preachers of this century: Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. are among the many nationally renowned individuals to address the congregation from Quinn’s pulpit. In recent years, Governor Rod Blagojevich, Mayor Richard M. Daley, Congressmen Danny K. Davis, Bobby Rush, Jesse Jackson, Jr., Governor Pat Quinn and Senator Barack Obama have stood in Quinn Chapel’s pulpit. Milton Olive III, posthumous recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor and for whom Olive-Harvey College is named, was a member and a regular attendee of services at Quinn Chapel.
In recent times, the church has played host to various community, political, and social events. Quinn Chapel hosted the premier performance of Wynton Marsalis’ “Mass,” and presented WTTW’s Patti LaBelle’s “Going Home to Gospel.” Quinn was also the location for two scenes from the movie “There Are No Children Here,” an Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Production, and was highlighted in a scene in the Paramount Pictures movie “Losing Isaiah”, starring Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry.
While proud of Quinn’s heritage, the members of Quinn Chapel prayerfully continue to do the Lord’s work, to praise His name, and honor the past.
If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/ easily accessible by bus and train
If you are driving, there is free parking on Wabash, & 24th Street. Metered parking on South Michigan Ave. There are a few nearby parking lots. This area is normally easy to park during the day
PLEASE KEEP RSVP UP TO DATE AND DO NOT BE A NO SHOW!
- Join Spring Coed Softball, Kickball, Beach Volleyball, Skeeball & Trivia Teams!Leagues played at various locations in Chicago. See specific leagues for where the games are played!, Chicago, IL
When Springtime finally arrives in Chicago, it's our goal to be outside enjoying the weather as much as possible. And there's absolutely nothing better than joining a social intramural league! It's a blast getting to know new people playing games and then also over drinks at your league sponsor bar that all teams walk to (or we play in a bar)!
Hanging out with the same group week after week for 5-7 weeks makes it pretty effortless to build lasting relationships over the duration of the season. That's the best part :)
In these leagues, ALL SKILL LEVELS ARE WELCOME (no experience required) and we can place anyone aged 21-42 on a team. Simply register by yourself or with friends and I'll put you with others around your age for the season.
REGISTER TO JOIN US as we MEETUP for some coed, recreational level (ALL skill levels welcome) "Simply Social" sports leagues!
*********************
GET $20 OFF 16" SOFTBALL OR KICKBALL PLAYER FEES W/ PROMO CODE 'MEETUPHOOKUP' -- *PLUS GIRLS GET 50% OFF 16" SOFTBALL!Play 7 weeks of softball or kickball for only $37-$80!! Price depends on the league. 5-week Beach Volleyball seasons are cheap at only $65-70 for everyone, Family Feud Trivia is $35 & Singles Skeeball (for singles!) is $65 :)
*********************NOTE: THE DATE AND LOCATION SHOWN FOR THIS MEETUP EVENT ARE JUST A PLACEHOLDER. CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE HERE FOR THE FULL LEAGUE OPTIONS, DETAILS AND TO REGISTER FOR A FUN SEASON!!
*Want to get on a team but can't make it to every game? No problem! We put extra players on every team for this very reason.
LEAGUES INCLUDE:
- 5-7 Week Season (varies by league)
- We buy your team some beer each week! (in most leagues)
- Team player shirt in your requested size! (in most leagues)
- Food and drink specials at your sponsor bar!
- Team victory bar parties for multiple league champs!
GET $20 OFF 16" SOFTBALL OR KICKBALL PLAYER FEES W/ PROMO CODE 'MEETUPHOOKUP' -- *PLUS GIRLS GET 50% OFF 16" SOFTBALL!
SEE ALL LEAGUE OPTIONS, FULL DETAILS & REGISTRATION HERE
I hope you let me show you what makes S3 Simply Social Sports Leagues so popular and exciting. I guarantee it'll be a unique experience unlike anything you've ever been a part of!
Over 97,000 past players (yeah that many haha) have had a blast since I started running these leagues 15 years ago :)
Please send me a message if you have any questions.
Cheers,
Ben
