We’ve made it to May, and there is a ton of things to do to kick off the first weekend of the month. Celebrate the weekend with events from Cinco De Mayo to the Kentucky Derby without having to leave the city for either one! Between all the drinking, be sure to detox in between with rejuvenating experiences. Events this weekend will also focus on charity, community, and empowerment. There is something for everyone this first weekend in May.
Style Seeker:
Best of Brown Elephant
Saturday & Sunday |May 6th-7th| 10 a.m – 6 p.m.
Brown Elephant |3020 N. Lincoln Ave| Free
I am personally a huge fan of Brown Elephant and have found some amazing pieces at their locations in Andersonville and Boystown. To shop all three places at once, for us Brown Elephant fans, this is pure awesomeness. Add some new pieces to your spring wardrobe this weekend by buying the best of vintage and designer accessories from the popular resale shop. Brown Elephant is a subsidy of the Howard Brown Health Center. Learn more about the continuous efforts of this organization and how you can donate your items to various Brown Elephant shops here.
31st Annual Spring Brunch & Fashion Show: Unity on the Runway
Sunday |May 7th| 12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Harold Washington Library |400 S. State St.| $200 – $300
Chicago House commences its 31st brunch and fashion show this Sunday at beautiful Garden Ballroom atop of the Harold Washington Library. The charity staple event raises funds for the Chicago House and Social Service Agency that serves individuals and families who are disenfranchised. Guests are treated to a show of the latest fashion trends, dance performances, live music, and more. Tickets are still available for purchase to this fashionable cause here.
Food Seeker:
First Fridays: Cinco De Mayo Edition
Friday |May 5th| 5:00 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Refuge |416 S. Clark St.| Free
Get your Cinco de Drinko’ started early with a happy hour at Refuge in the South Loop. Enjoy complimentary Remy from 5-8pm, sponsored by Remy Martin Entry. Specials include $5 RemyRitas and $5 Margaritas. Sounds by DJ Unstable, hosted by Sigma_Chris.
Entry is free to this after work celebration. ¡Salud!
Kentucky Derby at The Pony
Saturday |May 6th| 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The Pony |1638 W. Belmont Ave.| $50
Cinco de Mayo isn’t the only holiday worth raising a glass to this weekend. The Kentucky Derby takes place this weekend in Louisville as bars around the city in will be doing the same. The Pony places its bet in the celebratory weekend with an all inclusive supper featuring food like Bourbon Glazed Smoked Pig from Frontier, along with a slew of pair good side dishes and traditional Mint Juleps. Don’t forget to wear your best-dressed sear sucker suit and audacious hat to this event. Purchase tickets only here.
Good Seeker:
Embarc: Unbelievably Amazing & Terribly Entertaining Blow Out Variety Spectacular
Friday|April 28th| 6:00 p.m-10:00 p.m.
1st Ward at Chop Shop |2033 W. North Ave.| $75
In celebration of its 7th year, Embarc is turning up the volume on its Unbelievably Amazing & Terribly Entertaining Blow Out Variety Spectacular, featuring talents unseen, tastes undiscovered and 500+ of Chicago’s movers and shakers. Embarc’s award-winning experiential education program, enabling long-term social and cultural exposure and success for nearly 700 Chicago Public Schools students this school year. Craft beer, wine, and custom cocktails. Chef-driven cuisine. Interactive, student-focused experiences. Feats of physical strength. Hip-hop dancers. Magicians. Comedians. A show like nothing else you’ve ever seen, with a 100% of the proceeds directly support Embarc’s innovative programming. Grab your tickets to this ‘anti-gala’ taking place today.
Arts Seeker:
Flowers for the Living 2017
Thursday|May 4th| 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
The Promontory | 5311 S. Lake Park Ave.| $15-$25
Harold Green and his FFTL (Flowers for the Living) Collective are back for 2017. “Flowers for the Living is an annual project of collaborations with some of the best musicians, vocalist, and spoken word performers in Chicago. This event is sure to be the night of deep vibes to get you settled into the weekend. Celebrate the living and their creative while they are here. Get your tickets now for this incredible soulful event.
Nasty Women Art Chicago
Friday |May 5th| 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Moonlight Studios |1446 W. Kinzie St.| Free
In solidarity with sister shows around the globe, come together for Nasty Women Art Chicago, a one-night exhibition and fundraiser to hear and support the voices of artists identifying as Nasty Women. The Nasty Women event helps allies through artistic expression. This is a free event open to all ages that will sell artist submissions and include food and drink, music, speakers, and more. 100% of the profits from the sale of artwork will benefit Planned Parenthood of Illinois. Learn more about the women participating in the “nasty” and great art show this year here.
What I’m Seeking:
This weekend I will be out and about in the city, doing what I do best, seeking. Friday catch me at some Cinco De Mayo celebration in either my neighborhood of Pilsen or the South Loop. On Saturday, I will be schmoozing with fellow SCAD Alumni at a networking event and then headed to the Promontory for Must Love Beards day party event. Sunday I will be doing my last photoshoot with my favorite photographers, Deiscribe. As always, check me out on @Instagram as I am always sharing what I am seeking in the city!
Have an event to about fashion, food, the arts, or community involvement? Give me the details! Fill out the contact form below, and I’ll be sure to include it in an upcoming Weekend Seeker’s Guide!
