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Hot summer nights are about to get hotter. From sexy rooftop pool parties to epic outdoor music festivals to picnics by moonlight with live jazz or fireworks, Night+Day’s Best Summer Nights highlight primo nocturnal events for the beautiful, balmy evenings ahead.
Best Summer Nights in....
Best Summer Nights
Chicago
Beauty Bar 1444 W. Chicago Ave., West Town, 312-226-8828 beautybar.com
The Draw: This swank, NYC-based cocktail haven mimics a 1960s hair salon. Aside from the martinis, a major draw is the music: The summer 2010 DJ series features local and nationally acclaimed music-makers. The Scene: Vintage-meets-modern with a fun spin on salon décor. Oldschool hairdryers adorn the walls, along with pops of color. Patrons dress chicly (in a mix of nightclub attire and magazine-cover style), sip stiff martinis, dance, and loudly chat over the bumping tunes. Each night features a different DJ. Mon–Fri 4pm–2am, Sat noon–3am, Sun noon–2am. Hot Tip: Parties of six or more can set up a “Martini and Manicure” event, to get their nails done while sipping on specialty cocktails and listening to DJ set lists.
The Draw: Pair juicy, real-life stories with delicious wine and live music, and you get 2nd Story’s raw and touching storytelling series, a laidback summer escape that’s perfect for sharing with friends or a first date. The Scene: Actors, writers, and musicians produce creative non-fictional tales, which are told to a live audience that comes prepared to taste and listen. Don’t expect to hold a conversation while a performer takes the mic for a 10-minute tale. Do expect, however, several storytellers to talk while nibbling on the venue’s eats, or while enjoying an alcoholic concoction. Check the website for show times. Hot Tip: Buy the $10 tickets online in advance. These events sell out and waiting at the door or on a list will not guarantee entry, especially for larger groups.
The Draw: Listen to tunes from Chicago’s premiere musical orchestra, symphonies, and jazz musicians, all while nibbling on a packed picnic and nestled on a cozy blanket. The Scene: Now in its 76th year of production, the free event takes place at the gorgeous Pritzker Pavilion stage in Millenium Park. Expect blankets, lawn chairs, picnic baskets, bottles of wine, and people chatting, all with a stunning soundtrack. Mid-June–August. Hot Tip: Arrive very early if you want the best grassy knoll, and bring blankets to mark your space. Food and wine are allowed, as long as you take with you what you bring.
