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Why do I believe October is the best time to visit Chicago? I discovered Open House Chicago (OHC) seven years ago. I came across OHC by accident while driving down 43rd Street in 2017. You cannot miss this free public festival. Save the date now. OHC is October 19 -20, 2024. You can view archived sites on the website.
I googled Open House Chicago and realized OHC is a FREE, 2-day event that allows you access to behind-the-scenes of some of Chicago’s “architecturally, historically and culturally significant sites across the city.” My very first OHC site was the Forum. If you are a fan of Chicago P.D., the Forum has a cameo appearance in Season 5, Episode 17. I stepped out of my comfort zone and headed to 35th Street to learn about Chicago’s history on the water at the Chicago Maritime Museum.
OHC Moody TongueAfter spending Saturday on the south side, I visited Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in the Austin community on Sunday. I also revisited where I spent my first year of high school. Catalyst Circle Rock made the building their new home. I tried to visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, but the line was three blocks long. My highlight of the weekend was visiting Moody Tongue Brewing Company. I discovered chocolate beer and a 12-layer German chocolate cake. I also participated in a FREE tour of the brewery. Since 2018, I have shared my love for Moody Tongue with family and friends. However, the original location in Pilsen is closed, but you can visit Moody Tongue in the South Loop at 2515 S. Wabash. By the way, Moody Tongue is now a 2 Star Michelin restaurant (2021).
Big Delicious Planet and Wolcott College Prep Fast forward to 2019, and the Chicago Architecture Center added 100 additional sites to visit. I downloaded a map from the website and created a list of places I wanted to see. I started in West Town with a visit to Big Delicious Planet (BDP). Of course, I was surprised to see an urban farm at this location. Wolcott College Prep is impressive. I learned from my tour guide that the building is an old YMCA. This school is an “exemplary college preparatory high school for students with learning differences, tailored to the strengths and aspirations of each student.” Tuition assistance is available. I also visited their newest facility, Wolcott College Prep Arts & Athletics Center.
By the way, I did not intentionally select schools to visit, but I had to see the Motley School Apartments. As the name indicates, it is a school building turned into individual apartments. Some of the finishing touches include blackboards, original coat closets, and storage cabinets. Even the hardwood flooring was removed and reinstalled. Even though it was not on my list, I went to The Plant in Back of the Yards. There is so much to see and learn about small businesses in Chicago. I ordered a vegan meal from Libby’s Corner, purchased drinks from Ariza, and supported a student selling chocolate at Posh Nosh.
I drove to Overton School at 221 E. 49th. Check out the display on the basketball court if you think you know the history of Bronzeville. I left Overton and headed to Bubbly at 1048 W. 37th Street. I would have never discovered Bubbly if it were not for OHC. The Tool Library started in this space. You can borrow tools instead of buying them. I also visited MP Custom Made and South Side Hackerspace. When I left Bubbly, I noticed another OHC sign. Repertorio Latino Theater Company is in Bridgeport. If you are a theater buff, you will love this place. That was my last stop for OHC 2019.
For OHC 2022, I volunteered at the Chicago Sustainable Manufacturing Center in Bridgeport. I learned a lot from another volunteer. He suggested I stop by The Duck Inn. If you want a unique culinary experience, add Duck Inn to your list. Although my shift was three hours, I still had enough time to visit Hatch41. If this site is available for 2024, you must add this to your list of places to see. Why? Omni Ecosystems built an urban paradise on the roof. For OHC 2023, I volunteered for the first shift at Boxville on Sunday. If you believe in supporting local businesses, drop by this unique approach to providing a space for economic opportunity for vendors to showcase their goods. Boxville extends this effort by hosting cultural celebrations and programming. I stopped by Da Book Joint.
Do you want to know more about Open House Chicago? Visit the website for the latest information about this event and sign up for OHC E-news. Now that you are in Chicago, you should take advantage of other events around town. Catch a preseason Bulls game at the United Center or head to Washington Park for the UniverSoul Circus. Enjoy food other than pizza, hot dogs, and Italian beef. Make your way to Maria’s Packaged Goods and Community Bar, Kimski, Antique Taco, or VU Rooftop. If you love donuts, The Vault is the place to go. Check their IG before you head there. Donuts sell fast. If you live in Chicago and have not participated in OHC, add this event to your list of things to do.
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