Enjoy “What’s on Dec” this week on ABC TV “Windy City Live!”

Click here to see Rockit Ranch CEO Billy Dec‘s inside scoop on the best parties, fests, games, concerts, events.. on his latest Thursday 9am weekly ABC TV segment called “What’s on Dec” on “Windy City Live!”

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It’s Raining Cats and Dogs! Well, kind of

I hope your calendar is clear this Friday night.  Why you ask?  Because it will be raining cats and dogs of course!  Ok, not literally.  But it’s the Anti-Cruelty Society’s 12^th Annual Fall Benefit, appropriately named: It’s Raining Cats & Dogs!  What can you expect from this extraordinary event (and I can assure you, it will be extraordinary)?  Here’s the inside scoop.

The Anti-Cruelty Society is Chicago’s oldest and largest private, open admission, unlimited stay humane society – helping to find “forever homes” for cats and dogs.  Through various programs and services like low to no-cost adoptions, spay/neuter clinics, cruelty investigations, humane education, charity veterinary clinics, dog training classes, and so forth, the organization helps over 50,000 animals and humans every year.

While supporting this remarkable cause at Chicago’s famous Palmer House Hilton hotel, you’ll be noshing on fabulous food prepared by the city’s finest chefs.  Some teasers?  Amanda Downing of Rockit Bar & Grill and Rockit Burger Bar (who doesn’t love what has been named “the best burger” in town by Good Morning America & Citysearch?), Patricio Sandoval of Mercadito (authentic Mexican cuisine, yum!), Ryan Pitts of RL (that’s right, the man behind Ralph Lauren’s iconic restaurant is on-board), John Coletta of Quartino (you can finally enjoy this rustic Italian restaurant that is jam-packed every weekend WITHOUT the wait), and Jeffrey Sills of Sprout (no explanation needed) will all be in attendance – to name just a few.  And in case you were wondering, complimentary cocktail bars will be stationed around the room.

NBC5’s Stefan Holt will be emceeing the evening which, in addition to the mouthwatering menu, will feature music from The Flat Cats, non-stop dancing, an old time photo booth, a cash raffle, a live & silent auction – including a safari trip to South Africa!, and adorable, ADOPTABLE cats & dogs serving of course as your host committee.

Individual tickets are $175 in advance or $200 at the door.  Better yet, Billy Dec has a few on-hand that you can enter to win.  Catch his regular “What’s on Dec” segment on Windy City Live tomorrow morning at 9:00am for all of the details.

So, is your calendar clear?  I’m assuming it will be now.  Enjoy!

-Kara Blasquez 

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Top Oktoberfest Celebrations in Chicago

We may just be a week into September, but it’s time to start talking about Oktober.  Because Chicago has tons of events that pay homage to the German festival Oktoberfest.  The keg may not get tapped in Munich until the 22^nd, but we in Chicago get to start off the celebrating as early as next week! Here’s a list of a couple events:

• Berghoff Oktoberfest where the John C. Kluczynski Federal Plaza will be full of brats, beer and bands.  Admission is free, and the event runs from 11 am to 9 pm.  Over 80,000 people showed up last year and enjoyed traditional German music and fun activities for all ages.

• If you can’t even wait that long to whip out your lederhosen, Berhoff Restaurant is also doing specials at their restaurant from now until October 6^th.  They’re having special events through out the month including a beer and brats tasting.   This first-time ever event will of course include German favs like pretzels and sauerkraut too.

• Later in the month is Oktoberfest Chicago at Southport and Lincoln with tons of live music.  It’s September 28th-30th and will have two different stages with a mix of traditional bands and popular cover bands. This 12^th annual fest is free admission and benefits St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church.

P.S.  The Steuben Parade was mentioned in this week’s ‘What’s on Dec’ list, too.  No, it’s not really Oktoberfest, but you can still get your Bavarian on.  Now where did I put my beer wench costume….

-Grace Sweeney

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