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Chicago’s Birthday Party

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Celebrate the City's Birthday

Sunday, March 4

Join us to celebrate the city’s 175th birthday. Chicago’s official birthday party marks the day that the city was incorporated — March 4, 1837. To honor the City of Big Shoulders, our day of activities includes a performance by the Chicago Children’s Choir, readings from children participating in the Friends of DuSable essay contest, and the American Indian Center's happy birthday drum song. Bleeding Heart Bakery owners Vinnie and Michelle Garcia, have also designed a special commemorative cake highlighting all that is special about Chicago.  

Cost: Free general admission all day for Illinois residents.

Chicago-style hot dogs for only $1.75 at the North & Clark Café. 

Other Highlights include:

12:00—12:30 p.m. and 1:30—2:00 p.m.

The Tony do Rosario Trio
 Jazz musicians

Sanger P. Robinson Gallery, second floor  

1:00 p.m.

Ceremonial Program
With special performance by the Chicago Children’s Choir
Featuring a commemorative cake by the Bleeding Heart Bakery 
Chicago Room, second floor
 

1:00—4:30 p.m.

Kids Crafts 
Make a Chicago-style birthday hat
Crown Room
 

1:00—4:00 p.m. 

Meet and Greet Chicago Personalities
Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, Bertha Palmer, Jane Addams
Throughout the Museum
 

1:00—4:00 p.m.

Smarty Pants
Award-winning balloon entertainer 
Second Floor Lobby
 

2:30-3:00 p.m.

Friends of DuSable Essay Competition 
Winners share their essays 
Chicago Room, second floor
 

3:00 p.m.

Chicago Native Community Dancers
American Indian Center
Sanger P. Robinson Gallery, second floor
 

3:30—4:45 p.m.

Four-Star Panel
What is it about Chicago’s identity that sets it apart from other cities and makes us love? Join Rick Kogan of the Chicago Tribune as he leads a lively conversation with Chicago’s longest serving Alderman Ed Burke, Chicago Sun-Times columnist and political analyst for ABC 8 Laura Washington, and Northwestern University professor Bill Savage.
Rubloff Auditorium, first floor
 

Chicago’s 175th birthday party is presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in collaboration with the Chicago History Museum.  

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