Chicago’s tree-lined streets are covered in the fallen yellow and crimson leaves of autumn. While nature is preparing to rest for the winter, Chicagoans are anticipating the year’s many local fall events. Here’s just a handful of pickings of satisfying Chicago events.

The crisp autumn weather in Chicago makes the many outdoor events pleasant and inviting. September temperatures hover around a comfortable 74 degrees Fahrenheit. When November rolls around, expect cooler weather, averaging 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Dress appropriately for Chicago’s fall events.

An array of welcoming Chicago events suits a wide range of people. Families with young children will find plenty of wholesome activities in which to participate. Groups of friends can enjoy adult nights’ out in the city. Romantic couples, too, have many opportunities to see the city’s spectacular sights.

Fall Events for the Family

1.      Apple Picking

September is ripe for afternoons of apple picking. Orchards near Chicago offer families the chance to pick the red, ripened fruit and sip apple cider. County Line Orchard is one farm where families can pick 30 varieties of apples, take tractor rides, and get joyfully lost in winding corn mazes.

2.      Pumpkin Patches

Pumpkin patches are a winning fall attraction around Chicago. Family-owned Goebbert’s Pumpkin Patch hosts an annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch. Youngsters can slide down the Giant Pumpkin Slide, listen to the farm’s Singing Chickens, and ride on the fantastical Pumpkin Express Train.

3.      Corn Maze

The world’s largest corn maze can be found at Richardson’s Adventure Farm. Families can trek through 28 acres of live corn, which is equivalent to nine to 10 miles of trail. Once the maze is completed, youngsters have a chance to participate in any of the farm’s corn maze games.

4.      Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo houses diverse plant life and ecosystems, in addition to furry animals. Every second Saturday, nature-loving groups are taken on a guided tour by a horticulturalist. Autumn visitors will be in for a visual treat, as they view the changing colors of maple and gingko tree leaves.

5.      Sunflower Farms

Fall is always a good season for pictures, and you can visit sunflower farms to take some nice and unique pictures. Usually sunflowers bloom as early as July and it can last until October, the prime season to visit a sunflower farm is August through September. Check out these sunflower farms around Chicago and plan a visit with your family or friends. The farms offer activities such as mazes and you can also cut sunflowers to take home!

Fall Events for Adults

1.      Farmers’ Markets

Ears of fresh corn, bins of yellow peppers, and appetizing baked goods are just a handful of the products Chicago visitors can find at the city’s fall farmers’ markets. Daley Plaza and the Maxwell Street Market are two local farmers’ markets favorites.

Maxwell Street Market holds its market outdoors on the first and third Sundays through December 2021. Visitors flock to the unique mix of handmade crafts. Musicians liven up the mornings and afternoons. Those who stop by will savor some of the best street foods in Chicago.

2.      Music Festivals

Music lovers will appreciate the Spring Awakening Music Festival, to be held in October, instead of June, this year. Expect a brilliant show featuring fully functioning pyrotechnics. The two-day festival is one that fans of club-friendly acts, like Galantis and Diplo, will not want to miss.

Another two-day festival is Open House Chicago, hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center. Guests are given behind-the-scenes access to multiple local sites that boast of architectural, cultural or historic significance. Last year, sites included Hyde Park Art Center, Aloft Loft, and Pui Tak Center.

Fall Events for Couples

1.      The Great Pumpkin Glow

The Lincoln Park Zoo holds its annual Adults Night Out: The Great Pumpkin Glow in October. Just before Halloween, during the eerie calm of the after hours, visitors have a unique chance to explore the zoo. Stroll through a haunted trail, take a pumpkin walk, and sip a seasonal cocktail.

2.      Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit

Add visual splendor to date night by visiting the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit in Chicago. Art lovers are surrounded by 60,600 frames of video and 500,000 cubic feet of projections. The Exhibit offers date night packages, where couples have a unique vantage point of the exhibit from the Juliet balcony.

3.      Chicago River Cruise

Chicago is famed for its grand architecture, among other attractions. Hop onto Chicago’s First Lady and cruise down the Chicago River. During the boat ride, view the renowned architecture of buildings that line the waterway. The tour is guided by certified docents, and guests learn about 50 city buildings.

4.      Food Festivals

Chicago Gourmet will whet the appetites of guests. This annual food festival, hosted by the Illinois Restaurant Association, will be held during the month of September. Anticipate multi-course dinners hosted by local, esteemed chefs. Events include Grand Cru and Hamburger Hop.

This year’s autumn months promise a wealth of activities for all age groups. The fall season kicks off with apple picking in September, continues at full speed through the spooky night of Halloween, and ends with a warm, jovial start of the holiday season in November.

The abovementioned events are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exhilarating fall events in the city. Countless lesser-known and well-known events are held through the autumn season. One thing is clear: Chicago events keep company employees engaged throughout the fall months.

Work with a Commercial Mover

Upon deciding to relocate, whether to Chicago or another welcoming city, you’ll need a reputable commercial mover to ensure your office goods safely reach the final destination. Count on Chicago Office Movers to handle your corporate relocation with ease and professionalism.

We are an experienced office mover with licensed, trained, and background checked movers who are ready to load and unload your office goods with speed and care. Our trucks are climate-controlled and feature air-ride suspensions to protect your most fragile possessions.

The qualified moving crews at Chicago Office Movers have successfully moved prestigious local corporations and area universities. Our movers have transported precious artwork, sensitive IT systems, delicate antiques, bulky science lab equipment, and office furniture of all sizes and weights.

Companies rely on our comprehensive corporate relocation services. Our office relocations come with long- and short-term storage, professional planning assistance, and packing and unpacking services. You will also be able to track the movement of goods via our reliable tracking equipment.

Get a Free Estimate

Whether you plan to move locally, long-distance or internationally, choose Chicago Office Movers to handle the task. We’ve moved numerous satisfied customers and offer affordable, quality services that you can count on. Call our Chicago, Illinois, office to schedule your upcoming office move.

Call us today at 312-244-2246 for a free estimate.

Some people are natural leaders who like to be in charge or be their own boss. This can make every day corporate life unappealing for these individuals and the idea of starting their own small business an attractive pursuit. But not all businesses are suited well for every area. When you are considering starting your own small business, you must consider the area, its people, and its needs. Otherwise, you may not achieve the success you are striving for.

There are a variety of small businesses that are well-suited for a major city like Chicago. So, if you want to start and/or invest in a profitable small business in the city, then continue reading for the best types of businesses to pursue.

1. Tour Guide Agency

Chicago is a top tourist destination, making a tour guide business a great investment if you have the expertise to be an informative, knowledgeable tour guide. To begin working as a tour guide, you just need to obtain a license. While general Chicago knowledge is excellent to have if you want to be a tour guide and/or start a tour guide business, consider starting a niche tour guide business to separate your agency from others. For example, instead of starting a tour guide business for Chicago in general, focus on Chicago sports, art, history, or food.

2. Marketing Agency

Chicago is a vast city with a seemingly never-ending list of businesses in the city and suburbs. While some places will be able to handle marketing on their own, a great number of businesses will need outside help. So, if you have the marketing savvy to help other people sell their products and push their services, then you could find your own success in marketing.

3. Placement Agency

As one of the largest cities in the U.S., Chicago is home to many businesses small and large covering a number of different industries. There are plenty of jobs to be had in Chicago and many people looking for a good job. Starting a placement agency is a great way to capitalize on this and help people find the best jobs for them while helping business fill their staff with the best possible candidates. Starting a placement agency requires a small initial investment and charging a reasonable commission for job placements will earn you good profits.

4. Hostile Business

People come to Chicago from all over the U.S. and the world for education, work, and to visit the city. You can cater to Chicago’s many tourists, students, and jobseekers from out of town by starting a hostel.  If you can acquire a building downtown close to corporate centers and educational institutions, you should invest in turning the building into a hostile. Charging reasonable rates will attract those coming to study or work in the city which will not only help you earn back your investment but also make a good profit.

5. Event Management Business

In a popular, lively city like Chicago, there are many events going on throughout the year. This means that someone needs to be coordinating and managing these events. Starting an event management company is a good choice with a lot of potential if you have great managerial skills.

6. Catering Company

Where there is an event, there is usually a need for food. Beginning a catering business is a great choice, and you do not have to be a gourmet cook to do so. You simply need the commitment, professionalism, and management skills to run a successful business. You can run the business yourself, hiring a lead cook, assistant chefs, and servers to handle the cooking, serving, and setup of the food. To help distinguish your company from other catering businesses, focus on a certain type or style of food to cater and offer.

7. Food Truck

A great thing about food trucks is that they are mobile businesses and not stationary storefronts like other restaurants. This expands the business’s reach and can also make it seem more exclusive as customers are aware that the truck will not always be around. A food truck is a low investment and a good way to showcase some of the food Chicago is known for.

8. Coffee Shop

Many adults enjoy indulging in a fresh cup of coffee and often need it to help them get the workday started. Some people even seek fresh coffee in the middle of the day, finding they need a pick-me-up to help them get through the rest of the workday. If you start a coffee shop in a good location, market it well, and offer a fair-priced selection of drinks (and food if you desire), then you could have a thriving small business on your hands.

Trusted Help from Commercial Movers

If you are looking to start a small business and will be moving into an office space or storefront, it will take a lot of work to get all your contents and equipment to the property. You can make this move less stressful by seeking assistance from Chicago Office Movers. We are commercial movers who can be of assistance to small businesses in need of office moving and office relocation services.

We are the most trusted moving company in Chicagoland, having satisfactorily worked with major corporations as well as renowned universities. All our movers have undergone a background check and possess the necessary training, proper licenses, and experience to provide exceptional office moving services and customer service.

Within our office moving services, we use climate-controlled moving trucks that ensure your business belongings and equipment will be safe and secure. The trucks use air-ride suspensions and lift gates to safely move and transport your goods. Furthermore, we provide our customers with consistent tracking updates using professional tracking equipment, allowing you to follow along with the moving journey.

No matter what small business you are looking to pursue, Chicago Office Movers can help with your office moving.

Get a Free Estimate

Call us at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) for a free estimate regarding our office moving services.

Chicago events are scheduled to return this summer after over a year of the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping through the city, nation and world. Residents of the city and neighboring areas can expect a summer filled with outdoor festivals, sporting events, art fairs and street fairs.

The gradual reopening of Chicago is made possible by city residents who follow the public health guidelines and help keep COVID-19 infection rates low enough to resume activities. Community, art and business leaders also contribute to the launch of summer events.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that the Fourth of July holiday is the target date to fully reopen the city. Vaccination and public health department efforts help the city move closer toward this goal. Events are expected to follow state guidelines and will have limited capacity.

Chicagoans have plenty to look forward to this summer. The city will reawaken with the reopening of music clubs, theaters and festivals. The historic Maxwell Street Market is scheduled to return, as are the Grant Park Music Festival and a modified version of the summertime favorite Taste of Chicago.

May 2021 Events

1. Navy Pier Celebrations

Celebrations of the Navy Pier reopening will include 10 minutes of fireworks every Saturday night in May at 9 PM. Visitors may view the lakefront attraction’s celebratory sparks from its various public places, nearby beaches or while sauntering down the Lakefront Trail.

2. Immersive Van Gogh

Admirers of Vincent Van Gogh have a chance to appreciate the artist’s work in a new way. In the Germania Club Building in Old Town, animated versions of the famed painter’s work cover 35-foot walls and are accompanied by a delicate blend of electronic and classical music compositions.

3. Chicago Symphony Orchestra

The return of live concerts is heralded by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra this month. Head to the Symphony Center to listen to glorious works by composers, like Aaron Copeland and Samuel Barber, which are performed by musicians from the CSO’s percussion and brass sections.

4. Art: Lust, Love, and Loss in Renaissance Europe

This Memorial Day weekend, spend time at the art exhibit at the University of Chicago’s Smart Museum of Art. Absorb the moving artistry of Renaissance painters. The Lust, Love, and Loss in Renaissance Europe exhibit features 40 paintings, sculptures, prints and luxury wares.

June 2021 Events

5. Architecture River Tour

Water and architecture lovers will enjoy sightseeing with Shoreline’s Architecture River Tours. The award-winning, guided tour takes attendees on a 75-minute jaunt to see more than 40 of the city’s world-famous landmarks. Face masks are required on the vessel and in boarding areas.

6. Andersonville Farmers Market

Returning for its 12^th season, the Andersonville Farmers Market will be open on Wednesdays from 3pm to 7pm during the months of May to October. Shoppers can browse the colorful offerings of this hybrid market in-person or order in advance via their app or website for pick up.

7. Maxwell Street Market

Shoppers are surrounded by vibrant colors, scintillating aromas, and an overall satisfying cultural experience as immigrant communities sell food, clothing, and crafts. Visitors have flocked to the Maxwell Street Market since the late nineteenth century, when it was a vast Sunday morning flea market.

July 2021 Events

8. Frida Kahlo: Timeless

The Frida Kahlo: Timeless art exhibition will give museum-goers the chance to learn and understand Kahlo’s work and life. A 26-piece collection will be on exhibit as well as over 100 photos from the artist’s life. A Frida Kahlo-inspired garden offers visitors unique insights into this artist’s work.

9. Navy Pier Concerts and Movies

Navy Pier’s film screenings, concerts and festivals begin in July. Families may enjoy movies, like The Lion King and Frozen 2. Jazz enthusiasts can take in the sounds of The Water Color jazz series, which includes a tribute to The Blues Brothers, performed by the Chicago Jazz Orchestra.

August 2021 Events

10. Navy Pier Cultural Events

Navy Pier continues its musical concerts through the month of August. Local musicians perform in Live on the Lake! Free weekly, family friendly movie screenings may be enjoyed at the Polk Brothers Park. The children’s music series Wiggleworms will run every Friday morning from 10am to 11am.

11. Taste of Chicago To-Go

The annual Taste of Chicago will be modified this year due to the pandemic. This summer, the food festival will be known as Taste of Chicago To-Go. Pop-up cooking demonstrations and a series of special events will take place through the months of July, August and September.

Chicago promises a flurry of exciting events this summer, especially as COVID-19 restrictions ease. The aforementioned events are in the planning stage; details may change, depending on the success of reducing coronavirus metrics. Check schedules before heading out to the events.

Work with a Commercial Mover

Companies planning to relocate to Chicago this summer can be assured that their employees will have plenty of recreational opportunities in the city. While these summer events will keep staff entertained, count on Chicago Office Movers to handle your corporate relocation with ease and safety.

Chicago Office Movers is an experienced commercial mover. We handle all aspects of your move, from start to finish. Our crews safely and securely pack office goods, obtain street permits for unloading, and coordinate shipping for both long-distance and international moves.

Businesses that need storage services can count on Chicago Office Movers’ secure storage facilities. Your goods will be unpacked carefully at the destination to prevent damage. Our union movers disassemble furniture and equipment and provide dependable reassembly at the final destination.

Our numerous satisfied customers attest to our expert relocation services and competitive pricing. In fact, the relocation specialists at Chicago Office Movers will ensure your move stays within budget. By working with a reputable office mover, like us, you can expect a seamless relocation.

Get a Free Estimate

Chicago Office Movers is available to handle every detail of your move into or out of the city, state or country. We also skillfully handle international relocations. When you anticipate an office or corporate relocation, choose Chicago Office Movers.

Call us today at 312-244-2246 for a free estimate.

Shifting to a new office space is a major milestone for a company. The move may signal business growth, or downsizing may be a practical reason to relocate. Moving a company, however, comes with many responsibilities, one of which is to make updates to keep customers and partners in the loop.

Companies relocate for many reasons. Expansion is one common cause for business relocations. The need to reduce operational costs can also spur a move. On the other hand, companies may see the value in consolidating offices and seek a lease with less surplus space.

Another good reason that companies relocate is to attract top talent. A new location may be closer to prospects, clients, and a skilled talent pool. Plus, outdated facilities will prompt any growth-oriented business to shift gears and relocate to a contemporary office that boosts employee productivity.

No matter what the reason for relocating a brick-and-mortar business, it is important that the company update existing and prospective customers, partners, and vendors. The last thing a business wants is for an outdated website to send customers to an empty storefront.

1. Update Business Address

All correspondence must be sent to the new business location. This requires that the business address be updated with the post office. Forward any mail to the new location, so that any correspondence sent to the old address will be received at the new one.

The business’ online presence should also be updated. It is a time-intensive effort to update the Chamber of Commerce, Yelp, Yahoo Local Basic Listing, Bing Places for Business and Angie’s List. If the business is travel related, like hotels, make updates to TripAdvisor.

Update online business directories on which the company is found. Examples of popular online business directories include Manta, EnrollBusiness, Hub, Find-Us-Here and The Business Journals. Listing a business on these sites is free, so unless upgrading, making updates will have no added costs.

The IRS and State Department of Revenue will need to know the new business address. It is important that company leaders receive all federal and state tax documents at the correct address. Inform government entities about updated phone numbers and information about licensing, too.

City or town governments also need to know about a new address. Local permits and certifications should be kept up to date. One way to keep these important documents updated is to notify the city or town government of the business relocation.

2. Update Social Media

The business’ social media accounts are ideal places to notify followers of an upcoming business relocation. Companies on the move are advised to update the company address and phone number (if applicable) on all their social media sites. Customers will head to social media for information.

If the business has a social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, update these sites with the new business information. A Facebook cover image may be redesigned to inform customers about the upcoming relocation and relevant new business contact information.

3. Update Marketing Materials

All marketing pieces should be updated with the new business information. Patrons of a business’ services or products hold onto physical items containing company information and reference them from time to time. Marketing collateral should not only be updated but redistributed.

Examples of common marketing materials include business cards that provide the company address, phone number and business name. Direct mail marketing reaches consumers in a specific area and needs an update. Brochures and posters are additional pieces of marketing collateral to be revised.

Businesses also communicate with consumers via newsletters. Sharing the new business address and phone in newsletters is simple and cost-effective. If using outdoor signs to reach customers, point to the new business location on updated signage. Also update email signatures.

4. Update Advertising Campaigns

Paid search campaigns that focus on a particular market should be updated to reflect the new market to which the business is advertising. Pieces of key information that require updates include the new address or location extensions. Updating ad campaigns will send customers to the right locale.

5. Update Credit Card Company and Bank

The company’s credit card company should be notified of the new business location. Banks, too, should be updated with accurate business information to prevent fraud. All financial entities should be made aware so that important financial documents will be sent to the right place.

6. Update Vendors, Clients and Customers

A new business location should prompt a call to all vendors with whom the company works. Inform existing customers of the relocation, so that they know where to find the business. It is helpful to even directly reach out to existing customers to inform them of the move.

7. Update Industry Associations

Trade associations provide useful information about the industry, such as legislation that could impact the business, so it is important to update industry associations. Industry trade groups should be able to find the business at its new location, so they can provide leads or pass along credentials.

Work with a Trusted Commercial Mover

Relocating to a new office is an exciting yet stressful time. Eliminate unnecessary stress by partnering with Chicagoland’s most trusted moving company, Chicago Office Movers. We skillfully assist large and small companies with their corporate relocation needs, whether locally, interstate and internationally.

Our numerous satisfied customers include prestigious universities and major corporations. Chicago Office Movers’ customer service is unparalleled in the industry, and our Chicago movers are licensed, background checked, trained, and experienced. Expect professionalism, affordability, and efficiency when you work with our crews.

Your office goods will be safe and secure in our climate-controlled moving trucks, featuring lift gates and air-ride suspensions. Our customers receive regular tracking updates via professional tracking equipment so they can follow the progress of the moving trucks during the relocation.

Whether you are moving office furniture, lab equipment, or fragile IT systems, Chicago Office Movers will take care of your possessions. Our specialists will also help your company with planning the move. As the Windy City’s most reputable moving company, choose us for your upcoming corporate relocation!

Get a Free Estimate

For a free estimate on your next business move, give us a call at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) or fill out a form.

An upcoming office move is an important event for any business. Moving to a bigger building can indicate the company’s growth and success. But the practical logistics of an office move may be less than enjoyable. Here are four tactics to make an office relocation a fun experience.

Staff are comfortably settled in their current workspace; getting accustomed to a new one is undesirable. Plus, personnel will be forced to take a new route to the new office. Employees may need to move. Shifting offices is a big change that may not be exciting—at first.

1. Motivate Employees

Before packing a single office item, it is important to motivate the employees about the upcoming corporate relocation. The first step is to inform staff early on about the office move. Get employees thrilled about the office relocation in any number of fun ways.

It is encouraged to boast about the new office space. Let the employees know about a scenic view, if one is available in the new building. When office equipment will receive an upgrade in the new space, the team members will be eager to try it out.

If it is in the company budget, offer the employees an allowance to buy furniture for their individual offices. The employees will have a say in how their offices will look and function, which gives them reason to feel excited about shifting workspaces.

Offer guided tours of the new office space. If the relocation is local, some employees will be happy to know the new workplace is closer to home or their kids’ schools. A virtual office tour is equally effective when relocating out of state.

Boost morale by providing employees with information about the new neighborhood. Provide menus from local restaurants in the new work vicinity. The staff will be enthusiastic about ordering out from the new office and participating in team lunches and after-work gatherings.

2. Involve Staff

Team members who are involved in the office move are more likely to look forward to it. Hold a meeting to ask the employees what they would like to see in the new office space. An opportunity to provide input gives them a chance to simultaneously unwind and vent.

Welcome suggestions for leisure opportunities in the new office. Examples include a break room featuring a rock-climbing wall, table tennis and video games. Promote the fact that employees will no longer hunch over their desks all day in a hot, humid cubicle.

Staff feel valued when leaders listen to input, from the need for upgraded equipment to improved color schemes. When employees are given the chance to express their voice and feel their opinions matter, they are more likely to contribute to a successful commercial move.

3. Reward Team Members

Personnel who contribute the most to the upcoming office move deserve to be rewarded. Offer prizes and other incentives for team members who submit the best ideas for such things as new meeting room names, color schemes in the new office space or for staying later to help pack.

Incentives may be as simple as new coffee mugs for their new office desks. Or, reward top contributors with the opportunity to pick where they will sit in the new office. Similarly, incentives may include leaving the new office early on a given Friday afternoon.

While preparing for the move, provide office staff with abundant refreshments. Caffeine withdrawal is a downer, as is shelling out hard-earned money for a cup of coffee. Ensure the break room is stocked with fresh coffees, teas, and sodas to keep employees energized throughout the moving process.

4. Celebrate

Getting all the files and office knickknacks packed on time is a milestone in the moving process. Celebrate small wins like these by ordering pizza for the team and incentivizing everyone to dive back in and continue contributing to both the minor and major aspects of the relocation.

Once the relocation is complete, throw an office party to celebrate the success of the move. Take this opportunity to also showcase the new corporate office to clients, customers, and other business associates. Kick off this moment of triumph with a well-earned celebration.

Corporate leaders may also present their hardworking staff with welcome packets for the new office. These packets can include information about the new building, the neighborhood, and local amenities. Consider including personalized water bottles to express gratitude for employees’ contributions.

Remember that once team members have settled into the new office space, it is important to continue showing them that they are valued. Maintain an ample supply of fresh fruits and refreshments so that employees remain hydrated and nourished throughout the workdays.

Work with an Office Mover

Shifting to a new office space is a major milestone for a business. Reaching this point is rarely achieved without the remarkable efforts of team members. The actual move is also significant and cannot be done without reliable help from a reputable moving company, like Chicago Office Movers.

Chicago Office Movers is experienced in commercial moves of all sizes. We have helped move prestigious area companies and universities, such as Alcatel Lucent and the University of Chicago. Our moving crews handle all office goods, equipment, and furniture securely and carefully.

Whether you are moving locally or interstate, our professional moving team will ensure your sensitive equipment is safeguarded. Our moving trucks feature climate-controlled spaces, lift gates and air-ride suspensions. Customers also receive tracking information to follow every step of the move.

Relocating companies will also benefit from our climate-controlled long- and short-term storage facilities. Our moving crews are available for packing and unpacking your office goods. If you need help planning the relocation, our experienced corporate moving specialists will provide assistance.

Contact Us

Whether you are moving delicate artwork, fragile lab equipment or sensitive IT systems, choose Chicago Office Movers. Given our industry experience and excellent reputation, we will help you relocate affordably and on schedule.

Contact us for your upcoming local, long distance or international move at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO).