Downtown Hostel to Host Open House

You see them standing at the corners of State and Congress or Congress and Wabash, most with maps in hand, carrying rucksacks and looking like they are from out of town. These tourists are a thrifty bunch. They are the national and international visitors who stay at the Hosteling International Chicago (HI-Chicago) residence at 24 E Congress Parkway. Now you can meet them, and enjoy a “staycation” with an international flavor, right in downtown Chicago.

HI-Chicago is throwing a “10 Year Anniversary House Party” to celebrate a decade of serving travelers to Chicago, and providing education to local students. The hostel is usually open only to guests, but on the June 23, everyone is welcome from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Locals and travelers alike can mingle and enjoy early evening fun and food before heading out to explore Chicago.

This free event includes:

• Global entertainment by Tambours Sans Frontieres, traditional music from the Congo, Fandanguero, Son Jarocho music from Mexico, Capoeira performance by Gingarte Capoeira, and Ahmed Mahmoud, in a traditional Egyptian vocal performance

• Free food donated by nearby South Loop restaurants including Cafecito, Dairy Queen, Exchequer Pub, Tamarind, and Pauly’s Pizza

• Raffle including $250 travel voucher from STA Travel, and tickets and passes to many Chicago attractions

• Information on volunteering at the hostel

• Tours of Chicago’s own Best Large Hostel in the World, 2006, 2007 and 2009

The event highlights the hostel’s positive impact on tourism in Chicago, as well as its nonprofit educational mission to create a more peaceful planet through responsible travel and cultural understanding. The celebration features 250 people, including international travelers at the hostel, internationally-minded Chicagoans, young professionals and downtown college students.

For more information contact Jessica Smith at 312-583-2227 (phone), 312-583-2219 (fax), jsmith@hichicago.org.