Going Blog

July 4th Celebrations

make way for the red, white, and blue!

Since 1776, we’ve been throwing down picnic blankets, grabbing some sparklers, and firing up the grill in a salute to our history. This year, how about trying something new to celebrate the fourth of July? If you want to hit a fireworks cruise or an all night dance party, we’ve got tons of events for you!

 

New York

F*** the Fireworks Guitar Hero Rock Off
Sick of the same old fireworks in the city routine? Head over to the Living Room for this FREE Fourth of July party. Show off your skills and win some free stuff!

Spirit of New York July 4 Fireworks Dinner Cruises
Celebrate America’s birthday on a six-hour cruise around the New York Harbor. Leaving from both Chelsea Piers and Lincoln Harbor, NJ with live performances, DJs, and dancing, these cruises are sure to be a blast!

For Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest and more, check out the July 4th in New York page!

 

 

Los Angeles

G.Y.R.O. (Get Your Rave On) July 4th
Check out Le Apples, EMY, Religion, Berlin, Spazzz, and more DJs at Strozer Ave for a one-of-a-kind Fourth of July celebration! Peace. Love. Unity. Respect.

The Marina Music Festival

Flaunting food, fireworks and famous people, this all-day event is at the Waterfront Marina Concert Hall celebrating the 40^th anniversary of Woodstock and the Summer of Love!

Check out the Rose Bowl’s Americafest and more at the July 4th in LA page!

 

 

Chicago

Crobar – Zita Zie and VJ Brinkman
Zita Zie will be opening Crobar on one of its biggest nights. The 10^th Annual Independence Day celebration at Crobar is “where all your desires can come true…” How intriguing!

The Red Coat Party
On the eve of the Fourth, Miska’s Bar will host California Wives, Sissy Mean, Hard R, and DJ Ted Isla. Wear red to celebrate the boys across the pond (and our separation from them)!

Check out the Navy Pier Fireworks and more on tne July 4th in Chicago page!

  

Boston

Dancing on the Charles
It’s back! Soulclap is bringing us yet another 12-hour dance party with DJs, Drinks and, of course, a view of the fireworks. Don’t forget to bring cash money – no checks, credit cards, or money orders are going to get you booze or admission.

Harborfest
The nation’s largest patriotic celebration kicks off its 28^th year with 6 days and over 200 activities. Harborfest is all over the city from the historic district to the waterfront.

To find out about Fireworks at the Hatch Shell and more, check out the July 4the in Boston Events page!

  

San Francisco

The Big Bang
Shortkut, King Most, Haylow Cuso, Boogie Brown & more are playing at 111 Minna Gallery at this SICK event in SF. RSVP for reduced cover before 11!

4th of July @ The Berkeley Marina
Fireworks are just plain better over the water. This all day event will have live entertainment, arts & crafts, food, and more – FREE!! Fireworks are at 9:30, sponsored by the City of Berkeley.

Check out the Dammit! July 4th Party and more at the July 4th in San Fran Events page!

 

^{Follow us on   and check out more 4th of July events!}

Boston Fourth of July Events                    @goingBOS
San Francisco Fourth of July Events                    @goingSF 
New York Fourth of July Events               @goingNYC
Chicago Fourth of July Events                @goingCHI
Los Angeles Fourth of July Events                   @goingLA 

Soaking Up Sun and Sampling Sweet Beats...

hit the road (or the sidewalk) for this summer's hottest music festivals!

The first known music festival dates back far before Woodstock to the time of the inception of the Olympic Games. But this you're not Michael Cera and this isn't Year One -- you want to know what's going to be BIG this summer. Have no fear! Going's your all access pass to thissummer's biggest and baddest music festivals. So fill up your gas tank and grab your sleeping bag for the events below!

 

New York

5^th Annual Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival

This borough IS thorough. 6/18-6/20 BHF will be bringing the likes of Dead Prez, Pharoahe Monch, Styles P, and more including some underground artists. Ch-ch-ch-check it out!

The second weekend in July, Camp Bisco 8 will be rockin’ 20 minutes outside Albany. Trust us, it’s going to be well worth the drive! 

 

Fresh Squeezed Festival 2009

Los Angeles

Come check out Ricky Stone, Vinyl Shakerz, Blutonium Boy, Franki Chan and many more at the freshest concert in LA next month. Be sure to read the Things Not Allowed section for a good laugh!

Also check out The Love Festival next in August! 

  

Chicago

Peace Fest 2009

We’re into the hippy thing just as much as next guy so we’re loving the Peace Fest at Lincoln Park this weekend. In true flower child form, it’s FREE – now that’s my kind of festival!

BAM! Belmont Arts & Music Festival is also happening this weekend at the corner of Belmont and Damen Ave. 

 

Boston

Make Music, Cambridge!

Check out Make Music, Cambridge! this Sunday, 6/21, in Harvard Square. Based on the famous French Fête de la Musique, this FREE, outdoor music festival will be bringing more than 100 local bands for all to enjoy!

 

Also check out MTVU Sunblock Music Festival next month with Boys Like Girls, Gym Class Heroes, The Academy Is…, and more! 

 

San Francisco

The Spectrum Festival

Next weekend, 6/26-27, you can catch Phoenix, Major Lazer, Boys Noize and more crushing the stage at the Regency Center. 

Also be sure to catch July’s Reggae Rising Music Festival at Dimmick Ranch!

To check our more Music Festivals near you or to Follow us on Twitter, check out the links below:

San Francisco Music Festivals  @GoingSF
Boston Music Festivals   @GoingBos
New York Music Festivals  @GoingNYC
Los Angeles Music Festivals  @GoingLA
Chicago Music Festivals  @GoingChi

Farmers Markets

Finally! Some fresh fruit without the ridiculous price tag! Farmers Markets are popping up across the country throughout the month of June and we’re giving you a heads up on some of the best. More than just a veggie aisle, many of them offer specialty groceries, live music, and more. Check out Going to find more markets near you!

New York

Union Square Greenmarket 

Since 1976, New York has been dedicated to promoting greenmarkets throughout the city. Every morning, you can find some of the city’s top chefs perusing the produce at Union Square – that’s how you know its fresh!

Morningside Park Farmers Market 

They’ve got all the fruits and veggies the other guys have but more too! Baked goods, cheeses, and specialty honey are one sale every Saturday from 9am-5pm.

San Francisco

Alemany Farmers Market 

Since WWII, Alemany has opened its tents every Saturday for a scrumptious spread of fresh produce. On Sundays, they also host an antiques market so you can pick up groceries on Saturday and come back the next day for that old lamp you always wanted!

Ferry Plaza Farmers Market  

Open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday you can always find something new and delicious down at Embarcadero Plaza. Beyond veggies, they also carry select breads, cheese, and jams from the SF area.

 

Boston

Haymarket Farmers Market

One of the oldest markets in country, you’re bound to find some steals! Haggle your way to a fresh, healthy and CHEAP dinner every Friday & Saturday this summer from dawn to dusk. 

Union Square Farmers Market   

Plants, produce, and baked goods abound at the Union Square Farmers Market. Not only can you pick up your summer squash and sunflowers, you can catch live music as well!

 

Chicago

Green City Market

A windy city treasure, Green City Market is open every Wednesday and Saturday. This month they’re featuring asparagus, peas, rhubarb, and strawberries. Strawberry rhubarb pie anyone?!

Chicago’s Downtown Farmstand  

With cooking demonstrations every Wednesday and tastings or demos every Friday, the Farmstand is the place to be all summer long!

 

Los Angeles

Woodman Ave Market  

The Westfield Fashion Square at Sherman Oaks comes alive every Tuesday afternoon with a farmer’s market, artisans, live music, and a mix of vintage and collectibles!

 Hollywood Lemon Grove Farmers Market  

Beyond the fruit, veggies, and assorted nuts you’ll find all sorts of activities for adults and children alike. Raffles, live music, workshops, and tastings take place every Wednesday!

  

Want to find out about more farmers markets near you?

Los Angeles Farmers Markets
San Francisco Farmers Markets 
Chicago Farmers Markets
Boston Farmers Markets  
New York Farmers Markets

 

Don’t forget to check us out on twitter!

@goingBOS
@goingNYC
@goingSF 
@goingCHI
@goingLA 

 

 

Follow us on Twitter!

June’s here and so is the nice weather. We’ve come up with a list of awesome outdoor activities for you to do this week and tons of them are FREE! For up-to-the-minute event updates all summer long, follow us on Twitter! We post even more events exclusively for your metro and always keep you updated on the deals in your city each weekend!

 

Boston 

Harpoon Summer Sessions 

Check out Harpoon’s annual festival at their Boston brewery this weekend, 6/5-6/6. Beer and bands abound in the outdoor tents… a perfect summer weekend!

 

Chicago 

Forest Park Summer Fest 2009 

This weekend, Forest Park’s FREE festival features a beer garden, sidewalk sale, food court, live music and more!

 

NYC 

River to River Festival 

The 7^th Annual River to River Festival features FREE live arts performances throughout the summer at dozens of outdoor venues!

 

San Francisco  

Union Street Eco-Urban Festival 

This FREE festival on Saturday and Sunday, 6/6-6/7, is 6 blocks long and features green exhibits, arts, gourmet food and more!

 

Los Angeles 

SoRo Community Festival 

Sunday 6/7 is you can get into the 12^th annual SoRo Festival filled with live music, art and vendor booths as well… FREE!

  

For more awesome events, follow us on twitter:

Boston @GoingBOS

San Fran @GoingSF

Los Angeles @GoingLA

New York @GoingNYC

Chicago @GoingCHI

One Month Til Summer...

The first official day of summer is just over a month away but I’d say it’s already time to get out and enjoy yourself. Now, where to go? 

 

LA

Guitar Hero Tournament

I’d be playing Guitar Hero anyway… so why not do it for cash!? Busby’s is hosting its first ROCK-OFF tomorrow 5/21 with tons of prizes and proceeds go to The Wyland Foundation.

 

Boston

Gardner Museum’s After Hours – Primavera

Stop by tomorrow night, 5/21, for DJ Die Young, tours, signature cocktails and more!

 

New York 

Romantic Shorts

I’ve heard great things about Rooftop Films and I’m pumped to go this Friday, 5/22. Really interested to see Academy Award Winner Jessica Yu’s The Kinda Sutra…

 

 

Chicago

Daisy of Love at Crobar

I hate to admit it but I definitely watch the show. And this Friday, 5/22 at Crobar $1 drinks, DJs, and Daisy? I’m so there.

  

San Fran

Ghostland Observatory, Drop the Lime & Bird Peterson

This Friday, 5/22 at Mezzanine, some of the hottest acts will be tearing it up with VH1 Save the Music Foundation. Great music and a great cause.

 

 

I’ll have something up for you later this week with the best memorial day weekend events!

 

Want more great stuff to do? Check out going.com/festivals2009

New York Festivals 

LA Festivals    

Boston Festivals   

Chicago Festivals 

SF Festivals

Where to Go Marathon Monday

Cheering Crowds, drunken college students, the smell of urine on the streets, and the runners of course - oh, how we love Marathon Monday!

In Boston for Marathon Monday? We’ve got you covered with the best spots along the course. So Pace yourself for all of the fun:

Sneakers and Sweats- A Pre-Marathon Jam @ IVY:
Swap the heels and blazers for sneakers and sweats at Ivy’s Pre-Marathon Jam on Saturday.

Vox Populi Celebrates Marathon Monday:
Join Vox bright and early for a debauchery-filled party packed with hors d'oeuvres and drunkards.

Finish Line Festival:
Visit Boylston Plaza for this free day-long event, just 200 strides from the Finish Line of the Boston Marathon. 

See Complete Marathon Monday Guide

Promote your Events on Going!

Promoter Partners,

With all the new features coming out on the site, we thought we'd give you an update and some helpful tips and tricks from behind the scenes! Be on the lookout for this every couple weeks...we want to make sure you're getting the most out of your promotional efforts.

 

Make Your Profile Pop: Drive more traffic to your events by personalizing your profile.
- First, get a Vanity URL, like this: http://going.com/twigthewonderkid. To get one, go to your settings page, and then input your own URL, where it says "Create a Public URL Address."
- Second, add a wallpaper or a custom background, like this: http://sanfrancisco.going.com/blasthaussf.
- Third, post all your upcoming events.
- Fourth, spread the word! Now that your profile pops, add your vanity URL to everything: your email signature, flyers, and newsletters. (just like you would your MySpace URL).

 

For Approved Promoters only:

Enhanced Event Listings - VIP treatment for your profile in a BIG way. Showcase your events in eye-catching style. Check it: http://chicago.going.com/profile.php?user_id=aa59306170

 

Instant Fans - All your going friends are now officially fans AND anyone who RSVPs to your future invites can easily become a fan. (The checkbox is checked by default.)

 

Event Widget - Use the embedding link on your own profile (located above your upcoming events). Grab it and post on MySpace, blogs, or whatever else you can think of.

Connect to Your Fans Through Bulletins - Yup, works just like MySpace. Use the link directly below your profile photo to Bulletin all your fans with a custom message.

How to become an approved promoter? If you want all the sweet features of an approved promoter, go to http://www.going.com/promote and fill in your info. Once you get approval (in about 24 hours) you'll get access to all the good stuff to make every event a huge sucess.

Have feedback? Email service@going.com. We'd love to hear your two cents!

Photos and People = More Fun Stuff to Look At

The great thing about working at Going is the fact that you can "waste" time on the site and still consider it "working." So we're always trying to give ourselves more ways to do this :) This weeks bright ideas: the photo and mebox leaderboards and the people bar.

Best of Photos: now you can see which photos the community rated as the top cool/sexy/WTFest from the Photo Booth in your city and on all of going. Check it out. these photos are pretty much ridiculous and will provide hours of entertainment and brief fits of laughter throughout your day, at least thats what it does for us.

Coolest MeBoxes: The MeBox is one of our favorite new features because it's an interactive collage used to show off our crazy going out adventures and what we're into.  Looking at peoples MeBoxes is pretty much the ultimate lazy way to see what someone is all about and its damn entertaining. Now you can see the MeBoxes which were voted coolest MeBoxes on Going in your city or anywhere. Create your own and check out the top rated MeBoxes.

People Bar:  Ever wonder if anyone is doing exactly what you're doing right now? Well, when it comes to who else is checking out things to do, places to be or people to see in your city, you don't have to! We'd like to introduce the People Bar which shows you other members browsing hot people or events or palace on Going at the same time you are.  Why not message them to say hello :)

Look for more ways to improve the quality of your wasting time at work experience next week!

Going Is Now Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

Just like Daft Punk (no, Kanye didn't write it), we're giving it to you harder, better, faster, and stronger. We've made some kick ass changes over the last few months based on your feedback and we think you'll like what you see. So, what's new?

• The homepage is now a quick snapshot of what's going on in your city as voted by other members...get in on the action and cast your vote!
• We've added more fun ways to express yourself and connect with others. Add stuff you like to see who else shares your taste and then show off what you're into with the MeBox. 
• We also fixed the basics, making it easier and more entertaining to locate exciting, fun, and unusual events suited to one's taste and people who share it throughout the site.

Click here to check out the site, or keep reading for more details.

Home Page: We simplified the homepage to give you "Going at a glance." Now you have an organized "My Stuff" section for all your messages, notifications, props, friend requests and invites. There's also an area that lists your upcoming events so you can stay on top of all your options. The City Buzz shows who's talking about what in your city and lets you thumb up or down all the comments.

On the right hand side, you can see the best of what your city is into - as determined by other members. Go ahead, click through some events and places. As you click, we'll build a queue of people for you that are into the same stuff you just clicked. Add them to your Cool List, or give them Props - our new feature allowing you to show other members love for things like having great taste in music or sketchy facial hair. The Photo Booth shows you the coolest, sexiest, and WTFest photos in your city. Cast your vote or NEXT the lame ones.

Fast Browsing: Looking for something specific? Check out the new blazing-fast browse pages. Everything you need to know about an event, place, or person all from the listing! It's never been quicker or easier to plan your social life. You can also check out who's going to all of your events under the People to See tab, people are ranked by the # of events they have in common with you.

Express Yourself: Be sure to go to your profile to play with a feature we're all proud of here - the MeBox. Your MeBox is a collage that allows you to show how you roll in your city. Use photos to show people what you're into, where you like to hang out and who you roll with. Use the super simple interface we built that pulls in all your photos, friends, interests, hangouts and events. You can quickly arrange your photos to create a visual representation of what you're about and be sure to add captions to let people know why it's in your MeBox. Best of all, you can share your masterpiece with all your friends on MySpace, Facebook, etc. We're all stoked to see what kind of crazy stuff you guys come up with...and rate it!

These changes are only the beginning of what's to come. We're striving to build features that push forward the best content created by the community. The new site's in beta, so we'll be constantly improving things meaning you might find some unexpected "features" along the way. As always, we want to hear your thoughts, suggestions, and complaints, so if you have any please send them to betafeedback@going.com.

Check out the new Going.