Archive for the culture category
November 29th, 2007 by jamie a
November 22 - December 24
In its 12th year, the brings the traditional German Christmas market to families in Chicago. A favorite of locals, it’s become a Chicago institution to take part in the unique holiday shopping, German food and drinks, and all the holiday entertainment.
November 30 - December 24
Lend a hand to the this season by participating in their leading up to the holidays. The foundation raises awareness and grants wishes for terminally ill adults, much like the Make a Wish Foundation does for children.
Friday, November 30 (7 pm)
For one night only, join the Chicago Art Department for the first ever showing of featuring photography from the 1970s San Francisco Bay Area Scene by Larry Schorr.
Saturday, December 1 (7 pm)
Join the as they celebrate 50 years in Chi-town. At the historic Auditorium Theater, this event features acts like Jeff Tweedy and Bela Fleck and will benefit the school’s education, scholarship, performance, and outreach programs.
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Chicago?
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November 15th, 2007 by jamie a
Saturday, November 17 (11 am -10 pm)
Sunday, November 18 (all day)
, a 40 year old Chicago tradition, will be illuminated this weekend to kick off the holiday season! There will be live music, an attempt to break the world’s record for largest holiday carol, mini cheesecake decorating, and a grand fireworks show emceed by Mickey Mouse at 6:55 pm. This event will also be broadcast live on ABC 7 Chicago.
Saturday, November 17 (10 am - 6 pm)
Show your support for independent crafters at the . Get your holiday shopping done by picking up unique gifts for all your friends and family with everything from jewelry to kitchen gadgets and zines.
Saturday, November 17 - Sunday, November 18 (10 am - 6 pm)
Bring out your inner child at the . Meet inventors, test out new and upcoming toys, and participate in game tournaments with some of the world’s best players!
Sunday, November 18 (11 am - 4 pm)
At the , you can enjoy some great shopping and delicious treats all while supporting the Red Door Animal Shelter. This no-kill facility provides cats, dogs, and rabbits a cage-less life, offering them the closest experience to living in a home as they can. With 10 artisans selling their creations, you’re sure to find something to take home and cherish.
Sunday, November 18 (3 pm)
Come and be amazed by , two of Chicago’s exceptionally talented young orchestras, at their Fall Showcase. Don’t miss this grand show of up-and-coming musical talent!
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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November 14th, 2007 by jamie a
Experience the amazing collision between rock and roll music and contemporary art as depicted in
The Museum of Contemporary Art examines the intersection of rock and roll and visual art through music videos, album art, and works of art themselves. See the impact of music on the fine arts, especially prevalent with Andy Warhol’s involvement in producing the album The Velvet Underground and Nico in 1967. Explore recent album covers by Slater Bradley, Raymond Pettibon, and Mike Kelley created for modern bands, and discuss how musicians like John Lennon, Peter Townsend, and Bryan Ferry came from art school backgrounds.
For special events related to this exhibit, join the museum for the last session of on November 14 and then the on December 8 where children can explore their own connections between art and music for free!
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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Go Chicago Card.
November 8th, 2007 by jamie a
Saturday, November 10
Join the Museum of Science for where children learn how to operate 60 ft. high parade balloons. Lend a hand in preparing for the upcoming parade at this free event.
Friday, November 9 - Sunday, November 11
The hits the Windy City this weekend. Check out the which includes everything from animation to musicals.
November 8 - 18
The second oldest in the nation, the is also playing in Chicago. It’s full of , including the opening on Thursday, November 8th, along with spotlights and panel discussions.
Saturday, November 10
provides an incredible event to celebrate the independent crafter! Find unique gifts for friends, upcoming holidays, or treat yourself to some beautiful finds.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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November 6th, 2007 by jamie a
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Known for its thriving comedy scene, Chicago is a great spot for those who love to laugh. Whether you’d like something appropriate for the kids, or something for a night on the town with friends, we’ve got the best spots for humor right here.
Chicago’s best-known comedy club, boasts alums like Bill Murray, Amy Sedaris, and Steve Carell. Check out the , as well as their smaller venue, the . While most shows are comprised of mature topics (like current events and politics), this venue is open to teens and adults.
At , anyone 21+ can enjoy the laughs and drinks with the regulars. Check out their to find your favorite stars from the Late Show, TBS’s My Boys, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
For sports fans of all ages, , offers hilarious improv comedy shows. With two teams battling to win the laughs of the crowd, you’ll have a fabulous time.
Since 1981, has been providing Chicago with incredible improv. With alums like Tina Fey, Mike Myers, and Vince Vaughn, join in the tradition of fun with one of their !
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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Go Chicago Card.
November 5th, 2007 by susan j
Chicago’s Field Museum
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Last week Chicago’s Field Museum opened a new exhibit called “Maps: Finding Our Place in the World,” which is part of Chicago’s citywide Festival of Maps (click for the full calendar of events).
As the Festival’s points out, maps offer insight into the historical period in which they were created. Chicago’s rapid development in the nineteenth century appears in a series of maps from that period. Other maps portray Chicago’s politically charged history of segregation. More contemporary maps reveal the proposed plans for the 2016 Olympic Games in Chicago. offers more details on this fascinating new exhibit.
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Chicago?
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November 1st, 2007 by jamie a
Friday, November 2 - Sunday, November 4
Get inspired at the . There’s glass, fiber art, ceramics, and metal art from over 100 galleries in 18 countries.
Friday, November 2 - Sunday, November 4
For a sampling of all kinds of creative dance, check out opening weekend of ! Styles include everything from Irish and hip hop to jazz and ballet.
Saturday, November 3 (8-11 pm)
Lend a hand to the Greater Chicago Food Depository by attending the ! There’s music, dancing, drinks (of course), raffles, and giveaways all to support a great cause.
Saturday, November 3 (9 am)
The Field Museum is hosting a symposium on . From the history of biology to to the evolution of the HIV virus, this is a wonderful way to learn about Darwin and all that surrounds his studies.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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October 30th, 2007 by susan j
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Right now I’m reading Devil in the White City, which chronicles the architects and other personalities behind the Chicago World’s Fair (highly recommended read, by the way). Back in 1893, visitors flocked to Jackson Park to marvel at the impressive, classically-inspired buildings designed by Daniel Burnham and his team of architects.
Nowadays, visitors go to the Chicago ArchiCenter (also designed by Daniel Burnham) to learn about Chicago’s world-class buildings. The ArchiCenter offers walking tours and also has several notable events coming up, so click here to view their program calendar.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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October 26th, 2007 by jamie a
Chicago’s Field Museum
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From Sue, the largest and most complete fossil of a T-Rex (pictured above), to the culture of Sweden, Chicago has a stop for every type of museum-goer. This guide highlights only a few, as Chicago is brimming with museums!
The Field Museum is home to not only Sue, but the renowned “Underground Adventure,” where visitors can explore a magnified subterranean world, “Inside Ancient Egypt,” and the new “Ancient Americas” exhibits. Through January 1, 2008, you can also explore the exhibit entitled “Darwin,” which delves into his theory that changed the world.
At the Art Institute of Chicago, visitors can come face to face with Grant Wood’s iconic painting “American Gothic” and Georges Seurat’s “Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.” This museum also houses one of the world’s most beloved collections of French Impressionism, as well as the 68 Thorne Miniature Rooms.
The Notebaert Nature Museum is perfect for outdoorsy types! If you love butterflies, be sure to check out the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, which has over 75 species! You can also learn about ecosystems, marshes, riverworks, and take a wilderness walk, where you can experience a savannah, prairie, and a dune.
At the Swedish American Museum, learn about the plight of immigration with the permanent exhibit, Dream of America: Swedish Immigration to Chicago. There’s also interactive exhibits for children, where they can churn butter, milk a cow, gather eggs, and learn how to pack a steamer trunk to set off for the new world.
While in Chicago, be sure to also check out The Chicago Children’s Museum, The Museum of Contemporary Art, and The Museum of Science and Industry.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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Go Chicago Card.
October 18th, 2007 by jamie a
October 12- October 31
Halloween takes over Chicago this month with the 10th Annual Chicagoween 2007! Check out Daley Park, which is transformed into Pumpkin Plaza where you can get a tour of the Haunted Village. There’s pumpkin decorating and scary storytellers, as well as daily performances by the aerial entertainers Midnight Circus.
On October 20th, kids can march in the State Street Halloween Happening Parade complete with trick-or-treating and face painting for your little ghouls.
Thursday, October 18- November 10
Catch the world premiere of The Light of Love at City Lit Theater presented by the Promethean Theatre Ensemble. This is a comedic story of a bumbling servant on the search for a night-light for his lady-love (so she can read her guilty-pleasure books in bed). He must travel through his own town, Mount Olympus and even the Underworld to complete his quest. This is sure to have audiences laughing as well as tugging at their heart-strings.
Saturday, October 20 (10 am- 4 pm)
Discover everything from new memoir and sports writing to fiction and business strategies at the Illinois Woman’s Press Association Book Fair. Held at the Chicago Cultural Center, there’s over 25 authors scheduled to attend. Support the up-and-comers in the Illinois writing community by picking up some new reads and then have them autographed by the authors themselves!
Wednesday, October 17 - Sunday, October 21 (noon, 1, and 2 pm)
Explore Chicago’s oldest house with a tour of the Clarke House. The house, built in 1836, a survivor of two moves and fires, continues to give visitors a glimpse of Chicago before the Civil War in the heart of the Prairie Avenue Historical District.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
