Are you looking for funn/cool things to do that are happening around Chicago this weekend? Here’s the roundup of free and interesting events for August 20, 21 and 22:

1. If you were a big fan of comics when you were a kid, the WIZARD WORLD CHICAGO COMIC CON will be at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont this weekend with lots of specialty comics for sale. Check out the latest in video games, anime, graphic novels and more. Several Star Trek stars and other prominent comicon celebs will be on hand for meet-and-greets. Aug. 20, noon – 8 pm, Aug. 21, 10 am – 7 pm, Aug. 22, 10 am – 5 om Tickets start at $25 the meet-and-greets are usually more. The address of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont is 5555 North River Road, Rosemont, IL (847) 692-2222, WizardWorld.com.

2. Summerdance on Saturday and Sunday - It’s free! @Grant Park 601 South Michigan Ave in Chicago, IL. Lesson begins at 4pm, band starts at 5pm and goes until 7pm. Even if you don’t dance this is one of the best Chicago community events I’ve been to. This week we have free East Coast Swing dance lessons by Margot McGraw-Toppen & Riley Wimes, Jr. and live music by Alfonso Ponticelli & Swing Gitan, performing Gypsy Swing music and Sunday there is free Bachata and Cha-Cha dance lessons by Latin Rhythms and live music by Orquesta La Inspiracion, performing Old School Salsa music.

3. Free Chicago Movies in the Parks. They have taken this idea from Grant Park and rolled out movies city-wide: August 20 “The Blind Side” (Golden Gate Park, 13000 S. Eberhart Ave.) August 20 “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” (Hamlin Park, 3035 N. Hoyne Ave.) August 20 “Shrek 2″ (Nichols Park, 1355 E. 53rd St.) August 21 “The Wiz” (Washington Park – DuSable Museum, 740 E. 56th Pl.) August 21 “To Catch a Thief” (Jonquil Playlot Park, 1023 W. Wrightwood Ave.) August 21 “The Blind Side” (Avalon Park, 1215 E. 83rd St.) August 22 “How to Train Your Dragon” (Unity Playlot Park, 2636 N. Kimball Ave.)

4. Ukrainian Days Festival 2010 - Got Perogi? August 21 : 2:30 pm – 10 pm and August 22 : 1:30 pm – 10 pm. Ticket Prices: $5 suggested donation and free for kids under age 13. 773-252-1228 in the Smith Park Neighborhood: West Town 2526 West Grand Avenue in Chicago, IL 60612 312-742-7534.

5. The Gold Coast Art Fair - Nothing is more boring than a fancy condo with no art on the walls. Some great choices by local Chicago artists are available this weekend at the Gold Coast Art Fair. August 20 : 12 pm – 7 pm, August 21 : 10 am – 3 pm and Sunday August 22 : 10 am – 5 pm. Ticket Price: Free! 847-926-4300 amdurproductions.com Located at Butler Field in the Grant Park Neighborhood: Grant Park Museums 400 East Monroe Street in Chicago, IL 60603.

If you can’t find something on this list that suit’s your fancy, check out the Art Institute of Chicago’s new Modern wing, seen in the photo at the top of the post. It’s a cultural icon and worth a trip downtown even from the suburbs.

I will be cleaning my house this weekend, doing yard work and entertaining guests, so have a great weekend and enjoy these outdoor events while it’s still warm and before the kids go back to school!

Mother’s Day is just around the corner in May and I just saw an ad for flowers online. It is ok to send your mom flowers by mail for Mother’s Day, but it’s kind of the we-live-far-away gift. If you’re able to go see your mom on Mother’s day, do that instead! And here are some ideas for that time.

Mother’s Day Brunch: Lots of restaurants have a brunch on Mother’s Day or that weekend. Didn’t mom cook for you all those years? Every day? One brunch isn’t too much to ask.Mom’s want to spend time with their kids and grand-kids most of all, this gives them a setting to do that in where nobody has to get stuck with the dishes. Check the local hotels and country clubs (golf clubs) in your area for brunch special events. If you want a different experience there are Oddessy Cruises on Lake Michigan that are on Sundays for brunch that have a great view of the skyline in Chicago. If you’re really into cooking it’s always great to cook a brunch for mom or have her over (with dad too) for a family dinner.  

Gardening Time: I’ve been a big fan of going to the local garden center (even if its Home Depot or Lowes) the weekend before Mother’s Day and getting my mom a car full of bedding plants and perennials for her garden. We did something different this year, I paid for their crab-apple trees to be sprayed for fungus. Yes, not all that cuddly of a present, but with 3 trees plus a magnolia that had a fungus growing on it, that was a lot of money well spent to save plants so we didn’t have to buy or plant new ones. Either way you go, spend time in the garden with mom, help plant things too, they do appreciate the help, especially since you’re always off working and there are some heavy lifting jobs in gardening (especially with mulch or potting soil). The Chicago Botanic Gardens & The Morton Arboretum are also great places to go with mom, but you may want to reschedule Mother’s Day to a less crowded weekend before or after the actual holiday to avoid the huge crowds.  

Shopping: Ok, going to the mall isn’t the most cost effective way to spend time together in a recession, but even if you don’t buy anything it gives you a place to walk around and talk. Sometimes its just fun to look at new styles and chat.

Postpone the holiday for a special event:You can always get Mom tickets to the Theater or the Orchestra playing and make it a fun day out later in the month if you know what mom likes. Sometimes someone to go with to a cultural event is a lot of fun and different. (check out Broadway in Chicago for updated show listings) The Art Institute is always a great day out and then a trip to Macy’s (Marshall Fields) can bring back old memories and traditions.

Craft Time: Taking a pottery class together or with grand-kids can always be fun and a creative way to spend time together. Local community colleges usually have classes as do places likeLill Street and other Chicago pottery studios. The neat thing about this is you get something glazed a few weeks later and you have the memory of something you made while spending time together.

And if you have to send something across the country to Mom and don’t have time to publish a book on Blurb or Flickr of all the family photos you have been taking on your iPhone of the kids, send an orchid plant. They last a long time, as do the flowers and only need water about once a week. They are a better deal than cut flowers that wilt in a day. (if you live in Chicago I recommend Hausermann’s Orchids in Villa Park for the most exotic and reasonably priced plants!)

We’re super grateful to both mom’s this year. We got married last summer and both moms were a great help in planning and getting everything done for the wedding. Since then we’ve sold one house and bought another and moved in. My husband’s mom has been instrumental in helping us clean and stage the house we sold and has been very helpful about getting the new one settled too. We will be celebrating family this year on Mother’s day.

A special exhibit of Matisse artwork is coming to The Art Institute of Chicago. Matisse: Radical Invention, 1913–1917is a look into a trans-formative time early in the artist’s work. I am a big fan of Henri Matisse’s well known works because of the vibrant bold colors, unique settings and still lifes. I am looking forward to seeing the rare early works of this artist.

The Matisse: Radical Invention, 1913–1917 Exhibition is running only from March 20th through June 20th so  that is only 12 Saturdays to go see it if you need a weekend. Saturdays are crowded, get there early and if you don’t like lines, check it out during the week. The address and phone number of the Art Institute of Chicago are below if you would like to contact them for more information.

Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60603
(877) 307-4242
artinstituteofchicago.org

General Admission Tickets to the Art Institute of Chicago are $20 and plan on taking public transit because parking isn’t really a part of the complex and can be expensive.  The world of the Art Institute of Chicago is vast and if you go for this special Exhibition on Matisse, plan on spending the day exploring their regular display pieces as well, they are all quite amazing. I recommend the modern wing for looking at the new exhibits as well as the basement with the unique armor art.

Chicago has some of the richest museums and cultural attractions in the country and because of the generosity of some sponsors and the city of Chicago, you can visit and enjoy them for free on these days in 2009.This is a great opportunity for kids and families to enjoy these museums, cultural institutions and artwork the way they were intended: accessible for everyone, not just the privileged people.

If you have kids and don’t want to pay a lot of money for the whole family to go to Chicago Museums, this is the time to go. You still have parking costs and you may also have some costs for food and/or souvenirs but it is a lot cheaper and more affordable to visit Chicago Museums on a free sponsored day. And in this economy free things to do are better than sitting at home one more day with that TV and all those commercials.

The Art Institute of Chicago is Free on Thursday evenings from 5-8 pm after work. This is a great free date night for couples or anyone dating. Remember you can say that a painting or photograph means anything, it is whatever you want to interpret it as.  The Art Institute of Chicago has so many rare pieces of art that people come from all over the world to see our collection here. If you are a Chicago Tourist, you can enjoy the free evenings too. Special exhibits are usually not included in the free admission though.

The Adler Planetarium is Free and open to the public on these days in 2009. The planetarium does not have much parking and the Museum Campus in general has few parking spots available close to the buildings. Be prepared for a long walk and bundle up accordingly in the cold this winter. The y have some cool 3-D movies and space shows running now that the kids will be inspired by. Plus space is such an inspiring curious subject for kids and adults of all ages.

January 5,12-16, 20, & 27th
February 3, 9-13, 17, 24 & 26th
March 3, 10 & 17th
April 21 & 28th
May 5, 12, 19 & 26th
June 7-12th
September 1, 8, 14-18, 22, & 29th
October 6, 13, 20, & 27th
November 3, 10, 17, & 24th
December 1, 8, 15, & 22th 

See the adlerplanetarium.org for more details. 

Chicago Children’s Museum is open for Free every 1st Monday of the month. There is also free admission for children 15 and under every day. And Free Thursdays 5 to 8pm for everyone

Chicago History Museum is open for Free every Monday!

The Chicago Field Museum is open for Free on:  
The 2nd Monday of every month as well as:
January: 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29
February: 1 – 6, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
September: 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30
October: 1, 7, 8, 14, 15
November: 11, 12, 18, 19
December: 2, 3, 9, 10 

The Museum of Science and Industry is open for Free on:

Jan. 5 – 31
Apr. 22 (Earth Day)
June 1 – 5
June 19 (MSI birthday)
Oct. 8 – 30 (Weekdays only)
Nov. 11 (Veteran’s Day) 

The Museum of Science and Industry is undergoing a large renovation in addition to the U-Boat Submarine that has already been renovated. This was a badly needed renovation, so you can go once now for free and once again when the revamp is done in a year or two. Feel free to skip the wildly out of date Internet exhibit and the automotive exhibit with all the cars covered. This used to be my favorite museum when I was a kid. I hope they can bring it back to it’s former splendor.

2008 was a busy and eventful year in Chicago. People started off on edge about the war in Iraq and ended with more hope for the future even amidst more problems with the economy. 

Chicago had it’s fair share of events, news, trends, buzz and history made in 2008. The biggest most popular news and events in Chicago happened in the last few months with Barack Obama winning the presidential election and Rod Blagojevich being arrested and then released with corruption charges. 

Chicago also remained in the bid process for the 2016 Olympics ( despite my disagreeing about it’s appropriateness here) and we got monsoons of rain in June and Snow in December, January, February and March. The precipitation levels in Chicago have been on the rise in 2007 and 2008, nobody seems to know why. Bernie Mac passing away was big news in Chicago because it was so unexpected and he was (and is) so popular here. Politics is always new in Chicago but I haven’t gotten into the fray there. We try to keep things clean on the Chicago Weekend Fun Blog.

Not all of these topics are things we can post about here with our main focus being about entertainment, events and fun things to do in Chicago. It is also a secondary goal that we cover any other issues that people living in Chicago have to deal with and try and always remain open minded about all different people, cultures and ideas.

The trends in 2008 news coverage popularity by topic: (from the Pew Trust)

Some of the most popular posts we had on Chicago Weekend Fun in 2008 are listed below in no particular order.  I was happy that these posts got a lot of comments and seemed popular with readers. There were many more posts that were well received but too long a list to include here and I always appreciate the comments, emails and contact form submissions about the blog. All comments are welcome, even the ones about my spelling errors. (I am human like anyone else, and sometimes forget the spellcheck) I also appreciate the people who comment with additional information that I did not have at the time of the post, after all this is a blog and a news/events/information conversation.

Our goal in 2009 is to write more posts and provide even more information about the topics that are requested and commented on. We enjoy working on this blog immensely and would like to continue doing so for a long time. I never thought that writing or running a web site would be this enjoyable as work, but I find that we always have something to say so the topics and words come quickly. We also know that this is a learning process so if there are revisions and changes along the way it is because we are doing our best to provide the best site possible and work out the kinks as they come at us.

Your readership is always appreciated as is your feedback. If you would like to help out the Chicago Weekend Fun blog in 2009 you could send us a note in our feedback form, add a link to us in your blogroll, send a link to the site to your friends, bookmark us or advertise your company in ad words in the content network that runs on the blog. Any or all of those things would be greatly appreciated.

Top Topics, News and Post Trends for 2008 – comments and views – in no particular order

 Chicago Area Cook County and DuPage Sales Tax Increase

 Chicago Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

 Apple Orchards Autumn Apple Picking

 Top 5 Chicago Tourist Attractions

 Chicago now has 2 Christmas Music Radio Stations

 Naperville Ribfest Festival July 4th Weekend

 Chicago Black Friday Sales and CyberMonday Deals

 Fogo De Chao Brazilian Steakhouse Restaurant

 Chicago Neighborhood and Suburbs Zip Codes

 Chicago Halloween Haunted House

 Chicago Street Closures for Barack Obama Rally

 Taste of Chicago

 Big New Year’s Eve in Chicago 2008  

 Tommy Hillfiger Lighting Christmas Tree at Macy’s 

Harry Potter’s props costumes and sets will be coming to the Museum of Science and Industry Exhibition in Chicago in April 2009. The exhibition will be there through September 7th 2009. This is much like the Star Wars Exhibition that they had there in the winter of 2007-2008. The movies are so popular that Harry Potter and Star Wars bring a whole new audience to The Museum of Science and Industry and help raise awareness of the museum for tourists and visitors as well as local residents.

The following for Harry Potter Books is huge in Chicago and an entire generation grew up on these books, reading them from cover to cover over and over again. I expect the tickets to easily sell out for the first few months at the exhibit. I would also expect there to be some demonstrations in the exhibit about how the magic effects happened in the movie and some explanations of how the Harry Potter movies were made.

Tickets on sale now at the Museum of Science and Industry website; $26 for adults, $19 for children, and $25 for senior citizens. There are discounted prices for everyone during the evening hours after the museum closes which is nice since people will pretty much line up forever to see these items in person if they are superfans. And judging from how many people stood in line at bookstores at midnight to get the books each time they were published, I think this will be one of the most popular exhibits at the museum of science and industry to date.

I also think this makes a good trip activity idea for the kids over spring break or summer break in 2009. There are a lot of other educational exhibits there that you should see too if you can make it. The bodyworlds exhibit is always popular. Just stay away from the internet exhibit (ala 1997) and the automobile exhibit (ala 1985). There are some areas of the museum that need a lot of updating.

See harrypotterexhibition.com for details and to buy tickets online.

The International Exposition of Sculpture Objects and Fine Art (SOFA) is planned for Festival Hall in Navy Pier in Chicago on November 6-9. This is an amazing contemporary art show and well worth the admission to attend. The work on display at SOFA ranges from glass to ceramics to textiles and sculpture. Even if you are not an art expert this show is eye opening and entertaining at the same time.

Art innovates constantly and SOFA Chicago is one of the few places to see what is new and evolving before it hits mainstream. If you are smart you can integrate these style details into your life before everyone else (haha) and become more of a style innovator yourself. That said the purchase prices of these art objects and sculptures are steep. These artwork pieces on display are not quite intended for the general public to buy and are usually purchased for private collections or in museums for the rest of us to enjoy. SOFA Chicago isn’t somewhere to go if you need to furnish your living room unless you are a millionaire. There is also a SOFA VIP Program and a free Lecture series for anyone who would like to attend. There is more info with the dates and times on their website listed below.

Over 35,000 people attended SOFA Chicago in 2007 and there are more than 100 galleries and dealers all in the same location together at Navy Pier. If you buy serious art this is the event to see everything all at once. Tickets to SOFA Chicago are available online for $15 for one day or $25 for a 3 day weekend pass. There is also an opening night Gala event that is $50.00 and you get to see all the art and sculpture objects before anyone else. Personally I was thinking of going since I have never been to SOFA and I hear people raving about it every year. It isn’t that expensive to attend although you will pay another $25.00 on top of your ticket prices for parking at Navy Pier. I think $35.00 is a small price for all that great inspiration.  Check out sofaexpo.com to buy tickets online or you can buy them at the door also.

The alphabetical list of Galleries exhibiting at SOFA Chicago 2008 is:

Aaron Faber Gallery
Adamar Fine Arts
Andora Gallery
Ann Nathan Gallery
Barry Friedman
Beaver Galleries
Berengo Studio
Blue Rain Gallery
browngrotta arts
Bullseye Gallery
Cervini Haas Gallery
Chappell Gallery
Charon Kransen Arts
Collection – Ateliers d’Art de France
COVET – collectable objects & fine art
CREA Gallery
D&M Fine Arts
Dai Ichi Arts
The Dancing Hands Gallery
David Collection
del Mano Gallery
Donna Schneier Fine Arts
Duane Reed Gallery
Eden Gallery
Elliott Brown Gallery
Ferrin Gallery
FLATFILE Galleries
Function + Art
Galerie Besson
Galerie Elca London
Galerie Elena Lee
Galerie Pokorná
Galleri Grønlund
Galleri Udengaard
Galleria Norsu
Gallery Sklo
Garson Baker Fine Art
Glass Artists Gallery
Habatat Galleries, Chicago
Habatat Galleries, Florida-Virgina
HABATAT Galleries, Michigan
Hawk Galleries
Heller Gallery
Holsten Galleries
Jane Sauer Gallery
Jean Albano Gallery
John Natsoulas Gallery
Judy Youens Gallery
Katie Gingrass Gallery
KEIKO Gallery
Kirra Galleries
Lacoste Gallery
Lafrenière & Pai Gallery
Lee Weitzman Furniture
Leo Kaplan Modern
Litvak Gallery
Maria Elena Kravetz Gallery
Marx-Saunders Gallery
Mattson’s Fine Art
Maurine Littleton Gallery
Micaëla Gallery
Modus Gallery
Mostly Glass Gallery
Mowen Solinsky Gallery
National Craft Gallery of Ireland
Next Step Studio and Gallery
Niemi Sculpture Gallery & Garden
Oliver & Espig
Option Art
Orley & Shabahang
Ornamentum
Palette Contemporary Art & Craft
Patina Gallery
Perimeter Gallery
Pistachios
Portals
PRISM Contemporary Glass
rakovaBRECKERgallery
Ruth Lawrence Fine Art
SABBIA
Santa Fe Clay
Sherrie Gallerie
Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art
Signature Gallery
Silica Galleries
Sim JaeCheon Gallery
Snyderman-Works Galleries
ten472 Contemporary Art
Thomas R. Riley Galleries
Turkish Cultural Foundation
Twiga
UrbanGlass
Wexler Gallery
William Zimmer
Yaw Gallery
Zygman Voss Gallery

We need free things to do in Chicago now more than ever. Who can afford a $8 beer and a $12 movie in this financial and economic uncertain time. I have heard more people say they are staying in to save money than I have in years. I still like to go enjoy Chicago though and sometimes you can do that for free if you know where and when the events are happening. Here are some free things to do in Chicago that are scheduled over October and November. I am guessing this is going to be a lean Christmas too.

1. A Kevin Coval reading free admission from The author, educator, HBO Def Poet and founder of Louder than a Bomb at The Chicago Teen Poetry Festival. He reads from his newly released book “Everyday People.”

2. Sixth Annual Pumpkin-Carving Party at the Avenue Tavern at 2916 North Broadway in Lakeview Call 773-975-7000. Free at 8pm-12am midnight on October 16th. Carve your own pumpkin creation and win prizes (pumpkin carving tools are provided). Afterward, the weird and wacky jack-o-lanterns are displayed outside the bar sidewalk through Nov. 1 or until the rot, or are carried away by squirrels whichever happens first.

5. Free Bingo/Tango 312-397-4010 at the Museum of Contemporary Art at 220 East Chicago Ave. Play some bingo and Learn Tango in the same night. What could be better? Between games, Somer Surgit and Agape Pappas teach quick Tango lessons. Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month at 6pm.

6. Yay for Free Stitch ‘n’ Bitch! 312-280-2660 Don’t you know knitting is cool now? Meet more young hip urbanites with creative focus at the Stich and Bitch. Yarn and crafts not provided, but bring whatever you are working on. Evey 1st Tuesday at the Museum of Contemporary Art. 5:30 pm.

7. Dia de los Muertos: La Vida Sin Fin 312-738-1503 The nation’s largest Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead exhibit, this 22nd annual collection highlights local and international artists.

8. The 12th Annual North Halsted St Halloween Parade 773-868-3010 Expect crazy costumes and over the top behavior in Boystown. The parade travels north on Halsted Street, from Belmont Avenue to Cornelia Street. Post-paradefestivities include a costume contest for your pets and your humans as well as live performers and entertainment by Halsted and Roscoe Streets. 

9. Green City Market at 1750 North Clark Street 773-435-0280 Hey, window shopping and browsing is free right? This great organics fest of food is still going in harvest season through October 29th.

10. The Weekly fireworks show at Navy Pier 312-595-7437 This is still going too, the fireworks have not stopped even though summer is over. They still set off a 10-minute fireworks display over Lake Michigan set to music every Saturday night at dusk.

11. Free admission for the Museum of Science and Industry 773-684-1414  This is for General admission only and only on Tuesdays. It still costs to park, see the Omnimax and 3-D movies or go on the ”U-505″ submarine tour.

12.Freeeee Comedy Shows – Battle-Prov ComedySportz improv students face off against other funny local improv teams. For Discount/free days call 312-922-9410. There is free general admission in Feb and the 2ndMonday of each month. It’s usually wicked cheap funny anyway at $4-$7 per show at Comedy Sportz which is at 929 West Belmont Avenue.

13. Wicker Park Critical Mass Bike Ride 312-551-7300 ext. 11 This monthly bike ride through the Wicker Park neighborhood is a fun way to enjoy the fall leaves and colors and get exercise at the same time. Plus you meet cool hip urban eco friendly bike riding people.

14. Sunday Salutations Free yoga class 773-883-8860 Stretch and strengthen your muscles for free at this weekly class in the park, which is always weather permitting. Hosted by lululemon’s Halsted store anda different new yoga studio each month.

15. Free Literary Open Mic 773-489-2353 Bring your best poetry or prose and read it aloud at this weekly event.

16. Free Fall Cooking Demonstrations 773-241-5200 Get tips on picking seasonal produce and learn how to prepare turkey burgers with coleslaw and cranberry mayonnaise. Hyde Park Farmer’s Market at 5200 S. Harper Avenue at 9am on Thursday October 16.

17. The Free Grasshopper Show 773-880-0199 A rotating roster of eight current I.O. training center students pair up with I.O. instructors in a very funny longform harold improvised show. IO Theater is at 3541 N. Clark Street in Chicago.

18. The Free Improv Jam 773-880-0199 Be careful, the volunteer audience members perform improvscenes with veteran I.O. comics. Local improv guys Brett Lyons and Nathan Jensen host and drag you up on stage too if you let them. Same address as above.

19. Chelsea Handler book signing 773- 935-3909 The comedy writer and performer signs her new book of funny personal stories, “Are You There Vodka, It’s Me Chelsea.” 

20. Daniel Vosovic book signing 312-573-0564 The exciting “Pro ject Runway” finalist discusses his new book, “Fashion Inside Out: Daniel V’s Guide to How Style Happens from Inspiration to Runway and Beyond.” OMG!

21. The Free Daley Plaza 12th annual Halloween celebration, formerly called “Pumpkin Plaza,” features a haunted village, pumpkin decorating (weekends only), storytelling, live performances and more. Afternoons in late October.

22. The Great Walnut Room Tree Lighting at Macy’s in November 312-781-5454 Designer Tommy Hilfiger lights the 45-foot-tall tree in the Walnut Room. The tree, trimmed with nearly 15,000 lights and 4,000 ornaments, is on display through Jan. 11.

23. 13th Annual Christkindlmarket Chicago 312-494-2175 An open-air, German-style market showcases handmade ornaments, accessories, clothing and gifts from more than 50 vendors. Also features German food and drink such as beer, hot spiced wine, potato pancakes, bratwurst, schnitzel, strudel and more.

24. Howl-o-ween 312-595-7437 Bring your pooch for a cute dog costume parade in Gateway Park, or browse pet merchandise, information and animals are up for adoption inside the Festival Hall.

25. Isaac Mizrahi signing is new book at Barnes and Noble. 312-573-0564 The fashion designer discusses his new book, “How to Have Style.” Did you ever want to see the guy in person that brought high style to Target?

26. State Street Halloween Happening Parade 312-744-3315 Costumed participants march to Daley Plaza, where Halloween Pumpkin Plaza festivities include a costume contest, candy giveaways, performances, appearances by “Wicked” cast members and more.

The Art Institute of Chicago is hosting a new free exhibit called 360 Degrees: Art Beyond Borders for the next 10 months: September 27, 2008 through June 16, 2009. 360 Degrees Art Beyond Borders is unlike most exhibits at the Art Institute of Chicago because it combines efforts and exhibits with the other major cultural institutions in Chicago. The institutions participating are Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Poetry Foundation, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. It is really a 360 degree view of the arts in Chicago. And what is even more amazing about this artistic creative smorgasborg is that it is FREE to the public. How amazing is that?

The schedule consists of lectures, performances, readings, talks, discussions and exhibits full of all forms of artwork and commenting on a wide variety of creative subjects.

The full schedule of Art Institue of Chicago 360 Degrees: Art Beyond Borders Exhibit Events:

• Lecture: Season Preview—The Promise of Encyclopedic Museums
  9/25, 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall. James Cuno, president and director.
• 360 Degrees: Art beyond Borders Opening Day 9/27, 10am -3:30 pm the Art Institute of Chicago
  Free admission Preview the globe-spanning scope of our new season!
• Lecture: Chicago and Globalization—Caught in the Middle on September 27, 2008 at 10:30-11:30 am in Fullerton Hall Free Admission Richard Longworth, Senior Fellow, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs and author.
• Reading: Reading and Commentary—Art and Literature September 27, 2008 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall. Free. C. K. Williams, poet.
• Reading: Poetry—Always a Home September 27, 2008 2-3 pm in Fullerton Hall Free admission. Marilyn Nelson, poet
• Conversation: Bizet’s Pearl Fishers October 2, 2008 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall Free to the public
• Performance: Henri Duparc—Composer Crossing into Modernism October 7, 2008 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall Free with admission to the Art Institute of Chicago. Jean-Baptiste de Boissiere, voice; George Lepauw, piano
• Reading: Adam Zagajewski October 9, 2008 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall Free
• Lecture: Religion, Ethics, and Globalization—New Dilemmas Local and Global October 16, 2008 at 6-7 pm Fullerton Hall Free to the public. Diana Eck, Harvard University.
• Symposium: From the Natural to the Fantastic—Italian Drawings, 1500–1650 (Print and Drawing Club)
  October 17, 2008 at 10:30am-5 pm in Fullerton Hall Space is limited; to reserve a seat, call (312) 443-3756.
• Performance: Italian Masterworks—Schubert and Vivaldi October 19, 2008, 2-3 pm Fullerton Hall For ticket information, call (312) 294-3000
• Lecture: Genius of Sport—Baron Pierre de Couberin and the Enduring Values of the Olympic Ideal
  October 23, 2008 6-7 pm Fullerton Hall Free. George Hirthler from the Chicago 2016 Olympic Campaign.
• Performance: Joel Spears, Lute Virtuoso October 30, 2008, 6-6:45 pm Fullerton Hall Free.
• Symposium: The Divine Art—Four Centuries of European Tapestries October 31, 2008, 10:30am – 5 pm
  Fullerton Hall Space is limited; to reserve a seat, call (312) 857-7138. Free.
• Lecture: God’s Crucible—Islam and the Making of Europe, 570–1215 (Leadership Advisory Committee)
  November 1, 2008, 6-7 pm in the Rubloff Auditorium For tickets, call (312) 494-9509. David Levering Lewis, New York University.
• Performance: Enescu, Bartok, and Brancusi November 4, 2008, 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall Free with admission to the Art Institute of Chicago.
• 360 Annual President’s Lecture: A World Connected—Why Do We Leave Home? November 7, 2008 7:30 -8:30 pm in Fullerton Hall. For tickets, call (312) 494-9509. Nayan Chanda, Yale Center for the Study of Globalization.
• Lecture: Global Debates on Islam in the 21st Century November 13, 2008 at 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall. Free. Muhammed Sani Umar, Director of Northwestern University’s Institute for the Study of Islamic Thought in Africa.
• Lecture: Encyclopedic Museums—Cabinets of Curiosity November 15, 2008 at 11am – 12 pm in Fullerton Hall. Bruce Boucher, Curator of Sculpture
• Performance: Sound Weavers—A Concert of Music Pictured in Tapestry November 16, 2008 at 2-3 pm in Fullerton Hall Cost: $20; $15 for members
• Reading: Paul Muldoon November 20, 2008 at 6-7 pm Fullerton Hall, Free.
• Lecture: Encyclopedic Museums—Medieval Treasuries on November 22, 2008 at 11am-12 pm Fullerton Hall. Free with admission to the Art Institute of Chicago. Christina Nielsen, Assistant Curator for Medieval Art.
• Performance: Messiaen at 100—Takemitsu Remembers 12/2/08, 12-1 pm Fullerton Hall, Free with admission to the Art Institute of Chicago.
• Lecture: Challenging the Encyclopedic Museum—Berlin’s Museum Island December 4, 2008 at 6-7 pm in
  Fullerton Hall $10; Free for members (ticket required) Dr. Thomas Gaehtgens, Getty Research Institute.
• Lecture: Crossing the Ocean—Foreign Visitors and Foreign Influence in Japanese Art on December 6, 2008 at 11am -12 pm in Fullerton Hall. Free with admission to the art institute. Janice Katz, Associate Curator of Japanese Art.
• Performance: German Masterworks on December 7, 2008 at 2-3 pm in Fullerton Hall. For ticket information, call (312) 294-3000.
• Lecture: Mediterranean Crossings—The Quest of ‘Leo Africanus’ on December 11, 2008 at 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall Free. Natalie Zemon Davis, University of Toronto
• Performance: All in a Garden Green December 18, 2008 at 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall. Cost: $20; $15 for members.
• Performance: Honorable Pledge Fulfilled January 10, 2009 1-2 pm in Fullerton Hall. Cost: $15; $10 for members. Damine Kabuki Troupe.
• Reading: Eamon Grennan on January 15, 2009 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall. Free.
• Performance: French Masterworks—Roussel and Mozart January 18, 2009 at 2-3 pm in Fullerton Hall
  For ticket information, call (312) 294-3000.
• Performance: Debussy and Impressions of the Sea January 22, 2009 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall $15; $10 for members; Free for CSO subscribers.
• Performance: Consuls General Concert Series—Austria February 2, 2009 at 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall
  Free.
• Performance: Consuls General Concert Series—Korea February 3, 2009 at 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free.
• Performance: Consuls General Concert Series—France on February 4, 2009 at 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall and is Free.
• Reading: Robert Pinsky on February 5, 2009 at 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free.
• Performance: Consuls General Concert Series—Poland February 9, 2009 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free.
• Performance: Reflections of the Chinese Poets with Yang Wei on Pipa February 10, 2009 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall.
• Reading: For Czeslaw Milosz February 11, 2009 at 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall.
• Reading: For Octavio Paz February 12, 2009 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall.
• Lecture: The Mysteries of Munch’s Working Methods—Recent Research on The Scream and Madonna
  February 12, 2009 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall. $10; Free for members. Ingebjørg Ydstie, Director, Munch Museum.
• Reading: Tomaz Salamun on February 13, 2009 at 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall.
• Lecture: The Lincoln Image on February 15, 2009 1-2 pm in Fullerton Hall.
• Performance: John Work Chorale on February 15, 2009 at 2-3 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free.
• Performance: Consuls General Concert Series—Switzerland on February 16, 2009 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free.
• Performance: Consuls General Concert Series—Thailand on February 17, 2009 at 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free.
• Performance: Consuls General Concert Series—China on February 19, 2009 at 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free.
• Lecture: Sibling Rivalries and Global Monotheisms—Judaism, Christianity, Islam February 19, 2009 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free. David Nirenberg, University of Chicago.
• Performance: Consuls General Concert Series—Spain February 20, 2009 at 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free.
• Lecture: Mapping the Globe on February 21, 2009 at 11am -12 pm in Fullerton Hall – Free. Ruth Watson, artist.
• Performance: Consuls General Concert Series—Germany on February 23, 2009 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free.
• Performance: Consuls General Concert Series—Croatia February 24, 2009 at 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free.
• Performance: Consuls General Concert Series—Mexico on February 25, 2009 at 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free.
• Performance: Consuls General Concert Series—Japan on February 26, 2009 at 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free.
• Performance: Ives and the New England Landscape on February 26, 2009 at 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall. $15; $10 for members; Free for CSO subscribers.
• Performance: Masterworks by Dvorak March 1, 2009 2-3 pm in Fullerton Hall. For ticket information, call (312) 294-3000.
• Performance: Stravinsky, Picasso, and the Ballets Russes on March 5, 2009 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall. $15; $10 for members; Free for CSO subscribers
• Lecture: Between the Covers—The Art Institute as Publisher on March 14, 2009 at 11am -12 pm in
  Fullerton Hall. Free with admission Susan Rossen, Director of Publications.
• Performance: Across Seasons March 15, 2009 at 1-2 pm in Fullerton Hall, $25; $20 for members
• Performance: Across Seasons on March 15, 2009 3-4 pm in Fullerton Hall. $25; $20 for members
• Lecture: The Encyclopedic Museum—Enlightened or Entitled? on March 19, 2009 at 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall $10; Free for members (ticket required) Philippe de Montebello, Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• Reading: Insights into Ibsen March 26, 2009 at 6-7 pm Fullerton Hall Free.
• Performance: Essence of Japan March 29, 2009 at 2-3 pm in Fullerton Hall $20; $15 for members.
• Lecture: Global Collections for Global Cities April 2, 2009, 6-7 pm Fullerton Hall, $10; Free for members (ticket required) Neil MacGregor, The British Museum.
• Lecture: Technicolor in the Ancient World April 4, 2009 11a.m.-12 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free with admission. Mary Greuel, assistant curator of Ancient Art.
• Performance: Respighi’s Inspiration—Painter Botticelli April 9, 2009 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall, $15; $10 for members; Free for CSO subscribers.
• Lecture: The Roman Triumph on April 16, 2009 at 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free. Mary Beard, University of Cambridge.
• Performance: World Tour with the Kronos Quartet April 22, 2009 at 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall, $40; $35 for members.
• Lecture: Edvard Munch’s Anxiety of Influence on April 23, 2009 at 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free. Jay A. Clarke, Associate Curator of Prints and Drawings.
• Reading: Philip Levine April 30, 2009 at 6-7 pm Fullerton Hall, Free
• Conversation: Reading from Art May 7, 2008 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free.
• Conversation: Listening to the Message…Benjamin Britten’s Owen Wingrave on May 21, 2009 at 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free
• Reading: Ilya Kaminsky May 28, 2009 at 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free.
• Performance: Dvorak and Painter Hassam June 4, 2009 at 6-7 pm in Fullerton Hall $15; $10 for members; Free for CSO subscribers.
• Performance: Illuminating Dvorak June 16, 2009 12-1 pm in Fullerton Hall, Free (ticket required)

Chicago Neighborhood Tours are a great way to learn more about the city if your are a tourist of visitor as well as a local resident. These Chicago Neighborhood and Cultural Tours are scheduled for this fall from the Chicago cultural center and offer a unique look at the city of big shoulders and small bungalows. Check out these descriptions for more details and see if this might be something you choose to liven up your weekend.

Little Italy Bus Tour, Saturday, October 4
Many Southern Italians and Sicilians settled in Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood generations ago before the skyscrapers came to Chicago. Discover more than just pasta in the Italian heritage at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, a neighborhood walking tour on Taylor Street and a private tour of the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum.

Hyde Park & Kenwood Bus Tour, Saturday, October 4
See the architectural styles of Hyde Park and Kenwood on Lake Michigan. Tours include the Oriental Institute Museum, a walking tour of University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus, a visit to St. Thomas the Apostle Church, and a drive past some of the large historic mansions in Kenwood.

Wicker Park – Bucktown Bus Tour, Saturday, October 25
Take a short tour of Wicker Park and Bucktown to see the eclectic mix of art, architecture, and culture in the evolving neighborhood. The tour includes architecture at St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church in Bucktown and time in several fashionable boutiques and shops. Also, an architectural walking tour highlights the distinct Wicker Park homes and mansions.

Chicago’s South Shore Neighborhoods Bus Tour, Saturday, November 15
See the African American communities and their cultural, historical and architectural treasures. The main attraction is the South Shore Cultural Center visit and discussion as well as the St. Philip Neri Church, and a tour of one of Chicago’s leading African American theaters-the eta Creative Arts Foundation.

City of Chicago Special Interest Tours:

Greek Chicago, Saturday, November 1
Faye and Harold Peponis explore the history, customs, and religion of Chicago’s Greek communities and Citizens. The tour visits Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral and then goes to a private tour and discussion at Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. Lunch is in Greek Town with a visit to the Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center there.

Taste of the Chicago Neighborhoods Culinary Tour, Saturday, November 22
Ethnic food guide Evelyn Thompson invites you to join her in sampling delectable offerings at a few of Chicago’s ethnic restaurants, bakeries and delis. Learn the differences, similarities and preparation of local ethnic entrees and desserts.

How do you Book a Chicago Neighborhood Tour?
Reservations are required for these Chicago tours. Most tours sell out quickly. You can make reservations by calling 312-742-1190.

Some tips if you do book one of the City of Chicago Neighborhood Tours:

1. They are convenient bus tours that depart from the Chicago Cultural Center a 77 East Randolph St. in Chicago, IL.
2. The check in time for the tours is 9:30 am and the departure time is 10 am sharp.
   The tours usually return at around 2 or 2:30 pm
3. The Neighborhood Tours cost $30.00 or $25 for seniors and students and they do include some light refreshments.
4. The Special Interest Tours cost $50 or $45 for seniors and students and these include a lunch.

More information can be found at their website at chicagoneighborhoodtours.com

The word Staycation has gotten popular latley since gas, food and utilities have gotten so expensive and no one is really interested in traveling far away and generating a lot of costs in the process. So, Chicago Weekend Fun suggests a mini Chicago Vacation or staycation this weekend to make up for the lost vacation. (you may or may not need a hotel downtown for this) There is a lot happening this weekend and in the coming weeks in Chicago. The events and activities range from free admission to the Museum of Science and Industry to planning for Wired NextFest to attending the Chicago Redbull Flutag Event you have probably seen advertised on TV and the Internet latley. (who could miss it?) But beware, the CTA will have 1/2 the loop closed off for renovations so the EL will only be running north and south along the west and south sides of the loop track square. The CTA Loop EL tracks get shut down at 10 pm on Friday night. 

So first off, be careful of the loop shut down of the el trackson the east and north sides of the loop square downtown. If you need to connect with west or southbound trains you can always take the bus direct from just about anywhere in the city to one of the first stops on that arm of the CTA El line. Most just charge a connection fee of $.25 rather than another full fare. The full CTA bus and train schedule is available at transitchicago.com.

Next, the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry has a lot of construction going on and as a result they have made admission free for visitors for the month of September. This is great because you can take the kids and go see all the parts of the museum that have been renovated already at no cost and you just pay for gas and parking. Unless you go to the old fashioned ice cream parlor, then you get the cost of ice cream too. I recommend the u-boat instead of the antiquated car display. And if your kids are under the age of 5 check out the farm exhibit. Mom and Dad may like the living green exhibit which is new and just opened. That is always a big hit with skyrocketing energy prices. Check out their site msichicago.com before you go for the hours and address.  

Also the RedBull Flutag Event happens on Saturday at 11 am at North Avenue Beach in Chicago. The flying machines start plunging at 1pm and the awards will be given out at 3pm. One can only hope that there is an award for best team name since there are some dooseys listed on the site. (Mustache ride anyone?) Admission is free but my guess is that parking will be near impossible and set you back about $30.00. Aside from that it should be fun to watch improvised flying machines crash ala 1910 in an experiment of physics, ridiculousness and caffeine.

The Wired Next Fest is a great free event to take the kids to also later in September. (just planning ahead because they emailed me about it) This show features all different kinds of new technology and innovation that companies are experimenting with and will be bringing to market soon. Last time I went in Chicago in 2005 there was some emphasis on green technology and other new developments in robotics and space sattelites featured. But you never know what they will come up with because there are so many companies in all different industries looking to innovate right now to get the edge in the market. This is always an inspiring show. The Wired Next Fest will run from September 27 through October 12, 2008 in the south promenade in Millennium Park, Chicago. My assumption is that they will have some kind of temporary building built for this since having it outdoors is not smart in Chicago. Mark it on your calendars now!

Remember; It’s your weekend, have fun with it!

There are a lot of very affordable (cheap) entertainment and (family) fun options this weekend in Chicago. Whether you live in the suburbs or are planning on getting a hotel room and vacationing in Chicago for the weekend, there is lots to do. If you haven’t gotten tickets to see the award winning show Wicked (the musical) or Jersey Boys, get them quick, the last block of tickets is on sale now. Also, in perfect timing with the Olympics on TV, Circqe Shanghai: Gold is in town performing at Navy Pier. The Museum of Science and Industry also has a new exhibit on Glass Making called The Glass Experience that is a lot of fun for the family. The Chicago Shedd Aquarium also has a new exhibit also called Lizards & the Komodo King. Here are my recommendations and best picks this weekend in Chicago:

1. Everyone knows that the Opening Ceremonies for the 2008 Beijing Olympics will begin on NBC Channel 5 at 6:30 pm Friday evening. You can also see Cirque Shanghai: Gold at Navy Pier’s Pepsi Skyline Stage this weekendin between watching Olympic TV events from China. They will be performing there through September 1st so get tickets for later in the month if you are already booked. Tickets are very affordable from $15.00 to $30.00 and it is a fun family event. If you re coming in from the suburbs, take the metra and then a cab or bus from the train station to avoid traffic and the high cost of parking the car.

2. The Museum of Science and Industry has a new exhibit on Glassmaking and Glassblowing that is a lot of fun for the family while also being a learning experience. The Museum of Science & Industry is located at the address: 57th Street & Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60637. Call 773-684-1414 for more information. The Glass Experience, runs through September 1 and this interactive exhibition reveals the science, craftsmanship and beauty from the world of glassmaking. There are live glass blowing demonstrations, Dale Chihuly glass bowls artwork, Tiffany glass shaded lamps and Frank Lloyd wright stained glass windows. Admission is 8.50 for kids and $13.00 for Adults. the Museum of Science and Industry and the Glass Experience is open from 9:30 am to 4pm daily.

3. The Chicago Shedd Aquarium has a new exhibit also called Lizards & the Komodo King through September 1. The John G. Shedd Aquarium is located at the address 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive (Museum Campus) Chicago, IL 60605. Call 312.939.2438 if you have questions for the Shedd Aquarium. This exhibit is neat because the world’s largest lizard is making his first-time appearance in Chicago and they have brought out all the lizard creatures he is related to for show also. Lots of great fish and amphibious creatures are always viewable at the Shedd Aquarium (penguins!) also. Admission is $27.00 for an adult day pass which includes this exhibit.

4. The award winning show Wicked is ending it’s Musical Theater run in Chicago at the Ford Center for the Performing arts (formerly the Oriental Theater) in January. The last blocks of tickets to the shows through December have gone on sale now. They won’t last long, plan tour trip to Chicago and book your hotel rooms now before it sells out. Get your tickets to see Wicked from Broadway in Chicago before it leaves Chicago whether you have seen it many times or have never seen the show before. I saw it 3 times and loved it. Ticket prices range from around $30.00 to $100.00 per seat.

Have a happy and safe Olympic weekend in Chicago!