“See” listings
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Hyde Park Jazz Festival
In its five years, this oncemodest South Side gathering has blossomed into a must-attend event for jazz lovers. Bounce around the neighborhood to catch free programs, like the Brazilian group Bossa Tres at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, and almost 6 hours of free music on the stretch of parkland that once hosted the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Sept. 24-25. (09/2011)
Various locations throughout the Hyde Park neighborhood
773-324-8614
hydeparkjazzfestival.org -
German Day Festival
Grab an enormous pint of pilsner, don some lederhosen, and join the proud masses paying tribute to Deutschland and its people in Lincoln Square, Chicago’s most authentically German ‘hood. Don’t miss the 46th annual Von Steuben Parade, the cultural pageant famously captured in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Sept. 9-11. (09/2011)
At Lincoln, Leland, and Western aves
630-653-3018
germanday.com -
In the Next Room
In the highlight of this venerable North Side theater’s 2011/2012 season, playwright Sarah Ruhl—a Wilmette, Illinois native—brings her 2010 Tony Award-nominated Victorianera sex comedy to the Chicago stage for the first time. The play uses the early history of women’s sexual devices to explore themes of motherhood and female empowerment. Sept. 9 to Oct. 9. (09/2011)
At Victory Gardens Theater 2433 N Lincoln Ave
773-549-5788
victorygardens.org -
Motor Cocktail: Sound and Movement in Art in the 1960s
This exhibit, built around Jean Tinguely’s rotating 1965 scrap-metal sculpture Motor Cocktail, promises a full sensory experience. The pieces, all from the 1960s, explore themes of sound and movement and include a pianolike “musical sculpture” played by on-site musicians. (08/2011)
At the Museum of Contemporary Art; 220 E Chicago Ave
312-280-2660
mcachicago.org -
Ravinia Festival
Every summer, picnic baskets in hand, Chicagoans flock to the lawn portion of the Martin Theatre and Bennett Gordon Hall in the north suburbs to listen to everything from classical music to rock and country acts under the stars. This month's highlights include Lyle Lovett (Aug. 21) and Gipsy Kings (Aug. 25). (08/2011)
418 Sheridan Rd, Highland Park
847-266-5100
ravinia.org -
Taste of Greece
The West Loop is the epicenter of Chicago’s sizeable Greek population, and every summer, this tight-knit enclave rolls out the welcome mat to share customary grilled lamb and octopus, flaky pastries and two stages presenting traditional Greek music and dance. Aug. 27-28, from noon to 11pm. (08/2011)
100-400 S Halsted St
847-509-8050
greektownchicago.org -
Morton Arboretum
The more than 4,000 different trees, shrubs and other flora in this tree-hugger’s paradise is best experienced in full bloom at the peak of summer. Explore this outdoor museum on foot by hiking the 16 miles of paved or wood-chipped trails. (07/2011)
4100 Lincoln Ave in Lisle, IL
630-968- 0074
mortonarb.org -
Pierogi Fest
This kitschy festival is certainly the only one with a potato dumpling mascot. Taking place in nearby northwest Indiana, it celebrates the community’s Polish heritage with a polka parade, a pierogi-eating contest and, of course, plenty of gut-busting Eastern European delicacies. July 29-31. (07/2011)
2400 New York Ave in Whiting, IN
219- 659-0292
pierogifest.net -
Chicago Blues Festival
This is the granddaddy of all Chicago’s free lakefront festivals and a jubilant celebration of its most famous musical export. Past performers have included legends such as Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt, Bo Diddley and Buddy Guy. June 10-12. (06/2011)
At Grant Park Jackson Blvd and Columbus Dr
312- 744-3316
explorechicago.org -
Randolph Street Market Festival
This European-style indoor/ outdoor antiques market is a favorite of celebrity designer (and Oprah pal) Nate Berkus, who lauds the quality and value of finds ranging from vintage clothes to furniture to collectibles. June 25-26. (06/2011)
1350 W Randolph St
312-666-1200
randolphstreetmarket.com -
Chicago International Movies & Music Festival
This newbie fest specializes in ambitious programming that combines cinema and live music. Past performances have included Robyn Hitchcock accompanying his own short film on stage, and DJ Spooky mixing video clips alongside sampled soul. Stick around for the after (and after-after) parties. April 14-17. (04/2011)
At Lincoln Hall (and multiple venues) 2424 N Lincoln Ave
773 234-2466
cimmfest.org -
Chicago Model City
Anyone who’s ever played with building blocks will love the 320-square-foot city model that’s the centerpiece of this exhibit exploring the planning of Chicago. You'll also learn about the origins of the famous “L” trains and how the Willis Tower became home to the world’s tallest green roof. (04/2011)
224 S Michigan Ave
312-922-3432
caf.architecture.org
