Bedno.com

2011.10.14 (week 746)

Love trumps.

RECOMMENDED:

Movie: International Film Fest at multiple theaters.
Movie: "The Thing" now playing at Theaters Everywhere.
Fr: Occupy Chicago at Federal Reserve Bank.
Su: Ghosts Of Graceland Cemetery walking tour (Su).
Ongoing: Scream Scene Haunted House Skokie (Fr/Sa).
Ongoing: Fright Fest at Great America (Fr/Sa/Su).
Sa: Wolff's Flea Market & Antique Mall at Allstate.
Ongoing: Trails of Terror at Peterson Park.
Ongoing: Pumpkin Farms at Many locations.
Ongoing: World's Best Costume Shop at Fantasy HQ.
Ongoing: Dream Reapers Haunted House in Melrose Park.
Ongoing: Farmers Markets at Various city locations.
Ongoing: Sukkot.
..-Su: Chicago Ideas Week at Various locations, times and prices.
..-Fr: Health Club Industry Convention at McCormick Place.
Ongoing: Joffrey Ballet at Auditorium.
..-Su: UniverSoul Circus at Washington Park.
Ongoing: Star Trek Burlesque at Gorilla Tango Theatre (Fr).
Ongoing: Neighborhood Tour from Cultural Center.
..-Su: Andersonville Arts Weekend.
Fr: Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Brunch at Macy's.
Fr: Night of 1000 Noogies at Park West.
Fr: The Smashing Pumpkins at Riviera Theatre.
Fr: North Side Critical Mass at Young Lincoln Statue.
Fr: Primus at Congress Theatre.
Fr: Supernatural Chicago at Excalibur (Fr).
Fr: Cocktails & Clay at Hyde Park Art Center.
Fr: Improvised Shakespeare at IO Theatre.
..-Sa: NOFX & Anti-Flag at House of Blues.
Fr: Cosmix at Berlin.
Fr: Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind at Neo-Fut.
Sa: Sweetest Day.
Sa-Su: Music Box Massacre at Music Box Theatre.
Sa: Decompression at Bridgeport Arts Center.
Sa-Su: Circus In The Parks at Commercial Park.
Sa: Anthrax and Testament at Congress Theatre.
Sa: Circus in Progress at The Actors Gymnasium.
Sa: College of Complexes at Lincoln Restaurant.
Sa: Fireworks at Navy Pier.
Sa: "Twisted" at Berlin.
Sa: Skinprov at Annoyance Theatre and Bar.
Su: Bosses Day.
Su: Bucktown Apple Pie Contest at Holstein Park.
Su: Model Rocket Launching at East Branch Forest Preserve.
Su: Chicago Bike Polo at Garfield Park.
Su: "Adult Swim" on TOON.
Mo: Rehab at Debonair Social Club.
Tu: Alaska Day.
Tu: Trentemoller at Metro.
Tu-Fr: Zombie Burlesque at Admiral Theater.
Tu: Chicago Underground Comedy at Beat Kitchen.
Tu: The Deep End at Morseland Restaurant.
We: Keep a Breast Tour at House of Blues.
We: South Park new episode on COM.
We: "In One Ear" at Heartland Cafe.
We: Heartbeats at Morseland Restaurant.
Th: Critical Lass at Polish Triangle.
Th: Spooky Bowlathon at Diversey River Bowl.
Th: Two Kids One Hall at Mayne Stage.
Th: Dubstep night at SmartBar.

Movie:    ^

Chicago International Film Festival (since 1965). $8-11+ Various times.

World-class premiers, best of the best from six continents and 30+ countries. Dozens of special guests and jurors. See website for details.
312/683-0121 http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com
Multiple Theaters.
TIMES MAP PHOTOS INFO SHARE

"The Thing" now playing.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton, Ulrich Thomsen, ...
http://thethingmovie.net
Theaters Everywhere.
http://bedno.com/movies
TIMES MAP INFO SHARE

Now playing.

Real Steel, The Ides of March, I Don't Know How She Does It, Apollo 18, Colombiana, Our Idiot Brother, Conan the Barbarian, Spy Kids 4, Planet of the Apes Rise, ...
Theaters Everywhere.
http://bedno.com/movies
TIMES MAP INFO SHARE

Seasonal:    ^

** Occupy Chicago.

Local presence of burgeoning nationwide movement for economic justice for the 99%.
http://OccupyChi.org
Federal Reserve Bank, 256 S LaSalle. At Jackson.
MAP SHARE

Ghosts Of Graceland Family Walking Tour. Stroll the big name graves. Sundays in October -2011.10.23 Yearly. All ages. $5-10 2hr 2p.

VERY qualified tour guides, lots of interesting history.
http://www.architecture.org
Graceland Cemetery, 312/922-3432, 4000 N Clark.
http://www.graveyards.com
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Scream Scene Haunted House. Spooktacular! Fr/Sa -2011.10.29 Yearly. Not for ages under 10. $8 7-10p.

Over 20 unique rooms. Not for the faint of heart.
http://screamscene.org
Skokie Park District, 847/674-1500 x0, 4701 Oakton, Skokie. At Water Playground.
http://www.skokieparkdistrict.org
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Fright Fest (since 1991). Redecorated rides and additional Halloween attractions. Fr/Sa/Su -2011.10.30 Yearly. All ages. $$ Various hours.

Come early, use coupons, strategize your visit for best results.
Great America, 847/249-1776, 5312 Grand Ave, Gurnee.
http://sixflags.com/greatAmerica
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Wolff's Flea Market (since 1991). Sa/Su -2011.10.30 Yearly. All ages. $1 Most weeks. 6a-3p.

500 market spaces. Clean, comprehensive, entertaining, with free parking, food and restrooms.
847/524-9590 http://www.wolffs.com
Allstate Arena, 847/635-6601, 6920 Mannheim Rd, Rosemont.
http://www.allstatearena.com
MAP TICKETS PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Trails of Terror. Over a half mile of haunted scenes. -2011.10.30 Yearly. Ages 12+ $10 14-15,21-22,27-30 6:30-9:30p.

Wind your way through spine-tingling terror. Not recommended for the very young. Editor recommends, spacious, easy parking, well managed, adequate production, original ideas.
Peterson Park, 312/742-7584, 5801 N Pulaski. Near North Park Village Nature Center, north of Bryn Mawr.
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Pumpkin Farms. -2011.10.31 Yearly.

Great fall family fun for all ages.
Many locations.
http://chicagofun.com/home/halloween/pumpkin_farms.html
MAP SHARE

World's Best Costume Shop. -2011.10.31 Yearly. Open 24/7 this week.

Incomparably huge and comprehensive. Some staff costumed.
Fantasy Costume Headquarters, 773/777-0222, 4065 N Milwaukee.
http://fantasycostumes.com
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Best haunted house in Illinois. Threepeat winner of Haunted Illinois vote. -2011.10.31 Yearly. All ages. $15-25, free parking, Su-Th -10p, Fr+Sa 7-11p.

Regularly overhauled, 14Ksqft, wheelchair access, 22 rooms, 40+ animatronics, 40+ performers, and scarey SMELLS!
Dream Reapers Haunted House, 708/344-2084, 1985 N Mannheim, Melrose Park.
http://www.dreamreapers.com
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Farmers Markets (since 1980). Fresh and charming. -2011.10.31 Yearly. All ages. Free.

Tu: Lincoln Square, Federal Plaza; We: Andersonville; Th: Daley Plaza, Hyde Park; Sa: Austin, Lincoln Park, Near North; Su: WickerPark;
http://www.chicagofarmersmarkets.us
Various city locations.
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Ongoing:    ^

Sukkot. -2011.10.21 Yearly.

Jewish harvest festival and time for giving thanks. Date varies each year (Tishri 15th by the Hebrew calendar). Observance begins at sunset of evening before listed start date.
http://chabad.org/holidays
INFO SHARE

Chicago Ideas Week. -Sunday.

100 stellar speakers including Bill Clinton and Rahm Emanuel.
http://chicagoideas.com
Various locations, times and prices.
MAP SHARE

Health Club Industry Convention. -Friday Yearly.

Over 200 leading industry suppliers, over 900 booths, over 100 seminars, fitness fashion show, discounts, ...
800/559-0620 http://www.clubindustryshow.com
McCormick Place, 2301 S Lake Shore.
http://www.mccormickplace.com
MAP TICKETS PHOTOS SHARE

Joffrey Ballet. Don Quixote. -2011.10.23 All ages. $20-60.

http://www.joffrey.com/chicago.htm
Auditorium, 312/431-2357, 50 E Congress. Downtown.
http://www.auditoriumtheatre.org
MAP TICKETS INFO SHARE

UniverSoul Circus (since 1994). African-American owned, operated and staffed. -2011.10.16 Yearly. All ages. $18-40 Various times.

Ringmasta and at least a dozen acts!
http://www.universoulcircus.com
Washington Park, 5531 S Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr.
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Star Trek Burlesque. Fridays -2011.10.28 21+ $20 9:30p.

Gorilla Tango Theatre, 773/598-4549, 1919 N Milwaukee. By Blue Line Western stop.
http://www.GorillaTango.com
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

WAY too much great theater and comedy and dance to cover.

Pickup Reader and NewCity and TimeOut magazines.
Hundreds of city locations.
MAP INFO SHARE

Chicago Neighborhood Tours. Bring a snack. $20-45 4hr 10a.

Chicago Cultural Center, 312/742-1190, 77 E Randolph.
http://chicagoneighborhoodtours.com
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Different rock, experimental, jazz, ethnic bands almost every night. 21+ $?

Metro / SmartBar, 773/549-0203, 3730 N Clark, Near Red Line Addison stop, metrochicago.com
Darkroom, 773/276-1411, 2210 W Chicago, darkroombar.com
Double Door, 773/489-3160, 1572 N Milwaukee, Wicker Park near Blue line Damen stop, doubledoor.com
Empty Bottle, 773/276-3600, 1035 N Western, dive-ish, emptybottle.com
Martyrs', 773/404-9494, 3855 N Lincoln, martyrslive.com
Ravinia, 847/266-5100, Highland Pk, ravinia.org
TICKETS PHOTOS FIND INFO SHARE

Friday 2011.10.14:    ^

Andersonville Arts Weekend. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. Free Fr 6p-midnt, Sa 10-midnt, Su 10a-7p.

Interesting events all over the strip.
Andersonville, 773/728-2995, 5300 N. Clark. Spanning Clark from about 5000 N to 5700 N.
http://andersonville.org
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Meals on Wheels Chicago Celebrity Chef Brunch (since 1989). Yearly. $100-350 6p.

Dozens of top local and national chefs prepare their specialties and personally serve them tableside to hundreds of mixing and mingling affluent and influential guests. Also silent and live auctions.
http://www.mealsonwheelschicago.org
Macy's, 312/744-2120, 111 N State. 7th Floor.
http://www.macys.com
MAP INFO SHARE

Night of 1000 Noogies (since 2004). Yearly. $75-125 7-11p.

Second City improvisational roast of local media celebrities.
312/464-9900 x34 http://gildasclubchicago.org
Park West, 773/929-1322, 322 W Armitage.
http://www.parkwestchicago.com
MAP TICKETS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE

The Smashing Pumpkins. All ages. $? 7p.

http://thesmashingpumpkins.com
Riviera Theatre, 312/275-6800, 4746 N Racine.
http://www.rivieratheatre.com
MAP TICKETS PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE

North Side Critical Mass. 2nd Fridays All ages. Free. Gather after 6:30p, leaves after 7p.

THE monthly north side gathering of cyclists. Winds a dozen miles-ish, ending with food+drink. Well attended. Bring friends, tunes, bells, costumes, cameras...
http://chicagocriticalmass.org/ns
Young Lincoln Statue, 5959 N Clark. At Ridge and Thorndale.
http://Bedno.com/bike/nscm
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Primus. All ages. $40-100+ 7:30p.

http://primusville.com
Congress Theatre, 773/276-1235, 2135 N Milwaukee.
http://congresschicago.com
MAP PHOTOS SHARE

Supernatural Chicago (since 2004). Interactive theatre exploring Chicago's paranormal past. Fr/Sa 21+ $25 7:30-9p.

Hosted by Necromancer Neil Tobin. Hear true Chicago stories of the unexplained, brought to life through audience-involving demonstrations of telepathy, clairvoyance, mediumship and magic -- at one of Chicago's most haunted nightspots. Price includes the show plus two drinks and general admission to the club.
800/979-3370 http://www.SupernaturalChicago.com
Excalibur, 312/266-1944, 632 N Dearborn. Downtown, valet or pay.
http://www.excaliburchicago.com
MAP TICKETS PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Cocktails & Clay. 2nd Fridays 18+ $15 suggested donation. 8p-12a.

Late night clay-making, dance-partying, gallery-hopping good time. 45 minute studio sessions, live DJ, drink specials.
Hyde Park Art Center, 773/324-5520, 5020 S Cornell Ave.
http://hydeparkart.org
MAP INFO SHARE

Improvised Shakespeare. Fridays 18+ $14 10:30p+8p.

Based on audience suggestion The Co creates a fully improvised play in Elizabethan style with ALL the typical elements.
http://improvisedshakespeare.com
IO Theatre, 773/880-0199, 3541 N. Clark.
http://chicago.ioimprov.com/io/shows/14
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

NOFX & Anti-Flag. -Saturday 17+ $25+ 2 nites. 9p.

http://nofx.org
House of Blues, 312/527-2583, 329 N Dearborn.
http://houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/chicago
MAP TICKETS PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE

Cosmix. Fridays 21+ $0-5 10p-4a.

Greg Haus spins Electro / Progressive / Breaks / Alternative / Electronica.
Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont. Near Red line Belmont stop.
http://www.berlinchicago.com
MAP PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE

Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (since 1988). Fr/Sa/Su All ages? $6-11+ Su 7p, Fr+Sa 11:30p.

30 plays in 60 minutes, lots of improv, very welcoming, sometimes topical.
Neo-Futurarium, 773/275-5255, 5153 N Ashland.
http://www.neofuturists.org
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Saturday 2011.10.15:    ^

Sweetest Day. 3rd Saturday in October Yearly.

Day to honor and be kind to one's sweetheart.
http://www.hallmark.com
http://bedno.com/holidays
INFO SHARE

Music Box Massacre (since 2005). -Sunday Yearly. Ages? $24-30 24hr 12p.

24 Hour Horror Movie Marathon including host, special guests, live music, costume contest, vintage trailers, prizes, more.
Music Box Theatre, 773/871-6604, 3733 N Southport.
http://www.musicboxtheatre.com
MAP PHOTOS INFO SHARE

Decompression. All ages. $20+ 2p-3a.

"Burning Man Chicago Community presents, art installations, music, food, fire, friends, family and FUN!"
http://boldurban.org/events
Bridgeport Arts Center, 1200 W 35th St. at Racine.
MAP SHARE

* Circus In The Parks. -Sunday Yearly. All ages. $0-15 Sa 2+5p, Su 1+4p.

Midnight Circus' world class troupe of clowns, contortionists, acrobats, etc perform just four exciting shows. Also other weeks in other parks.
http://circusintheparks.com
Commercial Park, 1845 W. Rice St.
http://chicagoparkdistrict.com
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Anthrax and Testament. All ages. $23-140+ 7p.

http://anthrax.com
Congress Theatre, 773/276-1235, 2135 N Milwaukee.
http://congresschicago.com
MAP PHOTOS SHARE

Circus in Progress. All ages. $10 4:30+7:30p.

An Evening of Daring New Work.
The Actors Gymnasium, 773/764-2896, 927 Noyes St, Evanston.
http://actorsgymnasium.com
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

College of Complexes (since 1951). "The Playground for People Who Think" Saturdays All ages. $3? +food/drink purchase 2.5hrs 8-11p.

Structured weekly free speech forum with quality lecturers and good American food and bar.
10.15: How the Left Wing and Right Wing Create Polarization.
312/326-2120 http://collegeofcomplexes.org
Lincoln Restaurant, 773/248-1820, 4008 N Lincoln. Near Lincoln/Irving/Damen.
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

FIREWORKS!!! Saturdays in October -2011.10.29 Yearly. All ages. Free 9p.

Visible anywhere near the lake.
Navy Pier, 312/222-9328, 600 E Grand. Take the free trolley.
http://www.navypier.com
MAP PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE

"Twisted" Saturdays 21+ $0 -11p, $5 -1a, $7+ 9:30p-5a.

"Meet and mingle with a truly diverse crowd. Dress up or dress down... this is the place to be what you want to be!"
Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont. Near Red line Belmont stop.
http://www.berlinchicago.com
MAP PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE

Skinprov. Saturdays 18+ $7 12a.

All male clothing reduced comedy.
Annoyance Theatre and Bar, 773/561-4665, 4830 N. Broadway.
http://annoyanceproductions.com
MAP SHARE

Sunday 2011.10.16:    ^

Bosses Day. Honor and be kind to bosses. Yearly.

http://www.hallmark.com
http://bedno.com/holidays
INFO SHARE

Bucktown Apple Pie Contest (since 2005). Yearly. All ages. Free 2-5p.

Fun-filled afternoon of music, games, prizes and 200+ homemade apple pies.
http://bucktownapplepiecontest.com
Holstein Park, 2200 N Oakley. 2 bks S of Fullerton, 1 bk E of Western.
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Model Rocket Launching (since 1963). 3rd Sundays All ages. Free 2-5p.

Deeply validates geekness. All skill levels. BYOL (Bring Your Own Launcher). Northern Illinois Rocketry Association hosted. Held away from population centers, only a few launches a year.
http://nirarocketry.org
East Branch Forest Preserve, Off Glen Ellyn Road near Army Trail Road, Glendale Heights. Use I-355.
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Chicago Bike Polo. Sundays All ages. Free 2:30-?p.

Pickup games in decommissioned tennis courts.
http://chicagohardcourt.com
Garfield Park, S Central Park Blvd at W Monroe St.
http://chicagoparkdistrict.com
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

"Adult Swim" Sundays All ages. Free 10p-12a.

Extraordinary block of popular and leading-edge absurdist cartoonage.
http://www.adultswim.com
TOON. On cable.
http://www.cartoonnetwork.com
TIMES MAP INFO SHARE

Monday 2011.10.17:    ^

Rehab. Mondays 21+ $? 10p-2a.

"America's Best Party" according to frisky young Wickers.
http://facebook.com/rehabdanceparty
Debonair Social Club, 773/227-7990, 1575 N Milwaukee. At North and Damen.
http://debonairsocialclub.com
MAP PHOTOS SHARE

Tuesday 2011.10.18:    ^

Alaska Day. Yearly.

Commemorates the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States in 1867.
http://www.alaska.com
http://bedno.com/holidays
INFO SHARE

Trentemoller. 18+ $18 9p.

http://anderstrentemoller.com
Metro, 773/549-0203, 3730 N Clark. Near Red Line Addison stop.
http://metrochicago.com/shows
MAP TICKETS PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE

Zombie Burlesque. -Friday 18+ $25+ 9p.

Costume contest, dead strippers, food trucks, extreme performers.
http://strippingdead.com
Admiral Theater, 773/478-8111, 3940 W Lawrence.
http://admiralx.com
MAP SHARE

Chicago Underground Comedy. Tuesdays 21+ $5 Doors 9p.

"The Hippest, Hottest Stand-Up Showcase to Emerge in Years" +good menu & booze.
http://www.chicagoundergroundcomedy.com
Beat Kitchen, 773/281-4444, 2100 W Belmont.
http://www.beatkitchen.com
MAP PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE

The Deep End. Tuesdays 21+ Free 10p-2a.

"Explores the deeper side of dance music."
Morseland Restaurant, 773/764-8900, 1218 W Morse. Rogers Park, at Sheridan. Free parking.
http://www.1218morse.com
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Wednesday 2011.10.19:    ^

Keep a Breast Tour. All ages. $22+ 7p.

W/ Uh Huh Her and Fences.
http://keep-a-breast.org
House of Blues, 312/527-2583, 329 N Dearborn.
http://houseofblues.com/venues/clubvenues/chicago
MAP TICKETS PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE

South Park NEW EPISODE. Wednesdays All ages. Free 9p.

http://southparkstudios.com
COM. On cable.
http://comedycentral.com
TIMES MAP INFO SHARE

"In One Ear" (since 1988). Poetry Open Mic. Wednesdays 18+ $3 10p-?a.

"2nd Longest Running Open-Mic In Chicago!"
http://facebook.com/group.php?gid=5016477382
Heartland Cafe, 773/465-8005, 7000 N Glenwood. Near Red Line Morse stop.
http://www.heartlandcafe.com
MAP INFO SHARE

Heartbeats. Wednesdays 21+ Free 10p-?a.

Lokua presents electronic, hip hop, downtempo DJs and performers.
http://momentsound.com
Morseland Restaurant, 773/764-8900, 1218 W Morse. Rogers Park, at Sheridan. Free parking.
http://www.1218morse.com
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Thursday 2011.10.20:    ^

Critical Lass. 3rd Thursdays All ages. Free 6p.

Monthly 5-8 mile bike ride exclusively for women/trans cyclists. Departs at 6:30, ends with a nosh.
http://Bedno.com/bike/cl
Polish Triangle, 1201 N Ashland. Division/Milwaukee.
http://www.thechainlink.org/group/criticallass
MAP SHARE

Spooky Bowlathon (since 1998). Yearly. All ages. $40+ 6:45-10p.

Halloween-themed fundraiser (benefits Alternatives Youth), flat price includes shoe rental, dinner and three hours of bowling for one. Also available raffle, and bar for 21+.
773/506-7474 http://alternativesyouth.org
Diversey River Bowl, 773/227-5800, 2211 W Diversey.
http://www.drbowl.com
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO SHARE

Two Kids One Hall. 18+ $25+ 8p.

Scott Thompson and Kevin McDonald.
Mayne Stage, 773/381-4554, 1328 W Morse.
http://maynestage.com
MAP SHARE

Dubstep night. Thursdays 21+ Free 10p-4a.

SmartBar, 773/549-0203, 3730 N Clark. Near Red Line Addison stop.
http://smartbarchicago.com
MAP TICKETS PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO SHARE

Attractions:    ^

Many great exhibits of local works and curated collections. All ages. Free. Mo-Th 8a-7p, Fr 8a-6p, Sa 9a-6p, Su 10a-6p.

With various special events, music and performances almost every day.
Chicago Cultural Center, 312/744-6630, 78 E Washington. SE of State/Lake train stops.
http://chicagoculturalcenter.org
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO

Various good modern art shows. All ages. $0-12, Free Tu 10a-8p, Mo closed, We-Su 10a-5p.

Museum of Contemporary Art, 312/280-2660, 220 E Chicago.
http://www.mcachicago.org
MAP PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO

LIKE A DOWNTOWN AMUSEMENT PARK. All ages. Mostly free.

With Giant Ferris Wheel, IMAX theatre, historic carousel, a*mazing Chicago ride, classic spinning swing ride, new mini-golf course, major VR games, food court, quality restaurants and bars, stained glass window museum, enclosed garden, wonderful specialty shops, children's museum, water taxis, several cruise lines and the Shakespeare Theatre.
Summer: 10a-10p Su-Th, 10a-midnt Fr-Sa; Fall: Mo-Th 10a-9p, Fr+Sa 10a-11p, Su 10a-7p; Winter: 10a-8p Mo-Th, 10a-10p Fr-Sa, 10a-7p Su.
Navy Pier, 312/222-9328, 600 E Grand. On-site parking, or Grand Red line stop then take free trolley.
http://www.navypier.com
MAP PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO

See how the universe works. All ages. $10-18+ Mo-Fr 9:30a-4:30p (-10p 1st Fridays), Sa/Su 9a-4:30p, closed xmas, open -6p 12.26-1.5.

Much high tech exhibitry.
Adler Planetarium, 312/922-7827 (STAR), 1300 S Lake Shore.
http://www.adlerplanetarium.org
MAP PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO

Masterpieces. All ages. $0-18 Mo/Tu/We/Fr 10:30a-5p, Th 10:30a-8p, Sa/Su 10a-5p, closed xgiving+xmas.

And other interesting permanent and visiting exhibits.
Art Institute of Chicago, 312/443-3500, 210 S Michigan.
http://www.artic.edu/aic
MAP PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO

World class gardens. Easy to get to. All ages. $8.75 parking. 8a-sunset, closed xmas.

385 acres, 23 gardens, 9 islands, prarie simulation, oriental features, miniature railway, produce, shows, restaurant, more...
Chicago Botanic Gardens, 847/835-5440, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe.
http://www.chicago-botanic.org
MAP INFO

Quality exhibits and activities for young minds. All ages. $0-10, Free Th 5-8p. 10a-5p.

Chicago Children's Museum, 312/527-1000, Navy Pier.
http://www.chichildrensmuseum.org
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO

Natural History done right. All ages. $6-12. Last entry 4p, closed xmas. 9a-5p.

"Sue" permanent dinosaur exhibit, insects, anthropology, world culture, geology, ecology, much more.
Field Museum, 312/922-9410, Roosevelt at Lake Shore Drive.
http://www.fmnh.org
MAP PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO

Exhibits covering 4000 years of surgical history. Not for the squeamish. All ages. $3-6, Free Tuesdays. Tu-Sa 10a-4p. Closed 12.24-25, 12.31-1.1.

International Museum of Surgical Science, 312/642-6502, 1524 N Lake Shore.
http://www.imss.org
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO

World class zoo. Now with web cams. All ages. Free (Building hours vary) 9a-6p.

Lincoln Park Zoo, 773/742-2000, 2200 N Cannon.
http://www.lpzoo.com
MAP PHOTOS FIND EVENTS INFO

Consistent world class wonderland, set aside a whole day. All ages. $6-11 +parking/movies, Sometimes free. Mo-Sa 9:30a-4p, Su 11a-4p.

Exhibits include clock (possibly the best historical collection in existence), trains, toys, flight, genetics, chemistry, coal, petroleum, human body slices, cyberspace, farming, the U-505, TONS of space flight tech, and much more.
Museum of Science and Industry, 773/684-1414, 57th at Lake Shore.
http://www.msichicago.org
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO

Truly stunning world class aquarium. $11-18, some deal days. Sa/Su 9a-6p, Mo-Fr 9a-5p (-6p in summer), some later days.

Rear outside deck has the city's best skyline view. Now with web cams.
Shedd Aquarium, 312/939-2438, 1200 S Lake Shore.
http://SheddAquarium.org
MAP PHOTOS EVENTS INFO

Notes:    ^

ALWAYS call before going to a listed event.

ALWAYS call before going to a listed event.
MAP

Disclaimer.

My mom the attorney would want me to remind you that no Bedno accepts any liability whatsoever for your use of any information presented here, as-is, at your own risk, ad infinitum, etc etc.
http://bedno.com/terms

Many thanx to ChicagoFun.com.

Many thanx to ChicagoFun.com for hosting this system. ChicagoFun.com is THE one-stop special-event planning resource for the Chicagoland area.
http://ChicagoFun.com

2011.10.14