Cheap Thrills: October 11-17
This week is gonna be a whirlwind: We’ve got a marathon and a parade and a party and architecture and a free museum and…. the list could go on forever! Enjoy your week, Illinois, and remember: There’s always something free and fun to do in our great state!
Sunday, October 11
Put on that warm fuzzy sweater and show your love for the athletes running the Chicago Marathon. Join with 1.5 million of your closest friends in one – or more – of 29 neighborhoods, to cheer and enjoy live entertainment. You can even get to know some of the runners before the race by reading their online diaries. The race begins and ends on Columbus Drive, and snakes through 29 neighborhoods.
Monday, October 12
It’s Columbus Day, and what could be better than a parade? Be wowed by marching bands, decked out floats, and lots of tractors from 12:30PM to 2:30PM. The parade runs along Balbo Drive from Columbus Drive to Monroe Street. After the parade winds down, make tracks to the after party at Grant Park, where you can do a little dancing to live music and enjoy some tasty Italian treats.
Tuesday, October 13
Get the kids excited about Chicago, architecture and local history at the B Like Burnham Exhibit at the Chicago Architecture Foundation. The exhibit features a child-sized model of downtown Chicago, and celebrates the life and work of our great city’s planner, Daniel Burnham. On Tuesdays, the Chicago Architecture Foundation is open from 9AM to 6PM.
Wednesday, October 14
Here’s proof that we live in an amazing city that offers amazing learning opportunities: The Columbia College Center for Book & Paper Arts has an exhibition on Tibetan Buddhist printing. Called, “Pearl of the Snowlands: Buddhist Printing at the Derge Parkhang,” the exhibit showcases the stunning works of the Derge Sutra Printing Temple in Tibet. Founded in 1729, the Temple is a world cultural treasure, and this exhibit is a must see. Gallery hours are 10AM to 6PM.
Thursday, October 15
Forget Thursday night TV, the Art Institute is free this evening! From 5PM – 8PM, stroll right past the ticket booth and head straight to the Chagall windows. Or to the Zarina Bhimji exhibit. Or to the Malian headdresses. Or to… any one of the magnificent works of art on display at this cultural gem.
Friday, October 16
Star light, star bright, everyone come out to Twilight Night! Northerly Island will be hosting the latest Nature Oasis event, a Chicago Park District program that introduces Chicagoans to the amazing nature all around us. Participants will learn about nocturnal animals, nosh on roasted marshmallows, do a little stargazing, and come home with a craft project. The event runs on from 6PM to 8PM.
Saturday, October 17
The Chicago International Film Festival is in full swing this week. While the films are generally not free (they cost around $9 to $12 each), the lively and insightful discussions are! The Chicago Cultural Center will be hosting panel discussions all week long, and Saturday explore the myriad ways directors incorporate their own lives into their films. Titled,”Story of My Life,” the panel begins at 12PM at the Claudia Cassidy Theater.
- Shannon Sankstone
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