Need some ideas for what to do this weekend? Chicago Tonight knows what is going on!
“Out in Chicago” at the Chicago History Museum
Learn about the history of LGBT life and culture in Chicago at this new exhibit opening at the Chicago History Museum on Saturday, May 21st. The exhibit features rare LGBT memorabilia from the clubs, bars and marches that defined the community’s presence in Chicago. The festivities on Saturday include performances by FurrLesque!, a burlesque dance featuring men of the gay Bear subculture, and Quixotic, a gay-themed sketch comedy company. Tickets start at $14 for adults.
Chicago History Museum
1601 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL
Chill and Grill Festival
This outdoor festival hosted by Better Homes and Gardens magazine will get you ready for the summer grilling season with taste tests, techniques and demonstrations. On Saturday, take your family to Lincoln Park to hear some live music and get in the spirit of summer! Food from Black Dog Gelato, Girl & the Goat, Hot Chocolate and Hearty will just be some of the offerings, with regular book signings from some of grilling’s greatest chefs happening throughout the day. Tickets for the demonstrations require pre-registration and cost $30, but entrance to the event is free for both Saturday, May 21st and Sunday, May 22nd.
“Peter Pan” at Chicago Tribune Freedom Center
See this classic by J.M. Barrie in a completely unique production featuring the world’s first computer-generated, 360-degree set. The audience surrounds the stage as the multimedia production—with aerial stunts—re-imagines this childhood classic. The show runs at Chicago Tribune Freedom Center through July 10. Tickets range from $35 to $135, depending on the show and the seat.
Chicago Tribune Freedom Center
650 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL
“Public Works” at the Museum of Contemporary Photography
This special exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Photography takes what would normally be the very mundane—infrastructure staples like highways and signs—and makes them worth another look. Not to be missed is Frank Breuer’s study of the telephone pole and Hubert Glanz’ photo collages taken from satellites. The show runs through July 17th, and entrance is free.
The Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College
600 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Auditorium Theatre
See modern dance done perfectly by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Auditorium Theatre. Some of the dances feature the work of director Judith Jamison, who is closing out her time with the company, while others in the show feature the man taking her place, Robert Battle. Music in the scores comes from Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Otis Redding and Moby. The show runs through May 22nd, and tickets range from $30 to $87.
Auditorium Theatre
50 E. Congress Parkway
Chicago, IL
Design for a Living World
The Nature Conservancy asked 10 well-known designers to create objects from completely sustainable materials in an effort to prove how easy it can be to go green. Designers like Isaac Mizrahi, Maya Lin and Ezri Tarazi came up with objects that show how sustainable materials can make almost anything. An exhibit featuring these designs—and showing the life cycle of materials—recently opened at The Field Museum. Admission for adults is $29, but for Chicago residents it is $25. The exhibit runs through November 13th.
The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL
Jim Nutt: Coming into Character
The famous imagist painter, Jim Nutt, wraps up his exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Nutt has focused entirely on the female head and face as his subject for line drawings and colorful paintings. Come to the exhibition and you will be able to see how Nutt is inspired by Henri Matisse, Colonial America and Northern European portraiture. The exhibition runs through May 29th, and admission is a suggested donation of $12.
The Museum of Contemporary Art
220 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL
