You know that we are at the beginning of Chicago’s warmest season when the Museum of Contemporary Art holds its annual SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION. And who better knows how to celebrate than the members of Redmoon Theatre, who will bring their raucous, festive spectacle called “Long Live the King (the king is dead)” and perform with puppets, oversized props and lots of gusto. Although the museum’s celebration runs from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Saturday, families will have the most fun on Saturday afternoon. Crafts for kids include making windsocks shaped like fish, flip books and paper as well as block prints using Styrofoam plates and groovy-looking grids inspired by the works of Chuck Close, which are currently on display in the museum. In a program called “Art-n-Soul Teen Festival,” young people from the city will dance and sing and put on theatrical productions. Summer Solstice Celebration family events, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., $5 adults, free for children; 312-280-2660.
Children will get to sample food at Taste of Chicago because kid-sized tasting portions, ranging in price from 50 cents to $1.50, will be available at each of the event’s 63 restaurant booths. But they will also be able to get a sampling of all the different kinds of entertainment available for youngsters. Chicago favorite Ella Jenkins will perform and get everyone to sing along in many different languages. Chris McCool, a Parent’s Choice winner who is known as the eco-troubadour, will offer some of his songs about Mother Nature and the environment; the irrepressible Nelson Gill will inspire everyone to dance to his Caribbean beat; Dave Rudolf will serve up his silly kinds of songs; and the list goes on and on. Children at the Taste can become chefs, too, at a Cooking Corner where they can practice decorating cheesecake. Taste of Chicago, Sears Funtime Stage, 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Thursday-July 5, southwest corner of Jackson Boulevard and Columbus Drive, free; 312-744-3370.
Tuesdays have been designated “Family Nights” at Navy Pier during the summer, which means there will be all kinds of entertainment. Performer T. Daniel has created his own version of the legend of Merlin, which he will perform in mime on the Skyline Stage. Other Family Night events include a Dixieland band and Navy Pier’s Dock Street Stompers and Strolling Performers as well as a place to play interactive games, which include a Velcro wall that players can stick to. Family Night: “Merlin and the Magician,” 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 25, $6, 312-595-5290; performances and games, 4-8 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 25, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., free; 312-595-PIER.
