Looking for something to do outside of Naperville? Here are some entertainment options.
FESTIVALS
SPRINGBLOOMS FESTIVAL: See spring’s vibrant colors in full bloom and enjoy an assortment of botanical events and workshops. 8 a.m. Mon.-Thu.; Free; Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe. 847-835-5440.
MUSEUMS, ZOOS
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO: “A Century of Collecting: African-American Art in the Art Institute of Chicago”: See more than 100 works that showcase the Art Institute’s collection of African-American art, including Joshua Johnson, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Horace Pippin, Aaron Douglas, Jacob Lawrence and Elizabeth Catlett. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun.; 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Thu.; 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Tue.; Through May 18; Free with general admission, $6-$10; 111 S. Michigan Ave. 312-443-3600.
CHICAGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY: “Chicago Sports! You Shoulda Been There”: A comprehensive look at Chicago sports over several decades, includes all six Bulls’ NBA championship trophies, Walter Payton’s Super Bowl ring and the home plate from old Comiskey Park. Fri.-Thu.; Through Jan. 25; 312-642-4600. “On the Fringe”: Includes 19th and early 20th Century exotic paisley shawls from India, which were the accessories of choice for some women. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun.; 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Thu.; 9:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Tue.; Through July 13; $1-$5; 1601 N. Clark St. 312-642-4600.
FIELD MUSEUM: “Baseball As America”: See Shoeless Joe Jackson’s shoes, Babe Ruth’s bat and Jackie Robinson’s jersey in this exhibit that examines the relationship between our national pastime and our culture.; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.-Thu.; Through July 20; $4-$10 in addition to general admission, $5-$10. 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-922-9410.
MEXICAN FINE ARTS CENTER MUSEUM: “Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and 20th Century Mexican Art: The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection”: More than 200 pieces by Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Jose Clemente Orozco, Rufino Tamayo, Miguel Covarrubias, Juan Soriano and Francisco Toledo, and many others. Features 16 Frida Kahlo pieces, representing the largest grouping of her work seen outside of Mexico.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.-Sun., Tue.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wed.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu.; Through April 27; $3-$7. Free Wednesdays from 5-8 p.m.; 1852 W. 19th St. 312-559-1212, 312-738-1503.
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART: Hiroshi Sugimoto: A survey exhibition of a contemporary master of Japanese photography, known for an extended series on such subjects as seascapes, empty movie theaters and waxworks. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.-Sun.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tue.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Thu.; Through June 1; $6-$10; 220 E. Chicago Ave. 312-280-2660.
PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM: Magic: The Science of Illusion: Experience magic from the perspective of both the magician and the audience. Visitors learn and perform tricks using mirrors, light, math and science, and watch video clips of magic acts with puzzling special effects; 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun.; 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Thu.; Through Sept. 1; $2-$4 in addition to museum admission, $4-$7. Thursdays free; 2430 N. Cannon Drive. 773-755-5100.
SHEDD AQUARIUM: Wild Reef: Sharks at Shedd: Floor-to-ceiling windows provide guests with a diver’s-eye view of a Philippine coral reef, housing more than 25 sharks, 500 species of reef fishes and the largest public display of live corals in the Midwest. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Thu.; Through July 15; $9-$21. Advance ticket purchase recommended; 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-559-0200, 312-939-2438.
TOURS
BREWERY TOUR: View the brewing process and sample award-winning ales and lagers. 3 p.m. Sun.; $5. Reservations required for large groups. Goose Island, 1800 N. Clybourn Ave. Through May 4. 312-915-0071.
CHICAGO RIVER ARCHITECTURE TOUR: A narrated 60-minute tour through the heart of the city traces the history, innovations and visionaries that created Chicago’s urban architecture. Fri.-Thu.; $8-$16; Wendella Sightseeing Boats, 400 N. Michigan Ave. Through Nov. 30. 312-337-1446.
COMBINED LAKE AND RIVER TOUR: A narrated 90-minute tour presents an overview of the city’s history and architecture with a pass through the Chicago Lock. Fri.-Thu.; $8-$16; Wendella Sightseeing Boats, 400 N. Michigan Ave. Through Nov. 30. 312-337-1446.
FREDERICK C. ROBIE HOUSE TOUR: Considered an architectural masterpiece and a cornerstone of modern functional form, the Robie House, currently being restored to its original design, is a quintessential example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie-style architecture. 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. Fri.; 11 a.m. Sat.-Sun.; 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. Mon.-Thu.; $7-$9. For group tours of 10 and more call 708-848-1978; Robie House, 5757 S. Woodlawn Ave. Through June 24. 773-834-1847.
GREATER NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE WALKING TOUR: The Chicago Architecture Foundation hosts a tour of the Magnificent Mile and the surrounding neighborhood. 11 a.m. Fri.-Sat., Mon.; $7-$15; John Hancock Center, Garden Plaza, 875 N. Michigan Ave. Through May 31. 312-922-3432.
HISTORIC AND MODERN SKYSCRAPERS TOUR: The Chicago Architecture Foundation hosts a tour of skyscrapers built between the 1870s and 1930s, including the Rookery, the Auditorium Building, the Chicago Board of Trade Building and others. 10 a.m. Fri.-Thu.; $9-$20. No reservations needed. Chicago Architecture Foundation Store, 224 S. Michigan Ave. Through Oct. 1. 312-922-3432.
HYDE PARK TOUR: The Chicago Architecture Foundation hosts a two-hour tour of Gothic architecture from the 1860s to the 1950s, including the exterior of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, currently under restoration. 1 p.m. Sun.; $5-$10. Meet at the northwest corner of the chapel. Rockefeller Memorial Chapel at University of Chicago, 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave. Through Oct. 12. 312-922-3432.
LOOP ARCHITECTURE WALKING TOUR: Learn the history of the modern skyscraper during this two-hour tour led by Art Excursions. 10 a.m. Fri.; $30. Reservations required at least 24 hours in advance. The Rookery, 209 S. LaSalle St. Through July 11. 630-671-9745.
MIES AND MODERNISM: Tour of the Illinois Institute of Technology, home to the world’s largest group of buildings designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Led by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, the tour visits new projects including the Helmut Jahn-designed residence hall. 10 a.m. Sat.; $5-$10; Illinois Institute of Technology, Perlstein Hall, 10 W. 33rd Street. Through May 4. 312-922-3432.
OAK PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT WALKING TOURS: This 75-minute guided or self-guided tour of an architectural national historic district features the exteriors of 13 residences designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Guided tours start at 10:30 a.m. and continue every hour through 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (March-October), and noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (November-February). Self-guided tours are available 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily year-round. 10:30 a.m. Sat.-Sun.; $6-$8. Group tours available; Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, 951 Chicago Ave., Oak Park. Through June 22. 708-848-1976.
PUBLIC SCULPTURE WALKING TOUR: See the diverse display of public sculpture by international artists, including Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Marc Chagall and Lorado Taft. Led by Art Excursions. 10 a.m. Sun.; $30. Reservations required at least 24 hours in advance. Untitled, or the Picasso, 50 W. Washington St. Through July 13. 630-671-9745.
RIVER ARCHITECTURE WALKING TOUR: Tour examines the diversity of styles–from Beaux Arts to Postmodernism–visible around the Chicago River. Visit the Wrigley Building, the Tribune Tower, the Merchandise Mart and other buildings during this two-hour tour led by Art Excursions. 1 p.m. Fri.; $30. Reservations required at least 24 hours in advance. Wrigley Building, 400-410 N. Michigan Ave. Through July 11. 630-671-9745.
SHORELINE ARCHITECTURE CRUISE: During a 60-minute tour, view more than 40 structures on the Chicago River, including work by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Helmut Jahn. 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m. Sat.-Sun.; $8-$20 includes complimentary map; group rates available; purchase tickets online: www.shorelinesightseeing.com. Odgen Slip Dock, Illinois Street and Streeter Drive (adjacent to Navy Pier). Through April 27. 312-222-9328.
STREETERVILLE WALKING TOUR: Led by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, the tour includes the Palmolive Building, Drake Hotel, Mies van der Rohe apartments and the Museum of Contemporary Art. 1:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Mon.; $9-$12; John Hancock Center, Garden Plaza, 875 N. Michigan Ave. Through May 31. 312-922-3432.
TIFFANY ON WEDNESDAYS TOUR: Tour the buildings that feature Tiffany glass, including the Art Institute, the Chicago Cultural Center, the Marquette Building and Marshall Field’s. Led by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. 3 p.m. Wed.; $5-$15; Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave. Through Oct. 29. 312-922-3432.
ETC.
ESTROGEN FEST 2003: FEMALE IDENTITY–IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE HAIR: A festival focusing on female identity that includes dozens of local artists and theater companies in three diverse programs of live music, theater, dance, visual art, poetry and performance art. 7:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Thu.; $12 per program, $30 for all three; Storefront Theater, Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph St. Through May 10. 312-742-8497.
KINSEY SICKS: The dragapella beauty shop quartet presents an evening of music and comedy. 7:30 p.m. Thu.; $30; Circuit, 3641 N. Halsted St. Through April 19. 773-325-2233.
LUCIA’S MOB HITS: A CULINARY MUSICAL EXPERIENCE: Two-location event features a five-course dinner and complimentary wine at Lucia’s (1825 W. North Ave) at 6:30 p.m., followed by cabaret artist Lucia Spina performing at Davenport’s at 8:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Wed.; $40. Two-drink minimum at the show. Reservations required; Davenport’s Piano Bar and Cabaret, 1383 N. Milwaukee Ave. Through April 30. 773-278-1830.
MEDITATION FOR PEACE AND PLANETARY HEALING: Instruction on the art of meditation and a group meditation to create energy for peace. 7 p.m. Wed.; Donations accepted. The Hart Center, 127 S. Second St., Geneva. Through June 11. 630-262-5055.
SPRING FLOWER SHOW 2003: Features a changing selection of various spring blooming plants including azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas, trees, shrubs, snapdragons, centaurea and many more. 9 a.m. Fri.-Thu.; Free; Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave. Through May 11. 312-746-5100.
SWINGIN’ AT THE STUDIO: Students and dancers of all ages, from beginners to experienced, are welcome to come out and practice swing dancing. CDs play at moderate tempos so that you can dance through a song or stop to work out any kinks. 9:30 p.m. Tue.; Suggested donation: $3; Big City Swing, 1012 W Randolph. Through July 15. 312-409-5161.
YOGA DANCE: Yoga class combining fundamental poses and dance moves. 5:30 p.m. Sat.; $15 single class; class packages available. Makita Yoga Center, 700 N. Carpenter. Through May 17. 312-942-9642.
RECREATION
NIKETOWN RUNNING CLUB: Runners and walkers set their own pace for 3-, 5- or 7-mile distances. Refreshments follow the workout. 6:15 p.m. Thu.; Free; Nike Town, 669 N. Michigan Ave. Through July 3. 312-642-6363.
SINGLES
DANCE CONNECTION: Meet other singles, plus enter a dance contest for a chance to win $100. Finalists compete every 12 weeks for a grand-prize trip for two to international destinations. 8 p.m. Fri.; $5; Sabre Room, 8900 W. 95th St., Hickory Hills. Through June 6. 847-604-1199.
SINGLE PARENTS NIGHT: Meet other young single parents for a night of dancing and conversation. 8:30 p.m. Tue.; $3; Mama Vesuvio’s, 6361 W. College Drive, Palos Heights. Through June 3. 708-802-0804.
THUNDERBIRD SINGLES DANCE: Billed as the largest suburban singles dance, this event features a buffet, deejay and prizes. Free dance instruction at 6:15 p.m. 7 p.m. Sun.; $7; 94th Aero Squadron, 1070 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling. Through May 25. 847-604-3518.
