CHECK OUT: all the Free Things to Do in Chicago at http://chicagofree.info
LISTEN. Check out Sunday in the Park with Civic, a percussion ensemble from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago’s MusiCorps program which offers a free, family-friendly, interactive chamber program for children this Sunday May 3 at Indian Boundary Park in the Rogers Park neighborhood.
SHOP. More than 7,000 tomes, including a 1920 edition of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “This Side of Paradise,” will hit the shelves at the NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY LIBRARY BOOK SALE. Stock up on all those titles you’ve been meaning to read. May 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Hardcover books will be priced at $3; quality paperbacks at $2; mass-market paperbacks at 50 cents. 1970 Campus Drive, Evanston, (847) 491-2932, www.library.northwestern.edu/booksale.
EXPLORE. Costumes and props from the movies are among the treasures you’ll uncover when “HARRY POTTER: THE EXHIBITION” opens at the Museum of Science and Industry this week. The exhibitions are modeled after sets from the films, such as the Gryffindor common room. May 1-3, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; extended hours apply to Harry Potter exhibit, regular museum space closes at 4 p.m. Combination admission with regular museum admission ranges from $15-$26. 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, (773) 684-1414, www.msichicago.org.
BET. Arlington Park kicks off the horseracing season with the “WORLD’S LARGEST DERBY PARTY.” The day includes 12 live races, live music, mint juleps and, of course, a simulcast of the Run for the Roses from Louisville. May 2, gates open at 10 a.m. General admission is $6; park-goers who live in Arlington Heights receive discount. 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, (847) 385-7500, www.arlingtonpark.com.
SIP. The all-you-can-eat (and drink) BATTLE OF THE BELGIANS features two Belgian-style breweries going head to foaming head at Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap. The evening will include beer and food pairing and three rounds of beer tastings. May 1, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Cost is $25. 41 E. Superior St., (312) 266-0400, www.jakemelnicks.com.
LEARN. Interior designers of all stripes will show you how they find that one treasure that makes the room. As part of the MERCHANDISE MART INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUES FAIR, the designers will scour the booths and then explain their findings, teaching the audience what to look for when buying antiques. This Favorite Things workshop takes place Friday a.m.; the show runs through Monday. Favorite Things discoveries, May 1, 11 a.m.; antiques fair, May 1-2, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; May 3, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tickets are $25. 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, (800) 677–6278, www.merchandisemartantiques.com.
PREPARE. That North Shore gardening favorite, Chalet, opens its doors for its for annual GARDEN FAIRE. Just in time for spring, get your soil tested and your tools sharpened, and pick out new trees, shrubs, plants and soil, some of which will be discounted throughout the weekend. May 2, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; May 3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 3132 Lake St., Wilmette, (847) 256-0561, www.chaletnursery.com.
TOUCH. Fire engines, ice cream trucks, school buses and more than two dozen other full-sized vehicles will be open to little hands during the Kohl Children’s Museum TOUCH-A-TRUCK event at Fields Chrysler Jeep Dodge. Let your kids get up close and personal with the big wheels. May 3, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets are $25 per family, proceeds benefit Kohl Children’s Museum. 670 Frontage Rd., Northfield, (847) 832-6600, www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org.
Recent Comments