Blaze of glory: Fireworks fanatics can find displays to “Oooh” and “Aahh” over all weekend. Here is a brief sampling of some traditional favorites:
After the 7:30 p.m. Sunday Grant Park Symphony Concert at the Petrillo Bandshell, Jackson Blvd. at Columbus Dr., fireworks will blast at about 9:30 p.m. Sightlines stretch from the Adler Planetarium to around Navy Pier, and they can also be seen in Grant Park. For details, call 312-7443370.
Fireworks are at about 9:30 p.m. Monday in Morton Grove at Harrer Park, 6250 W. Dempster St. A parade down Dempster Street is at 2 p.m. Call 708-965-7447.
Unquestionably, the community with the most bang for their bucks is Lisle, with fireworks at about 9:45 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday near Short Street between Yackley Ave. and Ill. 53. Call 708-968-1666.
These fireworks displays are free, but for those who would rather watch from an easy chair, FOX 32 is broadcasting the Chicago fireworks display live.
– Steve Dale
Time out: Soccer isn’t the only game in town. The Oriental Institute (1155 E. 58th St.) is presenting an exhibit called “Sports and Games in the Ancient Near East” through Sept. 18 that demonstrates civilizations long ago had their eye on the athletic prize. Ancient artifacts illustrate the popularity of foot races, wrestling matches and archery contests thousands of years ago. Mind games of the time illustrated in the exhibit include various board games, such as one carved in stone to resemble a coiled snake and another made of precious ivory and gold. At 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, children ages 6-12 can learn how to play an ancient board game and make one of their own to take home; exhibit and activities are free. 312-702-9521.
– Nancy Maes
Weaving a spell: This smiling spider comes to us courtesy of Odilon Redon, one of the most provocative and original artists of the 19th Century. The largest retrospective of his work-drawings, lithographs, paintings and pastels-in nearly 40 years will open at the Art Institute of Chicago on Saturday and promises to be the art exhibition of the summer. Go early!
– Alan G. Artner
Honor rock ‘n’roll: Metro Music, the oldest black record conglomerate, is marking 35 years with a 90-day performance extravaganza. From July through August, its 103rd and 87th St. stores will become stages for the 906 artists featured at Metro over the last three decades. The Isley Brothers, The Dells, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr are among the first live appearances. Both stores will also feature 24-hour showings of videos of the 906 artists. For details, phone 312-928-9722.
– Eugenia Daniels