Glowering eyes, frantic snorts, thundering hooves–Loop sidewalks can get pretty wild. But an even more awesome migration takes place in “Africa: The Serengeti,” the first feature at Navy Pier’s IMAX Theater. Wildebeests and lions will fill the 60-by-80-foot screen, accompanied by a chest-pounding soundtrack, when the 440-seat theater opens Saturday in the Family Pavilion. “Africa” is 40 minutes, with showings on the hour from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday. $6.50 for most, $5.50 for seniors 55 and up and $4.50 for kids 11 and under. Call 312-595-7437 for information, 312-559-1212 for tickets. Navy Pier is at Grand Avenue and Lake Michigan. Coming in March: 3-D IMAX. See Michael Wilmington’s review of “Africa” in Take 2.
– Joe Pixler.
SENIOR OPEN
On Wednesday, between 9:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., the Art Institute is opening its doors to seniors, free of charge. Visitors 55 and older can first watch a slide presentation highlighting the diversity of the museum’s collections. Seniors can then view the works in galleries that will feature live music, docents answering questions and School of the Art Institute students re-creating masterpieces. Free tickets (which do not include admission to the Monet exhibition) are available at the Columbus Drive entrance. Call 312-443-3929.
– Nancy Maes.
DOWN HOME
The 18th Annual Fox Valley Folk and Storytelling Festival features more than 130 performers on six stages, plus more performances and activities than ever for children. As usual, audience participation is encouraged with jam sessions, barn dancing and a Liars Contest for adults and for kids. Island Park in Geneva; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday-Monday. $10 adults, $8 teens and seniors, under 12 free. Call 708-844-3655.
– Nancy Maes.