Things to do and see around the city.
ART
THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO: 111 S. Michigan Ave. 312-443-3600. “A Voyage to South America: Andean Art in the Spanish Empire” on display through Feb. 21, 2016.
CHICAGO ARTISTS COALITION: 217 N. Carpenter St. 312-491-8888. Create Webinar Recordings through June 2016.
EVANSTON ART CENTER: 2603 Sheridan Road. 847-475-5300.
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART: 220 E. Chicago. mcachicago.org.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART: 1852 W. 19th St. 312-738-1503. Exhibit “Nuestras Historias: Stories of Mexican Identity from the Permanent Collection” on display through Nov. 30, 2017. “Deportable Aliens: New Work” by Rodrigo Lara Zendejas through Feb. 28, 2016. “La Muerte Nina: Day of the Dead” will be on display through Dec. 13. Celebrate the Day of the Dead with the works of over 90 artists of Mexican descent from both sides of the border. Featured is the painting tradition of the Death Child and the little angels’ ritual. Thirteen ofrendas and installations were created to remember distinguished artists and members of the community alike. Sugar Skull demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 2. Reading with Patricia Dominguez of her new book “Tsipeni y Joselito” and Children’s Art Workshop at 1 p.m. Oct. 31. Guided public tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Oct. 31. City-wide Day of the Dead celebration from 4 to 9 p.m. Nov. 1. The museum and surrounding area will be turned into an elaborate work of art, featuring visual displays which reveal the story of the Day of the Dead. Additionally, Harrison Park will be transformed into a festive cemetery, complete with ofrendas, created by community members, local artists and organizations. Guests will also enjoy pan de muerto and hot chocolate, musical performances, face painting and art activities. Free. Dia de los Muertos Ball: Love Never Dies at 7 p.m. Nov. 6. Enjoy delectable food, libations, and spirited revelry. Dance with music from DJ Jesse De La Pena of Vocalo Radio and Dos Santos Anti-Beat Orquesta. Tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the door.
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NATIONAL VETERANS ART MUSEUM: 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773- 326-0270. Permanent exhibits include “The Things They Carried.”
UKRAINIAN INSTITUTE OF MODERN ART: 2320 W. Chicago Ave. 773-227-5522; www.uima-chicago.org.
ZHOU B ART CENTER: 1029 W 35th St. 773- 523-0200.
COMEDY
HEMMENS CULTURAL CENTER: Corner of Symphony Way and North Grove Avenue, Elgin. GreenRoom Improv will perform the first Friday of the month at 8 p.m. through December. Tickets are $10-12. Discounts for groups available.
SECOND CITY: Piper’s Alley, 1608 N. Wells. 312-337-3992. “Soul Brother, Where Art Thou?,” “103rd Mainstage Revue: Panic on Cloud 9,” “The Second City’s Life Hacks,” “#DateMe: An OkCupid Experiment,” “Best of Second City,” “Death by Evening,” “Neighborhood Tour,” Second City’s “Game Night,” “Thank You, That’s Enough” will be performed through October and November. Tickets are $23-41 for each.
ZANIES: 1548 N. Wells. 312-337-4027. Patti Vasquez, Nov. 1. Mihichi, Nov. 2-3. Fortune Feimster, Nov. 4. Jake Johannsen Nov. 5-6. Aligon Mitra Nov. 7-8.
ZANIES: Pheasant Run Resort and Spa, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. 630-513-1761. Eddie Brill, Nov. 6-7.
ZANIES: MB Financial Park, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont. 847-813-0484. Tuesday Ten, Nov. 3. Aligon Mitra Nov. 4-5. Jake Johannsen Nov. 7.
MEDLEY
HOUSE OF TORMENT: 8240 N. Austin Ave., Morton Grove. 224-888-1031. Open through Nov. 7. Fast pass and immediate access available. This haunted house features two attractions: Contagium (alien invasion creating half-alien, half-human hybrid race, with horrifying results) and The Abandoned (abandoned school, possessed schoolchildren, the most tortured among them being a girl named Hellen). Tickets are $24.99-29.99.
LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER CHICAGO: Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg. 312-558-1770. LEGO Star Wars Days Adult Night will be from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Nov. 6. Jedi, Droids and Stormtroopers land in for a night of intergalactic fun. Guests ages 16 and up are invited to participate in out-of-this-world LEGO build activities and meet members of the Star Wars 501st Legion. Other activities include: Help building a large model of Yoda to display in the Center, enjoy themed speed build competitions, meet, greet and take pictures with real-life LEGO Star Wars characters, prizes and giveaways, while supplies last, and more. Alcoholic beverages will be available for those 21 with valid ID. Cost is $13 in advance and $18 at the door. The Force returns for out-of-this-world fun during LEGO Star Wars Days from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 7-8. Last admission at 5 p.m. The weekend will feature fun-filled LEGO Star Wars build activities for all ages including LEGO Star Wars build competitions and a large scale LEGO Yoda group build. Also, meet members of the Star Wars 501st Legion, win prizes and giveaways, while supplies last, and more.
MAHONEY’S PUB & GRILLE: 551 North Ogden Ave. 312-733-2121. Enjoy a spook-tacular Halloween Oct. 31, with live music, a live radio broadcast, and $1,000 in cash given away. Join Lauren from 101 WKQX-FM from 8 p.m. to midnight as she hosts live music from the Charles Walker Band, Walsher Clemons, and Chicago Loud. At midnight, a DJ will take over and the costume contest will give away $1,000 cash: $500 for first place, $350 for second place and $150 for third place. There will be no cover charge to attend, and attendees must be 21 and over. The costume contest will take place at midnight, and the party will go on until 3 a.m.
NAVY PIER: 600 E. Grand Ave. 312-595-5200. The exhibit “Boats!” will be on display through Nov. 1 in the Children’s Museum. (Not So) Spooky Halloween through Nov. 1 at the Chicago Children’s Museum. Design a kooky costume, create a freaky frankentoy, transform into your alter-ego in DIY face painting, or just make a batch of icky, gooey slime. Haunted Maze from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 30 and 31. Bloodthirsty clowns have taken up residence in the maze and it’s no laughing matter. Try to find the exit before you become a permanent addition to their funhouse of terror. Saints and Sinners Halloween at 8 .m. Oct. 31. Celebrate this Halloween in style as the two worlds collide for Chicago’s ultimate party. Tickets start at $20. Haunted Halloween Ball Oct. 31. Step inside the elegant Grand Ballroom for a decadent evening of mystery, glamour, and gruesome costumes. Tickets start at $20. SOFA CHICAGO, the world-renowned art fair dedicated to Sculpture, Objects, Functional Art and Design returns to Navy Pier’s Festival Hall November 6-8, with an Opening Night Preview on Nov. 5. Admission is $15-20, and $30 for a 3-day pass.
RENAISSANCE SCHAUMBURG CONVENTION CENTER.1551 N. Thoreau Drive. www.aquaticexperience.org. The world’s only traveling gator experience, Gator Encounters, is among the new exhibits at the World Pet Association’s annual Aquatic Experience — Chicago, from noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 7, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8. Show attendees will be able to interact with gators up close at a touch tank, as well as enjoy additional programs including: new live octopus and piranha tanks, Fish from Around the World displays, a Kids Aquarium Contest and “everything aquatic under one roof” — from saltwater and freshwater fish to pond and aquatic plants. The thriving show floor of exhibitors showcases the latest in aquatic trends and products for advanced hobbyists and first-time aquarium keepers alike. Daily family passes are $25 and individual tickets start at just $10. Children ages 5 and under are free. Registration for the Kids Aquarium Contest for children ages 5-16 is $5 and includes a 10-gallon aquarium kit plus a wristband for free admission to the show floor with a paying adult.
RIVER SHANNON: Lincoln Park at 425 West Armitage. 312-944-5087. Kids can grab a parent (or guardian) and trick or treat from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 31. There will be a free pizza and pop party, just for kids, while supplies last, Halloween games and fun for kids of all ages. Also, each child will go home with a Halloween goody bag filled with candy and fun Halloween-themed toys.
MUSEUMS
ADLER PLANETARIUM: 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-922-7827. “Destination Solar System,” a live show that takes adventurous space explorers on an immersive tour of the Solar System. “Mission Moon,” a permanent exhibit that follows the legendary career of Captain James A. Lovell Jr. — an astronaut immortalized on film as the Commander of Apollo 13 — from his rocket crazed childhood through his quest for the Moon. “Community Design Lab” is a flexible, creative space that celebrate the Adler’s 85-year history and offers guests hands-on, minds-on activities that will challenge them to think about science — and the Adler — in new ways.
ELGIN PUBLIC MUSEUM: Lords Park, 225 Grand Blvd. 847-741-6655. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Celebration from noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 1. Learn more about this special holiday. There will be an ofrenda (alter), vendors selling Dia de los Muertos items, face painting, craft activities that include God’s eyes (Ojo de Dios) and skeleton dolls (calacas). Free.
FIELD MUSEUM: 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. Permanent exhibits include “The Crown Family PlayLab,” “Evolving Planet,” “Sue the T-Rex,” “Cyrus Tang Hall of China” and more.
ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & EDUCATION CENTER: 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. 847-967-4889.
KOHL CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: 2100 Patriot Drive, Glenview. 847-832-6600.
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY: 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive. 773-684-1414. The exhibits on display include “80 at 80,” “Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze,” “Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle” and more. Robot Revolution through Jan. 3. Interact with a cutting-edge collection of robots from around the world. Materials Science on display through Jan. 31. Explore the history and future of materials that impact our lives everyday.
NATIONAL HELLENIC MUSEUM: 333. S. Halsted St. 312-655-1234; www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org. “Monumental” will be on display through November. “Street is my Gallery” on display through October. The works in the exhibition, created at the height of Greece’s economic difficulties, offer pointed messages for political and economic leaders and take on social issues such as racism, immigration, individual responsibility, and empowerment. The Museum encourages Greek Americans to celebrate their immigrant heritage by telling their own unique individual or family story. The Museum’s Oral History Project preserves these stories for the future so that we can learn about the immigrant experience and Greek journey. Interviews are free for individuals and groups. Call for an appointment. “Transcending Boundaries: The Art of Anthony Quinn” will be on display through October. The depth and breadth of Quinn’s creative genius is showcased in an exhibition of more than 70 of his emotive paintings and powerful sculptures. Personal items from his studio will also be on display. Visitors will see reflections of Quinn’s life experiences, traces of his proud Mexican heritage, his love of cultures throughout the world, and the impact of his long friendship with the Greek people. New series of Greek dance lessons for teens and adults, which are held on Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., will cover the basic Pan-Hellenic dances: Kalamatiano, Xasaposerviko and Tsamiko at the beginning of each class. All dance abilities are welcome. The session runs through Nov. 10 for ages 15 and up. Drop-ins are welcome. Annual Kouzina food and wine festival from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Nov. 5. Explore the museum while sampling dishes from some of the Chicago area’s leading chefs. Also featured is a dessert lounge. Kouzina 2015 is an opportunity for the museum to celebrate the food, wine, heritage, and culture of the Greek community and proceeds support the Museum’s educational and cultural programs.
PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM: 2430 Cannon Drive. 773-755-5100. Features Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, a 2,700-square-foot greenhouse filled with pools of water, flowers, tropical trees and 1,000 butterflies, including those never-before-seen in our region. Release of new butterflies at 2 p.m. daily. Permanent exhibit “Nature’s Lunchbox” shines the spotlight on healthy eating. New exhibits include “City Creatures: Animal Encounters in Chicago’s Urban Wilderness” on display through Jan. 3; and “Peanuts…Naturally” on display through Jan. 3. The Chicago Academy of Sciences is celebrating Halloween with the museum with the annual Supper with Snakes from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30. Grab your best Halloween costume for a night of family fun and a safe and special introduction to our slithery friends. Discover fun facts about native and exotic snake species from the reptile specialists, make your own snake to take home and compete in the Halloween costume contest. Check out a snake skeleton from the museum collection and touch real skins shed from our resident snakes. Also, compare your height to the length of common snake species. Cost is $20, $25 for non members, and $10 for children and $15 for children non members ages 3 and up. As space is limited, registration is requested.
POLISH MUSEUM OF AMERICA: 984 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-384-3352; www.polishmuseumofamerica.org. One of the nation’s oldest and largest ethnic museums features a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits as well as events and resources for the Polish community.
MUSIC
BUDDY GUY’S LEGENDS: 700 S. Wabash. 312-427-1190; www.buddyguy.com. Live blues every night. Set times are 9:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and jam until 12:45 a.m. Monday; 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and jam from 11:30 p.m. until 12:45 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday; opening band 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., headliner 10:30 p.m. to midnight and jam from 12:30 to 1:15 a.m. Saturday; and Sunday Night Jazz Party is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cover charge is $10 for the Sunday through Thursday night shows and $20 for the Friday and Saturday night shows.
THEATER
ABOUT FACE THEATRE: 5252 N. Broadway St. 773- 784-8565.
APOLLO THEATER: 2540 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-935-6100. “Million Dollar Quartet” open run. Tickets are $25-85.
ATHENAEUM THEATRE: 2936 N. Southport Ave. 773- 935-6875.
AUDITORIUM THEATRE: Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway. 800-982-2787; www.ticketmaster.com.
BANK OF AMERICA THEATRE: 18 W. Monroe St. 800-775-2000.
BRIAR STREET THEATRE: 3133 N. Halsted St. “Blue Man Group” open run. Tickets are $49-$69.
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CADILLAC PALACE THEATRE: 151 W. Randolph St. 312-386-8905; www.ticketmaster.com.
CHIEF O’NEILL’S PUB & RESTAURANT: 3471 N. Elston Ave. 866-811-4111. Irish Theatre of Chicago presents “My Brilliant Divorce” through Nov. 1. Tickets are $12-25.
CIVIC OPERA HOUSE: 20 N. Wacker. www.lyricopera.org. “Cinderella” through Oct. 30. Tickets are $17-$299.
DEN THEATRE: 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave. 866- 811-4111; irishtheatreofchicago.org.
DRURY LANE, OAK BROOK: 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 530-0111.
FLAT IRON ARTS BUILDING: 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave. bailiwickchicago.com.
THE GIFT THEATRE: 4802 N. Milwaukee Ave. thegifttheatre.org
GOODMAN THEATRE: 170 N. Dearborn St. 312-443-3800.
MADDEN THEATRE: Blackbox for North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville.
MERCURY THEATER: 3745 N. Southport Ave. 773-325-1700. “Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash” through Nov. 1. Tickets are $25-65.
METROPOLIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE: 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. 847-577-2121. Grammy award winning Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension perform their timeless hits at 8 p.m. Oct. 30 and at 7 p.m. Oct. 31. One of America’s most celebrated vocal groups, known for their high-energy and unmatched stage presence. Tickets are $50, Stage Tables are $60. Students of Metropolis School of the Performing Arts (SOPA) entertain audiences with “Getting to Know… The Sound of Music” Nov. 5-7. Tickets are $12 and $10 for children 12 and under. “Erich Bergen Live in Concert” at 3 p.m. Nov. 8. Bergen is best known for portraying Bob Gaudio of the Four Seasons in the Clint Eastwood directed film “Jersey Boys”, and for co-starring as Blake Moran on the popular CBS drama “Madam Secretary.” Tickets are $40-45.
NORTHBROOK THEATRE: Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Ave. www.nbparks.org.
NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMNG ARTS: 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. 847-673-6300; www.northshorecenter.org. “You Can’t Take It With You” Nov. 6 through Dec. 13. Tickets are $15-51.
PARAMOUNT THEATRE: 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. 630-896-6666.
ORACLE THEATRE: 3809 N Broadway (252) 220-0269; publicaccesstheatre.org. “No Beast So Fierce,” an adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Richard III,” performed through Nov. 8. “R+J: The Vineyard,” an adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Romeo And Juliet” set in 1890’s Martha’s Vineyard, will be performed through Nov. 22.
RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS: 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. 815-356-9010. “Gypsy,” presented by Williams Street Repertory will be performed through Nov. 1. Tickets start at $32.50. Eddie Money at 8 p.m. Nov. 7. Tickets start at $58.
SHAKESPEARE THEATRE: Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave. 312-595-5633; . Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” will be performed through Nov. 8. Tickets start at $48. “Ride the Cyclone” will be performed through Nov. 15. Recommended for audience members ages 13 and up. Tickets start at $30.
SKOKIE THEATRE: 7924 Lincoln Ave. 847-677-7761.
STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY: 1650 N Halsted St. 312-335-1650. “East of Eden” will be performed through Nov. 15. Tickets are $64.
STOREFRONT THEATER: 55 E. Randolph. 252-220-0269. “No Beast So Fierce,” based on “Richard III” by William Shakespeare, performed through Nov. 8. Free.
THEATRE AT MEILEY-SWALLOW HALL: North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth Ave., Naperville. 630-337-8497; www.brightsidetheatre.com. BrightSide Theatre, Naperville’s only professional theatre performing in the historic downtown district, is celebrating our fifth anniversary with a season of farce. The first show of the year, “Noises Off,” hailed as one of the funniest farces ever written, will be Oct. 30 through Nov. 15. Tickets are $22-25.
THEATER WIT: 1229 W. Belmont Ave. 773-975-8150.
TWISTED VINE: 3530 N. Halsted. 800-838-3006.
VICTORY GARDENS RICHARD CHRISTIANSEN THEATRE: 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. 773- 871-3000.
WILMETTE THEATRE: 11222 Central Ave. 847-323-0054.
UNDER THE SUN
BROOKFIELD ZOO: First Avenue between Ogden Avenue and 31st Street. 708-688-8000. Wines in the Wild from 7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 7. VIP reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to sample a wonderful variety of wine and liquor. In addition, there will be live and silent auctions featuring fabulous items available for bidding throughout the evening. Tickets start at $100. Ten percent of all proceeds from wine purchases during the evening will be donated back to the Zoo.
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. 847-556-1778, www.chicagobotanic.org. Spooky Pooch Parade from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 31. Cleverly costumed canines march the parade route to celebrate Halloween. Spectators are invited to line the parade route for a barking good time. Other activities include the costume contest, judging, and an awards ceremony. Cost is $19 in advance and $25 at the door. Viewing the dog parade is free. Women’s Health Immersion Day — Total Care for Women’s Health, hosted by NorthShore University HealthSystem from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 1. There will be a complimentary lunch, giveaways and a fitness demonstration. Stunning quilts, lovely knitted artwear, woven wonders, and breathtaking beadwork are among the abundant handcrafted items on view and for sale during the Fine Art of Fiber 6:30 to 9 p.m. Nov. 5, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 6-8.
LINCOLN PARK ZOO: 2001 N. Clark St. 312-742-2000; lpzoo.org. “Nature in Motion: Sculpture” through Oct. 31. Pumpkins will be sold at the pumpkin patch through Oct. 31.
MORTON ARBORETUM: I-88 and Route 53, Lisle. 630-968-0074. Theatre-Hikes with “In This Final Century” at 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays in October. Cost is $20, and $10 for children. Nature Connects: Art with LEGO bricks by Sean Kenney through Nov. 1. The exhibit has been engineered from nearly half a million LEGO bricks. LEGO Brick Play from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends in October. Children can play and let the bricks stay as they create their own LEGO brick masterpieces in this self-guided hands-on discovery activity. Themes will change monthly and include turtles, monarchs, gardens, and spiders. Scarecrow Trail beginning at 7 a.m. daily in October. Admire creations from local scout troops and vote for your favorite scarecrow. Splendid Spiders from 1 to 4 p.m. weekdays, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends in October. Find out where spiders live and how they help our gardens. There will be some spider specimens to look at. Trick or Trees from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends in October. Play tricky games, fashion fun fall crafts, and plant a tree seed to take home as your treat. Small pumpkins to paint will also be available for purchase. BOO Breakfast at 9 a.m. Oct. 31. Cost is $31-34. Dog Admission Day Nov. 7. The grounds are open from 7 a.m. to sunset for you to explore all the trails with your favorite canine. Fee is $5 per dog.
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