Summer/City

Variety of events makes Chicago summer-fun capital of Midwest

By Nadeen Nakib

With great food, live music, and numerous festivals, Chicago summers make us forget those long winters and bring a flurry of activities for Chicagoans and tourists alike. So grab your friends, family, and appetite and prepare for a whirlwind season that once again will make Chicago the Midwest’s capitol for summer fun.

DOWNTOWN
Navy Pier Fireworks will run through the end of August every Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. and Saturday at 10:15 p.m. The dazzling display can be seen from the lakefront or on one of the cruises that leave from Navy Pier. The fireworks are launched to music, which can be heard if viewing the show from Navy Pier. Call (312) 595-PIER.

Millennium Park at Michigan Avenue at Randolph Street is the place for many events this summer. The Family Fun Festival runs through Monday, Sept. 1, and features interactive activities, a performance stage, a reading circle, and musical games for kids of all ages.

Great Performers of Illinois is a three-day celebration, Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20, with singing, dancing, and storytelling related to the state. Blockbuster Week, Wednesday, Sept. 3, through Thursday, Sept. 11, will feature performances by the Joffrey Ballet, Lyric Opera, Steppenwolf Theatre Co., Andrew Bird, and a National Public Radio taping.

Millennium Park Workouts run Saturdays, June 7 through Sept. 27, bringing 45-minute exercise sessions to the park led by Lakeshore Athletic Club instructors and local dancers.

In addition, there will be a wide variety of musical events throughout the summer, including the Music Without Borders series and World Class Jazz series through August, the Chicago Dancing Festival Monday, Aug. 18, through Wednesday, Aug. 20, and The World Music Festival, which ends the Millennium Park summer season on the Fridays of Sept. 19 and 25. For more information call (312) 742-1168 or log on to www.millenniumpark.org.

Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) Tours feature boat, bus, and walking tours of the beautiful architecture that has made Chicago the city it is today. CAF experts lead the tours, which include bus and walking tours with themes such as Bungalows by Bus, an outing spotlighting bungalows built between 1910 and 1940. Walking tours take participants through Chicago’s Loop and other neighborhoods. River tours cruise for 90 minutes along the Chicago River and highlight more than 50 architecturally significant sites. Tours run through Sunday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. For more information log on to www.architecture.org , call (312) 922-3432, or visit the CAF shop at 224 S. Michigan Ave.

The Chicago Assassins Summer Tournament runs through Monday, June 23, at 6 p.m. The tournament features water gun spy games in which participants hunt others down with a water gun while being hunted themselves. Registration is $20 for this three-week event; the winner receives a $200 prize. For locations and more information visit www.chicagoassassins.com.

Sunset Paddle is held Sundays at 6 p.m. through Sept. 28, giving paddlers a workout as well as a scenic route via kayaks along the Chicago River with Kayak Chicago. Registration is required; cost is $50. For more information call (630) 336- 246.

Taste of Chicago is the largest food and free music festival in the United States. Held in Grant Park, the Taste generates more than $11 million in food and beverage sales each year, giving more than 70 Chicago restaurants a chance to show off some of their most famous cuisines. This year’s edition starts Friday, June 27, and rununtil Sunday, July 6. Vendors open their booths at 11 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on Thursday, July 3).

Food purchases are made by ticket only; tickets come in strips of 11 for $7. Larger food items usually cost nine to ten tickets, side dishes cost six to seven, and soft drinks are four tickets. All restaurants offer small Taste portions for two to three tickets. Bring your appetites and growling stomach. For more information visit www.tasteofchicago.us or call (312) 744- 3315.

The Race to Taste marks its 16th year as part of the Taste of Chicago. To be held Sunday, June 29, this 5K run will begin at 8 a.m.; a two-mile walk starts at 8:05 a.m., and the kids’ race starts at 9:30 a.m. This year will feature a new route through Grant Park and the lakefront. Events will start on Balbo and Columbus Drives. Participants are invited to stay after the race to eat and drink at select Taste of Chicago booths, which will open early for participants. All participants receive a Dri- Release event t-shirt, a one-month membership to Bally’s Total Fitness, and a coupon for one strip of Taste tickets (which must be picked up between 6:30 and 10:30 a.m. on the day of the race). The top three male and female finishers will receive cash prizes, and the top finishers in each age division will receive medals. Participation costs $30 for adults and $5 for children, so grab your running shoes and get in gear. For registration information call (312) 744-3315 or visit www.cityofchicago.org/specialevents.

The Independence Eve fireworks, held annually on the evening of July 3 (a Thursday this year), have become a Chicago ritual. The fireworks, held in conjunction with the Taste of Chicago starting at 9:30 p.m., bring an estimated one million people to watch the spectacular display of colors. Preceding the fireworks, at 7:30 p.m. the Grant Park Orchestra will perform at the Petrillo Music Shell. Call (312) 744-3315. The L.A.T.E. (Long After Twilight Ends) Ride will be held Saturday, July 12, allowing participants to bike 25 miles through downtown and various North Side neighborhoods. Registration is recommended; it costs $35 to $40 and includes refreshments and festivities. For more information visit, www.lateride.org.

The Chicago Outdoor Film Festival runs Tuesdays, July 15 through Aug. 26, at sundown and features a new movie each week in Grant Park. All are welcome to bring food and friends, but no pets, grills, or alcohol are permitted.

About Eve, July 15 at 8:57 p.m.; The Odd Couple, July 22 at 8:51 p.m.; The Blues Brothers, July 29 at 8:44 p.m.; The Day the Earth Stood Still, Aug. 5 at 8:35 p.m.; Touch of Evil, Aug. 12 at 8:25 p.m.; An Affair to Remember, Aug. 19 at 8:15 p.m.; and Grease, Aug. 26 at 8:03 p.m. Call (312) 744-3315. Venetian Night, now in its 51st year, was modeled after a boat parade in Venice, Italy, and started in Chicago in 1958. The tradition lives on this season with 30 boats gleaming with lights and decorations sail down the Lake Michigan shoreline. After the parade, enjoy fireworks at Monroe Harbor synchronized with music over loudspeakers. Admission is free and the event starts at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 26. Call (312) 744- 3315.

The inaugural Chicago Criterium is a series of bike races on Sunday, July 27, starting at 7 a.m. and running until the last race finishes at 2:25 p.m. The Criterium features ten races throughout the city as well as a short course race on a 1.1-mile loop through Grant Park. The start and finish line will be located on Columbus Drive in front of Buckingham Fountain. Log on to www.bikechicago.us. The Elvis is Alive 5K Run, 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 7, encourages participants to dress up like “the
king” and join in on a run in Grant Park. Stay after for food, drink, and live music. For more information visit www.fleetfeetchicago.com.

The 50th annual Chicago Air and Water Show will be held at North Avenue Beach. It starts Friday, Aug. 15, at 3 p.m. with performances by the Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Army Golden Nights, and a free concert after the show, along with a 9 p.m. fireworks display. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 16 and 17, the Air and Water Show will feature the Navy Blue Angels and the Air Force Raptors. Call(312) 744-3315.

Glamorama 2008 will be held at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. Hosted by Macy’s, this tenth annual fashion extravaganza will feature designers, live music, and a post-event party Friday, Aug. 22, at 8 p.m. For more information call (312) 781-5454.

The Windy City Wine Festival runs Friday, Sept. 5, 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 6, 3 to 10 p.m. at the Daley Bicentennial Plaza, 337 E. Randolph St. There will be cooking demonstrations, ten wine tastings, 250 international vintages, and live music. Call (847) 382-3540.

The first Red Bull Flugtag Chicago since 2003 will be held Sunday, Sept. 6, at North Avenue Beach. It will feature Chicagoans demonstrating the human flying machines they have built by running off a pier into Lake Michigan. For more information log on to www.redbullflugtagusa.com.

The Chicago Bike Valet, sponsored by Chase Bank, offers an environmentally easy way to get to some of your favorite festivals this summer. With service at 11 events including Chicago Blues Fest, Taste of Chicago, Chicago’s Outdoor Film Fest, Chicago Criterion, Lollapalooza, Latin Music Festival, Jazz Fest, the Air and Water Show, the Chicago Bike Valet gives bikers VIP treatment with secure corrals to park their bikes. Bike mechanics will be available to perform bike safety checks and maintenance upon request. For information, log on to www.chicagohotblog.com/chicago-bike-valet.

Chicago Neighborhood Tours start at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E Randolph St. Explore the history, cultures, and food of local communities. Tours range from three to five hours and may include snacks or lunch. Call (312) 742-1190.

Cultural Center Tours are held at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St., Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 1:15 p.m. Meet in the Randolph Street lobby for tours of one of Chicago’s most historic buildings. Call (312) 744- 6630.

MUSIC
The 25th annual Chicago Blues Festival—the largest free blues event in the world—runs through Sunday, June 8, at Grant Park. Performances take place on six stages, with a Sunday night appearance by the legendary B.B. King. Other headliners include Little Willie Littlefield, Bobby Parker and Karen Carroll with Charlie Love, and special guest Lurrie Bell. Call (312) 744-3315.

The Grant Park Music Festival runs Wednesday, June 11, through Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park and features classical music from the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus and many international guests. Call (312) 742-7638.

The Chicago Children’s Choir will perform at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park on Thursday, June 12, at 6:30 p.m. Led by art director Josephine Lee, the free concert will offer classical pieces, international works from Korea and South Africa, soul music, and Broadway hits. Call (312) 849-8300.

The Close Up 2 Smooth Jazz Festival will be held Friday through Sunday, June 20 through 22, at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. The lineup includes Nick Colionne, Mike Phillips, and Steve Cole. Admission is free. Call (312) 385- 1111.

Lakeside Bank will present VanderCook College of Music’s Graduate Band at concerts on Tuesday, July 1, at the Women’s Park and Gardens behind the Clarke House at 1827 S. Indiana Ave., and on Tuesday, July 15, at Wrightwood Park, 2534 N. Greenview Ave. Both concerts start at 7 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and listen to marches, show tunes, movie themes, and concert classics. Call (312) 391- 4590.

Lollapalooza Concerts take place in Grant Park Friday through Sunday, Aug. 1 through 3. The concerts feature artists such as Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, Kanye West, Nine Inch Nails, Gnarls Barkley, Lupe Fiasco, Love and Rockets, Flogging Molly, and Cat Power. Advance tickets good for all three days cost $190; when those sell out, regular three day passes sell at about $205. Children younger than ten are admitted free with an adult and can enjoy “Kidzapalooza,” which features fun and games such as hip hop workshops, photo shoots, dance workshops, and live performances. For more information visit www.lollapalooza.com.

The 2008 Viva! Chicago Latin Music Festival showcases Latin artists from around the world along with special foods to allow guests to experience the diversity of Latin culture. This year’s lineup will offer a spicy mix of cumbia, reggaeton, salsa, merengue, tango, bachata, banda, and Spanish pop. The 20th annual festival runs Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 23 and 24, in Grant Park, 11 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Bring your dancing shoes and partner and get ready to party the night away. Call (312) 744-3315.

Chicago’s 18th annual Country Music Festival features a variety of music and activities on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11 and 12, from 1 to 9:30 p.m. Once a part of Taste of Chicago, the Country Music Festival now is held separately in the parklands adjacent to Solider Field. The new festival area provides three performance stages and a dance tent featuring local and national artists. The Kids Corral on the east side of Solider Field will give kids of all ages a chance to enjoy activities ranging from puppetry to a jumping jack. Call (312) 744-3315.

FAMILY FUN
The Flower Power Summer Flower Show runs Saturday, June 7, through Sunday, Sept. 28, at the Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave. It offers a spectacular array of flowering summer plants enhanced by a soundtrack that includes flower and plant names in the songs. For more information visit www.garfield-conservatory.org or call (312) 746-5100.

Quest Days feature a treasure hunt, an “amazing” race, and other fun activities on Saturday, June 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Jackson Park, 6401 S. Stony Island Ave.; Saturday, July 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Northerly Island, 1400 S. Lynne White Dr.; and Saturday, Sept. 20, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1400 N. Sacramento Ave. Participants will use clues and maps to solve riddles about the natural areas in the parks. No registration is required and admission is free. Families are welcome to bring lunches and picnic in the park. Call (312) 742-PLAY.

The Family Fish Festival on Saturday, July 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. is free for all ages at McKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Rd. The Chicago Park District invites the whole family along to learn to catch a fish, tie a fly, and hear about different species of local fish.

Storytellers and the Park District’s Fishin’ Guys will be available to answer questions and help out. Visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call (312) 747-6527.

Toddlers, Tunes, & Turtles will be held at the Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1400 N. Sacramento Ave., Wednesday, July 23, 5 to 7 p.m. This event is free with no registration required. It offers an introduction to nature in the parks and invites attendees to sing songs with musicians, meet live animals, and enjoy toddler-friendly nature activities and refreshments. For more information visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call (312) 742-PLAY.

A Birding Workshop on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 9 a.m. at Northerly Island, 1400 S. Lynne White Dr., will feature Tadas Binutis, who runs Lifebird Nature Tours. Binutis will teach you how to use binoculars to spot birds and identify specific characteristics. All are welcome. There is no fee, but registration is required. For more information visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call (312) 742- PLAY.

CULTURAL/ETHNIC
Chicago’s Caribbean Jerk Fest celebrates the Caribbean Islands on Saturday, June 7, at Union Park, 228 S. Racine Ave. The fest highlights the Jamaican culinary art of “jerking” food and features live music, a domino tournament, and kids’ activities. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call (312) 243-9002.

The Thailand Festival, Monday through Friday, June 16 through 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., features a fashion show, Thai boxing demonstrations, dance performances, and food and other vendors. Call (312) 664-3129.

The Taste of Greece on LaSalle Street Festival runs Friday through Sunday, June 20 through 22. The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church at 1017 N. LaSalle St. offers Greek specialties, souvenirs, raffle prizes, and live music. Hours on June 20 and 21 are 4 to 11 p.m. and June 22 from noon to midnight. Call (312) 664- 5485.

The second annual Chicago Arabesque runs Wednesday through Saturday, June 25 through 28, at 50 W. Washington St. Admission is free, and the event will feature workshops, calligraphy, artisan demonstrations, Middle Eastern cuisine, a “souk” (shopping bazaar), and live music and dance performances. Hours on June 25 through 27 are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and June 28 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Log on to www.chicagoarabesque.com.

The Chicago Salsa Festival brings fiery dance back to Chicago from Thursday through Sunday, June 26 through 29. Tickets range from $125 to $200. The festival features live music concerts, dance performances, and more 30 dance workshops. Some events will take place at Excalibur nightclub andthe Park West. Dance workshops also will be held at Latin Street Dancing Studios. Call (630) 251- 3906.

The Caribbean Festival runs Friday through Sunday, Aug. 8 through 10, from noon to 10 p.m. at 1501 W Randolph St. The festival celebrates Jamaican independence with more than 30 Caribbean music and dance performers, traditional food and crafts, and a talent show. Reggae artist Beres Hammond will perform. Adult tickets are $5 to $10; children younger than six get in free. Call (312) 427-0266.

The African Festival of the Arts, 5100 S. Cottage Grove Ave., will run Friday, Aug. 29, through Monday, Sept. 1. Chicago’s largest neighborhood festival, it celebrates African influence in America and features three performance stages, ethnic cuisine, vendors, and fine arts. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and cost is $10 to $15 for adults and $5 for seniors and kids. Call (773) 955-2787.

Celtic Fest Chicago will be held in Grant Park at 300 S. Columbus Dr. on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13 and 14. It will feature music, dance, art, and food from the Celtic regions of Brittany, France, Ireland, Galicia, Spain, Scotland, Isle of Man, Cornwall, Wales, Nova Scotia, and the United States. For more information visit www.cityofchicago.org/specialevents or call (312) 744-3370.

IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS
The Mental Graffiti Poetry Set, Funky Buddha Lounge, 728 W. Grand Ave., on the third Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. is an open microphone night that features national and local spoken word artists and slam poets. Call (312) 666-1695. St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church 2008 Food Festival runs Saturday, June 7, 4 to 11 p.m., and Sunday, June 8, noon to 11 p.m., at 733 S. Ashland Ave. Festival favorites include shish kebab, chicken with rice pilaf, roast leg of lamb, and gyros along with many more mouth-watering Greek treats. Greek dancers will perform both evenings. Call (312) 243-3738 for more information.

The Printers Row Book Fair, 700 S. Dearborn St., Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, is a reader’s dream. Offering books for sale, readings, cooking demonstrations, and kids’ activities, the fair invites all to join in on making reading fun. It presents 11 stages and more than 100 free literary programs. Kids’ events include storytelling and music. Call (312) 222- 986.

Chicago Festa Pasta Vino runs Thursday, June 12, 5 to 11 p.m.; Friday, June 13, 5 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, June 14, noon to midnight; and Sunday, June 15: noon to 9 p.m., on 24th Street and Oakley Avenue. This annual festival transforms a generations-old Italian neighborhood into the streets of Italy with columns, fountains, and statues and offers live cooking demonstrations, costumed performers, foods from different venues, and live entertainment. For a detailed listing of performers, go to www.festapastavino.com or call (847) 233-9966.

The 12th annual Chicago SummerDance is an 11-week festival that features dance lessons followed by two hours of live music and dancing. Held in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave., the festival runs Thursday, June 12, through Sunday, Aug. 24, every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and Sundays from 4 to 7 p.m. Free for all. For information visit www.ChicagoSummerDance.org or call (312) 742-4007.

Taste of Randolph Street, 900 W. Randolph St., Friday through Sunday, June 20 through 22, presents some of Chicago’s hottest restaurant cuisines. For a $10 donation, sample food from restaurants such as Aroma, De Cero, La Luce, La Sardine, Macello, Sushi Wabi, and Marche. Stop by the Culinary Pavilion for cooking lessons with various chefs. Call (312) 458-9401.

Neleh Galleries will present the fourth annual Lake Meadows Art Fair on Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Lake Meadows Shopping Center, 35th Street and King Drive, where you can shop for fine art, jewelry, clothing, accessories, handbags, and collectibles, and see featured guests Theresa (TeeSee) Fambro Hooks, Deborha J. Crable, WKKC Radio 89.3 FM DJs, and Don Rashid. Admission is free. Call (312) 225-5692.

Kooza Chicago, brought to Chicago by Cirque Du Soleil, is an aerobatic and comic spectacle running at the United Center from Thursday, June 26, through Sunday, July 27. Adult tickets start at $49.50. For more information visit www.cirquedusoleil.com or call (312) 455-4500.

The fifth annual Randolph Street Market Festival will be held on select Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dates are June 28 and 29, July 26 and 27, Aug. 30 and 31, Sept. 27 and 28, and Oct. 25 and 26. Located at 1350 W. Randolph St., admission costs $10 per weekend. Formerly known as the Chicago Antique Market, this indoor/ outdoor fair features more than 200 dealers presenting antiques and vintage collectibles as well as displays of exclusive indie designed clothing, a farmers market, live music, and food. Call (312) 951-9939.

The Niketown Bastille Day 5k Run/Walk and Block Party will be held at 1100 W. Jackson Blvd. on Thursday, July 10. Participants will run through the West Loop and finish at a block party, which will offer live music, drinks, and food for runners. Registration costs $27; event proceeds will benefit Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. An awards presentation will be held at 8:30 p.m. to award medals to the overall male and female champions. Call (773) 868-3010.

The Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party runs Friday and Saturday, July 18 and 19. Tickets cost $35 in advance, $40 at the gate; a two-night pass costs $65. Five free drinks come with admission, and attendees must be 21 or older. The party offers an opportunity to meet new people, listen to music, enjoy food and drinks, and participate in raffles. The party will be held outside the church at 700 W. Adams St. Call (312) 648-1021.

The Pitchfork Music Festival, one of the biggest music fests in Chicago, runs Friday through Sunday, July 18 through 20, at Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St. Artists will include Public Enemy, Vampire Weekend, No Age, Fleet Foxes, Atlas Sound, M. World, Boris, Extra Golden, and El Guincho. Tickets cost $30 for a one-day pass, $50 for a two-day pass, and $65 for a three-day pass. For information, e-mail info@pitchforkmusicfestival.com.

The 29th annual Chinatown Summer Fair will be held Sunday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wentworth Avenue from Cermak Road to 24th Place. A lion dance procession begins at 12:30 p.m. The fair features Asian cultural entertainment and music, local gift shops, Chinese arts and crafts, food from Chinatown’s many restaurants, street vendors, and a kids’ area. Call (312) 326-5320.

The fifth annual Wicker Park Fest will be held at 1600 N. Damen Ave. and feature live indie music on two stages, local foods, and more than 70 arts and craft vendors. The fest runs Saturday and Sunday, July 26 and 27, from noon to 10 p.m. For information, e-mail wickerparkfestival@silverwrapper.com.

This year’s Fiesta del Sol runs Thursday, July 31, through Sunday, Aug. 3, at 1400 W. Cermak Rd. between Throop and Morgan Streets. Festivities include live music by local up-and-coming talent, carnival rides, sports tournaments, an art pavilion showcasing indigenous crafts, and authentic Mexican food and drinks. Fiesta del Sol is alcohol and tobacco-free
and draws more than one million people yearly. The festival has become Pilsen’s largest source of revenue and an opportunity to spotlight the issues of immigrants’ civil rights and education reform. During the event, representatives from universities throughout the city will be on hand to speak with families about attending college and financial aid. For more information see www.fiestadelsol.org or call (312) 666-2663.

Festa Italiana will be held on Taylor Street between Loomis street and Ashland Avenue on the Near West Side Friday through Sunday, Aug. 8 through 10. The fest will feature classic Italian food specialties, street performers, bocce ball, and live musical performances. Admission is $10. For more information visit www.onestientertainment.com/taylorstreet.html. Call (847) 795-1800.

Taste of Greece will be held Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 23 and 24, noon to 11 p.m., between the 100 and 400 blocks of south Halsted St. Come enjoy fun, games, and entertainment including nightly performances by the Macedonian Dance Troupe and Orpheus Dancing Group. For more information call (847) 509- 8050.

The second annual Chicago Reggae Festival will be held Saturday, Aug. 23, from noon to 10 p.m. in Union Park at 1501 W. Randolph St. It will showcase performances by local, regional, and international artists along with DJ’s and Caribbean fare. Admission costs $15 to $20. For information, e-mail info@chicagoreggaefestival.com.

Festa di Tutti I Santi, a major fundraiser for the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, will be held Sunday, Aug. 24. It starts with an 11 a.m. Mass at the shrine at 1224 W. Lexington St., followed by a procession with festive religious banners by various patron saint societies that will make its way toward the Christopher Columbus statue in Arrigo Park, where a picnic will offer food and beverages as well as children's games, pony rides, stilt walkers, a jumping jack, face painting, games of chance, a bocce tournament, and live entertainment.

The exhibit The Italian Experience: A Pictorial History will present photos of the area from the time Italians first migrated to the Taylor Street area through today. The post-Mass event runs from noon to 5 p.m. For information call (312) 421-3757 or log on to www.ourladyofpompeii.org.

FARMERS MARKETS
Daley Center Plaza, 100 N. Dearborn St., 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 2. Lincoln Park Farmers’Market, Armitage Ave. at Orchard St., 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 25. Call (773) 880-5200. The Federal Plaza Farmers Market, Adams and Dearborn Streets, Tuesdays through Oct. 28. Call (312) 744-0565.

City Farm, 1204 N. Clybourn Ave., 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Oct. 31. Features products from organic farmers who sell only what they grow. For information, e-mail cityfarmchicago@gmail.com.

The Prudential Plaza Farmers Market, Prudential Building Plaza, Tuesdays from June 10 through Oct. 21. Museum of Contemporary Art Plaza, 220 E. Chicago Ave., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays from June 12 through Oct. 30. Bronzeville Farmers’ Market, 30th Street and King Drive, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays from June 18 through Oct. 22.

Hyde Park Farmers’ Market, 52nd Pl. and Harper Ave, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays from June 19 through Oct. 23. (312) 744-3315. For more information on other locations visit www.cityofchicago.org

MUSEUMS
Field Museum: Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns, and Mermaids examines the legends and science behind some of history’s most intriguing mythical creatures and runs through Monday, Sept. 1. Nature Unleashed: Inside Natural Disasters explores the causes of natural disasters and their aftermath and runs through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009. For more information visit www.FieldMuseum.org or call (312) 665-7683. The museum is located at 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.

Glessner House: A Walk Through Time, the Glessner House Museum annual benefit, will be held Sunday, June 8, 1 to 5 p.m., at 1800 S. Prairie Ave. (enter on 18th Street). Tickets cost $50, $40 for museum members. The event includes a tour of Prairie Avenue’s historic houses followed by a silent auction and reception at 4 p.m. For more information call (312) 326-1480.

Museum of Contemporary Art: Janet Eilbert and Carla Maxwell, artistic directors of the Martha Graham Dance Company and Limon Dance Company, respectively, will lecture and show films of their companies’ works on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 6 p.m. The evening also features excerpts performed live by both companies. Everything’s Here: Jeff Koons and his Experience of Chicago runs Saturday, June 14, through Sunday, Oct. 26, and focuses on the art and artists influencing Jeff Koons during his young years as an artist in Chicago. Artists represented include Roger Brown, Robert Lostutter, Jim Nutt, Karl Wirsum, and Christina Ramberg.

MCA First Friday is held the first Friday of every month from 6 to 10 p.m. Geared toward singles, it features food, drinks, and music at the museum, with an after-party at a local nightclub. Admission is $15 at the door, $10 in advance. For more information visit www.mcachicago.org or call (312) 280-2660.

The museum is at 220 E. Chicago Ave. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Dr., exhibits Lawn Nation: Art and Science of the American Lawn through Sunday, Sept. 7. Examine the lawn through media and installations, audio narratives, documentary video projects, outdoor lawn art, and outdoor public events. For more information call (773) 755- 5100.

Shedd Aquarium: Animal Encounters from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily lets visitors see and meet live animals such as cockroaches, frogs, turtles, and snakes. The Caribbean Reef Presentation, 9:30 and 11 a.m. and 12:30, 1:30, 3, and 3:30 p.m. features divers answering audience questions while feeding more than 300 reef animals such as sea turtles, rays, sharks, and schooling fish. For more information visit www.sheddaquarium.org or call (312) 939-2426. The Shedd is located at 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr.