FRI/1
African Caribbean Festival of Life
July 1-4. More than 50 reggae, soul and gospel entertainers perform at this festival of food, music, arts and crafts. Washington Park, 55th and S. Cottage Grove, (312)427-0266. Noon-10pm. General admission $10, $15 after 5pm.
Family Fun Festival
Every day June 13-Aug 21. Pop into the Family Fun Tent to entertain kids of all ages, with music lessons from the Old Town School of Folk Music each day at 10am, a daily reading circle at 11am and concerts at 1pm, plus crafts and educational activities throughout the day. Chase Promenade North, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 10am-3pm. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival: Mahler “Song of the Earth”
July 1-2. One of Mahler’s final works, this series of songs based on Chinese classical poetry runs the gamut of human experiences with meditations on love, nature, drinking, solitude and the passing of time. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm, Saturday 7:30pm. Free.
Lunchbreak Music Series: Chicago House—DJ Frankie Knuckles
Millennium Park’s lunchtime concert series featuring Chicago House by DJ Frankie Knuckles. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Taste of Chicago
June 24-July 3. Sample food from sixty vendors along the lakefront while enjoying music at the world’s largest outdoor food festival. Grant Park, Michigan and Congress. 11am-8:30pm. Free.
Theater on the Lake: “Dental Society Midwinter Meeting”
June 29-July 3. When scandal strikes, the North Shore Regional Dental Society must come together to debate the future of Midwestern Dentistry in this performance from At Play Productions and the Chicago Dramatists. 2401 N. Lake Shore, (312) 742-7994. Wednesday-Saturday 7:30 pm, Sunday 6:30pm. $17.50.
SAT/2
Chicago Landmark Project, Program A
Six short plays about specific Chicago places by acclaimed local playwrights. Greenhouse Theater Center’s Downstairs Main Stage, 2257 N. Lincoln, (773)404-7336. 7:30pm. $15-$30.
Chicago Landmark Project, Program B
Six short plays about specific Chicago places by acclaimed local playwrights. Greenhouse Theater Center’s Downstairs Main Stage, 2257 N Lincoln, (773)404-7336. 9pm. $15-$30.
International Summer Screenings Program: “The Necessities of Life”
Inuit hunter Tivii finds himself quarantined in a Quebec City sanitarium after being diagnosed with TB in this Canadian film, in French and Inuktitut with English subtitles. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 2nd floor, (312)683-0121. 2pm. Free.
Lunchbreak Music Series: Electronic Picnic—Bomb Squad
Millennium Park’s lunchtime concert series featuring Electronic Picnic by Bomb Squad. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Saturday Morning Workout
Saturdays June 4-Sept 10. Three 45-minute-long classes. The Great Lawn of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Yoga at 8am, Pilates at 9am, Zumba at 10am. Free.
SUN/3
Grant Park Music Festival: Independence Celebration
This musical celebration of the meaning of America features many beloved favorites as well as a few surprises. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 5:30pm. Location and time are tentative. Free.
MON/4
Carillon Concert Series: Eddy Marien and Tom Lee
Mondays June 6-Sept 5. Free outdoor music at the Chicago Botanic Garden all summer. Browse the garden or have dinner while you listen. 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe, (847)835-5440. 7pm. Free.
Downtown Sound: New Music Mondays—Seefeel and Cave
May 23-July 25. Music Series featuring Seefeel and Cave. Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Lunchbreak Music Series: Jazz, Blues, and Beyond—Rhythm & Blues Kings
Millennium Park’s lunchtime concert series featuring the Rhythm & Blues Kings. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
TUE/5
Music on the Esplanade: Joe Filisko and Eric Noden
June 7-Aug 30. Free outdoor music at the Chicago Botanic Garden all summer, with a different genre every week. Browse the garden or have dinner while you listen. 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe, (847)835-5440. 6pm-8pm. Free.
Streeterville Farmer’s Market
June 7-October 25. European-style outdoor market. Museum of Contemporary Art Plaza, 220 E. Chicago. 7am-3pm. Free.
Summer Studios: Categories and Groups
June 21-Aug 30. Interactive and creative projects based on themes from the exhibition “Mark Bradford” and “Pandora’s Box.” Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago. 11am-2pm in the plaza and 5pm-8pm during Tuesdays on the Terrace. Free.
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Kevin Nabors
June 7-Sept 27. Outdoor Jazz series featuring Kevin Nabors. Bring a blanket or rent a lawn chair ($5) to enjoy live jazz concerts on the garden lawn of the MCA. Enjoy hotdogs and hamburgers from the grill or try the gourmet, locally grown cuisine from the MCA Farmer’s Market. Museum of Contemporary Art Terrace, 220 E. Chicago. 5:30-8pm. Free. (312)397-4034 for dinner reservations. $23 dinner buffet.
WED/6
The All New Original Tribute to the Blues Brothers
The songs and characters from the Blues Brothers, live on stage. Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, (312)922-2110. 7:30pm. $25-$55.
Grant Park Music Festival: American and Russian Landscapes
This program features a pair of works inspired by composers’ immersion in their native lands. Tchaikovsky’s symphony emerged from a vacation to Ukraine and draws on local folk music while Aaron Copland’s suite is taken from an opera of the same name inspired by James Agee’s photographs of the Great Depression. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm. Free.
International Summer Screenings Program: “The Best of Times”
This Thai film interweaves the tales of two burgeoning romances. Thai with English subtitles. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 2nd floor, (312)683-0121. 6:30pm. Free. Also on July 9.
Second City’s Neighborhood Tour
Sundays and Wednesdays, May 29-Oct 30. This walking tour both entertains and informs by highlighting the architecture, history and development of Old Town as well as various Second City alumni haunts and stories that go with them. Tour begins at the Second City Theatre, 1616 N. Wells, (312)337-3992. 1pm. $15.
THU/7
Chicago SummerDance Festival
Thursdays-Sundays, Jul 7-Sept 18. Dance lessons led by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan, (312)742-4007. 6pm-9:30pm; Sundays 4pm-7pm. Free.
Hot Summer Nights/Belly Dancing: Lamajamal with Erika Ochoa
Thursdays June 9-Sept 1. Professional dance instructors give mini lessons that correspond with the genre of the night. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe, (847)835-5440. 6pm-8pm. Free.
Music Without Borders: Rupa and the April Fishes with Baloji
Caravan Palace and Baloji, electroswing and Afrobeat. Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
The Summer Music Series at the Underground: DJ Jesse Marco
The Underground, 56 W Illinois, (312)644-7600. 10pm. $20.
FRI/8
Chicago Tribune North Michigan Avenue Art Festival
July 8-10. Local and national artists. Pioneer Court on Michigan next to the Tribune Tower, alongside the Chicago River, (954)472-3755. 10am-6pm. Free.
Grant Park Music Festival: Spanish Guitar and Alondra de la Parra
July 8-9. One of the world’s rising young conductors makes her Grant Park debut with a masterpiece of Spanish classical guitar, featuring soloist David Russell, plus Dvorák’s renowned symphony. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm; Saturday 7:30pm. Free.
SAT/9
Chicago Folk & Roots Festival
July 9-10. Folk Music festival. Welles Park in Lincoln Square, between Montrose and Sunnyside, 4400 N. Lincoln, (773)728-6000. Noon-10pm. $10 suggested donation for adults, $5 suggested donation for seniors and children.
International Summer Screenings Program: “The Best of Times”
This Thai film interweaves the tales of two burgeoning romances. Thai with English subtitles. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 2nd floor, (312)683-0121. 2pm. Free.
L.A.T.E. Ride
July 9-10. 25-mile ride through Chicago’s neighborhoods and lakefront. Buckingham Fountain Plaza. 1am (Sunday morning). Free.
Lunchbreak Music Series: Electric Picnic—Tycho
Millennium Park’s lunchtime concert series. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Saturday Morning Workout
Saturdays, June 4-Sept 10. three 45-minute-long classes. The Great Lawn of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Yoga at 8am, Pilates at 9am, Zumba at 10am. Free.
Skokie Art Guild 50th Annual Art Fair
Jul 9-10. Skokie Art Guild hosts this arts festival with original art and live music featuring Steve Justman. 5211 W. Oakton, Skokie (next to the library), 10am-5pm. Free admission and parking.
SUN/10
Lunchbreak Music Series: American Roots—Lehto & Write
Millennium Park’s lunchtime concert series. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Second City’s Neighborhood Tour
Sundays and Wednesdays, May 29-Oct 30. This walking tour both entertains and informs by highlighting the architecture, history and development of Old Town as well as various Second City alumni haunts and stories that go with them. Tour begins at the Second City Theatre, 1616 N. Wells, (312)337-3992. 1pm. $15.
MON/11
Carillon Concert Series: Monika Kazmierczak
Mondays June 6-Sept 5. Free outdoor music at the Chicago Botanic Garden all summer. Browse the garden or have dinner while you listen. 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe, (847)835-5440. 7pm. Free.
Downtown Sound: New Music Mondays—Delicate Steve and Bombino
Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park Near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Lunchbreak Music Series: Jazz, Blues, and Beyond—Joel Adams Sextet
Millennium Park’s lunchtime concert series. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
TUE/12
Music on the Esplanade: Bopology
Tuesdays June 7-Aug 30. Free outdoor music at the Chicago Botanic Garden all summer, with a different genre every week. Browse the garden or have dinner while you listen. 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe, (847)835-5440. 6pm-8pm. Free.
Streeterville Farmer’s Market
Tuesdays, June 7-October 25. European-style outdoor market. Museum of Contemporary Art Plaza, 220 E. Chicago. 7am-3pm. Free.
Summer Studios: Temporary, not Permanent
June 21-Aug 30. Interactive and creative projects based on themes from the exhibition “Mark Bradford” and “Pandora’s Box.” Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago. 11am-2pm in the plaza and 5pm-8pm during Tuesdays on the Terrace. Free.
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Joan Collaso
June 7-Sept 27. Outdoor Jazz series. Bring a blanket or rent a lawn chair ($5) to enjoy live jazz concerts on the garden lawn of the MCA. Enjoy hotdogs and hamburgers from the grill or try the gourmet, locally grown cuisine from the MCA Farmer’s Market. Museum of Contemporary Art Terrace, 220 E. Chicago. 5:30-8pm. Free. (312)397-4034 for dinner reservations. $23 dinner buffet.
WED/13
Grant Park Music Festival: Broadway Rocks
This evening will be packed with songs from some of the most electrifying shows to hit the Great White Way in recent decades: The Wiz, Hairspray, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mamma Mia, Tommy, and more.Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm. Free.
International Summer Screenings Program: “The Necessities of Life”
A teenage Kurdish refugee decides to swim across the English Channel in order to be reunited with his girlfriend in England. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 2nd floor, (312)683-0121. 6:30pm. Free. Also screened on July 16.
Second City’s Neighborhood Tour
Sundays and Wednesdays, May 29-Oct 30. This walking tour both entertains and informs by highlighting the architecture, history and development of Old Town as well as various Second City alumni haunts and stories that go with them. Tour begins at the Second City Theatre, 1616 N. Wells, (312)337-3992. 1pm. $15.
THU/14
Chicago SummerDance Festival
Thursdays-Sundays, Jul 7-Sept 18. Dance lessons led by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan, (312)742-4007. 6pm-9:30pm; Sundays 4pm-7pm. Free.
Hot Summer Nights: Mambo All-Stars: Mambo/Cha-Cha
Thursdays June 9-Sept 1. Professional dance instructors give mini lessons that correspond with the genre of the night. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe, (847)835-5440. 6pm-8pm. Free.
Music Without Borders: Sierra Maestra and Susheela Raman
Cuban and South Indian music. Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Rhapsody Summer Camp for Adults: Bubbles & Cheese
Go back to camp with Rhapsody’s six-session Summer Camp series, where you can learn about everything from Italian cheeses to pig roasting to making a Mai Tai. This week, Italian-style. Rhapsody’s patio (weather permitting), 65 E. Adams, (312)786-9911. 5:30pm-7:30pm. $45.
The Summer Music Series at the Underground: DJ Graham Funke
The Underground, 56 W Illinois, (312)644-7600. 10pm. $20.
FRI/15
Grant Park Music Festival: Penderecki Conducts Penderecki
July 15-16. The great contemporary Polish composer, whose work has been a touchstone in his home country and beyond since the 1950s, comes to Millennium Park to conduct his own composition. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm; Saturday 7:30pm. Free.
Pitchfork Music Festival
July 15-17. The lineup for this three-day festival includes Animal Collective, Fleet Foxes and TV on the Radio. Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph. Single-day tickets $45, three-day pass sold out. For more information visit pitchforkmusicfestival.com.
Taste of River North
July 15-17. River North cuisine, art, music, shopping and music. Ward Park, 630 N. Kingsbury (Kingsbury and Erie). 5pm-10pm. $1 tickets for food and beverage samples, $5 Suggested donation.
SAT/16
International Summer Screenings Program: “The Necessities of Life”
A teenage Kurdish refugee decides to swim across the English Channel in order to be reunited with his girlfriend in England. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 2nd floor, (312)683-0121. 2pm. Free.
Lunchbreak Music Series: Electric Picnic—The Opus and The Makers of Sense
Millennium Park’s lunchtime concert series. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Saturday Morning Workout
Saturdays, June 4-Sept 10. three 45-minute-long classes. The Great Lawn of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Yoga at 8am, Pilates at 9am, Zumba at 10am. Free.
Tour de Fat: Chicago
A bicycle celebration and parade visiting thirteen U.S. cities. The Ride begins at 10 am at Palmer Square, but be there early to register. Stay and enjoy the fun after the ride with music and theatrics by Squirm Burpee Circus, Dovekins, Daredevil Chicken Club, Mucca Pazza and Free Energy. Palmer Square, near the corner of North Kedzie and West Palmer. 9am-4pm. Free.
SUN/17
Lunchbreak Music Series: American Roots—Cajun Vagabonds
Millennium Park’s lunchtime concert series. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Second City’s Neighborhood Tour
Sundays and Wednesdays, May 29-Oct 30. This walking tour both entertains and informs by highlighting the architecture, history and development of Old Town as well as various Second City alumni haunts and stories that go with them. Tour begins at the Second City Theatre, 1616 N. Wells, (312)337-3992. 1pm. $15.
MON/18
Carillon Concert Series: Brian Tang
Mondays June 6-Sept 5. Free outdoor music at the Chicago Botanic Garden all summer. Browse the garden or have dinner while you listen. 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe, (847)835-5440. 7pm. Free.
Downtown Sound: New Music Mondays—Blonde Redhead and My Gold Mask
Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park Near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312) 742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Lunchbreak Music Series: Jazz, Blues and Beyond—Bime Sarah with the BTS Express
Millennium Park’s lunchtime concert series. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
TUE/19
Music on the Esplanade: The Ragtops
Tuesdays June 7-Aug 30. Free outdoor music at the Chicago Botanic Garden all summer, with a different genre every week. Browse the garden or have dinner while you listen. 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe, (847)835-5440. 6pm-8pm. Free.
Streeterville Farmer’s Market
Tuesdays, June 7-October 25. European-style outdoor market. Museum of Contemporary Art Plaza, 220 E. Chicago. 7am-3pm. Free.
Summer Studios: What is a Box?
June 21-Aug 30. Interactive and creative projects based on themes from the exhibition “Mark Bradford” and “Pandora’s Box.” Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago. 11am-2pm in the plaza and 5pm-8pm during Tuesdays on the Terrace. Free.
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Mwata Bowden
June 7-Sept 27. Outdoor Jazz series. Bring a blanket or rent a lawn chair ($5) to enjoy live jazz concerts on the garden lawn of the MCA. Enjoy hotdogs and hamburgers from the grill or try the gourmet, locally grown cuisine from the MCA Farmer’s Market. Museum of Contemporary Art Terrace, 220 E. Chicago. 5:30-8pm. Free. (312)397-4034 for dinner reservations. $23 dinner buffet.
WED/20
Grant Park Music Festival: Kwame Ryan
Schumann’s romantic symphony shares the program with Ravel’s stirring suite written to commemorate friends killed during WWI and a recent work by Swiss composer Rolf Liebermann. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm. Free.
International Summer Screenings Program: “Reef Hunters”
Master fisherman Fredo commands a rundown ship crewed by boys from small fishing villages. He is determined to catch as many fish as possible, but nature may have other plans for him. Tagalog with English subtitles. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 2nd floor, (312)683-0121. 6:30pm. Free. Also screened on July 23.
Second City’s Neighborhood Tour
Sundays and Wednesdays, May 29-Oct 30. This walking tour both entertains and informs by highlighting the architecture, history and development of Old Town as well as various Second City alumni haunts and stories that go with them. Tour begins at the Second City Theatre, 1616 N. Wells, (312)337-3992. 1pm. $15.
THU/21
Chicago SummerDance Festival
Thursdays-Sundays, Jul 7-Sept 18. Dance lessons led by professional instructors followed by live music and dancing. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan, (312)742-4007. 6pm-9:30pm; Sundays 4pm-7pm. Free.
Hot Summer Nights: Big City Swing
June 9-Sept 1. Professional dance instructors give mini lessons that correspond with the genre of the night. Chicago Botanic Garden,1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe, (847)835-5440. 6pm-8pm. Free.
Music Without Borders: Yemen Blues and Etran Finatawa
Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
The Summer Music Series at the Underground: DJ Ruckes
The Underground, 56 W. Illinois, (312)644-7600. 10pm. $20.
FRI/22
Grant Park Music Festival: Choral Masterpieces
July 22-23. Leonard Bernstein’s choral setting of the Psalms of David (which features musical material from early sketches for West Side Story) is followed by the late 19th century requiem by Fauré. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm; Saturday 7:30pm. Free.
SAT/23
International Summer Screenings Program: “Reef Hunters”
Master fisherman Fredo commands a rundown ship crewed by boys from small fishing villages. He is determined to catch as many fish as possible, but nature may have other plans for him. Tagalog with English subtitles. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 2nd floor, (312)683-0121. 2pm. Free.
Lunchbreak Music Series Electric Picnic—Christopher Willits
Millennium Park’s lunchtime concert series. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Saturday Morning Workout
Saturdays, June 4-Sept 10. Three 45-minute-long classes. The Great Lawn of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Yoga at 8am, Pilates at 9am, Zumba at 10am. Free.
Wicker Park Fest
July 23-24. Street Festival featuring local food, drink, and live performances. Milwaukee between North and Wood, (773)384-2672. Noon-10pm. $5 suggested donation.
SUN/24
Lunchbreak Music Series: American Roots by Sanctified Grumblers
Millennium Park’s lunchtime concert series. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Second City’s Neighborhood Tour
Sundays and Wednesdays, May 29-Oct 30. This walking tour both entertains and informs by highlighting the architecture, history and development of Old Town as well as various Second City alumni haunts and stories that go with them. Tour begins at the Second City Theatre, 1616 N. Wells, (312)337-3992. 1pm. $15.
MON/25
Carillon Concert Series: Wylie Crawford
June 6-Sept 5. Free outdoor music at the Chicago Botanic Garden all summer. Browse the garden or have dinner while you listen. 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe, (847)835-5440. 7pm. Free.
Downtown Sound: New Music Mondays—Ted Leo and The Pharmacists
Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Lunchbreak Music Series: Jazz, Blue, and Beyond—Chicago Jazz Philharmonic
Millennium Park’s lunchtime concert series. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
TUE/26
Music on the Esplanade: Fatum Jazz
Tuesdays June 7-Aug 30. Free outdoor music at the Chicago Botanic Garden all summer, with a different genre every week. Browse the garden or have dinner while you listen. 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe, (847)835-5440. 6pm-8pm. Free.
Streeterville Farmer’s Market
Tuesdays, June 7-October 25. European-style outdoor market. Museum of Contemporary Art Plaza, 220 E. Chicago. 7am-3pm. Free.
Summer Studios: Collect the Story of Today
June 21-Aug 30. Interactive and creative projects based on themes from the exhibition “Mark Bradford” and “Pandora’s Box.” Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago. 11am-2pm in the plaza and 5pm-8pm during Tuesdays on the Terrace. Free.
Tuesdays on the Terrace: Clyde “Lightning” George
June 7-Sept 27. Outdoor Jazz series. Bring a blanket or rent a lawn chair ($5) to enjoy live jazz concerts on the garden lawn of the MCA. Enjoy hotdogs and hamburgers from the grill or try the gourmet, locally grown cuisine from the MCA Farmer’s Market. Museum of Contemporary Art Terrace, 220 E. Chicago. 5:30-8pm. Free. (312)397-4034 for dinner reservations. $23 dinner buffet.
WED/27
Grant Park Music Festival: Prokofiev Symphony No. 7
Finnish conductor Hannu Lintu begins his week-long residency. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm. Free.
International Summer Screenings Program: “Noodle”
A twice-widowed flight attendant and a Chinese boy whose mother has been deported cross paths in this Israeli film. English, Hebrew and Mandarin with English subtitles. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 2nd floor, (312)683-0121. 6:30pm. Free. Also screened on July 30.
Second City’s Neighborhood Tour
Sundays and Wednesdays, May 29-Oct 30. This walking tour both entertains and informs by highlighting the architecture, history and development of Old Town as well as various Second City alumni haunts and stories that go with them. Tour begins at the Second City Theatre, 1616 N. Wells, (312)337-3992. 1pm. $15.
THU/28
Hot Summer Nights: Aloha Lives!
Thursdays June 9-Sept 1. Professional dance instructors give mini lessons that correspond with the genre of the night. Chicago Botanic Garden,1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe, (847)835-5440. 6pm-8pm. Free.
Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz
Truth Be Told: Celebrating the Legacy of Von Freeman. Millennium Park, near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. 6:30pm. Free.
Rhapsody Summer Camp for Adults: Classic Umbrella Drinks
Go back to camp with Rhapsody’s six-session Summer Camp series, where you can learn about classic cocktails such as Mai Tai, Pina Colada, Daiquiri, and more. Rhapsody’s patio (weather permitting), 65 E. Adams, (312)786-9911. 5:30pm-7:30pm. $45.
Summer Music Series at the Underground: DJ Irie.
The Underground, 56 W. Illinois, (312)644-7600. 10pm. $20.
FRI/29
July 29-30. Grant Park Music Festival: Sibelius Epic Finland
A chance to hear Sibelius’ early work (revised at the end of his life), based on the great national Finnish epic, the Kalevala, the source of more than a dozen of his most important compositions. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph. 6:30pm; Saturday 7:30pm. Free.
SAT/30
Chicago Scene Boat Party 2011
Chicago’s “Play Pen” on Lake Michigan, between Ohio Street Beach and Chicago Avenue, (312)593-1180. Noon-6pm. Free, but you need a boat to ride on.
International Summer Screenings Program: “Noodle”
A twice-widowed flight attendant and a Chinese boy whose mother has been deported cross paths in this Israeli film. English, Hebrew and Mandarin with English subtitles. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, 2nd floor, (312)683-0121. 2pm. Free.
Lunchbreak Music Series: Electric Picnic—Radiohiro & MC Zulu
Millennium Park’s lunchtime concert series. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Randolph Street Market Festival
July 30-31. Antique and Indie Designer Market. Two entrances: 1350 block of W. Randolph and 1340 W. Washington (between Ada and Ogden), (312)666-1200. 10am-5pm. $10 general admission (good for both days), $5 student admission (good for both days), children 12 and under are free.
Saturday Morning Workout
Saturdays, June 4-Sept 10. Three 45-minute-long classes. The Great Lawn of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park near the corner of Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Yoga at 8am, Pilates at 9am, Zumba at 10am. Free.
SUN/31
Lunchbreak Music Series: American Roots—The Galactic Cowboy Orchestra
Millennium Park’s lunchtime concert series. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park near Michigan and Randolph, (312)742-1168. Noon. Free.
Second City’s Neighborhood Tour
Sundays and Wednesdays, May 29-Oct 30. This walking tour both entertains and informs by highlighting the architecture, history and development of Old Town as well as various Second City alumni haunts and stories that go with them. Tour begins at the Second City Theatre, 1616 N. Wells, (312)337-3992. 1pm. $15.
