This way to Convocation! (says Gorey)
Okay, so, you already know where to eat. You know what to do Friday afternoon (the MAPH Family & Friends reception!) and Saturday (graduate!). But, as someone who has spent the last 9 months sequestered in some kind of library, you may not be entirely sure how to fill up the rest of the weekend.
Don’t worry. You have many options. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Float Down the River Surrounded by Beautiful Buildings
This idea needs no explanation.
Chicago Architecture Foundation Boat Tours
A guaranteed crowd pleaser, these boat tours allow you to revel in Chicago’s unique beauty, learn about the city’s past and present, and enjoy what is rumored to be some beautiful weekend weather. This is also a great option if you have grandparents in town or your dad is on his second pair of knees (sorry, Dad!)–all you have to do is float and remember the SPF! The tours on their weekend schedule now, so there are lots of chances to fit one in! For tickets and times, please visit http://www.architecture.org/rivercruise.
Ping Tom Park and the Canal St. Bridge (built 1915)
This boasts many of the same views as the CAF tour, but without the price tag or the loudspeaker. One of my favorite things to do on a nice day off in Chicago is take the water taxi to/from Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chinatown and grab some dim sum. The park itself is beautiful–it combines the beauty of nature (hellooo, weeping willows) with the beauty of a city that was once a major industrial center (what can I say? I love giant old metal structures). You can also rent a kayak there!
Check Out a Current Exhibit
See ‘em before they’re gone.
The Art of Edward Gorey - Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA)
This exhibit closes after Sunday, June 15, so your guests will arrive just in time to catch a magical glimpse into the work and mind of Gorey. This is the first major exhibit in the artist’s hometown, and it is really worth stopping by. http://luc.edu/gorey/
Josef Koudelka: Nationality Doubtful – Art Institute of Chicago
Koudelka is famous for photographs that documented the Soviet invasion of Prague in 1968. This new exhibit features photographs from that series, Invasion, and other work that “combines a sense of modern history with a timeless humanism.” http://www.artic.edu/exhibition/josef-koudelka-nationality-doubtful
Josef Koudelka. Romania, from the series Gypsies, 1968
Catch a Show
You finally have a chance to enjoy Chicago’s nightlife!
Monstrous Regiment – Lifeline Theatre
Swords, trolls, vampires, Igor, gender play — this world premiere, adapted from a Terry Pratchett novel, has something for everyone! http://www.lifelinetheatre.com/performances/13-14/mr/index.shtml
The Tribune called their new show, Haymaker, “insanely fun,” but you can also catch their signature Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind if you haven’t already. http://neofuturists.org/
Chicago Blues Festival – Grant Park
Featuring performances by Harry Garner & Mark Wydra Duo, the Chicago Delta Blues Band, Aaron Neville, and Dr. John–six stages of music total! http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_blues_festival.html
Show Off Your Neighborhood
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House
Remind yourself that there is more to do here than study by playing the tourist in Hyde Park for the weekend!
You’ve walked by it 8 million times, so why not step inside? After all, it’s widely considered the greatest example of Prairie School architecture. http://www.flwright.org/visit/robiehouse
33% more free – Reva & David Logan Center for the Arts
Show off the fancy-schmancy Logan Center (also known at the site of FutureProm2014) under the guise of checking of the Department of Visual Art’s BA Thesis Exhibit. It’s ending soon! http://arts.uchicago.edu/event/33-more-free
You won’t want to miss John Preus’s The Beast, a giant installation that contains furniture taken from closed Chicago public schools. Plus you an recharge with Bridgeport Coffee in the cafe! http://www.hydeparkart.org/