When it comes to things to do in Chicago, summer’s end doesn’t stop the party. As usual, this is a list of where I’ll be this weekend.
Zoovies at Lincoln Park Zoo
When: Friday, September 5th at Dusk (September 19th rain date)
Where: The Lincoln Park Zoo’s South Lawn (2001 N Clark St)
Why you may want to attend: “Come to the zoo after hours and enjoy movies in one of the city’s most beautiful theaters: the zoo’s scenic South Lawn. Admission is free. Food, beer and wine will be available for purchase…Movies start at dusk. Seating is general admission on the South Lawn grass and Park Place Café patio. Low chairs and blankets (no larger than 5 feet by 5 feet) permitted.”
Tonight’s showing? Best in Show. Roger Ebert called the film a “wickedly funny mockumentary”.
Oh! There’s also a Groupon deal available for a VIP package which features a drink and parking.
More info: Lincoln Park Zoo
Windy City Wine Festival
When: Friday, September 5th 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. and Saturday, September 6th 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Buckingham Fountain (301 S Columbus Dr)
Why you may want to attend: “Sample from more than 300 wines from around the world. Learn about new and exciting varieties from the experts in a relaxed festival setting…Some of the area’s best restaurants and caterers will sell their signature dishes. Live music will be performed on the festival stage.”
More info: Windy City Wine Festival
Stars of Lyric Opera at Millennium Park
When: Saturday, September 6th 7:30 p.m.
Where: Jay Pritzker Pavilion (201 E Randolph St)
Why you may want to attend: “Lyric Opera kicks off the 60th Anniversary Season with a fun, outdoor, family-friendly event. Bring your friends and your picnic basket and relax under the stars as many of Lyric Opera’s most acclaimed voices provide you with a sampling of scenes from your most beloved operas… For the first time ever, you’ll be able to follow along with line-by-line translations in real time by visiting lyricoperalive.org on your mobile device or online during the performance.”
More info: Lyric Opera
Venetian Night
When: Saturday, September 6th at 8:30 p.m.
Where: The boats can be seen from Navy Pier and Monroe Harbor (400 E. Monroe St)
Why you may want to attend: An old Chicago favorite that suddenly died is being resurrected by the Chicago Yachting Association and Navy Pier. “Watch illuminated boats decorated in the theme of your favorite Broadway musicals including Wicked, Annie, Chicago, Grease and The Phantom of the Opera, take to the water in a stunning aquatic parade, set to music.” The parade ends with a Navy Pier fireworks display.
More info: Navy Pier’s website