2020 EVENTS MUST-SEE MUSEUM EXHIBITS Through May 2021 AMERICAN MEDINA: STORIES OF MUSLIM CHICAGO Chicago History Museum chicagohistory.org Listen to the thought-provoking personal narratives of Chicago’s diverse Muslim communities through more than 30 oral history interviews, and view objects such as prayer rugs and beads. February – November THE MARCH DuSable Museum of African American History dusablemuseum.org The DuSable will be the first museum in the nation to host TIME magazine’s immersive project that brings Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech to virtual reality. March 13 – April 4, 2021 APSÁALOOKE WOMEN AND WARRIORS Field Museum fieldmuseum.org Learn about the bravery, strength, and vitality of the Apsáalooke people through this fascinating exhibit of traditional objects and contemporary Native American artwork. May 10 – Sept. 7 MONET AND CHICAGO Art Institute of Chicago artic.edu This amazing exhibition is the first ever to explore the great Impressionist artist’s unique connection to Chicago, featuring more than 60 paintings that range from major works to rarely seen pieces. June 20 – Sept. 27, 2021 ART AND RACE MATTERS: THE CAREER OF ROBERT COLESCOTT Chicago Cultural Center chicagoculturalcenter.org The first comprehensive retrospective of one of America’s most compelling and controversial artists, this exhibit presents 80 works that expose and challenge racial stereotypes. DAY OF THE DEAD XICÁGO National Museum of Mexican Art nationalmuseumof mexicanart.org As part of its Día de los Muertos celebration, the museum and nearby Harrison Park feature live music, art activities, and altars devoted to departed loved ones. DESTINOS: CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL LATINO THEATER FESTIVAL Citywide clata.org/destinos The Chicago Latino Theater Alliance brings together local, national, and international theatre groups from Chile, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and more. OPEN HOUSE CHICAGO Citywide openhousechicago.org Take free behind-the-scenes tours of more than 250 architectural gems across Chicago, including soaring skyscrapers, opulent theatres, and exclusive private clubs. NOVEMBER BMO HARRIS BANK MAGNIFICENT MILE LIGHTS FESTIVAL The Magnificent Mile themagnificentmile.com/ lights-festival The festival’s main event is a dazzling evening parade led by Mickey Mouse as he illuminates the twinkling lights along North Michigan Avenue. CHICAGO THANKSGIVING PARADE State St., from Congress Pkwy. to Randolph St. chicagothanksgiving parade.com Thanksgiving Day begins with a cheery morning parade along historic State Street featuring giant balloon characters, colorful floats, and marching bands. CHRISTKINDLMARKET CHICAGO Daley Plaza christkindlmarket.com Celebrate the season through Christmas Eve at this German-inspired holiday market in the Loop, featuring artisan crafts, beautiful ornaments, and festive food and drink. CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING & HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES Millennium Park millenniumpark.org Watch the lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree and go skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. FESTIVAL OF WOOD & BARREL-AGED BEER UIC Dorin Forum fobab.com More than 200 craft breweries from across the U.S. showcase their most innovative brews at the world’s largest barrel-aged beer festival and competition. SOFA CHICAGO Navy Pier sofaexpo.com The Sculpture Objects Functional Art and Design fair presents three-dimensional art and design, as well as a lecture series and special exhibits. ZOOLIGHTS Lincoln Park Zoo lpzoo.org More than two million lights transform the zoo into a winter wonderland through the New Year, complete with strolling carolers, musical light shows, and selfies with Santa. DECEMBER CAROLING AT CLOUD GATE Millennium Park millenniumpark.org Sing holiday tunes led by local choral groups with the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture as a picturesque background on select days throughout the month. FIFTH THIRD BANK WINTER WONDERFEST Navy Pier navypier.org This indoor winter playland delights all ages with carnival rides, an ice skating rink, holiday activities, and loads of festive decorations. NEW YEAR’S EVE Citywide choosechicago.com/nye Welcome the new year in Chicago, where New Year’s Eve celebrations include parties at glamorous hotels, special dinners at hot restaurants, and light-up-the-sky fireworks over Navy Pier. ONE OF A KIND HOLIDAY SHOW theMART oneofakindshowchicago.com Browse handmade works (including jewelry, ceramics, and mixed media) created by more than 600 artists and makers while enjoying cocktails and gourmet bites. POLAR ADVENTURE DAYS Northerly Island chicagoparkdistrict.com Strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore lakeside trails, make nature-inspired winter crafts, and encounter Siberian huskies, wolves, and birds of prey. McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park 12 choosechicago.com RANVESTEL PHOTOGRAPHIC
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