Inspired Chicago - Find fun things to do in Chicago!

Are you looking for something fun and educational to do this summer? Visit Chicago’s world-class museums! If you’re an Illinois resident, stop by during Illinois Resident Discount Days and receive free admission. If you’re not an Illinois resident, there are free admission opportunities for everyone! June, July, and August Illinois Resident Discount Days Adler Planetarium, 1300 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago June 3-5, 10-12 No dates for July No dates for August Chicago History Museum, 1601 North Clark Street, Chicago No dates for June July 4 August 17-21, 24-28, 31 The Field Museum, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago June 4-5, 8 No dates for July August 11-13 Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago June 1-5, 8 No dates for July No dates for August Shedd Aquarium, 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago June 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 No dates for July No dates for August Here are a few tips to remember: Free admission is for general or basic admission. Discounts m

Chicago residents and visitors alike have an opportunity to see an international film each Wednesday for 18 weeks, beginning on May 27 and continuing through September 23.  All films begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater, 78 East Washington Street.  Films vary in length from 30 minutes to 135 minutes, with select screenings followed by a discussion period, for those who choose to stay.  Admission is free.  Be sure to arrive early (seating is on a first-come, first-served basis). Most of the films are in a language other than English, but there are subtitles.  Make it fun!  If you are learning one or more of the languages, perhaps challenge yourself to see how much you can understand without relying entirely on the subtitles.  I’m going to give it a try! The Man Who Jumped Over Cars , a 2010 German film, will be shown on May 27 (see details below). For a complete schedule (including trailers!), please visit the International Screenings Progr

On May 14, my husband and I had the opportunity to see three-time GRAMMY nominee and award-winning harmonica player Billy Branch perform at Harold Washington Library Center’s Cindy Pritzker Auditorium.  His performance was part of “Speakin’ of the Blues:  Celebrating the Willie Dixon Centennial” presented by the Chicago Public Library in cooperation with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. This year is the 100th anniversary of the birth of American blues legend Willie Dixon.  This preview event provided audience members a taste of this year’s Chicago Blues Festival tribute to Willie Dixon on June 14. Also sharing their talents were singer Keshia Dixon-Nelson, a granddaughter of Willie Dixon, and guitarist Dan Carelli, a member of Billy Branch’s Sons of Blues band. In a short question-and-answer session led by Chicago Public Library’s music librarian Christopher Popa, Mr. Branch shared some of his memories of knowing Willie Dixon and playing in

Updated March 18, 2018 I know, from experience, that it is sometimes difficult to find a public restroom in an unfamiliar city. A few years ago, my husband and I were on vacation in Paris, France. Our guidebook told of a free public WC (water closet) in front of Notre Dame Cathedral. We looked for a small building nearby but could not find one. An impressive statue of Charlemagne, yes, but no building that looked like it contained a restroom. Finally, we spotted a small sign and some stairs. The restroom was underground! Knowing where restrooms are located is important not only to tourists but also to residents who are spending a day out enjoying the city. In Chicago, many businesses, especially restaurants, post signs restricting restroom use to customers. If you don’t want to make a purchase, what can you do? Well, there’s no need to worry. There are plenty of free public restrooms. You just have to know where to look. Downtown Chicago Public Restrooms Spending the day