A concert at the zoo, lots of used books, and a festival for kids at the Art Institute; Chicago Tonight knows what's going on this weekend.
Maria Doyle Kennedy at Schubas Tavern
This week on Chicago Tonight, Maria Doyle Kennedy joined us for conversation and a musical performance. Although some may think of Kennedy as Vera Bates, the estranged wife of John Bates on the PBS series Downton Abbey, the Irish actress is also a very talented singer and songwriter. Her most recent album, Sing, was co-written with her husband Kieran Kennedy and features duets with Damien Rice and Irish singer-songwriter Paul Brady. If you enjoyed her on the show, this is an opportunity to see a live performance of her music, which is described as “sometimes melancholy, other times joyful, always passionate – elemental folk shot through with a potent soulful impulse.” Kennedy performs at 7:00 pm on Friday at Schubas Tavern in Lakeview. Tickets cost $15 and can either be purchased online or at the door. Attendees must be 21 and over. For more information, and to purchase tickets, click here.
Schubas Tavern
3159 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
Newberry Book Fair
If you’re still searching for the perfect summer read, head over to the 29th Annual Newberry Book Fair this weekend to browse through more than 120,000 used books. With 70 different categories of books available including paperback mysteries, romances, biographies, and children’s literature, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this fair. And since it will probably be hard to choose just one, bookworms will be happy to know that most books cost $2 and under. The book fair takes place at The Newberry, Chicago’s independent research library, on Friday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is free. For more information about the book fair, click here.
Newberry Library
60 W. Walton St.
Chicago, IL 60610
Mix it ‘Til Midnight event at Navy Pier
If you like great music and food, head out to the first-ever street party on the Navy Pier dock this Friday. Attendees can enjoy mainstream, country, alternative, and electronic music played by DJs at four locations down the Pier, as well as a live performance by a retro cover band in the Landshark Beer Garden. The mile-long party will also include eight restaurants and bars along Dock Street, and a wide array of drink specials. Restaurants include Harry Caray's Tavern, the Billy Goat, Chango Loco Mexican Cantina, and Riva Crab House. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery that Navy Pier has to offer while showing off your favorite dance moves. The event, which is presented by Bacardi, takes place on Friday from 9:00 pm until midnight. For more information, click here.
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Ave .
Chicago, IL 60611
Bank of America Family Festival
Here’s an event at the Art Institute of Chicago that the kids will enjoy. On Saturday, take part in a day of discovery, creativity and family fun at the 18th annual Bank of America Family Festival. The event is inspired by the exhibit Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity. Kids can get in touch with their artistic side through a broad range of activities from some of Chicago’s favorite places for fun. Activity stations include Musical Impressions with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Nature Flags with the Lurie Garden, and Fashionable Figures with the Art Institute’s Family Programs. All the stations will take place in the Ryan Education Center. Kids interested in art-making activities can check out some of the Gallery Activity Stations, such as Paperworks with Artist Leslie Baum, where kids can explore the exhibition Zarina: Paper Like Skin, and then create their own artwork with textured paper. Family Gallery Walks, which are special interactive tours for families with kids ages 6 and up, are at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm. The event, which is free, takes place on Saturday from 10:30 am until 3:00 pm. For more information, click here.
Art Institute of Chicago
111 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
Lincoln Park Zoo's Jammin’ at the Zoo
Get outside and enjoy the last weekend in July with an outdoor concert this weekend at the Lincoln Park Zoo. On Friday, Michael Franti & Spearhead, a band that blends hip hop with a variety of other styles, and Fort Frances, a Chicago indie band, will take the stage at Gateway Pavilion for the second Jammin’at the Zoo event of the season. For those of you who work up an appetite while dancing, full food service is available at Park Place Café, Landmark Café and carts. Gates open at 6:00 pm, and headlining bands play at 7:30 pm and 9:15 pm. Tickets purchased in advance cost $24 for adults ($22 for members), and $13 for kids ($11 for members). Tickets purchased at the gate cost $29 for adults ($27 for members) and $15 for kids ($13 for members). Kids 3 and under are admitted for free, and paid parking is available on Cannon Drive at Fullerton. For more information about the concert and to purchase tickets, click here.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614
