Has it been to long since you've seen a show?.  Chicago has one of the most vibrant theater communities in the nation and now you can experience it for free.  The Theatre Communications Group is celebrating the 5th anniversary of a Free Night of Theater program by offering free tickets to over 700 plays coast to coast.  Starting October 1 2009, you can experience what our local theaters have to offer free of cost.  To see what is available in the Chicago area click here.  Stop using lack of funds as an excuse not to go out to a show.  Get your tickets now to a Free Night of Theater.  Hurry, tickets go fast!    

Has it been too long since you've seen a show?  Chicago has one of the most vibrant theater communities in the nation and now you can experience it for free.  The Theatre Communications Group is celebrating the 5th anniversary of a Free Night of Theater program by offering free tickets to over 700 plays coast to coast.  Starting October 1 2009, you can experience what our local theaters have to offer free of cost.  To see what is available in the Chicago area click here.  Stop using lack of funds as an excuse not to go out to a show.  Get your tickets now to a Free Night of Theater.  Hurry, tickets go fast!    

Celebrate art of all forms at the 24th annual Bucktown Arts Fest.  This weekend, on August 29th and 30th from 11:00am-7:00pm, artists from all over the city invite you to join them for a glorious celebration of art.  Participants will include painters, photographers, crafts people, dancers, musicians, poets, actors and more.  Film buffs can enjoy a film program curated by the Chicago Short Film Brigade.  Don't forget to bring the kids!  Children's activities include baloon artists, painting tles, and using found objects to create mobiles.  The fun takes place at Holstein Park located at 2200 N. Oakley in Bucktown.  It's a good opportunity to meet the artists, explore the neighborhood, and experience a wide variety of art.  For a schedule of performances click here.      

 Would you like to experience another culture, eat exotic food and shop in a souk?  You don't have to travel far and you don't need to break the bank.  Just head down to Daley Plaza at 50 W. Washington Street where you'll find the third annual Chicago Arabesque in full swing.  From Wednsday, June 24 until Saturday, June 27 Daley Plaze will be transformed into a mecca of Arabic culture.  Watch fashion shows of Arabic style, listen to both traditional and modern middle eastern musicians, sample a variety of Arabic cuisine,  and enjoy all kinds of entertainment and artesian demonstrations.  Bring the kids along as well because  activity booths will feature story tellers, a magic show, face painters, henna tatoos, and more.   Imerse yourself in Arabic culture as you peruse the booths in the souk, otherwise known as a bazaar where jewelry, artwork and crafts will be for sale.  The hours are 10:00am till 3:00pm on Wednsday through Friday and 11:00am-7:00pm on Saturday. For a program schedule click here.   This festival is presented by the Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Arab Affairs.

Attention all artists, arts organizations, and arts related businesses.  On Saturday, April 4, 2009 the 6th Annual Chicago Creative Workshop will be presented at the Chicago Cultural Center.  It's a free workshop for everyone in the business of the arts.  Over 20 workshops, 100 vendors, and 40 consultants will be featured at the workshop.  For a schedule and list of participants click here.  It's a great way to connect with those in the Chicago arts community and brush up on your business skills as well.  The hours are 10:00AM - 4:00PM.  Whether you are a painter, actor, writer, or gallery owner, don't miss this opportunity to network, learn and see what others are doing.

Are you looking for something cultural to do on a weekend afternoon?  How about grabbing a buddy and going to a play for a fraction of the price of regular tickets.  Target is sponsering discounted theater tickets for 4 different plays in Chicago.  Until April 5, 2009 you can get 2 for 1 tickets for  Saturday Matinee performances of "Our Town" at the Lookingglass Theatre.  Go to their website or call (312)337-0665.  Congo Square Theatre Company is offering 2 for 1 tickets for Saturday Matinees of "St. James Infirmary", until April 12, 2009.  Call (312)7336000 or check outh their website.  Catch a Sunday performance of "Magnolia" for $20.00 at the Goodman Theatre until April 19,2009.  Check out their website or call (312)443 3800.  Enjoy a Sunday Matinee of the classic drama "Of Mice and Men" put on by Steppenwolf Theatre and get 2 for 1 tickets from April 25-May 10, 2009.  See their website or cal (312)335 1650.  At prices like these, there's no excuse to be bored on a weekend afternoon.

 

On February 25, Dave Herzog's Marionettes will be at the Chicago Public Library with an out of this world adventure.  Join the marionettes in space as they do the Martian Hop, meet Ricky Martian and see the Purple People Eater.  The fun begins at 11:00 am at 400 S. State Street and it's free!  

Now you can see Lee Blessing's new play Great Falls for half price.  What a deal!  Profiles Theatre in Chicago is offering a limited number of tickets for half price on Thursdays and Sundays until March 1.  To take advantage if this offer, call the box office at (773)549-1815 and mention this offer.  The play tells the story of a stepfather and stepdaughter on a road trip across the West and how their relationship unfolds.   The theater is located at 4147 N. Broadway and tickets are subject to availability.  

 

                                                                     
Are you craving a bit of live drama in your life?  Perhaps you're looking for a good laugh.  From Shakespear to Tony and Tina's Wedding, you can score tickets to local theaters for half price.  Hot tix offers half price tickets for same day shows. You can pick up tickets at one of 2 locations in Chicago, 72 East Pearson or 72 East Randolph.  Or visit the website at www.hottix.org.