Centerstage - Chicago's Original City Guide

Articles Sections >> Arts + Words Bars + Clubs Dating Festivals Fitness Food Lifestyle Music Theater Travel + Tourism Who's Who > View All Ask Centerstage Cheap Thrills Green Thumb Weekend Warrior

Five things to do in Chicago, from the obvious to the absurd.

Thursday Mar 05, 2009.     By Centerstage Chicago Staff

Lifestyle Feed

Sock Monkey Madness
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday at Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guildford, Rockford; $7 adults, $4 children and students 4-17
This unusual event honors Rockford's knitting industry, recognizing in particular The Nelson Knitting Company, whose red-heeled work socks were the main material needed to make the stuffed pals popular during the Great Depression. The festival includes create-your-own-sock-monkey workshops, book signings, a Miss Sockford talent contest and more.

Chicago Flower & Garden Show
March 7-15 at Navy Pier; $14 adults, $5 for kids 4-12
The Chicago Flower & Garden Show celebrates its 15th year by returning to its "roots" at Navy Pier on Saturday. The exhibit includes thousands of gardening, landscaping and horticulture products, over 100 hands-on demonstrations and classes, 25-plus lush gardens, a children's activity garden and more. The show runs 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

Chicago International Movies and Music Festival
March 5-9 at multiple venues
This first annual fest features diverse events like a screening of Martin Atkins's "16 Days in China" (2 p.m. Saturday at the Chicago Cultural Center) and an exhibition of legendary rock photographer Richard Bellia's work at Th!nkArt Salon, 1530 N. Paulina, 6 p.m. Friday. The fest finishes with the debut of Wilco's concert film, "Ashes of American Flags," at the Music Box on Monday. Underground filmmaker Lech Kowalski kicks things off with a special presentation of his new film, "Camera War," on Thursday night.

Horseracing Opening Day
Friday at Hawthorne Race Course
Told you so, Mom: families and gambling are a match made in heaven. This year marks the 100th year that the Carey family has owned the Hawthorne Race Course, making it the oldest continuously family-owned and operated race track in the nation. Spring thoroughbred season features races Thursday-Monday through April 29, with first post daily at 1:25 p.m.

Northwest Side Irish Parade
11 a.m. Sunday
Need some practice for St. Patrick's Day? Start your celebration early with this regional event. This year's Grand Marshal will be John McDonough, President of the Chicago Blackhawks. Hit him up for tickets at the official after-party, which begins at noon at Moretti's in Edison Park. There will be food, drinks and live entertainment including Irish dancers.