EVENTS ----------------------------------------------
Backyard Monsters
Mon, Jan 7 thru 22, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum 2430 N. Cannon Drive, $7-$9; $6 for kids ages 3-12
Learn about spiders, butterflies, beetles and other bugs at this interactive exhibition, featuring live insects and larger-than-life robotic creatures. Museum is open until 5P daily.
www.naturemuseum.org/the-museum/exhibits/backyard-monsters
Free Admission to Chicago Park District Fitness Centers
Mon-Sun, Jan. 7-13, Various Chicago Pk Dist locations, Free this week only!
Kick off the New Year in great shape by working out for free from Jan. 7-13, 2013, at any of the Chicago Park District’s 70 fitness centers located throughout the city. Bonus: FREE FITNESS CLASSES AND LAP SWIM! Fitness classes are based on capacity and first come first served. The Chicago Park District currently operates 70 fitness centers featuring state-of-the-art equipment including: computerized treadmills, cross trainers, upright and recumbent bicycles, free weights and benches, cable cross-overs, multi-station weight machines and core-focused weight equipment. Accessible equipment for people with disabilities is available at 35 fitness centers. www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/facilities/fitness-centers
7th Annual New Year LifeStyle Fair
Wed, Jan 9, 9A-5P, State of Illinois Building (100 W. Randolph (Clark & Randolph); Chicago
Looking for financial advice? Want to lose weight? Quit smoking? Need tips on healthy eating? Or exercise advice? If so, then head over to the atrium lobby of the bustling State of Illinois Building (aka Thompson Center) in Chicago's Loop for this FREE mini-lifestyle expo that's celebrating its 7th anniversary in 2013. With the New Year a time for making changes, this LifeStyle Fair offers you a unique opportunity to meet experts dedicated to improving your quality of life, finances, health and more! And with several of participants you'll also have an opportunity to sample their products, receive discount offers or learn more about their better-living services.
www.chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=84
Chicago Boat, Sports & RV Show
Wed-Sun, Jan 9-13, 2P, McCormick Place, $12
A great family event catered towards outdoors enthusiasts. Food, music, free fishing and scuba lessons, DIY seminars, and more! www.chicagoboatshow.com
CONCERTS, THEATER & COMEDY ----------------------------------------------
Marc Cohn Wed&Thurs 1/9&10 8P City Winery $30-40
12th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival
Thurs- Sun, Jan 3-13, Stage 773 - 1225 W. Belmont Ave (Lakeview), $14-15 ($150 pass for all shows)
Start the New Year off on a hilarious note by snagging tickets to the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, which is the largest sketch festival in the world. Showcasing more than 800 artists performing more than 170 shows on 4 different stages, the world's largest sketch comedy festival will celebrate its 12th hilarious year in Chicago! taking place over 8 days, so you'll have to pick and choose which ones to see. www.chicagosketchfest.com
I Love Lucy® Live On Stage
Now thru Mar 3, Broadway Playhouse @ Water Tower Place (formerly Drury Lane Theatre), $35-85
I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE, the brand new hit musical stage show adapted from the longest-running and most beloved television program in history, starring Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel: America's favorite foursome, is coming to Chicago for the very first time! Imagine stepping back in time and into the Desilu Playhouse soundstage! It's 1952 and you are a member of the studio audience awaiting the filming of two hilarious and oh so familiar "I Love Lucy" episodes. The Crystaltone Singers perform live advertising jingles of the show's newest sponsors in perfect 50s style harmony. Can you say 'Brylcreem'?! www.broadwayinchicago.com
SPORTS ----------------------------------------------
BULLS
Mon, Jan 7 7P VS Cleveland Cavaliers
Wed, Jan 9 7P VS Milwaukee Bucks
Fri, Jan 11 7P @ New York Knicks
Sat, Jan 12 7P VS Phoenix Suns
