Avid, long-time, family-member readers might have noticed that the Wednesday Roundup had gone on a brief hiatus due to the draining, summertime heat.
Okay, not really. But I did lose a lot of Man Hours applying sunscreen to various moving targets. So with the cooler weather comes the return of Awesome Things People Are Doing Around Town…
…And That You Should Know About, Too:
- The 2015 Chicago International Children’s Film Festival– besides being an incredibly cool experience for kids ages 2-18 and their families- is also the first Oscar-qualifying children’s festival in the world. That’s right, this is your chance to see potentially award-winning films before anyone else. (25 previously screened movies have gone on to win Academy Awards! The Box Trolls ring a bell?) Personally, I’m stoked for newest Studio Ghibli offering, When Marnie Was There (voiced by Haillee Steinfeld), since everything they touch turns to gold/instant movie night classic ’round here. (From October 23rd- November 1st at venues across Chicago: facets.org)
- How can you make Pickle’s Playroom (our very favorite spot to get a haircut alongside our burning off of extra energy) and the Play Cafe (a fabulously unique storytelling and theatrical experience) even better? COMBINE THEM. On October 7th, Pickle’s Playroom is hosting an interactive Radio Hour with the help of the talented Play Cafe folks– join them as they explore the themes of friendship through song, dance, storytelling, and play. (Wednesday, October 7th at 10 a.m. FREE with haircut or admission: www.picklesplayroom.com)
- The Chicago Sinfonietta’s Tap In, Turn Up reimagines classic works through gorgeous rhythm. Chicago-based flamenco troupe Clinard Dance Theatre is featured, as well as Washington, D.C.-based tap prodigy Cartier Williams. Jaws will drop and eyes will pop during this exceptionally cool evening of percussive dance. Bonus: If you’ve yet to take your kids to the Symphony Center, it’s a doozy. (Monday, October 5th at 7:30 p.m.: www.chicagosinfonietta.org)
- Parents of littles: Have plans for October 17th? You do now. Nick Jr. and Westfield have teamed up to bring you the Nick Jr. Playdate Tour, which is stopping at Westfield Fox Valley for a fun day of meet n’ greets (Gil from Bubble Guppies and DORA, you guys), LeapFrog demos, and even playdate passports. But you wanted to ride a Blaze monster truck, you say? No worries- you can do that, too. (Saturday, October 17th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: RSVP here)
- And speaking of playdates- and places where I do 90% of my writing- Chicago Parent’s Fall Playdate at the Windy City Fieldhouse is coming up this Sunday, October 4th. It’s going to be incredible, friends. With about a gazillion sponsors (and rad freebies, folks), bounce houses, obstacle courses, train rides, and character visits, this epic party is guaranteed to be a) the best time EVER, and b) the ramp up to best night of sleep your kid will ever get. (Saturday, October 4th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: chicagoparent.com/playdate)
Buckle up, pal.
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