It’s Friday, so I am linking up with Courtney at Eat, Pray, Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed Up for What and Mar at Mar on the Run for their weekly linkup. Each Friday, they host a link up — a “Friday Five.” This week’s five is “Five Favorite Fitness Bloggers.” I don’t like to choose favorites where people are concerned, so I am going to do “My 5 Fave Things To Do in Chicago In October.” I love Chicago in fall and October is so filled with awesomeness. Sadly there is not enough time to do all of these things, so I hope some folks will benefit from this list and tell me all about it. Here goes in chronological order:
NEW 1. Chicago Museum Week – October 1 – 7. The first week in October, Chicago’s top museums are joining together to celebrate Museum Week. You can take advantage of discounted admissions, special exhibits, giveaways and more at each of the 12 participating museums. They say, “From culture to constellations, art to animals, this is your chance to experience Chicago’s most beloved institutions in a whole new way!” Even better for locals, participating museums offer bonus free days for Illinois residents, discounted admission and big savings on memberships. See Time Out’s full coverage of everything going on at Chicago’s first ever Museum Week. See locations and events HERE.
2. Chicago Marathon – October 11– Spectating for me and running for thousands of others. I LOVE spectating and seeing all of the runners (friends, celebrities, strangers and future friends). I ran in the Chicago Marathon in 2001 (perfect run, perfect day, personal best) and in 2007 (terrible day, terrible run, meltdown and personal worst). Since then, I have acted as a sherpa and super fan and I LOVE it. If you are running Chicago, please tell me your expected pace and what you are wearing and look for me and Stacy and other friends at mile 13 on the runners’ right. I can’t wait to cheer for you!!
3. Chicago Ideas Week – October 12 – 18 – Time flies! This is the fifth year of Chicago Ideas Week. What is this? It is more than 80 talks, lectures and workshops from the “Chicago Ideas movement.” This movement is “built on one core belief: When a broad spectrum of thinkers and instigators share ideas, we have the power to transform our world.” I have seen some great lectures (and blogged about them) for the past several years. I have to squeak a few in this time as I will be away on the weekend. This year’s line up includes Martha Stewart, Gen. David Petraeus, Common, Sen. Claire McCaskill and more! If you have a chance to check out one or more of these lectures, you’ll be glad you did.
4. Chicago International Film Festival – October 15 – 29 – You can check out over 150 indies, foreign films and under the radar documentaries with categories like New Directors, Out-Look, Reel Women and Black Perspectives. There will also be several U.S. premieres this year. I usually hit at least one but again, I may have to squeeze it in this year with work, travel and The Husband’s birthday.
5. Open House Chicago – October 17 + 18– What is this? They say simply, “200 COOL PLACES.48 HOURS. GO. IT’S FREE.” The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Open House Chicago is a free public festival that offers behind-the-scenes access to 200 buildings across Chicago. You can “explore the hidden gems and architectural treasures of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods” at no cost. CAA members get special perks. I am so bummed to miss this – I will be out of town. I have seen some awesome stuff including the amazing office at the top of the Tribune Building, the old AAA building and some super cool apartments and other amazing and rarely open places. If you can, pick a few places and go. Here is a list of sites.
This post makes me feel like I need more hours in my day – at least in October! What is up in your neck of the woods this month?
PS. Don’t miss my great giveaways!