As I mentioned last year, when we moved from New York to Chicago in 2006, we expected to have less opportunities for cool, cutting edge things to do. Sorry, but we New Yorkers know think we are the center of the universe. Well, we were pretty much wrong. With the advent of Groupon and a ton of other successful start ups, Chicago has become a mecca for all things techie. Chicago also has great art, movies and architecture. The next few weeks are chock full of free and inexpensive opportunities to learn, see and do some awesome stuff.
The Chicago International Film Fest is October 9 – 23rd. Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival is a year-round non-profit arts org dedicated to fostering cultural understanding through film. This is the 50th year of the festival, “because everyone loves movies.” True that. Here is the schedule – some tickets are still available.
Chicago Ideas Week is October 13 -19 in Chicago. Chicago Ideas Week is “a premier annual gathering of global thought leaders created to provoke new ideas and inspire actionable results. [Their] goal is to stimulate new initiatives and ventures, create new connections and collaborations, and establish a community of people who have the desire to achieve great things.” CIW events are just $15 per event, helping the community put their ideas into action.
Last year, we saw Malcolm Gladwell and volunteered to support “The Consumer: You May Also Like…“ This session looked at how technology, data and social awareness and shifting expectations are drastically altering the way we consume.” Fitting for this blog, I think! (recap). This year, Ironwoman and smart cookie, Lynn, is moderating a panel on the brain called “This Is Your Brain On…” I am in for that one. I also got a ticket to Women’s Health: Personal or Political.
Open House Chicago
is October 18 – 19 in Chicago. I went to Open House in NYC several times and was delighted to find that there is a Chicago weekend, too. The Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Open House Chicago is a free public event that offers behind-the-scenes access to 150 buildings across Chicago. You can “explore the hidden gems and architectural treasures of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods—all for free. 150 cool places. 48 hours. Go.”
Two years ago, Stacy and I checked out the Tribune Tower, MDA City Apartments and the McCormick Bridgehouse Museum. Maybe this year I will check out some things closer to home or use my “Members only” benefits to check out 1871 or others!
The Chicago Humanities Festival is October 25 – November 9. 
The Chicago Humanities Festival’s mission is “to create opportunities for people of all ages to support, enjoy and explore the humanities. [They] fulfill this mission through our annual festivals, the fall Chicago Humanities Festival and the spring Stages, Sights & Sounds, and by presenting programs throughout the year that encourage the study and enjoyment of the humanities.” The Chicago Humanities Festival is “devoted to making the humanities a vital and vibrant ingredient of daily life.”
This year’s theme is “Journeys.” They have a great widget that helps you self identify which sessions will be best for you! I am a lot of these!
Tickets for most Festival programs are $8 in advance, $13 at the door and many programs are free of charge to students and teachers (with ID).
All of this awesomeness for free or cheap makes me feel that Chicago is indeed the center of the universe – at least in fall! What do you think?
Is this all too highbrow for you? Join me in cheering my lungs out for the Chicago Marathon on Sunday 10/12. I will be rooting for my fave Rita Jeptoo and LOTS of friends and all of the strangers, too! If you are running, I will be at Mile 13 on the runners’ right hand side. Let me how to spot you and I will YELL!! Good luck runners!!
“You must always think about the finish line.” – Rita Jeptoo #ChiMarathonpic.twitter.com/bbY0LGTxEs
— Chicago Marathon (@ChiMarathon) October 8, 2014
I’ll be rooting for Rita Jeptoo! How about you?
It’s Friday and great deals abound on the internet. Here goes:
- LAST DAY! Enter Yumvelope’s double stuffed September box giveaway HERE. Extended another week and has low entries – get in there!
- Get 30% off sale items and 40% off clearance items at Club Monaco with code FALLSALE and get extra 3% cash back if you start from ebates.
- Get an extra 50% off of sale items at C. Wonder and get extra 5% cash back if you start from ebates.
- Get 25% off at Theory online with code THEORYFF2014 and get an additional 5% cash back if you start with ebates.
- Fall cooking season begins! Enter to win awesome vegan cookbooks + snacks from Thug Kitchen and snack boxes from Vegan Cuts. Enter HERE.
- Get 6% cash back from ebates AND a $5 bonus cash back on purchases over $25 from Living Social. ebates bonus ends 10/15.
- Get groceries delivered in one hour from Instacart and get $10 off first order + free delivery. Whole Foods is running a sweepstakes with Instacart until 10/11. Use Instacart with an order from Whole Foods and you are automatically entered to win!
- Get 10% off on subscription boxes from Bestowed with coupon code LOVEHEALTHY. Does not expire.
- Feel Your Boobies has an awesome raffle for a Fiat 500! Ends 10/25.
- Need a new logo or some help? check out Fiverr – a huge marketplace of services (online) starting at only $5.
- One King’s Lane is having awesome limited time sales on everything you need for your home and more!
- Get up to 50% off on hotel rooms with Travel Pony plus new users get a $35 off credit to use on hotel stays of over $200.
- Check out a ton of great sales and coupons on all of your active gear and get cash back with Active Junky.
- Get a free audiobook with a no obligation 30 day trial at Audible.com.
- Check out Hautelook. Hello… flash sales from Nordstom/Nordstrom Rack.
- Do you have an American Express Card? Sign up for Amex Offers for great easy to use offers. Just click and buy and your account is credited.
- Gilt City has great deals in Chicago, NYC, LA and more. Start with ebates for additional cash back. Companion site GILT has great men’s, women’s and kids’ deals at awesome prices, too!
- Check out great local deals at Groupon. And don’t miss new Groupon Coupons! More to come on that soon.
- Buy one get one free on boots for fall with code BOGO plus free 2nd day shipping and free returns at Heels.com.
- Check out awesome deals on athletic gear and trips from The Clymb. Act fast deals are up for a limited time. Start with Active Junky to get an additional 12% cash back.
- Get 50% off your first outfit at Fabletics. I LOVE mine!
- Save 25% on EnergyBits with code EricaFinds.
Happy weekend all! I am so excited to cheer for and visit with friends this weekend in conjunction with the Chicago Marathon!! What are you up to?
PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways for a RacePak Sample Pak, Zemas Foods and FYB prizes and The Original Energy Bar: BumbleBar.
*Please note: This post contains some affiliate/referral links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Some are just good deals I found and shared. Either way, you win!