It's easy to tell by the flyers coating the sidewalks and various musician battles that Dillo Day is quickly approaching. This is exciting for some, but if the thought of drunkenly jamming out to Steve Aoki on the Lakefill doesn't get you going, there are plenty of reasons to go to Chicago this Saturday instead.
Events
Chicago's Memorial Day Parade
In the 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off, there's an iconic scene featuring Matthew Broderick performing on a parade float. Take a minute to savor the bliss of the scene, then imagine how great it would be to go to the Memorial Day Parade this Saturday and see this actually happen. There will be American flags, crowds of people (who may or may not dance) and music. Almost like the movie.
Parade starts at noon and runs along State Street from Lake to Van Buren.
Soldier Field 10 Mile
So maybe the idea of a parade doesn't seem any more enticing than Dillo Day. But if you're willing to wake up early, strap on some running shoes and get a little exercise, then head down to Soldier Field to participate in the Soldier Field 10 Mile. You'll get to experience a springtime morning run along Lake Shore Drive and benefit the American Cancer Society and SALUTE, INC. all at once. Best of all, the race ends at the 50-yard line in Soldier Field. It's not Wrigley, but it's still something to do.
10 Mile starts at 7 a.m. and registration is open until the day of the race.
Literature
Matt Kindt Comic Book Signing
Comic book artist Matt Kindt, known for Pistolwhip and Super Spy, is releasing a new monthly comic called Mind MGMT. The series centers around a journalist uncovering a highly classified mind control program. Kindt will be meeting with fans and signing copies of Mind MGMT. at Chicago Comics in Wrigleyville in the evening. Don't miss this chance to exalt your idol. Or something.
Kindt will be signing copies of Mind Mgmt. at Chicago Comics from 6 to 8 p.m.
Theater
Jersey Shore: The Musical
You might have noticed the advertisements while riding the El. You might have publicly scoffed about the modern state of the arts. But inside you might have been actually somewhat curious about what Jersey Shore: The Musical would entail. What's better to do on Dillo Day than watch young, drunk people party at a beach? Nothing. Don't completely miss out on the live-action adaptation of your favorite guilty pleasure. Head down to Lincoln Park and catch the final performance of the musical. That way you can keep it classy on Dillo Day.
Jersey Shore: The Musical runs at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. at the Greenhouse Theater Center.
Music
LMFAO at Allstate Arena
Are Cold War Kids and Reel Big Fish too obscure for your tastes? You must have been praying for a bigger act that ended up either being too expensive or touring Europe. That doesn't mean you can't catch a bigger show on Dillo Day, though. Electropop duo LMFAO is headlining a show at Allstate Arena alongside Far East Movement, Quest Crew and Sidney Samson. The only problem is it might be a little easier to get into the Dillo shows than this one.
The show starts at 7 p.m. at Allstate Arena.
Chicago Library Blues
No, it's not a White Stripes song. It's a pre-season concert for the 2012 Chicago Blues Festival. Pianist Barrelhouse Chuck and vocalist Katherine Davis will perform together at the Sulzer Regional Library. It's a free and easy way to catch a glimpse of Chicago art at its finest.
The free concert starts at 12:15 p.m. at Sulzer Regional Library.
Cinema
Midnight Showing of The Shining
End your ultimate Chicago adventure with Stanley Kubrick's work of genius, The Shining. Landmark's Century Centre Cinema is presenting two midnight showings of the 1980 thriller on May 25 and 26. But be prepared. There's a reason The Shining made it to AFI's "100 Years ...100 Thrills" list. Many consider it one of the scariest movies ever made.
Tickets for the midnight showings of The Shining can be purchased online.
With so many reasons to spend the day in the city instead of on the Lakefill, it's the perfect opportunity to connect with Chicago before you return home. Having this kind of access to the Windy City is a privilege for every Northwestern student to take some time and enjoy once in a while. So why not do it on Dillo Day?