Best Ways To Celebrate Star Wars In Chicago
By Megan Horst-Hatch
For fans of the "Star Wars" films, May the Fourth is a play on the phrase "May the force be with you" and is a time to celebrate the movies and meet up with other fans. From burlesque shows that parody the movies to scale models of Naboo in LEGO bricks, the Chicagoland area is brimming with ways to celebrate the occasion. Whether you've seen the series countless times or are just getting into the franchise, now is the time to meet with other fans. So hop aboard your Millennium Falcon and check out the following events in the Chicagoland area.
Related: Famous Fans Of Star Wars
Adler Planetarium
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-7827
www.adlerplanetarium.org
While you won't see Tatooine or Endor, you can definitely check out planets far, far away at the Adler Planetarium. You can check out a show about the solar system on one of the planetarium's three theaters, or get an in-depth look at the solar system. You can also go back in time and see how the stars looked above Chicago in 1913 in the Atwood Sphere. Visitors can also get a personal guided tour of the planetarium's exhibits.
LEGO Star Wars Miniland
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago
601 N. Martingale Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173
(847) 592-9700
www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com
Date: Through December 2013
For many "Star Wars" fans, seeing scale models of the buildings and worlds in the films in LEGO bricks is a whole different ball game. The LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago's LEGO Star Wars Miniland features scenes from "Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace." Get up close and personal with a model of R2-D2, and check out the city of Naboo. You can also watch a pod race with LEGO bricks go down. The Discovery Center is located in the Streets of Woodfield shopping center, and regular admission applies to the exhibit.
May The Fourth Be With You
Westmont Public Library
428 N. Cass Ave.
Westmont, IL 60559
(630) 969-5625
www.westmontlibrary.org
Date: May 4, 2013
If you're looking for a family-friendly event, consider attending "May the Fourth be with You" at the Westmont Public Library. "Star Wars"-themed crafts are planned, including an origami lightsaber. The movie "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" will also be shown, and costumed members of the 501st Midwest Garrison are scheduled to attend and pose for pictures. The free event is geared toward children between the ages of seven and 11, and advanced registration is required. Participants are also welcome to attend in costume.
"A Nude Hope: A Star Wars Burlesque"
Gorilla Tango Theatre
1919 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 598-4549
www.gorillatango.com
Date: Now through May 25, 2013
For adult fans of the "Star Wars" films looking for some entertainment, look no further than the burlesque take on the fourth episode in the "Star Wars" series. The Gorilla Tango Theatre's "A Nude Hope" is a one-hour show features disco music and partial nudity, and is for adults ages 18 and over. The show takes place at Gorilla Tango Theatre's Bucktown location, making it the perfect spot for parties. The theater will also have a performance of its show "The Empire Brings Sexy Back: A Star Wars Burlesque Sequel" at 10:30 p.m. that evening. For more information on showtimes, check out the theatre's website.
"Star Wars" Trivia Night
The Logan Theatre
2646 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 342-5555
www.thelogantheatre.com
Date: May 7, 2013
Can you quote entire scenes from your favorite "Star Wars" film or have a copy of "The Star Wars Holiday Special?" If so, you might want to check out The Logan Theatre's trivia night. On May 7, the theatre will have a "Star Wars"-themed trivia challenge. The game will cover all films in the franchise, so yes, you might have to answer questions about Jar Jar Binks. The trivia challenge, which is about two hours long, is free to enter, and teams of two to five people can participate, with each member of the winning team receiving a gift card to the theatre. If you work up an appetite while playing, be sure to check out The Logan Theatre's menu, which features local food and beer.
Megan Horst-Hatch is a mother, runner, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She loves nothing more than a great cupcake, and writes at I'm a Trader Joe's Fan. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
