On the road: Behind-the-curtain tour

Chicago

The show must go on

Treat your favorite theatergoer or Gleek to a tour of Chicago’s grand palaces such as the Oriental Theatre, the Cadillac Palace and the Bank of America Theatre. The tour showcases the glittering period decor by renowned theater designers who worked in the French Renaissance style. You will also learn about the cutting-edge technology used in theatrical productions.

11 a.m. Saturdays at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Tickets cost $10. The tour covers two of the three theaters. Call (800) 775-2000 or visit broadwayinchicago.com.

Retro metro

Don your aviator shades and get to the Modern Vintage Chicago’s Spring Fashion and Jewelry Explosion, one of the top three vintage shows in the country. The show attracts vintage dealers from across the country and top Chicago design talent for a flood of apparel, bags, shoes, fur, and costume and fine jewelry. Nosh at the crepe bar, get tea, coffee, a mimosa or a margarita in the cafe, then stop by the styling area for a presentation on the history of vintage fashion.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 16-17, at the Beaux Arts Plumber’s Hall, 1340 W. Washington St., Chicago. Admission at the door is $10 or purchase online for $8, student tickets $5 at the door or $3 online. Every paid admission gets a $5 or $10 shopping voucher good toward purchases. Call (312) 666-1200 or visit modernvintagechicago.com.

Take that winter!

Spring is all about new beginnings, so it’s the perfect time for a stay at Kimpton’s Monaco Chicago and its “Now That’s Refresh-ing!” package. The deal includes a $50 resort credit after a minimum two-night stay and an additional $25 credit for each additional night that you can use toward dining at South Water Kitchen, in-room massage treatment, in-room dining, movies or minibar and on-site parking. There is also a late 2 p.m. checkout and morning coffee and tea service in living room.

The package is valid through Saturday, April 30, at 225 N. Wabash, Chicago. Reserve online with rate code FRESH or call (866) 610-0081 and mention rate code FRESH. A two-night minimum stay is required. For details or reservations, call (312) 960-8500 or see monaco-chicago.com.

Midwest

Let’s hear it for Hoosier art

The Indiana Artisan Marketplace, Indiana’s premier art and food experience, offers a chance to buy one-of-a-kind artwork and artisan food. Meet painters, beekeepers, woodworkers, winemakers, jewelry designers, weavers, makers of specialty cheeses and other artisans and see their crafts created on the spot. In addition to browsing the booths, enjoy music, literary readings, live art and craft demonstrations, and food and drink tasting.

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 16, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 17, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Exposition Hall, Indianapolis, Ind. Admission is $8 for adults, children 15 and younger admitted free; parking costs $3. Admission discount at tinyurl.com/4eh6r9f. Visit in.gov/indianaartisan/index.html.

She’ll reel at the Girl Whirl

Get away with your girlfriends for a fun-filled weekend that includes dining, shopping with special offers, fashion events, a film fest, a wine tasting, live music and opportunities to move with yoga, Zumba and walking. Evanston’s Girl Whirl Weekend takes place in and around the downtown area, and local hotels will be offering special packages so you can make a weekend of it.

Event times vary Friday through Sunday, April 15-17. Call (847) 866-6319 or visit downtownevanston.org.

A horse is a horse, of course

Whether your enchantment with equines is more of the Mr. Ed or Secretariat variety, the Midwest Horse Show offers information, demonstrations and education on horses from Appaloosas to Zangersheides. Presentations range from “The Five W’s of Hoof Care” to “Horse Care & Safety for the Young Horse Enthusiast.” There will be breed and discipline demonstrations, stallion revues, the World Championship Blacksmiths and live entertainment.

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 15-16, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 17, at the Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, Wis. One-day admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Children 7 and younger admitted free. Call (920) 623-5515 or visit midwesthorsefair.com.

Worth the trip

This year marks the Official 82nd Annual ’89er Celebration in Guthrie, Okla., which commemorates the Oklahoma Territory Land Run of April 22, 1889. Guthrie is the site of the land run’s initial settlement and was the territorial capital. See barrel racing, bull riding, calf roping and bareback riding at the rodeo, enjoy a barbecue, entertainment by the Billy Bob Bovine Band, an auction, a carnival and a baseball game as it was played during early times with authentic uniforms.

Tuesday to Saturday, April 26-30, in Guthrie, Okla. Call (800) 299-1889 or visit 89erdays.com.