Midwest travel: Explore art Off the Square in Madison
Chicago
12 beers a brewin'
The taste for cold beer doesn't leave with warm weather. The second annual BrewLights, a one-night-only beer sampling at Lincoln Park Zoo, is right around the corner. Tickets include admission and beer samplings from locally brewed craft, seasonal and specialty import beers that attendees enjoy during regular adult ZooLights activities. Visit animal exhibits brightened by 2 million holiday lights while sipping on 12 different beer samples on tap throughout the zoo. All proceeds from BrewLights help keep Lincoln Park Zoo free and open to the public year-round. 5:30 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2., at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago. Early bird tickets (through Nov. 8) cost $40 online and can be purchased at brewlights2015.eventbrite.com. Advance tickets are $50 (Nov. 9-Dec. 1), and $60 when purchased the day of event at the zoo. lpzoo.org/events/calendar/brewlights.
I got (algo)rhythm
Take in a fresh museum next week — visit the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art and its au courant “All. go. rhythm” exhibit. The new show features drawings, digital prints, textiles, watercolors, installation and performance works by artists who work with algorithms. Algorithms? They fuel high-tech computers, but the concept is ancient. Weaving, music and architecture employ algorithms, and the artists displayed in the exhibit all create their own computer programs. Noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday, through Nov. 29, at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, 2320 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago. (773) 227-5522 or uima-chicago.org.
Culture club
Expose the family to Asian culture and snag some distinctive gifts at the Holiday Delight — Kodomo Matsuri Children's Festival at the Chicago Japanese American Service Committee. The festival hosts a wide variety of vendors selling fine art, jewelry, fabric arts, pottery, Japanese collectibles, sushi, baked goods and more. Take in classical dance, Taiko drumming, Japanese lute, flower arranging and a visit with Santa. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at JASC, 4427 N. Clark St., Chicago. Free. (773) 275-7212 or http://www.jasc-chicago.org
Midwest
No squares allowed
Get to Madison for the Winter Art Fair Off the Square, held in the beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace Convention and Community Center. Nearly 140 artists from around Wisconsin offer a range of pottery, paintings, fiber, glass art, wood, photography, jewelry, graphics, sculpture and other media. Count on live performances of bluegrass, classical, ukulele and piano, too. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at Monona Terrace Convention Center, One John Nolen Dr., Madison, Wisconsin. Admission is $3; under 12 get in free. artcraftwis.org/WinterAF.html.
Five golden rings
Five Christmas celebrations, each with a different theme, return to Cedar Creek Settlement, a restored 1864 wool mill in the historic village of Cedarburg, just north of Milwaukee. Each family-oriented event features live holiday music, crafts, luminaries, wine-tasting, cider and cookies. Some of the Festive Friday Eves themes include Santa's Workshop; A Celtic Christmas; and A Taste of Christmas. The Settlement offers 25 one-of-a-kind shops; antique stores, galleries, three restaurants, artists studios and the Cedar Creek Winery, all cheerfully decorated for the holidays. 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays, Nov. 20, 27 and Dec. 4, 11 and 18 at N70 W6340 Bridge Road, Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Free. (866) 626-7005 or <URL destination="http://www.cedarcreeksettlement.com ">cedarcreeksettlement.com
What the Dickens?
Get outside and tour Dickens Holiday Village in Antioch, Illinois, which displays 45 Dickens characters to visit. Grab a Dickens walking brochure map for yourself or family at the Welcome Center or reserve a tour guide for groups of 24 or more. Each character exhibit has a plaque describing the scene as well as what life was like in the Dickens Era. Additional related events in November and December include Dickens Teas, an Antioch “Oliver” dog afternoon, Dress Like Dickens event, and others. The charming downtown area is peppered with boutiques, gift shops and eateries. Now through Dec. 25 in downtown Antioch, Illinois. Free. (847) 395-2233 or antiochchamber.org.