Mike Daisey is a doozey
The 2008-2009 performance season at the Museum of Contemporary Art opens with a doozey: Mike Daisey, a master storyteller, successful author and incisive humorist, takes aim at the Department of Homeland Security. In "If You See Something Say Something," Daisey weaves personal stories and startling research into a searing monologue. Oct. 10-12, 7:30 p.m. at the MCA Stage, 220 East Chicago Ave. For tickets, call (312) 397-4010 or cruise by www.mcachicago.org.
TLC for tootsies.
The James Chicago, known for guest-focused luxury service, offers those running in the Chicago Marathon next Sunday, Oct. 12, VIP treatment via the complimentary "Congrats" amenity package. It includes: Aveda Foot Relief cream to soothe tired tootsies; bottles of Smartwater, chock full of electrolytes; runners-only stretch room; ice baths upon request; Advil and bandages; and a personalized congratulations note from the hotel's general manager, a Chicago Marathon runner, too. Dash over to the
pre-race high-carb breakfast buffet and post-race you can hobble to The James' popular nightspot, JBar, for a celebratory "Fruit Punch Revival" made with white rum, "Revive" Vitamin Water and fresh fruit. Late checkout on Sunday, too! Reserve your Saturday night stay and mention you're a runner to get the goods.
Nothing to fear but the FEAR (Haunted House) itself
Zombie Army Productions, the creepy minds that gave you Statesville Haunted Prison, City of the Dead and Dragons Dome, reveals its newest adult-themed haunted attraction at the gates of Navy Pier. More than make-upped teenagers jumping out of dark corners, The Fear Haunted House allows you to get up close and personal with clawing, aggressive beasts as you make your way through its dark and twisted cage. Don't even think about putting Junior through this kind of experience - children under 12 will not be allowed in without a parent.
THE FEAR Haunted House at Navy Pier Wednesday-Sunday through Sunday, Nov. 2; 6 - 11 p.m. Tickets are $20, but you can receive a $5 off parking discount with The Fear ticket purchase and $5 off ticket price with online coupon available at www.navypier.com.
Midwest
Let's go fly a kite, up to the highest height.
Take the opportunity to annoy your children with stories like, "In my day, we didn't have iPods, computers and video games - we played outside with a ball or a kite!" Then, show them how incredibly fun that can be at a two-day Professional Kite Flying Festival at Brookfield Zoo. The event features nearly a dozen professionals demonstrating their kite flying skills with two-line and four-line stunt kites that are maneuvered to do various tricks. The first 2,500 children under 11 years old receive a kite kit, too. During the weekend event, guests can also learn about animals that fly such as Andean condors, bats and birds of prey. Oct. 11-12; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, fly over to www.CZS.org.
Color frenzy in Benzie
Enjoy active adventure, leaf peeping and lodging on a Michigan fall color excursion with Benzie County as your home base for dining, kayaking, hiking, biking, shopping and overnight stays. Through Friday, Oct. 31, a free travel promotion called Passport to Fun is available when two consecutive nights are booked at more than 27 participating lodging locations in Benzie County. The Passport to Fun offers over $100 in value for food, entertainment and recreation at leading establishments in the county that offers 56 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, a portion of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore and some of the prettiest scenic routes in northern Michigan. Visit visitbenzie.com or call (800) 882-5801.
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The Great Pumpkin Train chugs into the National Railroad Museum on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11 and 12, so get ready to board, journey to the pumpkin patch and pick your very own pumpkin. A variety of other activities keep the kids ensconced in fun: scarecrow scavenger hunt; craft station for Halloween mask-making; spooky storytelling; coloring contest; plus all of the Museum's regular exhibits. The entertainment stage provides the soundtrack for your weekend. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for children 2 to 12 and those under age 2 are admitted for free. Ring (920) 437-7623 or go to rush to www.nationalrrmuseum.org.
Worth the Trip
La-La-La in NOLA.
With something for the Facebook crowd (Joss Stone, Lil Wayne and Panic at the Disco), seasoned concertgoers (REM, Stone Temple Pilots) and those who just want a whole lotta New Orleans music in one venue - the Voodoo Music Festival is place to converge Friday-Sunday, Oct. 24-26. For the complete line-up and ticket info, go to www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/festivals/musicfestivals/voodooexperience.html. You'd be wise to look into resting at Renaissance Pere Marquette or New Orleans Marriott at the Convention Center (rates starting at $167 per night, based on double occupancy and availability) or the Renaissance Arts Hotel with rates starting at $159 per night, based on double occupancy and availability. To book, visit www.neworleans.marriott.com.