FEATURED EVENTS

Embark on an epic adventure to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: A New Hope! Experience the iconic film like never before as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ legendary Oscar-winning score live. From the triumphant opening fanfare to Princess Leia’s ethereal theme, relive the magic of this cinematic masterpiece on the big screen at Symphony Center.

Dinosaurs Have Taken Over the Zoo! Come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs throughout the Zoo. Journey through a massive rib-cage tunnel, climb on a giant fossil, dig for ancient discoveries, snap epic photo, and find the prehistoric pals stationed along the Dino Trail. Dinos! stomp into the Zoo through the summer and fall. Best of all? Dinos! is FREE with Zoo admission or membership!

First Fridays is a FREE monthly art walk throughout Wicker Park and Bucktown. You will find galleries, local artist pop-ups, artist talks, and more each month. Click through to the website to see 3 distinct maps based on what your interest is: Murals & Public Works, Architecture, and Performing Arts & Galleries. There's literally something for everyone!

Join us for an immersive falconry experience that you will remember for a lifetime! As part of this class, you’ll learn about the ancient sport of falconry and the biology and history of the many different types of raptors used in the hunt (including hawks, buzzards, falcons and owls). Participants (Ages 9+) will learn the art and history of falconry, raptor ecology and conservation while gaining HANDS ON EXPERIENCE. All Participants will hold a bird on a gloved hand, fly and call a hawk and feed a bird of prey.

During our Owl Encounter, you’ll get up close and personal with a wide variety of different species of Old World and New World Owls that are now being used in the sport of falconry. Participants (ages 9+) will: Learn about how owls are trained and utilized in the modern sport of Falconry and how it differs from working with hawks and falcons. Learn about the oldest species of raptor on the planet and their important role in the environment. Be able to highlight the three main differences between the two groups of owls in the world (Barn Owls and Typical Owls). Discover what makes an Owl’s “silent flight” possible as you learn about a variety of their many “super powers.” And, get an opportunity to apply basic falconry skills as you learn to handle one of our Barn Owls or our Eurasian Eagle Owls.

Kick off the summer season and celebrate the end of another school year! Grab a blanket and some sunscreen and meet us on the front lawn for this free event featuring games, a bounce house, face paint and hands-on activities from the Griffin MSI Education team and some of our incredible community partners. This outdoor event is free and open to the public — food will be available for purchase. Admission to the Museum requires a ticket purchase. Ticketed guests may exit and re-enter freely.