Artisans at work in the Museum of Science and Industry will provide an up-close look at glassmaking in this exhibition running through Sept. 1. "The Glass Experience" delves into the science and skill in glass-making, while also showcasing more than 20 new pieces from sculptor Dale Chihuly. Purchase a ticket to enter the exhibit at a specified time.
A Depression-era tale, "Boneyard Prayer" uses various forms of puppetry and shadow images to tell the story of one man's life and redemption, while exploring themes of sorrow and salvation. This new Redmoon Theater production may not be suitable for children. Through May 11.
This event at Symphony Center offers music from some of the finest Celtic artists in Chicago and throughout the world and includes the North American premiere of works by Irish composer Shaun Davey. Actor John Mahoney narrates as the Metropolis Symphony Orchestra, Old St. Patrick's Concert Choir, Trinity Irish Dance Company and Midlothian Scottish Pipe & Drum Band perform.
Since his Modern Lovers days, Mr. Richman has veered into several music genres and developed a cult following with his quirky, innocent-sounding lyrics that also feature a few languages. Those not familiar with his most recent solo work may remember him as the singer in the film "There's Something About Mary." He performs with Vic Chesnutt at the Abbey Pub.
The secret formula will be used once again to dye the Chicago River green in honor of St. Patrick's Day. The river dying starts at 10:45 a.m., just before the celebrating kicks off for the annual downtown parade.
Bike on quiet secondary roads and complete loops of 16, 20 or 36 miles through Northeast Illinois. There is no pre-registration for the event, which is sponsored by the Wheeling Wheelman and kicks off from Wauconda High School. The course is open until 1 p.m.
If biking is not your thing and you don't want to watch the river being dyed green again, mark St. Patrick's Day weekend with a 5k run/walk through Lincoln Park. There's also a Leprechaun Leap for kids 10 and under.
Focusing on the photographic works of this pop and conceptual artist, the exhibition presents 115 prints, some of which have never been seen. On loan from the Whitney Museum of American Art, the show also includes works from the Art Institute's collection of Mr. Ruscha's photographs. Through June 1. Pictured above: "Flagstaff, Arizona, 1962," from the series "Twenty-Six Gasoline Stations, 1963."
Using robotic divers, a team from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution embarked on an adventure in the most extreme conditions to see what it could find on the ocean floor. Color photographs, rock samples, 3-D models and exploratory equipment tell the story of a trip to unravel the mysteries of underwater mountains near the North Pole. Through July 6.
Searching for music the whole family can enjoy? Grammy Award winner Dan Zanes and Friends deliver with a folksy blend of fun children's songs that are danceable and likable. Mr. Zanes plays two shows at the Harris Theater.
Chef Paul Virant leads a hands-on cooking class that offers a fresh take on the traditional Easter meal. Participants also will take part in a three-course meal with the chef, complete with wine pairings.
"Painters to the King: Velazquez and Goya"
Mordine & Company Dance Theater marks the start of its 40th anniversary season with "Quest," a three-part work detailing the spiritual journey of six people exploring an unknown world. Chicago composer and cellist Alison Chesley, formerly of Poi Dog Pondering, provides the musical backdrop during this evening at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago.
"Do We Dare Squander Chicago's Great Architectural Heritage?"
With architectural artifacts from key Chicago buildings, the Chicago Architecture Foundation outlines the role historic preservation has played in the city's evolution. The exhibition also includes a rare film of the demolition of Adler and Sullivan's Chicago Stock Exchange, as well as stories about preservationists who have taken up the causes of beloved buildings. Through May 9.