The Chicago Latino Film Festival is a nonprofit organization that aims to promote and raise awareness of Latino cultures through various art forms and education. One of their main events is the Chicago Latino Film Festival, which showcases about 100 films from Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, Portugal, and the US. The Festival allows film enthusiasts in Chicago, regardless of their backgrounds, to watch movies they may not have seen otherwise. The movies featured in the Festival include films that have gained global recognition on the festival circuit, box office hits in their countries of origin, and those that have yet to be released in theaters. The Festival initially premiered with 14 films projected onto a concrete wall, drawing an audience of 500 people. Apart from films, the Festival also features music, dance, comedy, theater, and visual arts, making it a comprehensive celebration of Latino culture.
If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven is a perfect place to visit. Here, you can get up close and personal with over 40 exotic, free-flying butterflies and several stunning bird species from the Southern Hemisphere. The greenhouse, which spans 2,700 square feet, features serene pools of water, flowers, tropical trees, and over 1,000 butterflies, giving you the feeling of being in summer all year round. If you're interested in witnessing the life cycle of a butterfly from caterpillar to chrysalis to the very first flight, you should take advantage of the First Flight Butterfly Release. Moreover, they offer weekly Butterfly Haven Yoga sessions if you want to spend more time in the Butterfly Haven.
For over 80 years, Wendella has been Chicago's top provider of tours and cruises on the River and Lake Michigan. Their tours offer the perfect blend of nostalgia for the city's rich history and modern experiences, making it an enjoyable day on the water for visitors and locals alike. As the original architecture tour in Chicago, Wendella offers a variety of narrated tours that focus on the city's architectural heritage and history. Their knowledgeable tour guides provide detailed accounts of the 130-year-long history behind the iconic skyline, while the staff ensures that you are comfortable and entertained throughout the journey. This tour takes you through the city's heart on all three branches of the Chicago River, providing an up-close look at the iconic buildings and structures that define the city.
The Steppenwolf Theatre Company is a prestigious theater situated in Chicago. It was established in the early 1980s by Gary Sinise, Terry Kinney, and Jeff Perry. The theater has staged numerous timeless plays such as "Grease," "The Glass Menagerie," "Orphans," and "The Grapes of Wrath," to name a few. The Steppenwolf Theatre Company is widely known for its exceptional performances. It has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Tony Award for Regional Theatre Excellence and the National Medal of Arts. Additionally, the company's apprenticeship program is recognized as one of the Top 10 Internships in America by the career website Vault.com. If you are a theatre fan, visit the Steppenwolf Theatre Company for an unforgettable live entertainment experience.