Things to do in and around Chicago: March 19-21, 2021

Friends

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- We are now more than half way through March and are ready to welcome spring on Saturday! This weekend is a great weekend to get outside and enjoy the spring temperatures - or if you prefer it a little warmer, there are plenty of things to keep you busy this weekend inside, too.

Museums and zoos are back open, with some offering special exhibits like Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes at MSI. And don't forget the pop-up Friends Experience at The Shops at Northbridge! Restaurants and bars are now open at 50 percent capacity - and some are even hosting pop-up and special events! Plus, this weekend you can partake in your own COVID-safe version of the Shamrock Shuffle!

Here's a list of ideas on things to do this weekend:

Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle
Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Photo credit Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle/Facebook

Shamrock Shuffle

The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, a Chicago tradition for more than 40 years, kicks off this weekend. Like many events over the past year, the Shuffle has gone virtual for 2021, with virtual racing taking place Friday through Sunday. More than 8,000 participants, including seven past champions, are expected to bring the spirit and celebration of the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle to their own communities this weekend. While this classic road race is known for its 8K run, Shufflers will also have the opportunity to participate in the 2-Mile Walk or The Mile. Individuals still interested in taking part in the 2021 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle can sign up Friday through 11:59 a.m. (Central Time) on Sunday, March 21. The cost of an entry is $30 for United States residents and $55 for participants residing outside of the United States. MORE INFO.

Where: Various locations
When: Friday through Sunday
Cost: $30

The FRIENDS Experience Fountain
The FRIENDS Experience Fountain Photo credit Justin Barbin

The Friends Experience

The Friends Experience: The One in Chicago allows fans to explore Friends like never before with set re-creations, original props and costumes, photo ops and more. Visitors can re-create some favorite moments including peaking around Rachel and Monica’s purple door, relaxing in Chandler and Joey’s recliner, or helping Ross with the infamous sofa pivot. And of course, the space features a re-created Central Perk with the legendary orange couch. MORE INFO.

Where: The Shops at Northbridge, 520 N. Michigan Ave.
When: Now through May 31
Cost: $35 + tax and fees

Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes at the Museum of Science and Industry
Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes at the Museum of Science and Industry Photo credit Sandro Vannini

Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes

Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes celebrates Marvel history with more than 300 artifacts including original comic book pages, sculptures, interactive displays, and costumes and props from Marvel’s blockbuster films. Guests can examine the origins of iconic characters such as Spider-Man, Black Panther, Hulk, and Captain Marvel and see how they have evolved alongside society over the past 80 years, making these characters a pop culture mainstay. MORE INFO.

Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.
When: March 7 through Oct. 24
Cost: Requires an additional, timed-entry ticket in addition to museum admission: Adults $18, Children (3-11) $14, Members $9.

Immersive Van Gogh
Immersive Van Gogh Photo credit WBBM Newsradio/Lisa Fielding

Immersive Van Gogh

Step inside of Starry Night and The Bedroom in Arles with the help of more than 75 digital projectors in this high-tech exhibition that explores the work of Vincent Van Gogh. Designed by the Italian creative team that worked on the "Atelier des Lumières" exhibitions in Paris, "Immersive Van Gogh" covers 35-foot walls with animated versions of the Dutch painters work, accompanied by a score that blends electronic and classical compositions. MORE INFO.

Where: Lighthouse ArtSpace, 108 W. Germania Pl.
When: Now through Sept. 6
Cost: $40-50

WNDR museum
WNDR museum Photo credit WNDR museum

WNDR museum

The home of Chicago's only Infinity Mirror Room (created by Japanese Yayoi Kusama) is open to the public once again, presenting a new collection of one-of-a-kind art installations alongside some old favorites. New additions to WNDR Museum include a multi-sensory experience from S̶A̶N̶T̶IA̶G̶O̶X that uses artificial intelligence, sounds, visuals and scents, as well as an installation called I Heard There Was a Secret Chord that allows guests to become part of an evolving virtual choir. MORE INFO.

Where: 1130 W. Monroe St.
When: now through Sept. 5
Cost: $30

Monet’s Water Lilies
Monet’s Water Lilies Photo credit The Art Institute of Chicago

Monet and Chicago

"Monet and Chicago" acts as an homage to the city's connection to the “father of Impressionism,” showcasing a mixture of major works as well as rarely seen sketches and landscapes sourced from local collections. Visitors will be able to take in early works like Apple Trees, Vétheuil and On the Bank of the Seine, Bennecourt, as well as canvases from his Stacks of Wheat series. MORE INFO.

Where: Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave.
When: Now through June 14
Cost: Requires a $7 ticket, in addition to museum admission

Schitt Happens - ‘Schitt’s Creek’-inspired pop-up
Schitt Happens - ‘Schitt’s Creek’-inspired pop-up Photo credit Replay Lincoln Park

Schitt Happens - ‘Schitt’s Creek’-inspired pop-up

Schitt is going down starting Feb. 12, with the launch of Replay Lincoln Park's newest pop-up Schitt Happens, running through April 1! This socially-distanced pop-up will include a new food and drink menu (enchiladas and cocktails anyone?), photo-ops including the Rosebud Motel, Cafe Tropical, Moira’s Wig Wall, the iconic welcome to Schitt’s Creek sign, and more! Stay tuned for nights when the pop-up will be featuring local vendors/artists selling goods over by Rose Apothecary. Grab tickets at https://www.exploretock.com/replay/. Tickets come with a table reservation and two cocktails per person.

Where: Replay Lincoln Park, 2833 N. Sheffield Ave.
When: Now through April 1
Cost: $20 per person for table reservation and $20 beverage credit