JUNE
Today is opening day for the 16th annual Bristol Renaissance Faire, held in a 30-acre woods just over the Wisconsin border in Kenosha County. Re-creating a day in 1574 when Queen Elizabeth visited the English city of Bristol, the fair offers more than 1,000 costumed performers engaging in sword fights, fire juggling, processionals, and mud shows. This year Robin Hood and his band of merry men will also be hanging out, making mischief for the villainous Lord High Sheriff and his crew. There’s also music and entertainment on 16 stages; a Kids’ Kingdom with games, rides, and crafts; 200 artisans hawking their wares; and victuals that include roast turkey legs and fish-and-chips. The fair, located just west of I-94’s Russell Road exit, is open from 10 to 7 Saturdays and Sundays through August 24, rain or shine. Admission is $17.50 for adults and $8.50 for kids ages 5 through 12. See www.renfair.com or call 847-395-7773 for more information.
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1 TUESDAY
Although Independence Day falls on a Friday this year–meaning most people won’t have to get up early the next day–Chicago is again staging its Grant Park fireworks display on July 3. The free pyrotechnics start around 9:30 at Monroe and the lakefront and will last about 20 minutes. As usual, the explosions will be set to live music by the Grant Park Orchestra, directed by Christopher Bell and featuring the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants; selections include John Philip Sousa’s “The Belle of Chicago,” Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land,” and Tchaikovksy’s 1812 Overture. The fireworks will be simulcast on WFMT and Channel 32. At 7:30 the orchestra (and the sergeants) will also perform selections like “The Star-Spangled Banner” and other American fare at the Petrillo Music Shell at Columbus and Jackson as part of Taste of Chicago (see the sidebar in Music listings for a complete schedule of Taste of Chicago music performances). For more information call 312-744-3370.
