Best Earth Day 2011 Events in Chicago

Believe me when I say there are plenty of very cool and interesting exhibits, concerts, workshops, and parties (yes, I said PARTIES!), happening all around Chicago for Earth Day and throughout the month. Let's go on a field trip, shall we?

At the Chicago History Museum, journalist Laura Washington will moderate an Earth Day-inspired discussion, Living a Life Organic, on Tuesday, April 19th at 6:30pm. The discussion will address new trends in the organic revolution. Admission is free, reservations suggested. Call 312-642-4600 for information. If you want to learn how to live sustainably in the city, the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) is having a Green City Living Open House on April 20th, from 5pm to 8pm. This event is free and includes a workshop, prizes, and snacks. For more information call 773-269-4039.

Want to hear some music and learn about the planet? Then go to The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum on April 23^rd, 11am and 1pm, for an Earth Day Concert: Children of the Earth with Joe Reilly. He is a singer, songwriter and environmental educator. His interactive musical program helps people of all ages deepen their relationships with their natural environment. Advance registration is highly recommended. Ticket prices are $6 for children and $9 for adults. Visit www.naturemuseum.org or call 773-755-5100 to purchase tickets.

I promised you a party and here it is! The Chicago Zoological Society and the Brookfield Zoo's Party for the Planet, will be a good time for the entire family. The event is on April 23^rd, from 10am to 4pm at The Brookfield Zoo. Join the party and learn how you can help stop climate change and save the polar bears. You can also tour the Eco Expo, enjoy entertainment on the Party for the Planet stage, attend Zoo "Chats", Plant Some Green, and more. To learn more, go to www.czs.org/CZS/partyfortheplanet. If you are interested in learning about an intriguing creature, check out Jellies at The John G. Shedd Aquarium. Learn about the mysterious world of sea jellies, which are truly amazing animals. The event is from 6:30pm-10:30pm on April 15th. Visit www.sheddaquarium.org for more information.

The 19^th Annual Green and Growing Fair at the Garfield Park Conservatory is a fantastic event to attend to kick off the growing season. There will be outdoor demonstration stations, mini workshops, food and live music in the Green Café, silent auction, used gardening book sale, and much more. The event is on April 30^th from 10am to 2pm. For more information, contact Robin Cline at 773-638-1766 x.18 or rcline@garfieldpark.org.

So there you have it, a few wonderful events happening in Chicago in honor of Earth Day 2011. Enjoy!