Chicago Area Events - Midwest Money Savers

Good morning my fabulous frugal friends! If you live in Illinois, I’ve found another freebie for you and your family to enjoy. Adler Planetarium has recently announced that every Wednesday evening from 4 to 10 PM, the planetarium will be free for Illinois residents with proof of residency. For more information, you can visit the Adler Special-events site here.

The Adler Planetarium is a public museum in Chicago, Illinois, United States. It was founded in 1930 by Chicago businessman Max Adler and was the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. The museum’s mission is to inspire exploration and understanding of the universe.

The Adler Planetarium is home to several exhibits, including three full-size theaters, interactive displays, and the historic Atwood Sphere. The planetarium also has a significant collection of astronomical artifacts and literature. One of the most popular exhibits at the Adler Planetarium is “Mission Moon,” which explores the history of America’s space program and the race to the moon.

The planetarium is also home to a research and education center that offers a variety of programs for students, educators, and the general public. The center offers classes, workshops, and lectures on various astronomy and space science topics.

Bank of America cardholders receive complimentary Museum Entry the first weekend of each month. To take advantage of this benefit, proceed to the Accessible Entrance on the day of your visit and show the box office staff your Bank of America card and matching photo ID for admission access. If you’d like to add on any sky shows or purchase additional tickets, you can do so. At this time, online reservations are not available for this benefit.

In addition, the Adler is proud to participate in Museums For All, an initiative designed to make museums more accessible to families nationwide by removing financial barriers. Any family that qualifies for state food assistance and is in possession of an EBT card (known in Illinois as a Link card) or a WIC ID is eligible to participate. Eligible participants may receive a Museum Entry +1 (which includes one show) for up to eight people at $1 per guest. Any guest who wishes to upgrade to a Museum Entry +2 may do so for $5 per guest. Cards or IDs must be shown at the Adler Box Office only to receive this special rate. At this time, no online ticket purchases are available for this discount.

The Adler Planetarium is open to the public every day except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission fees vary based on age, residency, and membership status. The museum is accessible via public transportation and offers parking for an additional cost.

Have a blessed day,

~Kelly

Groundhog Day is a holiday celebrated on February 2nd in the United States and Canada, originating from a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition where a groundhog was used to predict the arrival of spring. If the groundhog saw its shadow, it was believed to indicate six more weeks of winter weather. There are two famous celebrations of Groundhog Day, one in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and another in Woodstock, Illinois.

Punxsutawney Phil is the name of the groundhog in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania who is the star of the famous Groundhog Day celebration held in the town. The tradition of using Punxsutawney Phil to predict the arrival of spring dates back to 1886 and has since become a well-known cultural phenomenon.

On Groundhog Day, thousands of people gather in Punxsutawney to witness Punxsutawney Phil emerge from his burrow. If he sees his shadow, it is believed to indicate six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, it is believed to indicate an early spring.

Punxsutawney Phil is considered to be the only true weather-forecasting groundhog and is revered by many as a symbol of hope for an end to winter. The celebration of Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney has become a popular event, attracting visitors from all over the world to witness the annual event and participate in the town’s festivities.

The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, a group of local residents, is responsible for caring for Punxsutawney Phil and organizing the annual celebration. They claim that Punxsutawney Phil has a lifespan of over 100 years and is able to predict the weather with 100% accuracy. Whether or not this is true, Punxsutawney Phil remains an important part of American folklore and a beloved symbol of the Groundhog Day celebration.

The groundhog in Woodstock is named Woodstock Willie and is the official groundhog of the city’s Groundhog Day celebration. The celebration in Woodstock is known for its festive atmosphere, with activities such as live music, food vendors, and children’s games. The event is attended by locals and visitors alike and has become an important part of the community’s cultural heritage.

Woodstock is also the setting for the classic 1993 film “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray, which has added to the city’s connection to the holiday and made it a popular tourist destination on February 2nd. You can visit the Groundhog Day movie locations page to see all the locations the movie was filmed.

Let’s hope that Phil doesn’t see his shadow today!

Have a blessed day,

~Kelly

Tag: Chicago Area Events

Chicago Area Friends: Free Days at the Adler Planetarium 2023

Groundhog Day: Will Punxsutawney Phil See His Shadow in 2023?