jazz at the Shedd

 A tip for anyone and everyone who likes to see the sites of their home city:  check for locals nights at all your favorite attractions.  The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago offers free nights to Illinois residents one night a week in April, May and June (for the 2025 season).  Another tip, check out your company discounts.  The Chicago museums, including the Shedd Aquarium, offer free entrance to many Chicago businesses and all you have to do is show your company ID at the ticket counter.  And one final tip, research the events hosted at these so-called tourist attractions.  While the spaces may be mobbed with tourists in the summer and on weekends, the evening events are almost entirely locals.  One of the most fun local events at the Shedd Aquarium is Jazzin' at the Shedd.  

Jazzin' at the Shedd is a wonderful experience where you can purchase a glass of wine, wander the exhibits, and then retire to the patio to take in the Chicago skyline, all while listening to the sounds of live Jazz.  It's one of my favorite things to do in the city and something I wish I had partaken in more often.  The event is Wednesdays in the summer from 5-10pm and the entrance fee is about $30 (compared to a normal everyday ticket of $50).