Peek Inside 150 of Chicago's Most Beautiful Buildings

Peek into Chicago’s most beautiful buildings

This weekend is Open House Chicago, presented by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. The free event, which runs Saturday and Sunday, lets you check out the interiors of 150 buildings in the Loop and various neighborhoods. There are tried and true architectural mainstays, like the Board of Trade and City Hall, as well as offices, religious spaces and even some private homes throughout the city. Want to focus on one of the city’s glitziest neighborhoods? Here’s a list of participating spots in Lincoln Park. And here’s the full list of sites.

Do some deep thinking

It’s Chicago Ideas Week. Creative, collaborative thinking is fostered through a series of discussions, classes and labs around the city. You can’t go wrong with Saturday’s “Instigators: The Good Fight” discussion from noon to 1:30. The panel includes columnist Dan Savage and kidnapping victim turned activist Elizabeth Smart. Here’s the full schedule. Tickets, which are selling out fast, are $15 per event.

Ladies, lace up your running shoes

Were you inspired by last week’s marathoners and ready for a bit more of a challenge than a 5K? Title 9’s 9K race is along the lakefront Sunday starting at 9 a.m. The start and finish are just north of Fullerton in Lincoln Park. Race-day registration is $55 for women and mom’s with a baby jogger. Discounts for women over 70 or girls under 18. Click here to register. Need extra incentive: there’s a chocolate station near the end.