Illustration by Ali Douglass

Good and cheap. That’s our daily mantra during these troubled economic times. So if you’re planning to attend the American Library Association’s (ALA) annual conference in Chicago July 9–15, we want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck. First, we’ve scoured ALA’s program guide (no small feat) to single out the sessions, speakers, and events you won’t want to miss. As for the extracurricular activities, Chicago has a lot to offer. Take the following tips from our pals at the arts and entertainment bible Time Out Chicago on where to go and what to do (on a limited budget) while you’re in the Windy City. But don’t dawdle, you’ll only have one week.

Museums

Art Institute of Chicago In May, the Art Institute opened its much-lauded Modern Wing, designed by architect Renzo Piano, and it contains many never-before-displayed pieces from AIC’s modern collection. On display through September 13: “Modern and Contemporary Works on Paper.” These 80 drawings, prints, collages, and paintings (including some rarely seen Picassos) from the museum’s permanent collection are so fragile they’re rarely displayed. Free Thursdays, 5 p.m.–8 p.m. Chicago History Museum Ongoing: “Lincoln Treasures.” If your Lincoln interests lean toward the Prez’s physical demise, enjoy the museum’s vast archive of Lincoln ephemera, which includes assassination memorabilia, death room furniture, and artifacts from Ford’s Theatre. Kids under 12 and Mondays free. City Gallery in the Historic Water Tower Through August 23: “Photographs of the Aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire.” After seeing this show, the tale of Mrs. O’Leary’s fabled cow loses its humorous tone. Rare photos of 1871 Chicago show the horrific damage wrought by the Great Fire. Free.

© The Field Museum

The Field Museum

Ongoing: “Real Pirates.” Hear ye the story of the Whydah, a pirate ship that sank off the coast of Cape Cod almost 300 years ago. More than 200 artifacts include treasure chests filled with gold coins and weaponry such as cannons and swords. Free Monday, July 13. Museum of Contemporary Art Through September 20: “Selected Works from the MCA Collection.” Craft-conscious works by Amanda Ross-Ho, Thomas Houseago, and William O’Brien appear alongside items from MCA’s permanent collection. Shedd Aquarium The Shedd’s outstanding Oceanarium section reopened in May after a lengthy overhaul. Highlights include a chance to see otters and beluga whales close-up in all their adorable splendor. Discounts for Chicago residents. Spertus Museum Through August 16: “A Force for Change: African-American Art and the Julius Rosenwald Fund.” The Chicago-based Rosenwald Fund awarded stipends to hundreds of black artists, writers, and scholars between 1928 and 1948. More than 60 works by Jacob Lawrence, Gordon Parks, and 20 other Rosenwald Fellows are shown here. Free Wednesday 10 a.m.–noon and Thursday 2 p.m.–6 p.m.

Festivals

Great Performers of Illinois July 10–13. Statewide performers, regional food and wine, children’s entertainment, and an 8,000-square-foot corn maze descend on Millennium Park. Free. Chicago Outdoor Film Festival July 14–August 25, Tuesdays at dusk. In this great Chicago tradition, classic films are projected on the big screen over Butler Field at Grant Park. Bring snacks and a blanket, and get there early for the best seating. This summer’s lineup includes Sunset Boulevard on July 14. Free.

Food

Chicago Pizza Chicago is known for “Chicago-style” pizza—a two-inch-thick cheese-heavy pie baked in a deep dish. These delicious cheese-bombs are so hefty that they’re eaten with a knife and fork. Everyone’s got a favorite, but we’re partial to Art of Pizza. The chunky sauce is spiked with dried herbs and the lightly browned, slightly flaky crust creates a sturdy base for all that rich mozzarella. Other good Chicago-style pies around town are Pequod’s, Giordano’s, and Lou Malnati’s (the last two have locations throughout the city). While you’re in town, try some of the winners of our recent dining awards see below for listings.

Shopping

Chicago’s “Mag Mile” has a rep as a tourist and shopping destination—but locals know that better deals and more interesting finds are located in Wicker Park, an artsy-turning-upscale northwestern neighborhood. Take the Blue line El train to Damen to check out some of our favorite Wicker Park shops.

Asrai Garden, Photograph by Nicole Radja

Asrai Garden Far from your average florist, this shop offers everything from wildflowers to extraordinary succulents, mixed in with home decor and citrus-scented candles. Beta Boutique This sample-sale-turned-brick-and-mortar-boutique features sample and overstock designer apparel marked 40 to 90 percent off retail prices. Lenny & Me Vintage and thrift attire: keep an eye out for steals like gently worn Diane von Furstenberg wraps. Michelle Tan This local women’s wear designer specializes in tops, bottoms, jackets, and dresses featuring unconventional cuts, unfinished hems, and minimalist colors (think black, white, and, uh, tan). Silver Moon Owner Liz Meyer has compiled a beautiful collection of vintage daywear and formal attire, with a heavy focus on Vivienne Westwood.

Theater

Seats for a song: discounted tickets are available for same-day and advance performances at Hot Tix, inside the Chicago Tourism Center at 72 E. Randolph St., a half-block west of Millennium Park. Hours are Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Hot Tix also available at Water Works Visitor Center, 163 E. Pearson St. (Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.). Half-price tickets are also available online every day by visiting www.chicagoplays.com. Check with theaters for rush tickets—discounted tickets are often available at the box office one hour before the performance. That’s Weird, Grandma Theater troupe Barrel of Monkeys performs this long-running series of screwball short plays, which are written by Chicago Public School students (third through sixth grades) and performed with abandon to match. At the Neo-Futurarium. Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind Chicago’s longest-running play, in its 20th year, features an ensemble of writer-performers attempting to perform 30 miniplays in 60 minutes. The resulting hour is equal parts block party and populist performance art. Here are the best qualities of Chicago theater: low in maintenance, high in creativity, broad in appeal, and affordable in price. At the Neo-Futurarium. Up Anna D. Shapiro directs the Chicago premiere of Bridget Carpenter’s 2003 play, about a man who can’t let go of a past fleeting glory—the day he took his lawn chair into the clouds—and his dreams’ effect on his family. At the Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

Music

Chicago offers music venues that host everything from blues to post-punk. Below are some of our favorites; to find out what’s playing at these spots the week you’re in town, check www.timeoutchicago.com. Arie Crown Theater This indoor theater, adjacent to McCormick Place, has the city’s biggest physical stage and serves up middle-of-the-road R&B and blues acts, from Nelly to a blues revue with Bobby Blue Bland. Auditorium Theatre Part of the Loop’s landmark Auditorium Building and overseen by Roosevelt University, this theater is a stunning piece of architecture (it was designed by Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler) with great acoustics and puts on shows of all genres, from cabaret to jazz to the occasional major rock act such as Radiohead and Björk. Chicago Theatre The Loop’s 5,000-seat Chicago Theatre was the opulent French baroque-style flagship of the Balaban and Katz movie-palace chain when it opened in 1921. It’s still a beautiful venue (you’ve probably seen the famous illuminated “Chicago” marquee on postcards) that’s surprisingly cozy for its large size. It has also hosted some phenomenal shows. We’ve caught everyone from Arcade Fire to Yaz here, and we’ve never been disappointed. Empty Bottle Don’t be fooled by its unassuming storefront—this is easily the premier indie rock club in the city. Some of the most cutting-edge bands from around the world hit the stage at the Bottle. If you need to get away from the noise for a little while, this Ukrainian Village club has a comfortable living room–like front room. (Be sure to say hello to the club’s friendly cat, Radley, who is often lingering on the couch.)

House of Blues, © 2009 HOB Entertainment, In

House of Blues If you’re in a big city, there’s a good chance there’s a House of Blues somewhere in the vicinity. The Chicago edition of this venue chain is quite beautiful (we’re fans of the ultraspiffy bathrooms, a rarity in rock clubs). Kingston Mines Located in upscale Lincoln Park, this club has a unique setup—two different bands in two different rooms on two stages. It’s good for checking out local blues bands that lean in a rockish direction while playing standards like “I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man.” Pops for Champagne Pops offers mainstream jazz amid very swanky settings. Even if you’re not someone who typically rubs shoulders with wine/champagne types, it’s still worth checking out, since many of the city’s best straight-ahead pianists and vocalists all hold residencies here.

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For more great sights, restaurants, and things to do, pick up a copy of Time Out Chicago magazine, or visit timeoutchicago.com.