FriPlays

HalloweeM is still considered a Regional Gathering, but every year it grows and expands what it offers guests. Since the fun really does start on Thursday evening with “ForePlay,” more and more people are in town for the whole day on Friday. And so, several years ago we started arranging activities for the daytime on Friday. Bus tours leave at 8:30am and should return before the first program at 4pm.

This year, there are four choices:

Option #1: Taiko Drumming instruction (in hotel). The fabulous Taiko drummers who performed last year are back, but this time you get in on the action. Includes 1 hours of instruction plus schmoozing. Yes, you actually get to play the drums. Starts promptly at 10:30am. Strict limit of 20 people. $35. Learn more here.

Option #2: The very cool technology labs at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Visit the Electronic Visualization Laboratory; maybe even try a gizmo tour. See the Nanotechnology Core Facility. Afterwards, go to Little Italy for lunch —we’ll provide a list of great restaurants certain to fit your taste and budget. $10 includes bus and tours; lunch on your own. Limit 30 people. See this Web site or this one.

Option #3: Star Wars Exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry! $32 includes bus and ticket to Star Wars Exhibit and general admission. Nice new cafeteria on premises for lunch. See this Web site.

Option #4: The Oriental Institute devoted to the study of the ancient Near East. $15 for bus tour and museum entrance. The FriPlay team is currently checking lunch options, which may be limited. Check out the Web site.

See the WeeM site for all the details about how to register.