Take advantage of the totally free world-class dance performances at the Chicago Dancing Festival tonight. This week, the Harris Theater hosts a series of performances from top international dance companies. Tonight the festival opens with performances by the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Ballet Hispanico and Pam Tanowitz Dance accompanied by members of the Chicago Philharmonic. While advance tickets are no longer available, you can get there early to try to snag a standby ticket. (Harris Theater, 205 E Randolph St, 7:30pm. Free)
2. Get up close to a Krampmacken
Although known for horned helmets, violent raids and giant wooden ships, there’s a softer side to these Norsemen than just battle-axes and war. Organized by the Swedish History Museum, “Vikings” shows a better fleshed-out, more accurate portrait of this Scandinavian people, featuring everyday artifacts from all walks of life. Don’t worry—there’s still plenty of axes and even a replica of a Viking ship or Krampmacken. (Field Museum, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, 9am-5pm. Included in $25 discovery and $35 all access passes)
Boost your night with a concert by brash, exciting Brit pop-rockers the Vaccines. They perform at Lincoln Hall tonight, on tour in support of their latest hook-heavy album English Graffiti. (Lincoln Hall, 2424 N Lincoln Ave, 8pm. $23, $20 advanced)