Festival FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there parking?

You can find parking information here. You may also find parking deals on apps like Spothero or Parkwhiz.

Sorry, there is no re-entry permitted.

Lookingglass Theatre Company is located in the historic Water Tower Water Works at 821 N Michigan Ave at Pearson St. Enter through the wooden double doors at 163 E Pearson St. Plan your visit here.

EVOLUTION is an arts festival intended for mature audiences. Artists’ content may contain subject matters that may not be suitable for children or sensitive audiences. Viewer and parent discretion advised. For more Venue Policies see here.

An accessible entrance is located at Pearson Street directly to the west of our main entrance at 163 E. Pearson Street using the wooden double doors. Read more about accessibility here.

No outside food or drink permitted. Read more about Venue Policies here.

ASL Interpretation Available Upon Request. Email: hello@aaac.art

What events are family-friendly?
  • The entire festival is FREE and open to all ages

  • The After-Party offers discount tickets for kids 10+ years

  • Family-friendly shows we can recommend include:

Day 1: May 5 • Chicago Cultural Center

3–6 pm • Live music, live painting, live dance, glass sculpture, immersive fashion art

Day 2: May 6 • Goodman Theater

11:30 am–1:15 pm • Dance and performance art in Rotunda in Alice

Day 3: May 7 • Museum of Contemporary Art

10 am–3 pm

  • Masala biscuits and Food at Marisol and The Counter

  • DIY Craft Market 

10:30–11:30 am • Open Stage

11 am–2 pm • Family Creation Station teaching storytelling with puppets

2–3 pm • Dance

3:45–4:15 pm • Kim, rock band

Day 3, May 7: After–Party at the Lookingglass Theater

  • Heavy apps and dessert plus an open bar

  • Discounted tickets for kids, recommended age 10+

*Please note that artists reserve the right to express themes that may be inappropriate for younger or more sensitive audiences. We’ll do our best to announce this before each of those performances.

Each venue offers its own parking suggestions:

Chicago Cultural Center

  • Grant Park North Garage: 25 N Michigan Ave

  • Grant Park South Garage: 325 S Michigan Ave

  • Millennium Park Garage & Millennium Lakeside Garage: 5 S Columbus Dr

  • Pay in person at each garage location or pre-pay online for discounted parking

  • Visit www.millenniumgarages.com/rates or call 312.616.0600 for 24/7 customer service

Goodman Theatre

  • Government Center Self Park (GC): 181 N Clark St

  • Located on the southeast corner of Clark and Lake Streets. Goodman Theatre patrons get $17 pre-paid parking

  • Theatre District Self Park (TD): 181 N Dearborn St

  • Located across from the theater on Dearborn Street. Goodman Theatre Patrons get $21 pre-paid parking

  • Visit iparkit.com/Goodman, select your garage location, and checkout

MCA

Lookingglass Theatre

  • Discounted parking is available on the day of the performance at the locations below

  • Bring your parking ticket to the box office, and Lookingglass Theater staff will validate it (validation requires proof of a parking ticket)

  • 875 N Michigan formerly the John Hancock Center for up to six hours for only $10 (cars must enter the garage after 12 pm to receive a discount)

  • The Olympia Centre Self Park for up to six hours for only $11

  • Water Tower Place for up to four hours for only $14 or between four and seven hours for $17

  • Visit https://lookingglasstheatre.org/plan-your-visit/

In 2023, we produced the largest arts festival of its kind in the Midwest. Stay tuned for news on next APIDA Arts Festival.

If you have any questions or need additional assistance with the Lookingglass Theatre venue, please contact their box office.
312.337.0665
box@lookingglasstheatre.org