Chicago Neighborhood News: River North, Lakeview, North Center, Gold Coast, Virtual

River North: The Friends Experience Pop-Up returns to Chicago beginning Thursday, April 1, and running until Monday, May 31. Taking place at The Shops at Northbridge, located at 520 North Michigan Avenue, this immersive exhibit takes visitors through 12 rooms featuring set recreations, props, and costumes from the show. There’s plenty of photo ops and trivia to test your knowledge of the beloved sitcom, as well as a gift shop featuring limited-edition merch. Social distancing rules apply, and a portion of ticket sales will benefit the Chicago-based community organization My Block, My Hood, My City that provides underprivileged youth access to opportunities. Tickets start at $35. Find more info here.

Lakeview: Give your funny bone a much-needed tune-up with the weekly Laugh Factory Chicago’s Wednesday Standup Comedy Show. Grab a drink and watch the best local comedic talent in the city as they battle for laughs to see who is the most hysterical person of the night. Located at 3175 North Broadway in Lakeview, the next show occurs on April 7, starting at 7:30 pm. The laugh fest is open to anyone 18 and older, and there is a two-drink minimum (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). The best part? Tickets are free. Find more info here.

North Center: Head over to the North Center neighborhood on Saturday, April 3 through Saturday, April 10, for the Hop, Stop ‘N’ Run: a virtual fun and fitness 5k benefitting the North Center Chamber and Common Pantry. Run, walk, or bike through North Center while visiting local businesses and taking in the fresh spring air. Choose your own route and which day you’d like to participate between the given dates. Participants will receive an event t-shirt and swag bag. Tickets start at $25 for individuals and $75 for groups of up to four people. Find more info here.

Gold Coast: Looking for something mind-bending to do this month in Chicago? Look no further than the “Quantum Mirror” Immersive Installation taking place at Artspace 8, located at 900 North Michigan Avenue. New media artist Adrian Stein brings his unique journey of self-awareness to the 15,000 square foot space. The exhibit incorporates floating holographic human figures, resonant frequencies, and more to mesmerize and make visitors think as they gaze at themselves in the engulfing mirrored walls juxtaposed with Stein’s animations. This free event occurs daily from 10 am to 7 pm until Tuesday, April 20. Find more info here.

Virtual: On Saturday, April 3, join the Shedd Aquarium for its Virtual Shark Feeding Tour from 10:30 am to 11:15 am. The tour kicks off with a close-up look at the Shedd’s Wild Reef exhibit before heading over to the animal care area to watch the meal preparation for these amazing creature’s. The 40-minute virtual tour lets you get up close to the sharks and observe a feeding session while learning about what it takes to care for these unique members of the sea world. Tickets are $49.95 for non-members and $44.95 for members. Find more info here.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO