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Things to do at NU: May 29 to June 4

Our picks this week offer chances to explore the heavens and de-stress before finals
The interior of the dome of Dearborn Observatory
This Friday, tour Northwestern’s historic Dearborn Observatory and get a chance to look through the telescope during weekly public viewing hours.

It’s the home stretch of the academic year, which means it’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a delicious dessert from our finals relief food trucks or a celestial sight at Dearborn Observatory. Here’s what to put on your calendar this week.

Celebrate in the garden

Join the Women’s Center for its annual end-of-year garden party. Enjoy delicious food, get a taste of the art of Feminist-in-Residence Kyrin Hobson and honor Shujaa Award recipient Rhea Banks, who passed away earlier this year.

The garden party is at noon on Thursday, May 30, on the Women’s Center lawn, 2000 Sheridan Road, Evanston.

See the stars

Tour Northwestern’s historic Dearborn Observatory and get a chance to look through the telescope during weekly public viewing hours. The first hour is by reservation only, but the second hour is open to walk-ins.

This week’s public viewing hours begin at 9 p.m. on Friday, May 31, at Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston. Sign up for the reserved tour waitlist or walk in starting at 10 p.m.

Songs for the sun

Bienen’s Contemporary/Early Vocal Ensemble and University Chorale team up on Saturday for “The Eternal Sun,” a choral exploration of humanity’s relationship to the sun.

The concert is at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, at Galvin Recital Hall, 70 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. Buy tickets here.

Meaning and medicine

Attend a live recording of an episode of “The Doctor’s Art,” a podcast about finding meaning in practicing modern medicine. Palliative care physician Dr. Sunita Puri and pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Jay Wellons will discuss suffering and finding hope amid serious illness with the show’s hosts.

The recording is at noon on Monday, June 3, in the Searle Seminar Room, Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago.

Take a break

De-stress with an afternoon of outdoor fun with Spring Finals Relief. Stop by to enjoy sweet treats and coffee from food trucks, play lawn games and snap pics in a photo booth.

Festivities start at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 3, on the lawn outside Mudd Hall, 2233 Tech Drive, Evanston.