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Things to do at NU: August

Our picks this month include cinema, soccer and stars
Attendees of last year's Summer Cinema series sit on the grass and watch a film
This month's events include three film screenings as part of the Summer Cinema series. Above, attendees enjoy a movie during last year's series. Photo credit: Norris University Center

With everything from cinema classics to thought-provoking performances, there are plenty of chances to make the most of the last days of summer this month. Here’s what to put on your calendar in August.

Travel the trail

“The Oregon Trail” video game comes to life for middle-school student Jane, taking the audience back to her great-great-grandmother’s own journey on the trail. Their shared sadnesses are delicately juxtaposed in this play-meets-video game about depression.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4, at the Wirtz Center Theater, Abbott Hall, 701 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Purchase tickets here.

Cinema under the stars

Grab a lawn chair or blanket and head to the Arts Green for free screenings of family friendly classics including “E.T.,” “Labyrinth” and “Toy Story” during the Summer Cinema series. Family activities will be available one hour before each movie screening.

Summer Cinema runs the first three Wednesdays in August (Aug. 7, 14, 21). Check-in begins at 6:30 p.m., with the films screening around 7:30 p.m. on the Arts Green, south of Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. See more information and register for a free blanket here.

Kicking off the season

Come out to see the women’s soccer team take on Western Michigan, followed by the men’s soccer team versus Milwaukee.

The women’s game is at 3 p.m., and the men’s game is at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Lanny and Sharon Martin Lakeside Facility, 2235 Campus Drive, Evanston.

Lakeside lunch

Enjoy local music and a lake breeze at Lunch on the Lake. Bring your own lunch or purchase food at the Norris Food Court.

Lunch on the Lake is at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 14, and Wednesday, Aug. 21, on the South Lawn of Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston. See more information and register for a free blanket here. 

Get literary

Hear original work from six recent creative writing graduates of the MFA in Prose and Poetry and MA in Writing programs.

Attendees are invited to enjoy snacks and mingling at 6 p.m. before the program begins at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, at 405 Church Street, Evanston. Register here.

Astronomy and answers

Join experts from the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics for an Astronomer Evening. The night will begin with a short introduction to a topic in astronomy, followed by an open Q&A, interactive demonstrations and chances to look through the telescope.

The event is at 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30, at Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston.