One of the hidden gems in Chicago is The Chicago Mosaic School. This is an intimate location with talented instructors who will open your eyes to a way of creating art in a way you may not be familiar.

Since opening in 2005, the Chicago Mosaic School has promoted the academic study of the art form is fostered through classes that cover topics ranging from introduction to mosaics to glass-on-glass window mosaics and the Ravenna technique to recreate historic works. Spanning more than 7,500 square feet in size, the facility features classrooms, studio spaces, a library, and a gallery. The faculty comprises both professionally trained resident teachers and visiting artists, who lead seminars about their creative specialty. It’s here where they explore all facets of mosaics—from classical reproduction to contemporary abstraction. The space has attracted the attention of international mosaic instructions from countries including England, France, Japan, and Australia. Inside, students with beginner to master skill-sets immerse themselves in workshops that allow them to grow their talents in the art of mosaic craftsmanship. Additionally, Chicago Mosaic School preserves and promotes mosaic art through school programs, community partnerships, and teacher training programs.

You can currently get up to 48% off your purchase of classes at The Chicago Mosaic School:

• $39 for a three-hour BYOB Mosaic Basics workshop for one ($75 value)
• $79 for a three-hour BYOB Mosaic Basics workshop for two ($150 value)

Consider buying the class for two as a gift and spend some quality time with your spouse or a friend!

Limit 1 per person, but you may buy 2 additional as gifts. The Chicago Mosaic School is located at 1800 W Cuyler Ave. in Chicago.

Medieval Times Chicago Discount

One of the fun Chicago activities for both Chicagoans and tourists alike is a trip to Medieval Times! Located in Schaumburg (2001 North Roselle Road), Medieval Times is a one-stop entertainment and dinner show complete with maidens, knights, horses and no dinner utensils. It is fun to do this any day, but it’s even better when you can get a Medieval Times Chicago discount!

Medieval Times Chicago Discount: For a limited time, Groupon is offering tickets to Medieval Times for up to 44% off. Prices vary depending on what kind of ticket you purchase, so here is the breakdown:

Ticketing Options

• $29 for a child’s general-admission ticket ($43.78 value)
• $39 for an adult general-admission ticket ($69.62 value)
• $39 for a child’s Royalty package ($54.50 value)
• $49 for an adult Royalty package ($80.34 value)

Royalty Package

• VIP seating
• Cheering banner to support your knight
• Commemorative program
• One behind-the-scenes DVD per party

Here is the description of the show per the Groupon site:

Knights in shining armor. White horses. Fair maidens. All the magnificent trappings of a bygone era come to life at Medieval Times, where ironclad knights clash for the title of King’s Champion in front of a wide-eyed audience that peppers the battlefield with cheers and jeers between bites of a four-course dinner. Each two-hour tournament channels the pageantry and spectacle of 11th-century Spain, pitting six competitors against each other inside a spacious, sand-filled arena for the honor of earning the title of champion and the favor of the royal court. A spirited musical score infuses epic onslaughts with an extra dose of tension as adversaries joust atop stallions, deflect ferocious blows, and slice through suits forged of authentic junk mail. To further immerse guests in the fairy tale, Medieval Times encourages each guest to declare their allegiance by cheering loudly for the knight in their corner.

Like royal guests centuries ago, spectators bask in the revelry while feasting upon a finger-friendly bill of fare without the aid of utensils or the “choo-choo” sounds of parents. The four-course feast includes a tomato-bisque soup starter, oven-roasted chicken with a garlic-bread side, single spare rib, and an herb-basted potato. Servers periodically fill patrons’ goblets with soda or water, which adults can supplement with purchases from a full-service bar. Meals conclude with the castle’s sweet pastry dessert.

Medieval Times is a really fun activity for both kids and adults, so grab your Medieval Times Chicago discount and enjoy the show!

Interested in more? Read other Chicago Deals here.

Six Flags Great America Chicago Discount

It’s summer and that means that it’s time to plan your trip to Six Flags! Six Flags Great America is the largest amusement park in the Chicagoland area and is located on the right-hand side of the expressway in Gurnee as you drive up from the city. Seeing the American Eagle peak over the tops of the trees is always my favorite site when getting to Great America. It means you’re about to have a blast! As an adult, though, it’s become just as important to get a Six Flags Great America Chicago discount before visiting.

There are several ways to get a discount at Six Flags in the Chicagoland area at the moment. I will update this list as new options become available, but start here:

1. Purchase your tickets on the Six Flags website – Buy purchasing your tickets online rather than at the gate, you’ll be saving up to $20 per ticket!
2. Use codes from specially marked Coca-Cola product cans – Once you have a code, visit the special Six Flags Coca-Cola section to redeem that code. At the moment it appears that you will get the same discount as you would on the regular online purchase ($20 off), but this could change over the course of the summer.

2014 pricing is as follows:

General Admission $64.99
Children Under 48″ $44.99
Children 2 & Under FREE

Make sure that when you visit the park, you use a Six Flags Great America discount. For family of four, you are looking at an entrance fee of over $200, so $80 off that purchase is huge! Also consider bringing along a backpack full of snacks and refillable water bottles to cut down on your food purchases. Six Flags is a fantastic way to spend a day out with the family, but doing it on a budget never hurt anyone!

Have you found another Six Flags Great America Chicago discount? Please leave a comment and I’ll update the list!

Interested in more? Read other Chicago Deals here.

Motown The Musical Chicago Discount!

Motown has come to town! There is a new production of Motown The Musical being performed at The Oriental Theatre in downtown Chicago (24 W. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60601) ) This show runs through August 9, 2014 and there are currently tickets available. Even better, there is the option of a Motown The Musical Chicago discount!
Motown The Musical Chicago Discount: Goldstar is currently offering tickets to see Motown The Musical for as low as $69 per ticket. Standard show prices for this production range from $75-$95, so this is a nice discount. Ticket prices and availability may change between now and the end of the run, so you will want to choose your tickets sooner rather than later.

Here is the description provided on Goldstar:

Motown: The Musical thrilled Broadway and now it’s launching its national tour at the Oriental Theatre. Featuring classic songs from the heyday of the Motown sound, the musical tells the story of Berry Gordy’s journey from heavyweight boxer to heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Michael Jackson and more. The timeless Motown sound broke down barriers and got everyone moving to the same beat. Experience the story behind the music in this record-breaking smash hit featuring favorite songs like “My Girl,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “Baby I Need Your Lovin'” and many more.

This show has received four Tony nominations and has been a huge hit in New York. Now it’s our turn to experience the music!

Interested in more? Read other Chicago Deals here.