The annual Chicago Ideas Week kicks off today, encompassing a variety of summits, talks and interactive events that take place in venues all around the city over the next seven days. Tickets for experiences like a behind-the-scenes look a Divvy and the chance to make beer with Lagunitas brewers sold out quickly, but there are plenty of worthwhile events you can still attend if you act fast. We rounded up ten great Chicago Ideas Week events that (at the time of this writing) still have tickets available.
Politics: Behind the Headlines (Oct 13, 7–8:30pm) - Journalist David Gregory leads a conversation with Reverend Al Sharpton, David Axelrod and more political insiders.
Fort Knox Studios: Music Ecosystem (Oct 14, 1–3pm) - Tour the expansive Fort Knox Studio and learn about modern music production while taking in Chicago's thriving independent music scene.
Windy City Times: Alternative Journalism Lab (Oct 15, 10am–12pm) - Go behind the presses at LGBT newspaper Windy City Times, learn about a journalist's tools and create your own story.
Food: The Path to Your Plate (Oct 15, 12–1:30pm) - Do you know when your lunch came from? Chefs, journalists and industry-insiders will discuss the implications of a global food system.
Pop Culture: Your Life, Trending (Oct 15, 7–8:30pm) - The founder of OkCupid and a Buzzfeed staff writer explore the intersecting world of TV, memes, art, viral videos and internet culture.
Tech Summit (Oct 16, 12:30–5:30pm) - Three sessions examine the impact of technology through discussions of digital security, interactivity and new applications. Featured speakers include Chuck Salter of Fast Company, Padmasree Warrior of Cisco Systems and former Obama for America CTO Harper Reed.
Music: Deconstructing Your Playlist (Oct 17, 7–8:30pm) - Explore the art and science of music at a panel that includes speakers like WXRT DJ Terri Hemmert, members of the band Johnnyswim and more.
Dtox Designs: Rock 'n' Roll T-shirt Design (Oct 18, 2–4pm) - Head to Schubas for a conversation about music, followed by the opportunity to design and create your own t-shirt.
Creative Process: The Impulsive, Calculated, Evolving, Joyful, Maddening Journey from Idea to Reality (Oct 18, 7–8:30pm) - Learn about the intricacies of the creative process from the likes of actress Joan Cusack, musician T.S. Monk, ventriloquist Terry Monk and more.
Humboldt Park Latin Sandwich Bicycle Crawl (Oct 19, 12:30–2:30pm) - Hop on your bike and join ABC 7's Steve Dolinsky (better known at the "Hungry Hound") on a tour of jibaritos, cemitas and more, with stops at Senor Pan Cafe, Cemitas Puebla and La Palma Puerto Rican.