The end of summer is near (say it ain’t so!), but there’s still plenty of seasonal fun to be had. Start filling your calendar with these can’t-miss things to do in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
Theater
Aug. 11: “The Greatest Love of All: The Whitney Houston Show”
This national tour makes its way to Rosemont and stars Belinda Davids. Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont, 847-671-5100
Aug. 13: Broadway in Chicago’s Free Summer Concert
This year’s gratis show will preview performances from “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Miss Saigon,” and more. Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago, 800-775-2000
Opens Aug. 15: “Vietgone”
Described as “equal parts road-trip adventure, buddy film, romantic comedy and ‘Hamilton’-esque rap musical,” this play by Qui Nguyen opens Writers Theatre’s 2018/2019 season. Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, 847-242-6000
Opens Aug. 16: “The God Committee”
Oil Lamp Theater’s latest play goes inside a hospital and looks at the life-and-death decisions that need to be made by the Heart Transplant Selection Committee. Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview, 847-834-0738
Aug. 18: Dance for Life
Chicago’s premiere dance companies perform for an evening benefiting the Dancers’ Fund, an initiative providing financial assistance to dance professionals experiencing critical health issues. The Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago, 312-341-2300
Comedy
Aug. 3: Whoopi
Spend an evening with actor and comedian Whoopi Goldberg, who is set to perform her cutting-edge comedy show on a very limited-edition tour. Ravinia, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, 847-266-5000
Aug. 12: Steve Martin and Martin Short
Laugh the night away with these two comedy veterans, who will be gracing the Ravinia stage for a series of spoofs and evocations of some of their most beloved characters. Ravinia, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, 847-266-5000
Music
Aug. 2-5: Lollapalooza
More than 170 performances (including Evanston-native iDA HAWK) will take Chicago by storm this August, when Lollapalooza celebrates its 14th year in Grant Park. Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago
Aug. 10-11: JAY-Z and BEYONCÉ: On the Run II
Dance the night away with powered-up performances by Beyoncé and Jay-Z and specialty “On the Run II” themed cocktails by VSOP Cognac D’USSE. Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, 312-235-7000
Aug. 19: Jazz at Gallagher Way
Enjoy an evening featuring three ensembles that explore defining aspects of jazz, from blues to Middle Eastern-infused rhythms. Gallagher Way, 3637 N. Clark St., Chicago
Aug. 28: Ziggy Marley
Jam along to the reggae-inspired tunes of Ziggy Marley, a six-time Grammy winner, Emmy winner, and humanitarian. Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago, 312-526-3851
Museums
Aug. 18: Sensory Saturday
The Crown Family PlayLab at The Field Museum is hosting Sensory Saturdays, a sensory-friendly morning of hands-on exploration and discovery. The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 312-922-9410
Closes Aug. 19: Arte Diseño Xicágo
This exhibit examines the early artistic involvement and influence of Mexican immigrants and artists in Chicago through artwork, photographs, and artifacts. National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago, 312-738-1503
Opens Aug. 25: Vivian Suter: el bosque interior
Explore Vivian Suter’s large-scale abstract paintings, which are inspired by (and exposed to) the Guatemalan rainforest, during this exhibit. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-443-3600
Ongoing: Stories of Survival: Object, Image, Memory
This moving exhibit features photographs of personal artifacts owned by local survivors of the Holocaust and other genocides, including Armenia, Bosnia, Cambodia, Iraq, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Syria. Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie, 847-967-4800
Events
Aug. 5: World Cup of Wine
Missing the World Cup? Just want to find a new favorite drink? Join City Winery for this tasting of wines from around the world, plus cheese and charcuterie. City Winery Chicago, 1200 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 312-733-9463
Aug. 8-26: Chicago Tribune FOOD BOWL
This three-week festival will enlist chefs and restaurants around Chicago to offer more than 100 events in various locations, featuring specialty classes, test kitchens, panels, pop-up bars, and neighborhood tours.
Aug. 9-11: Northwestern Summer Writers’ Conference
Join a community of writers at Northwestern University for a three-day celebration of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Now in its 14th year, the program includes a diverse array of workshops, panels, and literary readings. Northwestern University — Chicago Campus, 339 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago
Aug. 10: Grown-Up Play Date
Act like a kid again during this Morton Arboretum event, where adults can splash in the Wonder Pond, climb around the playground, get creative with sidewalk chalk, play giant Jenga, and more. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, 630-968-0074
Aug. 10-12: Chicago Hot Dog Fest
Celebrate the not-so-humble hot dog — and 125 years of Vienna Beef — during this annual Chicago History Museum festival featuring a speakers’ stage, inflatables, crafts, and more. Stockton and LaSalle Drive, Chicago
Aug. 11: Movies in the Parks: “The Incredibles”
Watch “The Incredibles” under the stars right outside the Museum of Science and Industry. And before the movie begins, explore the museum’s “The Science Behind Pixar” exhibit. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, 773-684-1414
Aug. 11-12: Chicago Botanic Garden Kite Festival
Enjoy a festival dedicated to all things kite flying, complete with ice cream, beverages, and light fare. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, 847-835-5440
Aug. 15-19: Venetian Festival in Lake Geneva
Highlights of this five-day festival include a carnival, water-ski show, lighted boat parade, and the area’s largest fireworks display over Geneva Lake.
Aug. 17-19: Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival
Part art fest, part food fest, this free event should not be missed. 800 Church St., Evanston
Aug. 18-19: 60th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show
Featuring military and civilian flight aerobatics, historic aircraft, simulated water rescues, and parachute teams, the Chicago Air and Water Show is one of the largest and longest-running free-admission events of its kind. North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Aug. 18-19: Malott Japanese Garden Summer Festival
Learn about summer celebrations in Japan during this special weekend of activities. Listen to koto harp and taiko drum music, enjoy traditional folk tales, and watch a tea ceremony. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, 847-835-5440
Aug. 19: Kultura Festival
This festival celebrates Filipino-American culture by highlighting the best in Filipino-American food and arts in Chicago and the Midwest. Emporium Arcade Bar, 2363 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
Aug. 23: Women’s Empowerment Night at Wrigley Field
Cheer on the Cubs while also supporting YWCA Metropolitan Chicago and the Chicago Foundation for Women. Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison St., Chicago
Aug. 24-26: Taste of Highland Park
Running in conjunction with the Port Clinton Art Festival, this foodie fest will feature favorites from local restaurants and live music. Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave., Highland Park
Aug. 26: Hofbräuhaus Chicago’s Back to School Kinderfest
Kids will love live music, face painting, a magic show, back-to-school arts and crafts, and more, and parents will love half-price Bloody Marys and Sunday food specials. Plus, the first 100 families will receive a free school supply gift bag. Hofbräuhaus Chicago, 5500 Park Place, Rosemont, 847-671-2739
Aug. 31 to Sept. 2: The Great American Lobster Fest
Dine on lobster flown in fresh from the East Coast during the Midwest’s largest lobster and seafood festival. Plus, enjoy live music, family-friendly games, shopping, and more. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
More from Make It Better:
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- 7 Out-of-the-Box Ideas for a Memorable Chicago Date Night
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Nicole Schnitzler is a freelance writer who covers food, drink, travel, and lifestyle. When she is not planning her next adventure, she can be found commuting between bakeries, yoga classes, live music shows, and libraries in her hometown of Chicago. She is most comfortable with a pen in one hand and a fork in the other. Nicole is also the founder of Doors Open Dishes, an initiative committed to keeping the doors open to the group homes and workshops of individuals with special needs by partnering with chefs and restaurants across the city. Follow her on Twitter (@Write_To_Eat) or on Instagram (@WriteToEat).
Anna Carlson writes the weekly 5 Things to Do column and monthly Recommended Events. A graduate of the University of Missouri, her work has been published in Chicago Parent, Inside Columbia Magazine and Central California Parent Magazine. She is a proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
