31 Best Things to Do in Chicago and the Suburbs in October 2026

October brings some of the year’s biggest events to Chicago, from the Chicago Marathon and Chicago International Film Festival to the opening of Northwestern’s new Ryan Field. Eric Idle, Gorillaz, the Smashing Pumpkins, David Byrne, and Robert Plant are among the major names on a packed arts and culture calendar. And with glowing jack-o’-lanterns, haunted […]

Can a Documentary Inspire Civic Action? How Film Can Move Audiences From Empathy to Engagement

When the lights came up after a collection of short documentaries about immigration enforcement in Chicago, the audience did more than applaud. Viewers contributed $4,000 to a legal-support fund and stayed to speak with filmmakers, attorneys, and community advocates working directly with affected families. The event was part of Speak Truth, a new initiative within […]

31 Best Things to Do in Chicago and the Suburbs in August 2026

August is one of the busiest months of the year in Chicago, with blockbuster music festivals, can’t-miss concerts, world-class theater, neighborhood celebrations, major sporting events, and cultural experiences happening across the city and suburbs. Whether you’re catching Lollapalooza in Grant Park, spending an evening under the stars at Ravinia, exploring a new museum exhibition, or […]

10 Holiday Movies to Help You Navigate the Season’s Rough Patches

Isn’t every holiday movie a Greater Good movie? That is to say—aren’t they all movies that highlight acts of generosity, empathy, compassion, reconciliation, or gratitude?  Alas, no. Or at least, not all of them are very insightful about human goodness or adept at conveying how we become better. We’re sure most readers are familiar with the hits, […]

31 Best Things to Do in Chicago and the Suburbs in December 2025

A fresh blanket of snow won’t keep Chicagoans home. December is when the city shines brightest, with seasonal traditions like the Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker and Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol anchoring the holiday calendar alongside new experiences, expanded light installations, and more. All across the city and suburbs, the festive season is here. Let […]

11 TV Series That Showcase the Best in Humanity: 2025

Every year, staff and regular contributors at Greater Good, the online magazine of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, nominate TV series for Greater Goodies, awards given to stories that exemplify or illustrate kindness, community, empathy, and more keys to well-being. Here’s what they came up with this year: Chef’s Table, Dying for Sex, Forever, The Great British Baking Show, […]