In a smoky cigarette factory on the brink of civil war, love becomes a battlefield in the The Joffrey Ballet’s U.S. premiere of Liam Scarlett’s Carmen at the Lyric Opera House. Opening the Joffrey’s 70th anniversary season on Sept. 18, 2025, Scarlett’s Carmen brings striking new visual intensity to Georges Bizet‘s iconic score — but it’s the music, […]
Lollapalooza returns to Grant Park this weekend, spotlighting what’s trending now. But some of the most meaningful moments in music this year aren’t about what’s next — they’re about honoring what’s endured. From long-awaited reunions to emotional farewells, this season’s most powerful rock shows are more than concerts — they’re reminders of how music unites […]
July in Chicago means long days, late sunsets, and no shortage of things to do. Whether you’re chasing live music, fireworks, food festivals, or art exhibitions, this month brings the kind of high-energy, culture-packed calendar that makes summer here feel so electric. From classic traditions like the 4th on 53rd Parade to major headliners at Lollapalooza […]
The North Shore of Chicago is filled with vibrant communities and years-long traditions that usher in excitement each summer. With endless possibilities — such as outdoor live music, a scenic 5k race, art in the park, and more — everyone is welcome to join in the fun. Read on for a selection of the best […]
Chicago’s greenery isn’t the only thing in full bloom this May. From can’t-miss theater and groundbreaking exhibitions to street festivals, art fairs, and spring markets, the city is bursting with energy and inspiration. Whether you’re planning a Mother’s Day outing, looking for weekend plans, or ready to dive into Chicago’s cultural calendar, these are the […]
For those of us who grew up with Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness as the soundtrack to our adolescence, its arrival this November on the Lyric Opera of Chicago stage doesn’t feel like a stretch, it feels like a full-circle moment. Thirty years later, the sprawling double album that always sounded like a symphony […]
The music of The Kinks, marked by raw riffs and a rebellious spirit, has long held a place in rock history — a reflection, Edward Hall says, of the band’s unwavering honesty. “They never sold out,” says Hall, director of Sunny Afternoon at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. “They did things their own way.” Sunny Afternoon, which […]
The People’s Music School (TPMS) turned up the volume at its eighth annual Big Night Gala, raising over $740,000 to provide free, high-quality music education to Chicago youth. The Feb. 21 event, emceed by CBS Morning News Anchor Audrina Sinclair, brought nearly 450 guests to The Geraghty for a celebration of the transformative power of music. […]
March in Chicago is a feast for the senses, with vibrant celebrations of art, culture, and tradition unfolding across the city. Whether you’re celebrating alongside St. Patrick’s Day revelers, exploring groundbreaking exhibitions, or indulging in culinary delights during North Side Restaurant Week, this month’s lineup has something for everyone. Here are the best things to […]
The road to the Harris Theater began in the 1980s, when the performing arts were feverishly alive in Chicago. Dozens of new music, dance, and theater companies emerged while stalwart organizations experienced exciting growth. What the city lacked, however, was adequate space for its mid-size companies — those that had outgrown the storefront venues but […]
