Another summer stretches out before us — 99 days ready to be filled with festivals, outdoor movies, museum visits, live music, sporting events and more. But before you head out and start enjoying everything this season has to o ffer, start planning with our Summer Go Guide.
Jurassic World: The Exhibition
Opens May 26
The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
“Jurassic World” comes to life in this can’t-miss exhibit, which is making its Midwest debut at The Field Museum and runs through Jan. 7, 2018. Get an up-close look at Brachiosaurus, Velociraptor and Tyrannosaurus rex as you explore interactive educational areas.
Garden Chef Series
Begins May 27
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
On Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer, Chicago Botanic Garden will host favorite chefs who will demonstrate cooking skills and prepare dishes in the open-air amphitheater of the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden. You’ll then be able to make these recipes at home all season long.
Aon Summer Fireworks
Begins May 27
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
On Wednesdays and Saturdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day, head out to Navy Pier for a fantastic fireworks show. You might even consider catching the show from the water with Tall Ship Windy, Entertainment Cruises, Wateriders Kayaks or Shoreline Sightseeing.
Stories in the Woods
June 1
Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park
A naturalist will lead story time and a short hike during this Park District of Highland Park event. Plus, kids will work on a craft they can then take home.
Chicago Bandits vs. Akron Racers
June 1-3
The Ballpark at Rosemont, 27 Jennie Finch Way, Rosemont
Chicago’s women’s professional softball team will open their 2017 season against the Akron Racers.
Northshore Concert Band: “On The Town”
June 4
Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston
For their season finale, the Northshore Concert Band will present pieces from the U.S. and Latin America. Highlights include Leonard Bernstein’s “On the Town” and H. Owen Reed’s “La Fiesta Mexicana.”
Chicago Red Stars vs. Seattle Reign FC
June 4
Toyota Park, 7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview
The Red Stars will take on Megan Rapinoe and Seattle Reign FC in their first June match.
Central Street Art Walk 2017
June 9-11
Evanston
Spend a day exploring Evanston’s Central Street (and discovering new artists while you’re at it).
Lake Geneva Paint-In
June 10
Downtown Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Get out of town for a day this summer and explore Lake Geneva as local artists set up shop on the sidewalks of the downtown area.
Pilsen Food Truck Social
June 10-11
Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood
Enjoy live music and a variety of eats from local food trucks for a $5 optional donation. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Illinois Food Truck Owners Association, Saint Procopius Church’s food bank and soup kitchen, and Yollocalli Arts Reach.
Promenade of Art
June 10-11
Arlington Heights
In its 15th year, Promenade of Art will feature around 125 juried artists showcasing paintings, photographs, jewelry, furniture and more.
Author Event: Fredrik Backman
June 14
Barnes & Noble, 55 Old Orchard Center, Skokie
Fredrik Backman, author of “A Man Called Ove” and “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry,” returned in April with “Beartown,” set in a small town that’s rallying around their junior ice hockey team when a scandal breaks. Add the book to your summer reading list and then meet Backman at Barnes & Noble at Westfield Old Orchard.
Bearfoot in the Park Concerts
Begins June 14
Jackman Park, 1930 Prairie St., Glenview
Glenview’s outdoor concert series kicks off with the Glenview Concert Band, so pack a picnic, grab a blanket and head out to Jackman Park Wednesdays through Aug. 2.
Park at Wrigley’s Free Summer Movies Series
Begins June 14
Park at Wrigley, 3637 N. Clark St., Chicago
The new Park at Wrigley will host free movie screenings, presented by Music Box Theatre, throughout the summer. It all kicks off with “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
Summer Nights
Begins June 16
Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield
On Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 12, Brookfield Zoo will host the fourth season of Summer Nights. Visit the zoo after dark for enhanced dining options, a beer and wine garden, live music, kids’ activities, a laser light show and more.
Movies in the Park 2017: “The Queen of Katwe”
June 17
The DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago
Spend a day at DuSable and then spend the evening under the stars with a free screening of Disney’s “The Queen of Katwe,” starring Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong’o.
“Shakespeare in Love”
Ends June 18
Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
Don’t miss the Chicago premiere of this stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning film. The Sunday Times (UK) called it “riotously funny.”
The Dustbowl Revival
June 22
SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston
This group returns to SPACE with “velvety vocals over a sea of quick-picking strings,” as our music columnist Lyndsey Havens wrote back in May 2016.
Festival of Fine Arts
June 24-25
Highland Park
This festival will return this summer to highlight artists in categories like ceramics, glass, print making, drawing, stone, watercolor and more.
Evanston Chamber Artisan SummerFest
June 24-25
Church Street and Sherman Avenue, Evanston
Fountain Square Art Festival is now Evanston Chamber Artisan SummerFest, which will feature eco-friendly art created with recycled and found materials. Plus, enjoy beer and wine tastings both afternoons from 2-6 p.m., live music, food and FamilyFest.
“Black Pearl: A Tribute to Josephine Baker”
Open through June 25
Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St., Chicago
Black Ensemble Theater’s latest show will take audiences on a journey through the life of singer and activist Josephine Baker.
“T.”
Open through June 25
American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St., Chicago
This “darkly funny and unrelenting” play, making its world premiere in Chicago, takes a look at the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan saga.
Ribfest 2017
June 30 to July 3
724 S. West St., Naperville
Naperville’s Ribfest is celebrating 30 years with delicious food and drinks, live music from national bands, and family activities like carnival rides, inflatables, magic shows and more. And did you know that Ribfest has raised more than $15.5 million to support the prevention of child abuse and domestic violence?
Exhibitionism — The Rolling Stones
Closes July 30
Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
The Rolling Stones’ first major exhibition has made its way to Chicago with more than 500 items from the band’s archive. Fans will see instruments, clothes, handwritten lyric books, unseen photos and more, including a “backstage-to-onstage 3D concert experience.”
Brick by Brick
Open through Sept. 4
Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
If you haven’t yet visited this exhibit, make sure to visit the Museum of Science and Industry this summer to see the Golden Gate Bridge, International Space Station, Roman Colosseum and more made entirely of LEGOs.
Disney’s “Aladdin”
Closes Sept. 10
Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago
Take a trip to Agrabah this summer as Disney’s “Aladdin” comes to Chicago. You’ll be dancing in your seat thanks to favorite songs from the animated film, as well as new hits you won’t be able to get out of your head. Plus, Adam Jacobs, who originated Aladdin on Broadway, will play the role again on this tour.
Origami in the Garden
Open through Oct. 22
The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle
Santa Fe artists Kevin and Jennifer Box created this exhibition of large-scale metal sculptures, which can be seen throughout the Arboretum (perfect for those who want to explore the entire grounds).
Model Railroad Garden
Open through Oct. 29
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
This favorite family-friendly attraction is back with 18 model trains, almost 50 mini American landmarks, 5,000 plants and more. Plus, take advantage of the Garden’s Summer Family Fun Pack, which includes parking and five tickets to both the Model Railroad Garden and Butterflies & Blooms.
