September in Chicago brings major music and arts festivals, world-class theater, food events, museum exhibitions, author talks, comedy, and great opportunities to take advantage of warm weather while we still can. From biking a car-free Lake Shore Drive and hearing jazz in Millennium Park to seeing performances by Kyle MacLachlan, Patti Smith, Ilana Glazer, Eric […]
What if we challenged the long-standing idea that artists should have to struggle for their art? Is instability proof of passion? Do we equate uncertainty with choosing a creative life? Should dancers, musicians, actors, and visual artists accept sacrifice as the cost of doing what they love? What if, instead, we believed that extraordinary art […]
On a Wednesday afternoon, teenagers in colorful T-shirts were jogging back and forth across a brand-new gym floor and practicing their basketball and volleyball skills. The exercises were part of the first youth programming at the Obama Presidential Center, bringing a long-held vision to life through a partnership with After School Matters, a Make It […]
Every person deserves access to nutritious food in a way that honors their dignity, respects their choices, and meets them where they are. From childhood through adulthood and older age, food can mean much more than a meal — and can even strengthen entire communities. Nourishing Hope — a 2026 Make It Better Philanthropy Award […]
Young people are growing up in a world that too often teaches them that difference is something to fear, that communities are meant to remain separate, and that walls are better than bridges. This is especially true in Chicago, a city that consistently ranks among the most segregated in the nation. But spend an afternoon […]
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 […]
Lollapalooza is taking over more of Chicago than just Grant Park this week. Ahead of his July 31 Lollapalooza performance, Grammy-winning British rocker Yungblud has teamed up with Tall Ship Windy to transform Chicago’s official tall ship into a black-sailed pirate ship, marking the first artist collaboration in the attraction’s 30-year history. For one week […]
Chicago’s golf legacy began long before the modern era of destination resorts and public-access championship courses. The region’s influence on American golf can be traced back to the late 1800s when visionary architects and club founders established layouts that would help shape the game’s future. Today, Chicago and neighboring Wisconsin are home to an extraordinary […]
When the Nazis occupied his hometown of Dęblin, Poland, in 1939, Sam Harris was just four years old. His childhood was shattered by the horrors of the Holocaust, and as a young boy, he became one of the youngest Survivors to endure the concentration camps. Against overwhelming odds, Sam survived. Two years later, Sam was […]
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. This year’s lineup includes Independence Day celebrations ranging from Hyde Park’s longtime 4th on […]
