Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Spring Arrives at the MCA

Spring is on its way to Chicago, which means that time is running out to see Forecast Form: Art in the Caribbean Diaspora, 1990s–Today at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. The exhibition envisions a new approach to contemporary art in the Caribbean diaspora, with the 1990s as its cultural backdrop. Vogue says, “What the exhibition does well is invite an open dialogue: [Curator Carla] Acevedo-Yates and the 37 artists cast light on the intricacies of the Caribbean in a way that is both imaginative and literal.” The exhibition closes on April 23.

Groundbreaking international art isn’t the only type of cultural experience you can have at the MCA—join us in April and May for our performance series On Stage: Frictions. This year’s theme explores the frictions that exist in a society shaped by race, featuring live and video-based performances by Will Rawls, Shamel Pitts | TRIBE, and Barak adé Soleil. The series are accompanied with an exhibition that allows visitors to experience elements of the performance anytime.

Recharge during your MCA visit with lunch, brunch, dinner, or just drinks at Marisol Restaurant and Bar, named after the artist Marisol—whose artwork donation started the MCA’s collection. The creative menu from chef Jason Hammel (also the chef and owner of Lula Cafe) is driven by seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Like the exhibitions, the dishes change over frequently, so each visit feels like a new experience.

Complete your trip–or pop in for a quick gift–at the MCA Store. Named by the travel guide Fodor’s as one of the “World’s Best Museum Shops,” the MCA Store carries jewelry, design, and fashion from Chicago makers and designers, as well as products connected to the exhibitions or to the artists on view in the galleries. With something for every price point and taste, the MCA Store is the perfect place to shop off of Michigan Avenue.

Revel in the joy of live performance at Symphony Center

The 2025/26 Season continues with electrifying jazz, family-friendly programs, sweeping cinematic journeys and abundant opportunities to experience the unparalleled artistry of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

In April, composer and conductor Joe Hisaishi — dubbed “the John Williams of Japan” by Pitchfork — returns to lead the CSO in a suite from Hayao Miyazaki’s film Spirited Away, alongside his Second Symphony and Castle in the Sky, featuring CSO Principal Trumpet Esteban Batallán. In May, drummer-composer Mike Reed explores the legacy of Chicago bassist and Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians member Fred Hopkins, with new works performed by a powerhouse ensemble of Chicago improvisers.

Families can also join legendary singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant, CSO musicians and special guests for a joyful singalong with Mother Goose, featuring traditional nursery rhymes adapted by Merchant and newly orchestrated for a variety of instrumental groups.

In June, Symphony Center marks America’s 250th anniversary with performances honoring the nation’s evolving cultural landscape, including a celebration of the iconic collaboration between John Williams and Steven Spielberg. From orchestral concerts to guest artists and jazz ensembles, these curated programs invite audiences to take part in a dynamic, monthlong journey through American music.

Even more unforgettable performances await as the season unfolds. Don’t miss a note — reserve your seat today. For tickets and information, visit cso.org or call 312-294-3000 for personalized service.

Photography: Todd Rosenberg

Court Theatre proudly presents An Iliad, a timely and gripping retelling of Homer’s epic poem.

Heralded as “a masterpiece” from the baiduhai, “extraordinary” from the Chicago Reader, and “very close to a superhuman feat” from the Chicago Sun-Times, this is Court’s fourth staging of the one-person saga, a response to overwhelming audience demand. Timothy Edward Kane reprises his role as The Poet – the sole character – who recounts a tale of war, hubris, and destruction that spirals across millennia and crashes into our present day.

Speaking to its popularity, Director Charles Newell shares, “We have received countless calls, emails, and questions asking when we will be staging An Iliad again, and it brings me great joy to say: the wait is over.”

“An Iliad looks at how loss, rage, and division reverberate over time. And, as we find ourselves in conflicts both at home and abroad, it has never been more timely,” echoes Executive Director Angel Ysaguirre. “This is a story that people need to hear and a story that we are compelled to tell.”

Experience the raw power of An Iliad in Court Theatre’s intimate Abelson Auditorium, and confront the necessity of the classics head-on.

CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER

Chicago Shakespeare Theater is a leading international theater company and the nation’s largest year-round theater dedicated to the works of Shakespeare. Their commitment to creating vivid, entertaining theatrical experiences engages nearly a quarter of a million people each year by illuminating the complexity, ambiguity, and wonder of our world.

The 2025/26 Season features nine productions featuring something for everyone. There is the insight and eloquence of Shakespeare; new works to discover and worlds to explore; and inspired favorites to revisit. THIS is Chicago Shakespeare.

Please visit chicagoshakes.com for more information on upcoming shows and events.

Photography: (Billie Jean cast bow photo) Justin Barbin; (Chicago Shakespeare Theater exterior) Abel Arciniega

EXPERIENCE CHICAGO’S NORTH SHORE

Fall flavors can be found on Chicago’s North Shore. World-class theater in communities with free parking and scores of amazing dining and shopping options. For entertainment, check out our fall lineup:

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

Leslie Jones, Sept. 20; The Martin Sexton Abbey Road Show, Sept. 26; Paula Poundstone, Sept. 27; Joss Stone, Sept. 28; Classic Seger: Bob Seger’s Greatest Hits, Oct. 3; Killer Queen, Oct. 5; Croce Plays Croce, Oct. 9; Orleans and Freefall, Oct. 10; The Lightfoot Band, Oct. 11; Giordano Dance, Oct. 18 & 19; Jesse Cook, Oct. 23; Aaron Diehl Trio, Oct. 30; Jay White, Nov. 1; Hot Tuna, Nov. 5; Craig Ferguson, Nov. 6; A Tribute to Mad Dog & Englishmen, Nov. 8; A Tribute to The Last Waltz, Nov. 22; Mark O’Connor’s An Appalachian Christmas, Dec. 2.

Music Theater Works

Godspell, Oct. 23-Nov. 16; Annie, Dec. 18-Jan.4.

Northlight Theatre

The First Lady of Television, Through Oct. 5; Gaslight, Nov. 28-Dec. 28; Oil Lamp Theater: Gaslight, Oct. 2 – Nov. 2; It’s A Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play, Nov. 20 – Dec. 28. Theo: TL;DR: Thelma Louise; Dyke Remix, Through Oct. 12; Urinetown, Nov. 7 – Dec. 21

Writers Theatre

As You Like It, Oct. 30 – Dec. 14.

Northwestern Wildcats Big Ten Football Home Games: Home games are played on the lakefront at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium unless otherwise noted. Sept. 13: Oregon; Sept. 27: UCLA; Oct. 4: University of Louisiana Monroe; Oct. 18: Purdue; Nov. 15: Michigan at Wrigley Field; Nov. 22: Minnesota at Wrigley Field. nusports.com

The Winnetka Community House welcomes this popular show Oct. 31 – Nov. 2. The Ultimate destination for interior designers, treasure hunters and collectors alike. Ranging in styles from classic to modern, the Show features exquisite home furnishings and accessories, artwork, clothing, jewelry and more, all available for purchase from dealers who are internationally recognized antiques experts. thewinnetkashow.com

Chicago’s North Shore is home to the first ever large-format Wayfair store in the Village of Wilmette. Spanning 150,000 square feet, this store is a one-stop shop for all things home — including furniture, home decor, housewares and home improvement products across 19 departments, for any style space or budget. Also featuring an all-day café, The Porch.

The Poetry Foundation

“Come and show me another city with lifted head singing so proud to be alive and coarse and strong and cunning.”

— Carl Sandburg, “Chicago.”
First published in Poetry, March 1914

Poetry is everywhere, and Chicago knows that well. The Poetry Foundation, the publisher of Poetry magazine, welcomes you to experience it for yourself with FREE public programs and resources!

On March 12, the new Chicago Poet Laureate Mayda del Valle will perform alongside Illinois Poet Laureate Mark Turcotte. Later that month, straight out of the pages of Poetry, Frank X Walker will read with Affrilachian poets Kelly Norman Ellis, Nikky Finney, and Parneshia Jones.

April is Poetry Month, which means a full roster of events, including readings by two of Chicago’s own: Aimee Nezhukumatathil and National Book Award winner Patricia Smith! Other upcoming performing artists include D+Composed, Ed Roberson, and Poetry editor-in-chief Adrian Matejka.

Plus, the library is packed with more than 40,000 books of poetry for readers of all ages.

Plan your visit at PoetryFoundation.org/visit.

Poetry Foundation
61 West Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60654
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The Smart Museum of Art presents Theaster Gates’s first solo museum exhibition in his hometown of Chicago

A self-designated “keeper of objects,” the artist Theaster Gates investigates the value of things and their potential to hold layered meanings. He has been dedicated to investing in the care of these objects as a way to nurture stories and voices – often Black stories and voices – largely overlooked by history or institutional structures.

Rooted in materials and Gates’s interest in the process of making, Theaster Gates: Unto Thee embodies the relationships Gates has fostered within the University of Chicago, local communities, the South Side and broader Chicago. It underscores the artist’s unassailable belief in the potential of art to connect with and transform communities.

More Top Picks Best Iced Tea Pitchers

Drinks outside, shows inside. Our Tap Patio Bar returns this summer, so grab yourself a treat and you’ve got the perfect cocktail for a night out in Chicago: good drinks, great company and world class theatre.

All on our newly expanded campus. Just look for the marquee.

Three new bars. Two Chicago premieres. One world class theatre.

GET THE FULL STEPPENWOLF EXPERIENCE.

Tickets start at $20.
Steppenwolf.org / 312-335-1650

UPCOMING SHOWS

ANOTHER MARRIAGEby ensemble member Kate Arrington

JUNE 15 – JULY 23

Directed by ensemble member TERRY KINNEY
Featuring ensemble members IAN BARFORD (The Minutes) and CAROLINE NEFF (Let The Right One In) with JUDY GREER (Ant-Man) and NICOLE SCIMECA (Anastasia)

A world premiere about writing one’s own story that upends the typical romantic comedy.

NO MAN’S LANDby Harold Pinter

JULY 13 – AUGUST 20

Directed by LES WATERS
Featuring ensemble members AUSTIN PENDLETON (The Minutes) and JEFF PERRY (Scandal) with JON HUDSON ODOM (Somebody Somewhere) and SAMUEL ROUKIN (Turn: Washington Spies)

Pour yourself a drink and let the games begin! And remember—in no man’s land, you can never be certain; and nothing is as is seems.