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Summer is here and the Tribune arts, entertainment and food writers have everything you need to know to pack your schedule with fun events.

Patio guide: 22 spots to eat and drink outside across Chicago this summer

Katlynn O'Hara, left, and Yara Carter chat as they sit in the patio of Las Fuentes in Lincoln Park, June 23, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhai)
Katlynn O’Hara, left, and Yara Carter chat as they sit in the patio of Las Fuentes in Lincoln Park, June 23, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar/baiduhai)

For this year’s patio guide, we take a look at recently opened spots on the Northwest Side, patios along the historic Route 66, places to enjoy brunch or live music and patios to totally escape the bustling city. Read more here.

TV for summer 2026: Larry David teams up with Barack Obama, ‘The Bear’s’ final season and the return of … ‘Ted Lasso’?!?

Larry David and Barack Obama have teamed up for the TV series "Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America." (Art Streiber/HBO)
Larry David and Barack Obama have teamed up for the TV series "Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness: An Almost History of America." (Art Streiber/HBO)

This summer TV season features new seasons of proven winners and a few spots of originality. Read more from Nina Metz here.

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Movies for summer 2026: Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey,’ Spielberg’s sci-fi latest and a slew of comedies

Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen) and Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) in "Toy Story 5." (Pixar)
Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen) and Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) in "Toy Story 5." (Pixar)

Despite Hollywood’s predisposition for remakes and sequels, there are plenty of original stories on tap for the big screen summer, especially when it comes to comedies. Read more from Nina Metz here.

Got live if you want it: Critic’s picks for 2026 summer concerts

Kim Gordon performs at Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago's Union Park on Sept. 11, 2021. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)
Kim Gordon performs at Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago's Union Park on Sept. 11, 2021. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)

Summer is teeming with an abundance of big-name shows, plus a promising slate of concerts at mid-sized venues. Critic’s picks from Bob Gendron here.

Art for hot days: Top 10 exhibitions to see this summer in Chicago

"Martin Wong: Chinatown USA" at Wrightwood 659 features a number of the late artist's astonishingly detailed odes to the red bricks of downtown Manhattan, including "Sweet 'Enuff" (1987-88). (Shanti Knight)
"Martin Wong: Chinatown USA" at Wrightwood 659 features a number of the late artist’s astonishingly detailed odes to the red bricks of downtown Manhattan, including “Sweet ‘Enuff” (1987-88). (Shanti Knight)

From a Renaissance Society show to Willem de Kooning at the Art Institute to figurines by an Argentinian artist, what not to miss in the months ahead. Read more from Lori Waxman here.

Jazz and classical music for summer 2026: Let the anniversaries roll

Drummer Charles Heath plays here with trumpet player Orbert Davis at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago on April 18, 2018. His "50th Birthday Bash" is coming up at the Jazz Showcase. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)
Drummer Charles Heath plays here with trumpet player Orbert Davis at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago on April 18, 2018. His "50th Birthday Bash" is coming up at the Jazz Showcase. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)

From America250 to Miles Davis, not to mention the echoes of Jazz Day and full summer at Ravinia, our critic’s picks in jazz and classical music for the coming season. Read more from Hannah Edgar here.

10 museums for summer 2026: From the Art Institute to Shedd and Brookfield Zoo

"Ten Symbols of Longevity," a 19th century folding screen created by court painters of the Joseon dynasty. Part of the exhibition "Korean National Treasures: 2,000 Years of Art" at the Art Institute of Chicago. (Provided by AIC)
“Ten Symbols of Longevity,” a 19th century folding screen created by court painters of the Joseon dynasty. Part of the exhibition "Korean National Treasures: 2,000 Years of Art" at the Art Institute of Chicago. (Provided by AIC)

Who are we, really? That’s the question on the tip of the tongue of cultural institutions everywhere as we approach our 250th anniversary as a nation. Opportunities for self-reflection abound across the summer calendar. Read more from Hannah Edgar here.

Top 10 dance for summer 2026: Joffrey’s ‘Eugene Onegin’ and a dance party at the MCA

Dancers Victoria Jaiani and Alberto Velazquez in "Eugene Onegin" by the Joffrey Ballet. (Todd Rosenberg)
Dancers Victoria Jaiani and Alberto Velazquez in "Eugene Onegin" by the Joffrey Ballet. (Todd Rosenberg)

The warm months lend ease to dance popping up all over the city. There are open-air lessons in Grant Park and on Navy Pier and, notably, a lit after-hours party at the MCA themed after its current dancehall-inspired exhibition. Read more from Lauren Warnecke here.

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Top 10 for Chicago theater for summer 2026: ‘Suffs,’ a suburban ‘Leopoldstadt’ and Broadway-bound ‘Iceboy!’

Maya Keleher (as Alice Paul) and company in the touring musical "Suffs," playing in Chicago at the CIBC Theatre. (Joan Marcus)
Maya Keleher (as Alice Paul) and company in the touring musical "Suffs," playing in Chicago at the CIBC Theatre. (Joan Marcus)

Summer is no longer a down season in Chicago theater; you’ll often find within its boundaries some of the biggest shows of the year. Read more from Chris Jones here.

Summer books: Our 50 coolest books for your hottest months

"Majestic Hills" by Dawn Turner, right, along with "Spider Man: Miles Morales" by Ytasha L. Womack, "Man Overboard!" by Kathleen Rooney, "Cool Machine" by Colson Whitehead and "Tenderness" by Rowan Beaird. (Stacey Wescott/baiduhai)
"Majestic Hills" by Dawn Turner, right, along with "Spider Man: Miles Morales" by Ytasha L. Womack, "Man Overboard!" by Kathleen Rooney, "Cool Machine" by Colson Whitehead and "Tenderness" by Rowan Beaird. (Stacey Wescott/baiduhai)

What are you looking for in your summer reading? Chicago stories, books about music or celebrities, history lessons, or tawdry, trashy novels that are secretly good? Read more from Christopher Borrelli here.

100 concerts in Chicago for summer 2026

Ariana Grande performs at the United Center in 2017. Her "Eternal Sunshine" tour will play there for three nights in August. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/baiduhai)
Ariana Grande performs at the United Center in 2017. Her “Eternal Sunshine" tour will play there for three nights in August. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/baiduhai)

The summer season of music festivals and arena shows has begun. Here are 100 concerts around the area between now and the start of autumn. Read more from Doug George here.

Everything you need to know for the 2026 Chicago farmers market season

People shop at the Logan Square Farmers Market, May 10, 2026, in its new location on the redesigned traffic circle around the Illinois Centennial Monument. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
People shop at the Logan Square Farmers Market, May 10, 2026, in its new location on the redesigned traffic circle around the Illinois Centennial Monument. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Farmers markets provide a chance to connect with community organizations and support small businesses. Selections change with the season, so check our schedule to help plan your shopping trips. Read more from Samantha Nelson and Kori Rumore here.

Guide: 31 Chicago food and drink festivals for summer 2026

People order from food trucks near Buckingham Fountain on Sept. 7, 2025, during the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
People order from food trucks near Buckingham Fountain on Sept. 7, 2025, during the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

The city’s food festivals include events devoted to specific foods like tacos and burgers or provide the chance to taste beers from dozens of local breweries. Read more from Samantha Nelson here.

10 pop-up events to eat and drink at in Chicago in June serving BBQ, smoked desserts and more

More than 50 restaurants offer food at Taste of the Nation, which benefits No Kid Hungry. (Taste of the Nation)
More than 50 restaurants offer food at Taste of the Nation, which benefits No Kid Hungry. (Taste of the Nation)

Summery weather is here, offering plenty of opportunities for dining and drinking outside. Whatever you’re craving, check out these 10 dining events happening in June. Read more from Samantha Nelson here.

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10 pop-up events to eat and drink at in Chicago this July, from a spicy margarita competition to a taco crawl

Pizza from Paulie Gee's. (Paulie Gee's Logan Square)
Pizza from Paulie Gee's. (Paulie Gee's Logan Square)

Summer is in full swing, and Chicago’s bars and restaurants are embracing the warm weather with cold drinks and barbecues. Feast on all the city has to offer at these 10 dining events happening in July. Read more from Samantha Nelson here.