Summer is here and the Tribune arts, entertainment and food writers have everything you need to know to pack your schedule with fun events.
TV for summer 2026: Larry David teams up with Barack Obama, ‘The Bear’s’ final season and the return of … ‘Ted Lasso’?!?
This summer TV season features new seasons of proven winners and a few spots of originality. Read more from Nina Metz here.
Movies for summer 2026: Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey,’ Spielberg’s sci-fi latest and a slew of comedies
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Top 10 for Chicago theater for summer 2026: ‘Suffs,’ a suburban ‘Leopoldstadt’ and Broadway-bound ‘Iceboy!’
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
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
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
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
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
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.
