Things To Do

Sonya Walger, author of "Lion" and "Wifehouse," in Santa Monica, California, on March 17, 2025. (Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Biblioracle: ‘Wifehouse’ by Sonya Walger is sure to be one of my favorite reads of 2026

In "Wifehouse," Sonya Walger’s prose is lyrical and evocative, an accrual of fine-grained observations that bring life to the page.

Star of Bethlehem grows in early spring with narrow, glossy, grass-like leaves. (RJ Carlson/Chicago Botanic Garden)

Star of Bethlehem weed must be managed

Star of Bethlehem is an invasive, bulb-forming perennial that spreads aggressively in lawn and garden...

In this Aug. 10, 1993, file photo, cars form rows at dusk to enjoy movies in the open air at Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre in Orefield, Pa. Billed as the nation's oldest operating drive-in movie theater, Shankweiler's opened in 1934 near Allentown, Pa., and marks its 83rd season in 2016. In much of the nation, drive-ins have gone the way of rotary dial phones, but in Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York, the numbers are holding steady. (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy, File)

Today in History: First drive-in movie theater opened

On June 6, 1933, the first drive-in movie theater opened, in Camden, New Jersey.

Arts

People play Pokémon on their devices in Grant Park during Pokémon Go Fest, which drew people from all over the country on June 5, 2026. (Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)

Summer tourist season looks strong for local hotels, even without Taylor Swift and Beyoncé

Despite high gas prices and economic uncertainty, a densely packed calendar of events and concerts is expected to draw tourists to Chicago this summer.

Books

Heather McCarthy, right, takes a selfie with students at Musukwi Primary School in Zimbabwe. The Oak Lawn resident spearheaded an effort to raise $25,000 to build a library at the school. (Heather McCarthy)

Oak Lawn educator marshals ‘full community effort’ to bring libraries to Zimbabwe schools

Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School librarian Heather McCarthy is helping bring books and libraries to an underserved area of Zimbabwe.

Needless to say, this crime destroyed my evening, but I am still feeling the repercussions of losing my checkbook, glasses, cash, expensive wallet, house keys, driver’s license and much more. Not to mention the hours (and money) it takes to...

Home and Garden

Berries for sale at the tent of vendor Six Generations' Farmin' Local at the Winnetka Farmers Market opener on June 3, 2023 in Winnetka at the corner of Green Bay Road and Oak Street at the Winnetka train station.

These 10 north suburban farmers’ markets offer treats, music, fun, plus veggies

Find hours, locations for farmer's markets in Northbrook, Skokie, Evanston, Park Ridge, Northfield, Winnetka, Glenview, Deerfield.

Movies

FILE – Anthony Head poses during the “Merlin” photocall at the 51st Monaco Television Festival in Monte Carlo, Monaco, Friday, June 10, 2010. (AP Photo/Christian Alminana, File)

Actor Anthony Head, known for ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer,’ has died at 72

Anthony Head, the suave, smooth-voiced British actor known for roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Ted Lasso,’ has died, his family said Friday. He was 72.

Museums

As with the 1894 opening at the Palace of Fine Arts in Jackson Park, crowds line up when the Field Museum opens in its Grant Park location on May 2, 1921. (Field Museum)

Today in Chicago History: 8,000 people attend opening of Field Museum on the lakefront

Here's a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on May 2, according to the Tribune's archives.

Music and Concerts

An attendee poses for a photograph at Miche Fest at Oakwood Beach in Chicago on July 13, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Michelada Fest Chicago is canceled for 2026

Michelada Fest 2026 has been scrapped for later this month, according to an announcement Friday from Windy City Events Management.

Theater

Review: ‘Brokeback Mountain’ at Chicago Shakespeare should dare to be a musical

Now on Navy Pier, this play with music, imported from the U.K., lands differently than the memorable movie.

TV and Streaming

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson holds the Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl XLVIII on Feb. 2, 2014, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Russell Wilson confirms he’s retiring from the NFL to join CBS Sports

Russell Wilson is one of three quarterbacks to throw at least 20 touchdown passes in each of their first three seasons and one of seven to be selected to 10 Pro Bowls.

Restaurants, Food and Drink

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

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.

Recipes

You only need two ingredients to make these yummy cookies. (Alexandra Foster/TCA) (Alexandra Foster/TCA)

The Kitchn: When I’m craving a Girl Scout Samoa, I make this easy dessert

Girl Scout cookie season is in full swing — and while I never was a Girl Scout myself, I definitely did partake in the cookies (Tagalongs, Thin Mints, and Samoas were my favorites). These coveted little treats are only available...

Travel

A United Airlines plane is seen in a still image taken from video after hitting a light pole on the New Jersey Turnpike as it lands at Newark Liberty International Airport, Sunday, May 3, 2026. (Patrick Oyulu)

Copilot of United jet that struck a light pole realized flight was low, but not in time: report

The copilot of a United Airlines passenger jet that struck a light pole as it landed at a New Jersey airport last month recognized the plane was coming in low, but told investigators he didn’t realize it in time to...

Things To Do

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams attends the EA Sports Season Opener event Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Navy Pier. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Caleb Williams holds court at Navy Pier to celebrate Chicago Bears QB’s ‘childhood dream’ of Madden cover

One reason EA Sports picked Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams for Madden NFL 27: “Video game moments earn video game covers."

Entertainment

People attend the annual Windy City Smokeout outside of the United Center in Chicago on July 12, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Tribune’s summer 2026 arts, entertainment and food guides

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

Things To Do

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