19 things to do in Chicago July 9-15

Theater

  • Raven Theatre’s hit production of Dave Malloy’s “Octet” makes its downtown debut at the Goodman Theatre. The original cast, under the direction of Keira Fromm, shines in the a cappella chamber musical that explores the impact of life online and the search for human connection. From July 15-Aug. 2 Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. Tickets: $39-$94. Visit goodmantheatre.org.
  • “The School of Memory,” a family biography turned murder mystery, is a new multimedia work where director-performer Héctor Alvarez explores his family’s complex relationship with fascism during the Spanish Civil War and excavates buried truths about family, memory and historical violence. From July 9-12 and 16-19 at Theatre Y, 3611 W. Cermak Rd. Admission is free. RSVP at theatre-y.com.

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Sage Reid Priest, Kyle Reid Hass and Zo star in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” from July 9-26 at Catalyst Ranch, 648 W. Randolph St.

Olivia Kaye Da Silva

  • JK Entertainment presents “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask’s beloved, genre-defying rock musical featuring an inventive production and rotating cast. Arlo Kiss directs. From July 9-26 at Catalyst Ranch, 648 W. Randolph St. Tickets: $35. Visit jkentertainment.org.
  • Gwydion Theatre stages “Dry Powder,” Sarah Burgess’ comedy of manners about a ruthless private equity firm attempting to take over a small American-made luggage company. Ellie Thomson directs. From July 9-26 at Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets: $34. Visit gwydiontheatre.org.

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Eric Jones performs his brand of mesmerizing magic during a three-week residency July 10-26 at The Magic Parlour, 50 W. Randolph St.

Provided

  • Catch magician Eric Jones, a fan favorite and semifinalist on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” when he performs his brand of mesmerizing magic during a three-week residency July 10-26 at The Magic Parlour, 50 W. Randolph St. Tickets: $76-$106. Visit themagicparlourchicago.com.

Music

  • Ravinia’s redesigned Hunter Pavilion opens its season with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and guest performers. Award-winning pianist Yunchan Lim performs Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major while special guest Lizzo, a classically trained flutist, plays flute arrangements including Giulio Briccialdi’s “Carnival of Venice,” Leo Delibes’ “Sous le dôme épais” from “Lakmé” and more. Marin Alsop conducts. At 6 p.m. July 11 at Ravinia, 201 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park. Tickets: $35-$144. Visit ravinia.org.

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Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs perform July 9 at Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave.

Sheva Kafai

  • Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs tour behind new album, “Mission of Mercy,” a collection of songs that display all sides of Campbell’s songwriting skills. Campbell was lead guitarist and song co-writer with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, so in addition to the new material, expect a handful of the Heartbreakers’ classic tunes. Sarah Lee Guthrie opens at 7 p.m. July 9 at Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave. Tickets: $49.50-$95.00. Visit jamusa.com.

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Margo Price is among the headliners at Square Roots Festival.

Yana Yatsuk

  • Square Roots Festival returns to Lincoln Square with a jam-packed lineup including Margo Price, Dehd, Nick Lowe & Los Straitjackets, Hurray for the Riff Raff, JD McPherson, Robbie Fulks, The Soul Rebels, Sons of the Silent Age, Greeley Duvall featuring Finom and much more. Plus, there’s a children’s area with performances by Little Miss Ann Band, Raging Chihuahuas and more. From 5-10 p.m. July 10, noon-10 p.m. July 11 and noon-6 p.m. July 12 on Lincoln Avenue from Montrose Avenue to Wilson Avenue. Admission: $10 donation, $5 for kids, $20 for families. Visit squareroots.org.

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Folk-country singer-songwriter Tyler Childers performs July 12 at Wrigley Field.

Sam Waxman

  • Folk-country singer-songwriter Tyler Childers tours behind his recent album, “Snipe Hunter,” which Rolling Stone says “establishes him as arguably the most singular and visionary artist in country music today.” Also on the bill are Jon Batiste and rock band Wednesday. At 6:45 p.m. July 12 at Wrigley Field, Addison and Clark Streets. Tickets: $97.90+. Visit mlb.com/cubs/tickets/concerts.

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Yevgeny Kutik makes his Grant Park Music Festival debut performing the Chicago premiere of Joseph Schwantner’s Violin Concerto.

Griffin Harrington

  • Violinist Yevgeny Kutik, who has been praised for his technical precision and virtuosity, makes his Grant Park Music Festival debut performing the Chicago premiere of Joseph Schwantner’s Violin Concerto. Plus, former festival principal conductor Leonard Slatkin returns to conduct Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in E Minor. At 8:15 p.m. July 10-11 at Millennium Park, Michigan Ave. and Randolph St. Admission is free. Visit grantparkmusicfestival.com.

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Rio Bamba performs Aug. 5 as part of Jazzin’ at the Shedd.

Courtesey of Shedd Aquarium

  • Jazzin’ at the Shedd features a lineup of local musicians performing against an aquatic backdrop. Upcoming artists include Soul Message Band and The Ava Logan Quintet (July 15), Lake Effect and Michele Thomas Quartet (July 22), Herbsaint and Bill Boris Trio (July 29) and Rio Bamba (Aug. 5). These concerts often sell out, so get tickets well in advance. From 5-10 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 2 at Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Tickets: $19.95-$29.95. Visit sheddaquarium.org.

Museums

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“Abigail Lucien: Blood of the Earth” is a solo exhibit featuring a series of new sculptural works by the Haitian American artist.

Art Institute of Chicago

  • “Abigail Lucien: Blood of the Earth” is a solo exhibit featuring a series of new sculptural works by the Haitian American artist that explore the ways that iron connects us to histories, the material world and each other. The immersive installation includes pieces that demonstrate a range of processes, including casting, welding, forging and etching. To Jan. 25 at Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave. Admission: $14-$32. Visit artic.edu.

Movies

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“My Father’s Shadow” is among the films featured at Mubi Fest.

  • Mubi Fest, presented by the streaming service, production company and film distributor Mubi, features a weekend of screenings, live music, a market and more. Among the films are Jane Schoenbrun’s Cannes Film Festival hit “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” (sold out), Akinola Davies Jr.’s “My Father’s Shadow,” Coralie Fargeat’s “The Substance,” Kelly Reichardt’s “The Mastermind” (with a live score performed by composer Rob Mazurek and The Mastermind Quartet), Karim Ainouz’s “Rosebush Pruning” and more. From July 10-12 at Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave.; Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St.; and The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave. For tickets and more information, visit mubifest.com.

Family fun

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“Guardians of the Earth and Sky” is a free outdoor adventure inspired by the four celestial guardians that explores the seasons, elements, colors and constellations through art, dance, music and storytelling.

Scott Shigley

  • “Guardians of the Earth and Sky” is a free outdoor adventure inspired by the four celestial guardians that explores the seasons, elements, colors and constellations through art, dance, music and storytelling. The interactive piece created by Irene Hsiao and collaborators includes a one-mile walk throughout each park. From 2-4 p.m. July 11 in Palmisano Park, 2700 S. Halsted St.; July 19 in Ping Tom Memorial Park, 239 W. 18th St.; and July 26 in Jackson Park, 6300 S. Cornell Ave. To RSVP, visit eventbrite.com.
  • Robert and Willie Reale’s “A Year with Frog and Toad,” a musical adaptation of Arnold Lobel’s beloved books, follows the two friends — popular Frog and grumpy Toad — through four fun-filled seasons. Elizabeth Romero directs. From July 10-Aug. 9 at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire. Tickets: $18.75. Visit marriotttheatre.com.

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Actors Margaret Rogers and Eleonore Desmond star as Titania (front) and Puck (back), respectively, in “Walking Plays: A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Allegra Imaging

  • Inkwell Productions’ “Walking Plays: A Midsummer Night’s Dream” brings Emily Sherman’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy, about magic, music and mistaken identities, to life on the grounds of the Morton Arboretum. Emily Ann Brooks directs. Performances, which include a 1.5-mile walk, are Saturdays-Sundays at 6 p.m. from July 11-Aug. 16 at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Ill. Rt. 53, Lisle. Tickets: $27, $17 ages 2-17, free for 2 and under. Visit mortonarb.org.

Festival fun

NMPRAC - Barrio Arts Fest 2025

Barrio Arts Fest

Nomee Photography

  • Barrio Arts Fest celebrates Puerto Rican arts and culture with arts and crafts, traditional food, workshops and live performances including PJ Sin Suela, Lunes de Plena Tito Matos, Junior Rivera Y su Orquesta, Flaco Navaja and the Razorblades and more. From 11 a.m.-7 p.m. July 11 and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. July 12 at National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, 3015 W. Division St. Admission is free. Visit nmprac.org.
  • The Chosen Few DJs Picnic & Music Festival returns for a soulful celebration of house music from the Chosen Few DJs, including Wayne Williams, Jesse Saunders, Andre Hatchett, Alan King, Mike Dunn, Kim Parham, Tony Hatchett and Terry Hunter plus guest performers DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Boolu Master, Barbara Tucker, Curtis McClain and more. From 7 a.m.-10 p.m. July 11 at Jackson Park, 63rd Street and Hayes Drive. Tickets: $89.94. Visit chosenfewdjs.com.
  • Southport Art Fest brings together 100 artists showcasing jewelry, paintings, photography, ceramics, clothes and more. From 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 11 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 12 on Southport Avenue from Waveland Avenue to Byron Street. Admission is free. Visit amdurproductions.com.
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