Theater
- “Topdog/Underdog” is Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about brothers Lincoln and Booth, two Black men living in America and just trying to get by but sibling rivalry and resentment get in the way. Glenn Davis and Namir Smallwood star; Kenny Leon directs. From Sept. 17-Nov. 1 at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. Tickets: $20-$129. Visit steppenwolf.org.
- Erik Gernand’s “Prayer Circle” is a dark comedy about a woman who joins a small town prayer circle that is trying to convince their pastor to pray with them to bring about some killer results. Dusty Brown directs. From Sept. 17-Nov. 8 at Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Tickets: $50. Visit redtwisttheatre.org.
- Refracted Theatre presents “I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire,” Samantha Hurley’s play about a disillusioned eighth grader who decides to risk it all for love and kidnap the famous actor. Tyler Struble directs. From Sept. 18-Oct. 31 at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. Tickets: $40. Visit refractedco.com.
- Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival presents works by Latino theater and dance artists from Chicago, the United States and Latin America. Works include Raices to Roots’ “Unpacking Home,” Glass Half Full Theatre’s “Yamel Cucuy,” Phanesia Pharel’s “Dead Girl’s Quinceanera,” WorkersTeatro’s “Disposable,” Teatro Inovarte’s “El Juicio de Dorotea” and more. From Sept. 17-Nov. 15 at various locations. Ticket prices vary. For a complete roster, visit clata.org.
- Check out Vicki Quade’s newest comedy, “Late Nite Catechism Trivia Bingo,” and win some silly prizes at 2 p.m. Sept. 20 and 27 at Stars and Garters Theater, 3914 N. Clark St. Tickets: $35, $40. Visit starsandgarterstheater.com.
Dance
- The Joffrey Ballet opens its season with the Chicago premiere of “Liliom,” John Neumeier’s narrative ballet inspired by Ferenc Molnár’s 1909 play (which also inspired Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel”). It’s a story of love and redemption set in the faded glamour of a Depression-era amusement park. From Sept. 17-27 at Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr. Tickets: $39+. Visit joffrey.org.
- Trisha Brown Dance Company and the Merce Cunningham Trust present “Dancing with Bob,” which celebrates the choreographer’s collaborations with the artist Robert Rauschenberg. Included are “Set and Reset” with a score by Laurie Anderson; and “Travelogue,” performed to John Cage’s “Telephones and Birds.” At 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St. Tickets: $40-$167. Visit harristheaterchicago.org.
Music
- When actress-singer Zooey Deschanel and singer-guitarist M. Ward teamed up as She & Him in 2008, it was a well-made musical match. Now on their first tour in four years, the duo will feature tracks from their three albums of original material. Jordana opens. At 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at Riviera Theatre, 4746 N. Racine Ave. Tickets: $40-$90. Visit jamusa.com.
- The 27th annual Englewood Jazz Festival includes performances by Julius Tucker, Live the Spirit Residency Ensemble with Dee Alexander, Ernest Dawkins’ New Horizons Ensemble Redux, Jeremiah Hunt, New Continuum Ensemble with Marquis Hill and Braxton Cook and more. From 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sept. 17-18 and noon-6 p.m. Sept. 19 at Hamilton Park Cultural Center, 513 W. 72nd St. Admission is free. Visit englewoodjazzfestival.org.
- Grammy Award-winning artist Gary Clark Jr. has built a dynamic career by first immersing himself in the blues-rock tradition and then blending in R&B, soul, funk and hip-hop into his sound. Chicago bluesman Toronzo Cannon and DJ Kurupt open. At 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave. Tickets: $55-$95. Visit jamusa.com.
- Having spent years in the global jazz scene while also standing adjacent to it, vocalist-songwriter Somi defies categorization, embracing a hybrid of jazz, soul, highlife, spoken work and her African heritage. On her new album, “What Does It Take to Bloom?,” she explores the many facets of self-discovery that have enhanced her growth. At 8 p.m. Sept. 18 at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Tickets: $33.90-$60.45. Visit evanstonspace.com.
- After a series of concept albums, Weezer returns to what it does best on the new album, “Gold” — a set of garage-rock and power-pop tunes that harken back to the band’s original sound. Also on the bill: The Shins and Silversun Pickups. At 7 p.m. Sept. 22 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. Tickets: $40+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
- Summer’s Last Dance is a celebration of summer with music on three stages featuring Big Gigantic, Henry Fong, The Sponges, Saxsquatch, Bobby Afterlife, Christine Mae, Play-Joh and more. From 1-11 p.m. Sept. 19 at 7337 W. 100th Pl., Bridgeview. Tickets: $71.61. Visit summerslastdance.com.
Museums
- “Jill Mulleady: The Passenger” is the artist’s first solo show at a major museum and features around 20 paintings. Mulleady combines cultural and historical references with her own memories, experiences and observations to create strange and disquieting works. From Sept. 19-Jan. 18 at Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave. Admission: $14-$32. Visit artic.edu.
“Linework: Chicago Comics and Community” explores how Chicago became a center of creativity in the creation of contemporary comics and graphic storytelling. The exhibit revisits Linework, a publication created under the guidance of Chicago cartoonist, designer and educator Ivan Brunetti and the community of artists that formed around it. From Sept. 19-Nov. 21 at Cleve Carney Museum of Art, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Admission is free. Visit theccma.org.
Movies
- Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival includes Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi’s Cannes-winning “La Bola Negra,” which follows three generations of men across pivotal points in Spanish history; the documentary “Jaripeo,” about the hidden queer culture of Mexican rodeo; and the 30th anniversary screening “The Celluloid Closet,” which traces a century of LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood. From Sept. 17-27 at various locations. Tickets: $15-$20. For a complete roster, visit reelingfilmfest.org.
- If you missed the television phenomenon that was “Twin Peaks” (1990-1992), now’s the time to catch it in all its groundbreaking glory. The entire David Lynch and Mark Frost series will be screened over four days, ending on the fifth day with the movie, “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me;” “The Missing Pieces;” which features deleted and alternate takes from the series; “Twin Peaks in Japan + Scott Ryan’s The Double R Dream,” with a post Q&A with the director; and “Twin Peaks: The Pilot.” From Sept. 18-22 at Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave. Tickets: four-day series pass $100, other screenings $15. Visit musicboxtheatre.com.
- Chicago Underground Film Festival presents groundbreaking, genre-defying and avant-garde films that are often overlooked by mainstream festivals. Included are feature films, experimental videos and short films. From Sept. 23-27 at Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., and Harper Theater, 5238 S. Harper Ave. Visit cuff.org.
Family fun
- Monster Jam returns with monster trucks and world champion drivers for a weekend packed with stunts and jaw-dropping skills. Fan favorites on the roster are the legendary Grave Digger, the six-ton Sparkle Smash and El Toro Loco, celebrating its 25th anniversary. There’s also a Pit Party where you can take selfies and meet the drivers. From Sept. 18-20 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. Tickets: $29+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
- The Umbilical Brothers, stars of the Nickelodeon series “The Upside Down Show,” bring their physical comedy show, “The Distraction,” to town for a one-night performance. Their brand of unforgettable comedy appeals to both children and adults. At 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at Studebaker Theater, Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets: $59-$89. Visit fineartsbuilding.com.
Festival fun
- Chicago Live Festival brings together more than 100 of the city’s artists and performing arts organizations across five stages. Headlining the event is Grammy, Emmy and Academy Award-winning artist Common (9 p.m. Sept. 19). From noon-10 p.m. Sept. 19 and noon-6:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Admission is free. Visit navypier.org.
- Lakeview East Festival of the Arts showcases more than 150 juried artists featuring paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and more. Plus there’s music, art demonstrations, family activities and more. From 11 a.m. -7 p.m. Sept. 19 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 20 on Broadway from Belmont Avenue to Hawthorne Place. Admission: $5 suggested donation. Visit lakevieweastfestivalofthearts.com.
- Retro on Roscoe is a throwback extravaganza with music, classic cars, vintage shopping, family-friendly games and old-school fun for all ages. From 5-10 p.m. Sept. 18, noon-10 p.m. Sept. 19 and noon-8 p.m. Sept. 20 on Roscoe Street from Damen Avenue to Leavitt Street. Admission: $15 suggested donation. Visit chicagoevents.com.
- The Chicago Cultural Alliance presents World Dumpling Fest, which celebrates diverse cultures throughout Chicago with music, dance and, of course, dumplings. From 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 19 and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 20 at 2555 N. Ashland Ave. Tickets: $10 admission, $1 per food ticket. Visit chicagoevents.com.