Theater
- “Beauty and the Beast,” the first North American production of the musical presented by Disney in more than 25 years, comes to town for a monthlong run. Featuring music by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman and lyrics by Tim Rice, it’s the love story of Beauty (Kyra Belle Johnson) and the Beast (Fergie L. Philippe) told alongside the stories of familiar characters Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, Cogsworth, Le Fou, etc. Matt West directs and choreographs. From July 9-Aug. 2 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph. Tickets: $40+. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
- Oak Park Festival Theatre presents an outdoor staging of “Twelfth Night, or What You Will,” Shakespeare’s comedy of mistaken identity and true love. Peter G. Andersen directs. From July 5-Aug. 16 at Austin Gardens, 167 Forest, Oak Park. Tickets: $40, children younger than 12 free. Visit oakparkfestival.com.
- Hell in a Handbag Productions stages “Queen for a Day,” Tyler Anthony Smith’s comedy-drama about a day in the intertwined lives of three divas — fashion designer Halston (Will Lidke), Queen Elizabeth I (Smith) and Liza Minnelli (Dakota Hughes). Stephanie Shaw directs. From July 9-Aug. 3 at Bramble Arts Loft, 5545 N. Clark. Tickets: $35. Visit handbagproductions.org.
- “80 Minutes Around the World: Immigration Stories” brings together storytellers, writers, comedians and other performers who share their experiences. Nestor Gomez hosts. At 8 p.m. July 5 and 7 p.m. July 6 at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 1700 N. Halsted. Tickets: $28. Visit steppenwolf.org.
Music
- Greensky Bluegrass was formed more than 20 years ago by a group of friends who picked up acoustic string instruments and got to work reworking bluegrass. Today, they continue in that vein, creating music without losing their stance as a respected band among progressive bluegrass fans. At 7 p.m. July 5 at The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston. Tickets: $57+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
- The Salt Shed and the Empty Bottle present the return of World’s Largest Karaoke Party, an event that gives audience members the chance to live out their rock star dreams. Singers are chosen at random through an on-site sign-up process. From 4-10 p.m. July 3 at The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston. Admission is free. Visit saltshedchicago.com.
- Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control,” an earworm that showcases his soulful vocals, was named the top single of 2024 by Billboard. Known as an artist who blends elements of soul, country and pop, he performs at 8 p.m. July 8 at Huntington Bank Pavilion, 1300 S. Linn White Dr. Tickets: $180+. Visit livenation.com.
- FitzGerald’s American Music Fest features more than 40 bands over four days. The lineup includes Shinyribs, Lee Fields, The Watson Twins, JD McPherson, Melody Angel, The Sensational Barnes Brothers, Deeohgee, Samantha Fish, The Wallflowers and more. Tickets ($65) are available for July 3-4; July 5-6 are sold out. At FitzGerald’s, 6615 W. Roosevelt, Berwyn. Visit fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
- Up-and-coming South Side hip-hop artist Brittney Carter weaves R&B, jazz, soul and the avant-garde into songs that are “raw, resonant and unguarded.” At 7 p.m. July 6 at Space, 1245 Chicago, Evanston. Tickets: $27.27. Visit evanstonspace.com.
- Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo Sandoval and Chucho Valdés present a 50th anniversary celebration of Valdés Grammy-winning Afro-Cuban jazz band Irakere. At 7:30 p.m. July 9 at Ravinia’s Martin Theatre, 201 Ravinia Park Rd. Highland Park. Tickets: $29-$65. Visit ravinia.org.
Museums
- “City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago” highlights the city’s often overlooked role in the stories of queer art and activism. Examining Chicago’s queer history from the 1980s to the present, the exhibit features more than 30 artists and collectives who address the show’s themes through diverse media and methods including documentary photography, sculpture, drawings, paintings, videos and more. From July 5-May 31 at Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago. Admission: $10-$22, 18 and younger free. Visit mcachicago.org.
Family Fun
- The Second City’s family-friendly summer show “No Grown-Ups Allowed” is a 60-minute interactive experience offering young audience members the chance to participate in sketch and improv comedy both from their seats or by joining the performers onstage. From July 5-Sept. 6 at UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North. Tickets: $29+. Visit secondcity.com.
- Kohl Children’s Museum’s Summer Family Festival includes the pop- and blues-influenced music of Grammy Award nominees Wendy & DB, a petting zoo, train rides, a walk through the Butterfly Encounter, art activities and more. Includes access to all indoor and outdoor exhibits. From 2:30-5 p.m. July 6 and 13 at Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot, Glenview. Admission: $30, 12 months and younger free. Visit kohlchildrensmuseum.org.
- World Fair US is a one-of-a-kind celebration of cultures from around the world. More than 80 countries are represented in pavilions featuring live music, dance, crafts, food, fashion and more. From July 7-28 at SeatGeek Stadium, 7000 S. Harlem, Bridgeview. Tickets: $20, $10 ages 4-15, $85 family (5-8 people), free for kids 3 and younger and seniors 65 and older. Visit worldfairus.com.
Festival Fun
- A Hyde Park tradition, the 4th On 53rd Parade & Festival, begins at 11 a.m. July 4 with a parade (floats, marching bands, equestrians and a children’s bike/scooter parade) that ends in Nichols Park, 1355 E. 53rd, with a festival from noon-3:30 p.m. featuring a variety of performances, games, face painting, petting zoo, bounce houses and more. For more information, visit 4thon53rdparade.com.
- Argyle Night Market returns with an array of Asian food from Argyle Street restaurants plus live cultural and music performances. From 5-9 p.m. Thursdays July 3-Aug. 28 on Argyle from Kenmore to Sheridan. Admission is free. Visit exploreuptown.org.