Theater
- The New Theatre Project stages “Blackbird,” Scottish playwright David Harrower’s intense drama about the meeting of a young woman and a middle-aged man 15 years after he sexually abused her. Olivia Lindsay and Todd Wojcik star; Spencer Huffman directs. From Oct. 24-Nov. 16 at Servi-Sure, 2020 W. Rascher Ave. Tickets: pay-what-you-can $15-$40 or $45 includes a reserved seat. Visit tixtree.com.
- Music Theater Works presents Stephen Schwartz and John Michael Tebelak’s “Godspell,” the classic musical about a fractured community that discovers the transformative power of forgiveness and love. Matthew Silar directs. From Oct. 23-Nov. 16 at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Tickets: $19.50-$106. Visit musictheaterworks.com.
- “The House That Will Not Stand” is Marcus Gardley’s drama, set in 1913 New Orleans, about a free woman of color who struggles to maintain her daughter’s independence as the Louisiana Territory is about to be acquired by the United States. The Invictus Theatre production is directed by Aaron Reese Boseman. From Oct. 28-Dec. 14 at Windy City Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park Road. Tickets: $38, $25 on Mondays. Visit invictustheatreco.com.
- “The Rocky Horror Show” is Richard O’Brien’s cult rock musical about a young, innocent couple who take refuge in Dr. Frank N. Furter’s castle after their car breaks down. Jeffrey Cass directs. From Oct. 24-Nov. 9 at BrightSide Theatre, Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St., Naperville. Tickets: $37-$42. Visit brightsidetheatre.com.
- Homer’s ancient Greek classic “Odyssey” is read in its entirety during Homerathon, an event presented by the National Hellenic Museum and the University of Illinois Chicago Department of Classics and Mediterranean Studies. From 12:30-8 p.m. Oct. 23 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 24 at National Hellenic Museum, 333 S. Halsted St. Admission is free. Visit nationalhellenicmuseum.org.
- In Good Company is a site-specific theater performance designed as an immersive walk through city streets that employs storytelling, performance and shared dialogue. Saturdays through Nov. 9 at Theatre Y, 3611 W. Cermak Road. Includes a meal and a 3-mile walk. Free but please RSVP, donations welcomed. Visit theatre-y.com.
Dance
- Ailey II, the second company of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, performs Chalvar Monteiro’s “Berry Dreamin’,” Judith Jamison’s “Divining,” Renée I. McDonald’s “Likes vs Life” and Rena Butler’s “In Session.” At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Tickets: $58-$62. Visit atthemac.org.
Music
- After hitting new heights with his 2018 American Utopia tour, which was later adapted into a Broadway show, David Byrne returns with a tour highlighting his new album, “Who Is the Sky.” Following the same format with musicians, singers and dancers in constant motion on the stage (choreography by Tony Award nominee Steven Hoggett), Byrne blends new music and Talking Heads hits into “a joyously choreographed romp,” according to Boston.com. At 8 p.m. Oct. 28-29, 31-Nov. 1 at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive. Tickets: $184+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
- Madi Diaz tours behind her new album, “Fatal Optimist,” a collection of songs that could be considered the final chapter in her heartache trilogy. At 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Tickets: $33.90. Visit evanstonspace.com.
- Committed to innovative performances and recordings of today’s music, Alarm Will Sound has been associated since its inception with composers at the forefront of contemporary music, premiering pieces by the likes of Steve Reich, Meredith Monk and David Lang. At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at Logan Center, 915 E. 60th St. Tickets: $12-$42. Visit tickets.uchicago.edu.
- Lukas Nelson’s recent album, “American Romance,” produced by Shooter Jennings, cements Nelson as a singular artist as he showcases his songwriting dexterity and country-blended sound. Emerging country duo, The Band Loula, opens the show at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave. Tickets: $40-$65. Visit jamusa.com.
- Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s training ensemble, begins its new season with a performance of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony plus Iman Habibi’s “Every Tree Speaks” and Hindemith’s “Symphonic Metamorphosis.” At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets: Pay what you wish starting at $5+. Visit cso.org.
Museums
- “Aquí en Chicago” celebrates more than 170 years of Latino/a/e culture and contributions to Chicago. The exhibit was inspired by students from Instituto Justice and Leadership Academy who challenged the Chicago History Museum to better represent their communities. Featured are art, photographs, interviews, clothing, personal items, everyday objects and historical treasures. From Oct. 25-Nov. 8, 2026 at 1601 N. Clark St. Admission $17, $19, Illinois residents 18 and under free. Visit chicagohistory.org.
Movies
- “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Tim Burton’s stop-motion cult classic with an iconic score by Danny Elfman, is screened while the Chicago Philharmonic, under the direction of Thiago Tiberio, performs the score. At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive. Tickets: $72-$122. Visit auditoriumtheatre.org.
- Sweet Void Cinema returns with October Shorts Bazaar, a showcase of more than a dozen short films, mostly made by Chicago filmmakers, that range from experimental to narrative. At 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at Facets, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. Tickets: $8. Visit facets.org.
Family fun
- “Ada Twist, Scientist & Friends” is Lauren Gunderson’s musical adaptation of Andrea Beaty and illustrator David Roberts’ popular children’s books: “Rosie Revere, Engineer,” “Iggy Peck, Architect,” and “Ada Twist, Scientist.” At 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell, Glen Ellyn. Tickets: $17-$24. Visit atthemac.org.
Halloween happenings
- “The Spirit Cabinet” features master magician Dennis Watkins performing classic spiritualist magic in which unseen forces move objects and messages are delivered from the beyond. From Oct. 25-31 at The Magic Parlour, 50 W. Randolph St. Tickets: $93, $123. Visit goodmantheatre.org.
- Wear a costume and join in the fun at Gallagher Way’s Pumpkin Party, a free event that includes music, Halloween crafts, trick-or-treating and pumpkins. From 1-5 p.m. Oct. 25 outside Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison St. Visit gallagherway.com.
- Slightly Spooky is a family-friendly Halloween playground with interactive activities, live entertainment, superhero photo ops, a dog costume contest and more. From noon-6 p.m. Oct. 25 at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Admission is free. Visit navypier.org.
- Halloween Sing-Along features Wiggleworms teaching artists Max Berg, Amanda Payne, Carey Farrell and Will Fancher performing songs for children that rock the pumpkin patch. At 10:30 a.m. Oct. 26 at Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets: $19. Visit oldtownschool.org.