Featured Events in Chicago in July 2025 (August Updated)

Paul Pfeiffer: Prologue to the Story of the Birth of Freedom presents 25 years of work from artist Paul Pfeiffer (b. 1966, Honolulu, HI; lives in New York, NY), whose practice interrogates ideas of spectacle and mass culture. By repurposing the tools and systems of media production—including editing, staging, and outsourcing—Pfeiffer recontextualizes global celebrities such as pop stars, film actors, and athletes to reveal relationships between audiences and athletes. icons. As the artist puts it, “who’s using who? Is the image making us, or do we make images?”

H. C. Westermann’s work combines a graceful mastery of materials, rough and tumble physicality, commonsense philosophizing, acrobatic wit and wordplay, and a sensitive worldview shaped in equal measure by the horrors of wartime and the devotions of love. He used a wide-range of materials but was most dedicated to woodworking, once stating that wood was his “whole life.”

Born in Calcutta and raised in the verdant Himalayan mountains of Kashmir, Shaw draws deeply on the landscapes and memories of his early life, many of which were fractured by political upheaval. Forced to leave Kashmir as a teenager, he relocated first to New Delhi and later to London, where he studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. His work is influenced by a broad range of sources—Mughal and Persian miniatures, Renaissance altarpieces, Old Masters paintings, Japanese arts of the Momoyama period, Kashmiri and Urdu poetry, and Hindu and Western mythology—and yet his visual vocabulary and technique are all his own.

Stenn began collecting art with his wife, Marcia, in 1971, largely as a way of enhancing their newly renovated Lincoln Park home. Although neither had formal art training, she had a discerning eye, and he enjoyed the hunt for the right object. Together they approached the project as a shared learning activity, and in time, they acquired paintings and sculpture by significant artists of the post-World War II period.

Impressionist artist Gustave Caillebotte (1848–1894)—known and beloved by many Art Institute visitors for his monumental painting Paris Street; Rainy Day—takes center stage in this major exhibition exploring the very personal interests and relationships that shaped his world.

Since 2007, Pixy Liao (廖逸君) has collaborated with her partner, Takahiro Morooka (諸岡高裕, nicknamed Moro), on a series of staged, often humorous self-portraits. These works wryly examine the power dynamics between artist and muse, prod at conservative gender roles, and document the evolution of their relationship.

Jitish Kallat’s site-specific installation, Public Notice 3, returns to the Art Institute of Chicago’s Grand Staircase this fall after a 14-year hiatus. Initially unveiled on September 11, 2010, the work connects two significant historical events separated by 108 years: the First World’s Parliament of Religions which began on September 11, 1893, and the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. At the earlier event, the World Parliament of Religions, held in an auditorium that encompassed the area that today includes both the museum’s Fullerton Hall and Woman’s Board Grand Staircase, a young Hindu monk, Swami Vivekananda electrified audiences with a powerful speech calling for an end to religious fundamentalism, intolerance, and bigotry.

Wafaa Bilal: Indulge Me is the first major survey of internationally renowned artist Wafaa Bilal (b. 1966, Najaf, Iraq; lives in New York, NY). Working in performance, sculpture, and with online and interactive technologies, Bilal’s interdisciplinary practice investigates the dynamic between international and interpersonal politics while highlighting the tension between his home in the United States, which he has deemed the “comfort zone,” and the “conflict zone” of Iraq. The exhibition covers the breadth of Bilal’s versatile career by exploring his performance practice, the use of power in Saddam Hussein’s regime, and Iraqi history and antiquity. It will feature archival displays of his iconic month-long performance Domestic Tension (2007) and year-long performance 3rdi (2010–11), as well as two new works including a sculptural commission for the MCA.

This exhibition focuses on a single artwork by Pipilotti Rist (b. 1962, Grabs, Switzerland; lives and works in Zürich), the 2001 video installation Supersubjektiv. Rist filmed the video footage featured in Supersubjektiv using a handheld digital camera during a month-long trip to Japan in December 2000. The hallucinatory video, presented in the Turner Gallery as a multichannel installation accompanied by sheepskin seating and an artist-made pillow, offers viewers a dream-like space for contemplation and curiosity. Paired with an ambient electronic soundtrack with lyrics sung in English and Japanese, the artwork examines nature, the built environment, and technology with wide-eyed wonder. Visitors are encouraged to relax and lose track of time as they take in Rist’s audiovisual meditation on longing for connection in our vast, globalized society.

Learn the untold history of four Kumu Hula (master teachers of Hawaiian Hula) who perpetuated, preserved, and protected Hula as a way of life. Listen to the voices of Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) as they tell their own history and learn how their community continues to thrive in Chicago and beyond. Chicago- and Hawai`i-born Native Hawaiians continue these practices together and act as co-curators for this limited-time exhibition.

Art and science intersect on the three-foot-tall pages of one of the world’s rarest books.

Iman Issa’s Heritage Studies are displays based on historical artifacts, which attempt to communicate their significance to the present moment. In her process, the objects are altered: Issa changes their materials, scale, and color to a degree that the resemblance between the historic artifact and Issa’s work can be difficult to discern. Despite these dissimilarities, the artist insists on the equivalence of these objects, almost like the equivalence between a photograph and its subject.

Step into the exciting world of one of the most beloved superheroes of all time in Marvel's Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing – The Exhibition. In this immersive exhibit, you'll see rare comic books, view props and costumes from your favorite Spider-Man movies, explore cutting-edge interactive installations and take photos with life-size statues of your favorite characters, like Miles Morales, Ghost-Spider and, of course, Spider-Man! Superfans can dive deep into the evolution of Spider-Man from his first comic book appearance to the latest TV, movie and video games, while kids of all ages can get hands-on with drawing activities and more.

City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago is an intergenerational group exhibition that highlights Chicago’s essential, yet often underacknowledged, role in the story of queer art and activism. The exhibition examines this history from the mid-1980s, when activists radically mobilized in response to the US government’s disastrous handling of the AIDS crisis. In this moment of change, activists reclaimed the historically pejorative epithet “queer” as a liberatory term, encompassing all who purposefully deviate from heteronormative society. Drawn from the MCA’s collection and other local collections, City in a Garden follows this paradigm shift in LGBTQ+ history by bringing together work from over 30 artists and collectives working in Chicago from the 1980s to the present.

Chicago White Sox Double Duty Classic Tailgate Hosted by Black Baseball Media 📅 Date: July 24, 2024 📍 Location: Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, IL 🕒 Time: Tailgate starts at 4:00 PM | Double Duty Classic Game at 6:00 PM Join us for an unforgettable day of baseball, music, and community at the Chicago White Sox Double Duty Classic Tailgate, proudly hosted by Black Baseball Media! This event is a celebration of the rich history and future of Black baseball, bringing together fans, players, and enthusiasts for a day filled with excitement and camaraderie. What to Expect: 🎵 Live DJ: Get ready to groove to the beats of our live DJ, who will keep the energy high and the vibes right throughout the day. 🛍️ Vendor Marketplace: Explore a diverse array of vendors showcasing unique products, delicious food, and local crafts. Support small businesses and discover something new! ⚾ Double Duty Classic Game: Witness the future stars of baseball as they take the field at 6:00 PM for the Double Duty Classic, a game honoring the legacy of Negro League greats and showcasing top high school talent from across the country. 🎉 Tailgate Party: Kick off the festivities with our epic tailgate party starting at 4:00 PM. Enjoy great food, meet fellow fans, and participate in fun activities leading up to the game. This is more than just a tailgate; it's a celebration of culture, community, and the love of baseball. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for a fun summer event, the Double Duty Classic Tailgate has something for everyone. Get Your Tickets Now! Don't miss out on this incredible event. Secure your spot today and be part of a day to remember! #DoubleDutyClassic #BlackBaseballMedia #ChicagoWhiteSox #TailgateParty #BaseballFans #CommunityEvent For more information and to purchase tickets, visit . See you there! Information Source: Earnest “Coach E” Horton | eventbrite

Unveiling Frida Kahlo’s work for the first time in the Art Institute galleries, this exhibition focuses on the celebrated Mexican artist’s first and only trip to Europe and her brief yet pivotal encounter with Mary Reynolds, an American avant-garde bookbinder who stood at the center of a rich Parisian artistic community. Drawing upon the extensive Mary Reynolds Collection at the Art Institute of Chicago and extraordinary Kahlo loans from public and private collections in the US, Mexico, and Europe, the presentation sheds light on this little-known chapter of 20th-century art history, recounting the legacies of Kahlo and Reynolds—both artists themselves and partners of artists—as they navigated Surrealism, identity, and cross-cultural exchange on the eve of World War II.

Welcome to the We All We Got Chicago Girls Basketball Summer Clinic! Come join us for a fun-filled day of basketball skills and drills at our in-person event located at 3605 W Fillmore St. Our clinic is open to girls of all skill levels who are passionate about basketball. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, our experienced coaches are here to help you improve your game. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn new techniques, make friends, and have a blast on the court. Invite your friends! Let's learn and develop a positive attitude. Information Source: eventbrite

Experience the enchanting melodies of Jeff Goldblum & the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra live at The Chicago Theatre in Chicago on July 2, 2025. The iconic venue, located at 175 N State St, IL, 60601, sets the stage for an unforgettable evening of jazz music. Join music enthusiasts from near and far to witness the legendary actor and his talented ensemble showcase their musical prowess. Get ready to be mesmerized by their soulful tunes and captivating performances. Mark your calendars for this extraordinary event that promises to be a delightful feast for the ears.

Experience the ultimate July Fourth celebration at The July Fourth Weekender in Chicago. This exciting event will take place at Lakefront Green, located at 2401 N. Lakeshore Drive, IL, 60614 on July 04, 2025. Join us for a day filled with fun activities, live music, delicious food, and stunning fireworks display. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience with family and friends at the picturesque Lakefront Green in Chicago.

Experience the soulful sounds of Teddy Swims at the "I've Tried Everything But Therapy Tour" in Chicago. The event will take place at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island on July 8, 2025. Get ready to be serenaded by Teddy Swims' powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics at this unforgettable live performance. Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness a truly talented artist in an incredible setting. Secure your tickets now and prepare for a night of music and emotion at 1300 S. Linn White Drive, IL, 60605.

Renowned multimedia artist Dieter Roth’s preferred form, and the one he spent his lifetime pursuing, was the Gesamtkunstwerk, a German term for “total work of art.” Working across a diverse range of media, disciplines, and creative activities, Roth developed an artistic practice that dissolved the boundaries between art and life, upending traditional categories, hierarchies, and even timeworn notions of singular authorship. Often collaborating with other artists, including his son Björn, Roth produced an ever-expanding body of work that gestured toward the cumulative effects of a life spent making and remaking.

The Heian period (794–1185), the golden age of the Japanese imperial court, saw many women writers garner acclaim for novels and a specific type of poetry called waka. Murasaki Shikibu (about 973–1016) and Ono no Komachi (active about 833–57) are two of the country’s most renowned poets from this period.

Experience the vibrant and infectious rhythms of Funkadesi at SPACE in Evanston. This exciting event is set to take place on July 3, 2025, at 1245 Chicago Avenue, IL, 60202. Funkadesi, known for their unique blend of Indian, funk, reggae, and Latin music, promises a night of high-energy performances that will leave you dancing all night long. Don't miss this opportunity to witness Funkadesi live in action at this iconic venue in Evanston.

Don't miss out on the highly anticipated KEYSHIA COLE - The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour coming to Chicago at the United Center on July 5, 2025. The venue is located at 1901 W Madison, IL, 60612. Join the celebration of this iconic album's milestone anniversary with a special live performance by Keyshia Cole herself. Get ready to experience an unforgettable evening filled with soulful music and memorable moments. Mark your calendars and secure your tickets for a night to remember.

Explore Chicago Cubs v St. Louis Cardinals sporting information for 6th July, as well as links for Baseball tickets and more with Fixture Calendar. The Chicago Cubs are an iconic professional baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois. They compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as part of the National League Central division. The team has a rich history, making their debut in the MLB in 1876 and claiming three World Series titles in 1907, 1908, and most recently in 2016. The Cubs have consistently performed well, with 18 division titles and 6 National League pennants. The team is known for its loyal fan base and celebrated players, such as legendary Ernie Banks and Sammy Sosa. The Cubs currently play their home games at Wrigley Field, which has been their home since 1916 and is dubbed as the oldest ballpark in the National League. As one of the most beloved and successful MLB teams, the Chicago Cubs continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the league. The St. Louis Cardinals, founded in 1882, are one of the oldest and most successful teams in Major League Baseball. With 11 World Series titles and 19 National League pennants, they are known as one of the most iconic franchises in the sport. Some of the most renowned players to wear the Cardinals uniform include legends such as Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, and Albert Pujols. The team currently competes in the Central Division of the National League, facing off against rivals such as the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers. The Cardinals are also the proud owners of the famous Busch Stadium, which has been their home since 2006 and has a capacity of over 45,000 eager fans. This beloved team continues to dominate on the field, making them a must-watch for any true baseball fan. Information Source: fixturecalendar.com

Explore Grant Park 165 Cup Series - NASCAR In-Season Tournament sporting information for 6th July, as well as more Motorsport times with Fixture Calendar. Grant Park 165 is an exciting and thrilling motorsport sporting event held annually in the heart of Chicago, Illinois. The event is organized and sponsored by the prestigious Grant Motor Racing Association (GMRA). The track is located in the iconic Grant Park, surrounded by picturesque views of the city skyline. The event attracts top names in the world of motorsports, including teams such as Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren. The race takes place on a challenging 1.65-mile track with 13 turns, providing a unique and exhilarating experience for both drivers and spectators. The stadium has a capacity of over 50,000, and fans can witness the high-speed action from the comfort of their seats or the standing room section. So, gear up and get ready to witness the adrenaline-fueled race at Grant Park 165. Information Source: fixturecalendar.com

Experience the electrifying performance of Ezra Furman with The Ophelias at Thalia Hall in Chicago on July 8, 2025. Located at 1807 South Allport Street, IL, 60608, this promising event promises a night filled with soulful melodies and captivating tunes. Don't miss the opportunity to witness these talented artists live on stage in the vibrant city of Chicago. Secure your tickets now for a memorable evening of music and entertainment.

Experience the soulful sounds of Dustbowl Revival at SPACE in Evanston on July 9, 2025. This highly anticipated event will take place at 1245 Chicago Avenue, IL, 60202. Dustbowl Revival is known for their unique blend of Americana and soul music, promising a night of unforgettable live performances. Don't miss this opportunity to witness their infectious energy and musical prowess in person. Book your tickets now to secure your spot at this not-to-be-missed show.