Shannon Shreibak

Last updated March 23, 2026: Chicago is packed with incredible things to do this week, ranging from the high-energy halls of C2E2 and Andersonville Restaurant Week to the immersive wonder of David Byrne’s Theater of the Mind. Even on a budget, you can take advantage of free admission days at several Chicago institutions or Garfield Park Conservatory's annual Spring Flower Show. Read on for our curated guide to the best events happening around town this week. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago in March 2026

Get excited, Chicagoans, because spring in Chicago is officially here. (Later, snow!) The warmer temps are perfect for hiking near Chicago or taking a day trip to enjoy a quick getaway but there’ll be plenty of fun in the city, too. For movie lovers, there's the return of Doc10 Fest. Art buffs can get their fill at the annual EXPO Chicago or The Art Institute of Chicago's one-of-a-kind Matisse exhibition. There's also plenty to do outside, including the city's much-anticipated cherry blossom viewing. So celebrate the spring season—and all the new beginnings that go along with it—with our list of the best things to do in Chicago this April. RECOMMENDED: Events calendar for Chicago in 2026

Cherry blossom season is a springtime rite of passage in Japan. Each year, locals and tourists alike pour into city parks to post up with picnic blankets and admire the pale pink flowers—a tradition called hanami, or flower viewing—before they fall to the ground after just a few short days. Here in the U.S., Washington, D.C. is the most well-known destination for cherry blossom viewing (it was famously gifted more than 3,000 cherry trees by Japan in 1912), but you'll still find plenty of good spots for gazing at gorgeous spring blooms in and around Chicago. Jostle with crowds at one of the most beautiful gardens in Chicago, take a train to the suburbs or pack your bags for a flower-powered day trip from Chicago. Just make sure to plan your visit carefully, because you only have a few days to soak it all in once the blooms hit their peak! Here are some of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Chicago. When do cherry blossoms bloom in Chicago?  Cherry blossoms hit their peak anywhere from late March to early May, depending on weather conditions.  How long do cherry blossoms last in Chicago? Once the flowers hit peak bloom, they typically last anywhere from three to eight days before shedding their petals. 

We’re probably not alone in saying that the weekend is always on our minds here at Time Out Chicago HQ. Like you (probably), we spend the workweek daydreaming about the next restaurant to obsess over and obsessively updating our concert calendars. Whether you’re museum-hopping, plotting a day trip to escape the city, or ready to ghost your original plans for something spontaneous, you’ll find plenty of ways to make the most of your weekend in Chicago. Last updated March 23, 2026: Hunting for the best weekend plans in Chicago? From dedicated planners to last-minute adventurers, we’ve got you covered. This week’s highlights include the return of C2E2, stunning museum exhibitions and the opening of Hamilton at the CIBC Theater. We’ve also rounded up some of the best free events in Chicago, too, for good measure. Scroll down to discover the best events across the city! RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago today RECOMMENDED: The best free things to do in Chicago this month RECOMMENDED: The best cheap eats in Chicago RECOMMENDED: Discover the 50 best things to do in Chicago right now

For the past eight years, we’ve made it our mission to scope out the coolest pockets of the world’s greatest cities in order to create our definitive annual ranking. The places where stuff like nightlife, art, culture, and affordable food and drink can be found on every corner and down every backstreet. Where diversity is championed and independent businesses thrive, from old-school boltholes to the newest avant-garde art space. Put simply, the world’s coolest neighbourhoods are places that represent the soul of our cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work and play. So, what are the neighbourhoods that fit the bill this year? To find out, we asked our network of writers and editors across a breadth of cities to nominate the vibiest district in their hometown right now. We then ranked every neighbourhood against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.  On our list this year, you’ll find everything from homely, village-like enclaves with tight-knit communities to revitalised city-centre hubs and formerly dormant, industrial areas transformed into creative districts. Many are underrated spots that sit in the shadow of their commercialised counterparts; others have become unexpected culinary hotspots or magnets for the city’s artists, writers and activists. What they all have in common is a DIY spirit – and an unshakeable proclivity f

Lollapalooza, one of the biggest events of the summer, is almost here. Chicago’s annual music festival returns to Grant Park July 30–August 2 with over 170 bands across eight stages. Headlining this year’s summer spectacle are Charli XCX, Tate McRae, Lorde, Olivia Dean, John Summit, Jennie, The Smashing Pumpkins and The xx. Along with the sensational lineup, Lollapalooza has some new amenities in store for attendees, including the Northside Suites, a private, air-conditioned experience with a private rooftop viewing deck, complimentary food and drinks and more. The exclusive space will accommodate up to 15 guests per day. Other highlights in the lineup include Turnstile, Geese, Freddie Gibbs, Lil Uzi Vert, Blood Orange, Hot Mulligan, The Chainsmokers, Finn Wolfhard, Beabadoobee, Ethel Cain and DJ Trixie Mattel. In addition, the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra will be performing. And if you’re on the hunt to see the next breakout artist, this year will feature up-and-comers like Pearly Drops, Case Oats, Love Spells and more. Tickets for General Admission, General Admission+, VIP, Platinum and Lolla Insider go on sale Thursday, March 19, at 10am CT. RECOMMENDED: Check out photos and coverage of Lollapalooza The Lollapalooza 2026 lineup The festival will be headlined by Charli XCX, Tate McRae, Lorde, Olivia Dean, John Summit, Jennie, The Smashing Pumpkins and The xx. In total, more than 170 artists will take to eight stages over the four-day event. How much are Lollapalooza 20

As Chicago's blazing summer yields to cool climes and autumnal coziness, it's time to head back to your favorite Chicago museums. Illinois Free Days are back, offering free admission to the city's world-class exhibitions—from the Art Institute of Chicago to the Shedd Aquarium—for state residents on select days. (Word to the wise: Don’t forget your proof of residence.) Plus, Chicago Public Library cardholders can score various museum passes and other benefits. While perks abound for Illinoisans, there are still options for out-of-towners to enjoy free admission year-round. Take a look at our roundup below, and pencil in your next Chicago adventure. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best things to do in Chicago

Right now, it feels like a great time to celebrate our cities. What cities do best is bring people together – everything we love about urban life, from the galleries and bars to the neighbourhood parks, exists thanks to the communities that make it all happen.  That’s why, every year, we raise a toast to the city with our definitive annual ranking, created on the back of a comprehensive survey of city-dwellers worldwide. Our survey asks not only what people love about their cities – the food scene and nightlife, the shops and museums, the parks and people – but also how it feels to live there. We asked you about happiness, affordability and quality of life, among a variety of other criteria. And, in order to dig deeper into the everyday lives of locals, this year we expanded our survey to cover aspects like love, romance and community feel. Time Out’s Best Cities with Intrepid Travel spotlights the destinations that offer the best of both worlds: an endlessly exciting catalogue of reasons to visit, as well as all the good stuff that makes a place feel like home. The 50 cities that made the list this year did so thanks to the insights of more than 24,000 people across 150 cities worldwide. To determine the final Best Cities ranking for 2026, we combined their thousands of responses with the votes of more than 100 Time Out city experts. Then we tapped up our network of local writers to tell us exactly what makes their city worth a visit right now. The result? A rundown of the m

One of the biggest annual celebrations in Chicago is right around the corner—that's right, it's almost St. Patrick's Day. Head to the Loop to see the Chicago Plumbers Union Local 130 dye the river green on March 14. If you're hoping to snag a prime spot, we've got some ideas on where to watch. Keep the festivities going later in the day at the St. Patrick's Day parade or some of the best Irish pubs in Chicago, but be sure to save your strength for the South Side Irish Parade and Northwest Side Irish Parade the following day. Plus, you'll find a shamrock-themed race and other fun holiday events to keep the Irish spirit going for the whole month of March. So get ready to party like a leprechaun with our roundup of the best St. Patrick's Day events in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

Not sure what's happening around the city today? Help is here! Chicago's best attractions—which include beautiful parks, neighborhoods and a free zoo—are always a good place to start. So are Chicago's best museums, from the Art Institute of Chicago to the Shedd Aquarium. Plus, we're keeping track of the top parties, live concerts, museum exhibitions, community events and more interesting stuff blowing into the Windy City day-by-day.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago right now

There’s never been a better – or more important – time to celebrate cinemas. They’re the places we go to dream, focal points of our communities, and an all-round great escape. Yet movie theatres are faced with challenges that even lovelty popcorn holders can’t help with. But they’ve survived the advent of TV, Hollywood strikes, a couple of pandemics, and so far, they’re holding firm against streaming and surging costs – and there’s reasons for optimism, too: younger, Letterboxd-savvy audiences are embracing the big-screen experience like never before, and filmmakers like Ryan Coogler, Christopher Nolan and Chloé Zhao are championing it at every opportunity. Just try booking an IMAX ticket for The Odyssey. With that in mind, Time Out’s local experts have collaborated on a celebration of the best cinemas from across the globe. From cult Tokyo cinemas and grand Parisian film temples to beloved Sydney picturehouses and LA film dream palaces, from a Berlin kino with its own nuclear bunker to a Canadian cinema with only 12 seats, we’ve pointed the spotlight on a hundred magnificent movie palaces that all movie lovers should know about – and visit.  NB We’ve gone almost entirely with single-use cinemas rather than venues that double up as theatres or gig venues.  Greatest cinemas at a glance: 🍿 The greatest cinema in the world: TCL Chinese Theatre, LA 🌔 The world’s best outdoor cinema: Cine Paris, Athens 📽️ The coolest cult cinema in the world: The New Beverly, LA Jump to list

Chicago might be known as the Second City, but our attractions are first-class. Need evidence of that fact? Look no further than the many Chicago museums, where you'll find everything from the best-preserved T. rex skeleton ever found to paintings by Van Gogh and Picasso. Or take a stroll through our gorgeous parks and gardens, home to some of the best public art in Chicago (say hello to "The Bean"). You can also laugh it up at a comedy club, see a show at a jazz club once frequented by Al Capone or have a Michelin-starred meal at one of the best Chicago restaurants ... the list goes on. From first-time visitors to lifelong Chicagoans: we’ve handpicked the city’s must-see spots so you can experience the very best of Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago right nowRECOMMENDED: The best cheap things to do in ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The best hotels in ChicagoRECOMMENDED: The best boutique hotels in Chicago This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Part art installation, part psychological gauntlet, Theater of the Mind is David Byrne and Mala Gaonkar’s newest exploration of the self. Tucked inside a 15,000-square-foot office, the experience invites small groups of 16 or less to navigate a sensory-bending labyrinth. But the real variable isn't the set design; it’s the audience. Group participation is a central element of the show, which can be exhilarating but also sometimes awkward; the instructions are sometimes muddled, and the responses of the group can affect the narrative in ways that don’t always cohere. Ultimately, your enjoyment of Theater of the Mind may hinge on the group you’re there with—and on your own state of mind.

To know Matisse is to know Jazz—or at least the vivid images that make up the book, which gathers some of his most iconic works of the 20th century. After a lifetime spent wrestling with the tension between color and line—a struggle that often seemed fruitless—an emergency surgery and the long, bedridden recovery that followed led Matisse to experiment with cut paper shapes, the very forms he is now synonymous with. The result of that creative breakthrough was Jazz, a book of 20 vibrant plates, now on display at The Art Institute of Chicago alongside several of his other pursuits in painting, printmaking, textiles and beyond. While you may feel well-acquainted with Matisse’s work through pop culture osmosis—Icarus, for instance, emblazoned on the cover of The Body Keeps the Score, a trauma text that has achieved an unusual level of mainstream popularity—“Matisse's Jazz: Rhythms in Color” recontextualizes these familiar, often misread images. Icarus, for example, is not surrounded by stars but by bursting artillery shells, a subtle yet unsettling trace of fascist anxiety creeping into Matisse’s vision. Jazz itself occupies only a small atrium within this multi-room exhibition. Elsewhere, the galleries open onto Matisse’s experiments across mediums: woodcuts, graphite sketches and lesser-known sculptures, each offering a different angle on his restless practice. The exhibition ultimately stands as a testament to the idea that life can begin at 70. As we watch other artists rein

You needn't look further than Pilsen to find one of the largest Latino cultural organizations in the U.S. At the National Museum of Mexican Art, you can explore a 10,000-piece permanent collection alongside rotating exhibits and performing arts showcases that honor the depth of Mexican culture. Since 1987, the museum has bridged borders by fostering appreciation for Mexican art through world-class education and professional artist development. The museum’s annual Día de Muertos exhibition is an annual highlight, celebrating the lives of those who have passed. After touring the galleries, visit the courtyard to see a dedicated installation curated by the youth artists of Yollocalli Arts Reach. Before you leave, take a moment at the community ofrenda to add a note or memory, becoming part of this moving collective tribute. Admission is always free, with docent-led tours available upon request. These tours are tailored for all ages—children included—offering a deeper look into the history and themes behind both permanent and temporary exhibitions. It’s a perfect way to connect more personally with the art and culture on display.

As one of the nation’s largest repositories of contemporary works, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) frequently hosts major touring exhibits featuring visionaries like Doris Salcedo, Simon Starling, and Daniel Clowes. Beyond the galleries, the MCA acts as a vibrant community hub, fostering dialogue and growth through its dedicated Community Partnerships and Engagement program. Visitors can engage with the museum through diverse public programming—from summer jazz on the terrace and a seasonal farmer’s market to curated film screenings. The MCA has solidified its reputation as a premier destination for landmark exhibitions, most notably with its expansive Yoko Ono retrospective and a career-spanning showcase of internationally renowned Chicagoan Nick Cave. By constantly reorienting itself to the current cultural landscape, the museum highlights both international and local artists as they engage with an ever-evolving world. The museum has also established itself as a premier culinary destination with its in-house restaurant, Marisol. Helmed by James Beard Award–winning chef Jason Hammel (of Lula Cafe) and surrounded by an immersive art installation by Chris Ofili, Marisol offers a full-service dining experience that is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.

A spot on the pine bleachers at Drip Collective has become one of the most coveted seats in the city, thanks to the cafe's adventurous beverage menu (hello, mango sticky rice matcha latte!) and hyper-local event programming. Aside from piping hot coffee, Drip has been bringing a different kind of heat this summer with Hot Drip Sessions, a weekends-only DJ pop-up. Can't make it to West Loop? Drip Collective has been uploading past Hot Drip Sessions onto their YouTube channel. Dive into the archive here.   

The Savannah Bananas, a theatrical exhibition baseball team taking the world by storm, are swinging through Chicago next year alongside their Banana Ball Championship League brethren. After selling out two back-to-back games at Comiskey last year—or, if we must, Rate Field—the purveyors of “Banana Ball” are returning in 2026 for a three-night residency at Wrigley Field.

What do we talk about when we talk about the weather? We talk about the planet’s slow boil: the seasons that change without our consent, the arrow of time that pierces our lives regardless of our armors. Medical researcher John and his adult daughter Caitlyn talk about the weather constantly in In Birds of North America; nearly every scene of Anna Ouyang Moench’s one-act play touches on the subject. Set in suburban Maryland and unfolding over a decade, the play tracks their relationship like an ornithologist watching the sky: full of hope, yet braced for disappointment. Species of bird appear late, vanish early or never arrive at all. Their altered patterns mirror a filial relationship that keeps missing its own landing, circling ground without touching down. Birds of North America | Photograph: Evan Hanover, Courtesy A Red Orchid Theatre The play opens at the dawn of the Iraq War—a moral backdrop that weighs heavily on John, a lifelong liberal, eco-warrior and former doctor who sacrificed professional success to pursue a cure for Dengue fever. He catalogs the world with scientific precision, logging birds in his red palm-sized notebook while flattening human emotion with the same rigor. (He speaks of Caitlyn’s miscarriage as casually as he might note a species count in decline.) Caitlyn, meanwhile, works as a copy editor for a right-wing news site, a compromise she frames as a temporary shelter from the torment of capitalism rather than a personal conviction. She dreams of

Lilliput Books is an Asian, woman-owned independent bookstore that emphasizes community and curation. The cozy shop's collection includes titles in Chicago history, LGBTQ+ selections, nature, fiction and nonfiction as well as a wide selection of book-adjacent gifts and books for kids of all ages. In addition to its wide selection of tomes, Lilliput also hosts monthly events lik silent book clubs, junk journal and vision board workshops and Sunday morning yoga sessions. Home to a popular and beloved shop dog, Lilliput is dog-friendly and offers dog treats for furry visitors.

Wanna relive the thrill of punishing a captive audience like you did during grade school show-and-tell? Then Show & Tell for Grownups is the place for you! Once a month, comedians, storytellers and everyday passionate folks gather to share their quirky, heartfelt or downright fascinating interests. Each presenter gets five minutes on the clock to wax philosophical about their obsession, then it’s the audience’s turn with a quick Q&A. Think of it like falling down a Reddit rabbit hole—only live, and way more fun.

This first-of-its-kind exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago explores the visual, political and spiritual histories of dancehall and reggaetón through contemporary art. Once grassroots scenes, both genres have become globally influential movements tied closely to sexual and political liberation. The show features works by more than 35 artists, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Edra Soto, supakid and Lee “Scratch” Perry.

Whether you’re parenting a pint-sized Pokémon devotee or a nostalgic millennial still clinging to a holographic Charizard card for its “possible resale value” (guilty), the Pokémon Fossil Museum is designed to surprise and delight. Making its U.S. debut at the Field Museum in spring 2026, the international exhibition invites visitors to compare Fossil Pokémon like Tyrantrum and Archeops with real-world fossils—including SUE the T. rex. Expect Pokémon models, real fossil excavation tools and immersive soundscapes throughout.

Multimedia artist Yoonshin Park challenges conventional ideas of what books are—and what they can be. Prompt and Prompted presents new and ongoing works that reimagine artist books as spatial, symbolic and participatory sites, engaging ideas of memory, marginality, translation and transformation.

Broadway review by Shannon ShreibakRating: ★★★ (three stars) David Byrne has always been a thinking person’s artist, from his early years as the frontman for the art-rock band Talking Heads through his 2021 Broadway concert show, American Utopia, which opened with him holding a plastic model of a brain. In Theater of the Mind, which he co-created with writer Mala Gaonkar, he invites us again to inhabit his head, this time through an interactive, multisensory experience steeped in neuropsychological trickery. Photograph: Todd Rosenberg When you arrive at the Reid Murdoch Building, a sterile office block in the heart of the Loop, you are ushered into a waiting lounge awash in vibrant colors and East Asian–inspired banners. Entrance times are staggered, with groups of about 15 people moving together through the rooms to come. When it’s your group’s turn, your primary guide, dressed in a utilitarian jumpsuit, leads you to a stark white chamber lined with doors and lit by cold fluorescent rods. (It’s very severely Severance, sometimes to the point of parody.) The guide wheels out a miniature model house; the roof lifts, and inside are magnetic nametags for group members to wear as you stand in for Byrne’s friends in the show’s first scene: his funeral. From there, an actor playing Byrne narrates your tour through a 75-minute “memory palace” of episodes from his life, traveling backward in time through multiple rooms and passageways of a 15,000-square-foot complex that has been

St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Chicago just got a little… sweeter, all thanks to Lollapalooza. The premier Chicago festival has created custom Lollipop Star lollipops, which will play short, edited clips from several artists on the 2026 lineup that only the person with the lollipop in their mouth can hear. And, lucky for us Chicagoans, these musical suckers will be distributed throughout the city this weekend—just days ahead of the fest’s official lineup announcement. Ever heard a song with your teeth? We’re guessing (hoping?) the answer is no. Lollipop Star uses bone conduction to turn its stick into a private speaker. By simply biting or sucking the candy, vibrations travel through your jawbone directly to your inner ear—creating a personal audio experience that lives entirely inside your head. Having been lucky enough to snag an early sample, I can confirm the “Perry Berry” flavor is a hit. The tech is remarkably seamless; I felt the bass-heavy electronic beats vibrating right through my molars, yet someone standing just a few feet away couldn't hear a thing. And as for the music the lollipops teasing, I can confirm that Chicago's lucky recipients of these are in for a real treat. Photograph: Shannon Shreibak Lollapalooza will be distributing the lollipops at the Chicago River Dyeing and parade downtown, as well as River North, Gold Coast, Wrigleyville and Northalsted on Saturday, March 14. Distribution will move to the South Side Irish Parade, West Loop, Wicker Park and L

It’s time to break out your finest green attire and head downtown to gawk at floats decked out in Irish revelry. Chicago takes St. Patrick’s Day seriously, which means a little planning goes a long way. Will you choose green beer and shenanigans, or a quieter afternoon browsing maker’s markets and cultural festivals? Consider this your choose-your-own adventure for the weekend. We’ve rounded up the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago. Whether that means raising a pint of Guinness, catching some Celtic music or ducking into a cozy Irish pub, there are plenty of ways to lean into the holiday spirit. Here are our picks for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day—and Irish culture—around the city. RECOMMENDED: Your guide to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Dyeing of the Chicago RiverChicago Riverwalk, Mar 14 at 10am A tradition since 1962, representatives of the Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 pour dye into the Chicago River on the morning of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, turning the water a bright shade of green. For a rundown of the most prime viewing locations, check out our guide to the best places to watch the Chicago River dyeing. Shamrock’n the BlockOld St. Patrick’s Church, Mar 14 noon–6pm Head to the West Loop after the parade for this all-day block party packed with Irish cheer. Expect live music from acts like Whiskey Mick and others, pub fare and family-friendly activities like face painting and Irish dancing. Advance tickets are sold out, but general adm

This won’t come as a surprise, but it’s now official (again): Chicago is one of the best cities in the world. Time Out has just revealed its rankings of the world’s 50 best cities in 2026, and Chicago lands at No. 41. As locals already know, the city offers something in every season—whether it’s festive Christmas markets in winter, genre-spanning music festivals in summer or a deep bench of world-class museums and cultural attractions year-round. And that’s before we even get to the food. Chicago’s dining scene runs the gamut from Michelin-starred temples of fine dining to beloved no-frills neighborhood joints. Sure, the city is famous for icons like deep dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef—but the real story is the sheer range of cuisines and restaurants that make eating here a daily adventure. To determine the 2026 Best Cities ranking, we surveyed more than 24,000 residents across 150 global destinations, evaluating metrics like affordability, food scene, livability and overall vibe. We then combined these insights with the expertise of over 100 Time Out city experts.  Crunching the data, community stands as one of Chicago’s biggest draws. Seventy percent of locals shared that they feel a sense of belonging in the city, while 68% described Chicago as diverse, friendly and welcoming. Chicago also received a 94% approval rating for its food and art scenes—the third-highest of all cities surveyed. Topping the 2026 rankings is Melbourne, Australia, followed by S

As the city moves into spring, Chicago’s museums are rolling out a new crop of exhibitions spanning centuries, continents and artistic styles—from the cut-paper reveries of Henri Matisse to decidedly more unexpected subjects (hello, Pokémon fossils!). Whether you’re a devoted art lover or simply looking for a good reason to spend an afternoon in a gallery, there’s plenty to see in the months ahead. Major institutions and smaller museums alike are unveiling ambitious shows, offering fresh reasons to revisit familiar spaces—or finally check off the ones you’ve been meaning to see. Here are 10 Chicago exhibitions we’re already planning to visit this spring. The Dark Side of the MoonAdler Planetarium, Now through March 15 This immersive planetarium show pairs cosmic visuals with The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd. Each of the album’s 10 tracks is accompanied by a different visual sequence, blending futuristic imagery with nods to the band’s iconic visual history. Designed with input from longtime Pink Floyd collaborator Aubrey Powell, the show transforms the dome into a fully immersive audiovisual experience. Tickets are sold separately from general museum admission. Pokémon Fossil MuseumField Museum, May 22, 2026–Apr 11, 2027 Whether you’re parenting a pint-sized Pokémon devotee or a nostalgic millennial still clinging to a holographic Charizard card for its “possible resale value” (guilty), the Pokémon Fossil Museum is designed to surprise and delight. Making its

After nearly 15 years in Lincoln Park, DePaul Art Museum will close its doors on June 30. The decision was made to “ensure long-term financial sustainability for our university,” DePaul president Robert L. Manuel said in an announcement to faculty and students released last week. Since opening in its current location in 2011, the museum (935 W Fullerton Ave) has showcased the work of more than 600 Chicago-based and underrepresented artists. Located just steps from the Fullerton Red Line stop, the space also served as an interdisciplinary classroom for DePaul University students and a cultural hub for the Lincoln Park community. The museum regularly employed students interested in pursuing careers in the arts and museum field. The announcement has been met with swift community backlash. DePaul art history and philosophy faculty members have penned an open letter decrying the closure. “Even given the university’s current budgetary shortfall and consequent need for belt-tightening at various levels, the plan to repurpose the DPAM building (without specific details) appears to us short-sighted, wrong-headed, and grounded in some deeply disappointing principles of prioritization,” the letter reads. At the time of publication, the letter has garnered over 3,000 signatures. DPAM was originally founded in 1985 before moving to its current home on Fullerton Ave in 2011, guided by a mission to highlight local artists and voices historically underrepresented in museums. According to Man

It is no secret that Lakeview’s Music Box Theatre is one of Chicago’s most cherished landmarks. Between its atmospheric Italian-style courtyard, the legendary Dennis Scott serenading audiences at the organ and the intimate charm of the Music Box Lounge, the theater is a true cultural institution. Now, it seems the rest of the world is finally catching on. Just in time for next weekend’s Academy Awards, Time Out has updated its list of the 100 greatest cinemas in the world right now. Among just 15 U.S.-based entries, the Music Box lands at No. 9—an impressive nod for a neighborhood arthouse. RECOMMENDED: The 14 best movie theaters in Chicago The Music Box placed ahead of several revered international cinemas, further cementing its global reputation. (Though we’d argue that local favorites like the Davis Theater and Facets Cinematheque deserve their flowers, too.) Still, it’s gratifying to see at least one Chicago institution recognized among such a celebrated collection. “With its golden interior, projected clouds drifting across the auditorium ceiling like a daydream on a loop and a lounge stocked with film memorabilia and cocktails inspired by cinema’s glory days, the Music Box Theatre is a Chicago institution,” the guide reads. “While its programming has long secured its status as an arthouse landmark, the Music Box’s real magic lies in its community spirit—bringing together filmmakers, obsessives and casual moviegoers, united by the celluloid flicker of the silver screen.”

After opening last April, the Near West Side’s National Public Housing Museum is closing out its inaugural year on a high note: national recognition from USA Today. Housed in the last remaining building of the historic Jane Addams Homes, the museum feels both timely and deeply rooted—an institution built on lived experience as much as preservation. Located at 919 South Ada Street, the National Public Housing Museum ranked No. 3 on USA Today’s “Best New Museums” list, trailing behind the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, and the Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University in Mantua, New Jersey. The ranking was determined by a panel of experts and editors, followed by a monthlong public vote. RECOMMENDED: The 28 best museums in Chicago Photograph: Joe Nolasco Dedicated to the right to housing, the National Public Housing Museum preserves the stories of the 10 million Americans who have lived in public housing over the past century. The museum rose from the 1990s demolition crisis, which drove Housing Commissioner Deverra Beverly to join forces with residents to ensure their history wasn't lost. Now, those very residents lead the way as docents, sharing firsthand accounts that add necessary complexity to the national conversation on public housing. The museum’s many exhibitions include “Historic Apartments,” three recreated homes that tell the stories of families who lived in the Jane Addams Homes, alongside installations examining housing policy and pub

Chicago’s wildest concert series is returning this summer—with a roar, naturally. Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s annual Roaring Nights brings two jam-packed weekends of music to the animal kingdom, pairing a pleasantly nostalgic lineup—Melissa Etheridge, Blues Traveler and Nelly—with the possibility of locking eyes with a lion on your way to grab a beer. “There are few places where you can feed a giraffe in the afternoon and sing along with a chart-topping artist under the stars that same evening,” Andrea Rodgers, senior vice president of guest experience and operations at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, says. “Roaring Nights has an unmistakable energy as the sun sets—part concert, part conservation celebration—where thousands of fans come together to sing, connect and support wildlife.” RECOMMENDED: A beautiful wildlife lantern festival is debuting at this Chicago zoo in the spring Photograph: Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo Chicago Roaring Nights is an all-day affair, not just a show you wander into at sunset. Each ticket doubles as full-day admission to the zoo, so you can spend the afternoon visiting the animals before staking out your spot near the stage. There’s also free main entrance parking and unlimited rides on the ferris wheel and carousel. The real draw, however, begins when the music starts. This year’s Roaring Nights lineup leans comfortably nostalgic—the kind that makes you realize you still know every word. Melissa Etheridge kicks things off on June 7 with the sort of sing-al

The Chicago Children’s Museum is welcoming a new resident this weekend—and unlike most Chicago transplants, this one arrived 90 million years late. Meet Spinosaurus, a horned specimen discovered in Niger’s Sahara Desert by longtime collaborator and paleontologist Paul Sereno. The museum will unveil the species’ first public exhibition on Sunday, March 1, complete with a skull cast and a touchable reconstruction of its head crest. The Spinosaurus will be located just outside the “Dinosaur Expedition” exhibit, a gallery Serano originally helped the museum develop between 1999 and 2001. To mark the occasion, the museum is hosting a special event at 2pm on March 1, where the Spinosaurus’s crest will be officially unveiled. Families can hear from Sereno himself, who will share stories from the field alongside images, video and hands-on artifacts. There’s also a “create your own crest” activity, giving children the chance to design their own look—because nothing says ancient apex predator like a little arts and crafts. Photograph: Courtesy of the Chicago Children's Museum “Kids as young as two or three fall in love with dinosaurs because they invite imagination,” Sereno says. “What were they like when they were alive, and what was their world like?” Spinosaurus, he adds, has the added benefit of pop culture fame, thanks to its starring role in Jurassic Park. Sereno's fossils are no stranger to the Chicago Children's Museum. The institution's long-running “Dinosaur Expedition” exh

Lunar New Year has passed, but the celebrations are far from over. The momentous holiday marks one of the most important traditions in Chinese culture, honoring ancestors and deities while welcoming the arrival of spring. The celebration follows the lunar calendar, beginning with the new moon and continuing through early March. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Horse.  Across Chicago, parades, screenings and parties continue for weeks after the holiday itself. Festivities stretch from Uptown to Chinatown. Head to Argyle Street or Chinatown for colorful parades, traditional performances and plenty of festive dining. Whether you’re catching a lion dance or sitting down for dumplings, there are plenty of ways to ring in the new year. RECOMMENDED: Our guide to Lunar New Year in Chicago The best Lunar New Year events in Chicago Argyle Lunar New Year CelebrationArgyle St and Sheridan RdFeb 21 at 10:30am Uptown’s annual celebration brings Argyle Street to life with dragons, dancers and drummers. The parade kicks off at 1pm at Argyle Street and Sheridan Road, with more than 20 local groups participating. Expect performances and family-friendly activities from 10:30am to 4pm. Lunar New Year at Navy PierNavy Pier Aon Grand Ballroom, 840 E Grand AveFeb 21 at 1pm Navy Pier transforms its Aon Grand Ballroom into a festive, family-friendly celebration. Expect traditional and contemporary performances, food vendors and activities welcoming the Year of the Horse.   Ph

At Time Out, we’re constantly refreshing our citywide rankings—because Chicago is always evolving, and you deserve to know what’s truly the best of the best. This week, we revisited our guide to the city’s best hair salons and decided it was time for a major reshuffle. Along with adding a few new salons that are keeping Chicago looking good, we updated the rankings to reflect recent trends—because nothing evolves quite like a good hairstyle. As a result of our latest reporting, longtime Logan Square mainstay Sparrow has claimed the number one spot as the best hair salon in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best nail salons in Chicago   Photograph: Alexa Viscius, Courtesy of Sparrow   Stylists Suki McAdams and Bathsheba Nemerovski opened Sparrow in 2009, and over the years it’s become the it-girl salon of this artsy corner of the city. Proudly branding itself as a salon for “sensitive people,” Sparrow is a refuge for clients who want high-end artistry without the sensory overload. As a clean-air, Amazon-free space, it has quietly built a reputation as one of Chicago’s most thoughtful destinations for sustainable beauty services. In 2024, Sparrow moved from its longtime home on Milwaukee Avenue to a larger space on a quieter stretch of Wrightwood Avenue. The extra room made it possible to expand into all-inclusive beauty offerings—massage, manual lymph drainage, brow lamination and more—turning a haircut appointment into something closer to a small act of self-preservation. Photogra