Deerfield's Annual Fine Arts Festival

Fun for the whole family featuring art from across the U.S., live music, catered festival food, kid's art activities and more! Artists representing media such as painting, photography, jewelry, fiber, sculpture, mixed media and ceramics hail from 20 states will be exhibiting. New this year will be Dancing in the Streets with the Big Band Sound of Deerfield, featuring Bob Gand, followed by Blue Road Band, featuring Special Guest Shirley King.

CITY: Deerfield

Cool Cars Under the Stars 2013

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - Wednesday nights, head to Elmhurst City Centre for Cool Cars Under the Stars. Every week is a different theme, including Ford Night, military, and so much more. Rev up your engines, and cruise into the heart of downtown Elmhurst for this family-friendly, weekly classic car show featuring some of the hottest wheels in town.

CITY: Elmhurst

Dave Foley at UP Comedy

Join us for a night of stand-up with Kids in the Hall alum, Dave Foley. After the successful television run of Kids in the Hall, Dave signed onto the long running NBC series, Newsradio. In between seasons, he forged a feature film career that is still very active today. In addition to his comedic work, Foley has also been seen in HBO’s critically-acclaimed mini-series From the Earth to the Moon.

CITY: Chicago

Ian Bagg at UP Comedy

Do not miss your chance to see Ian. After moving to New York City, he quickly became a regular at all the major comedy clubs. After a short three years in New York, Ian had made three appearances on NBC’s “The Conan O’Brien Show”, rocked HBO’s “Aspen Comedy Festival”, and destroyed “Just For Laughs Montreal Comedy Festival”. He has worked as a correspondent for MySpace, hosted Ripe TV’s “The Hollywood Burn” and even had his own live talk show “The Ian Bagg Show”. He’s added credits like NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”, CBS’s “Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn” and CBS’s “The Craig Ferguson Show”. He was able to be apart of a half hour comedy special, “A Comic’s Climb” from HBO and “Comedy Central Presents Ian Bagg." In love with the art of stand up, he was thrilled when The History Channel asked him to be a part of their special, “The History of the Joke”.

CITY: Chicago

Christopher Titus at UP Comedy

Employing what he’s labeled “hard funny,” Christopher Titus has released three comedy albums in as many years and has had three one-hour comedy specials on Comedy Central. After years of experimentation with dark and personal storytelling, he debuted his one-man show “Norman Rockwell is Bleeding” at the Hudson Theater in Los Angeles. It was from this performance that the dark comedy, “Titus,” was born on Fox. The show earned Titus a Writer’s Guild nomination as well as an Emmy nomination, and Newsday called him “TV’s most original voice since Seinfeld.” After watching Christopher Titus perform live, there is no doubt that he is one of the best comics working today. With the complete package of comedy, acting and writing, there hasn’t been someone like him in a long time.

CITY: Chicago

Loni Love at UP Comedy

Just how funny is comedian and actress Loni Love? Ask both Variety and Comedy Central, both of which have named her among their Top 10 Comics to Watch, or Campus Activity magazine, which honored her as its Hot Comic for 2009. Love is not only one of the most hilarious and lovable comics performing stand-up on the comedy club and college circuits but also a busy TV host, guest and actress who has also appeared in films and dramatic plays. Love starred in her own half-hour special for Comedy Central in 2007 and has also been seen on the channel’s “Premium Blend,” “Weekends at the DL” and “Chocolate News”. Her many television appearances include “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn,” “The Best Damn Sports Show Period”, VH1's “I Love the 70's/80's/90's,” “Vh1's The Great Debate” and “Comics Unleashed” among numerous others.

CITY: Chicago

Tony Rock at UP Comedy

American actor and stand-up comic Tony Rock, the younger brother of actor Chris Rock, grew up in Bedford-Stuyvesant, one of the toughest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. His first big break came when he booked some comedy gigs in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and soon after he was named one of the hot young talents to come out of New York in 'The Hollywood Reporter.' In April 2001, he starred in the pilot for the ABC series "Me and My Needs" and later he got a job hosting the short-lived game show "Can You Tell?" Tony has lent his voice to the show "Battle Bots," and he is best known for his role as Dirk Black in the CW series "All Of Us."

CITY: Chicago

Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove

Prestigious Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Designation. Athletes from around the world come to compete in the tour. Includes some of the richest pro cycling purses in the world. Food, exhibits, cycling vendors, & entertainment.

CITY: Elk Grove Village

Oak Brook Polo

Polo has been played for more than 80 years at the historic Oak Brook Polo Grounds and everyone is invited to come out and watch the exciting "game of kings!" Polo is an exciting team sport played on a large grass field. Players on horseback attempt to score by driving a small ball into the opposing team's goal using a long-handled wooden mallet. The Oak Brook Polo Club has six match dates scheduled for 2013.

CITY: Oak Brook

New Kids on the Block

Come out and see the New Kids on the Block perform live at Rosemont's Allstate Arena. Thursday, July 18th at 7:30 PM and Friday, July 19th at 7:30 PM.

CITY: Rosemont

The National Sports Collectors Convention 2013

Activities include VIP Reception, an Autograph Pavilion, hosted by Tristar Productions Inc, with 70+ athletes. Other activities to be announced. The National offers a full range of sports, entertainment and gaming cards and collectibles, toys, event-used equipment and sports & entertainment autographs. The event is open to the general public July 31-Aug 4, 2013.

CITY: Rosemont

Cody Simpson

Come out and see the amazing Cody Simpson, Australian pop singer from Gold Coast, Queensland, live at the Rosemont Theatre Friday, July 5th at 7 PM.

CITY: Rosemont

Taste of Lombard 2013

Celebrate summer fun and Independence Day with live music, family activities, great food, carnival, arts & crafts fair, and more. Don't miss the fireworks concert on July 4th at approximately 9:30pm.

CITY: Lombard

27th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games

Experience the best of Scotland without leaving Chicago at the 27th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games, June 14-15, 2013 at Hamilton Lakes in Itasca, Illinois. Highland Dance competition, Heavy Athletics, Rugby Exhibition, Friday Night Fling, crowning of the Heather Queen and Court and a Ceilidh (pronounced Kay-Lee), a lively celebration of traditional and contemporary Celtic music. Champion Supreme Piping and Drumming competition; Heavy Athletics U.S. Open Championship featuring traditional Scottish contests including the Caber Toss (flipping 20-foot, 140-pound tree trunk), the 22-pound Hammer Throw, the Sheaf Toss (flipping a bale of hay over a high bar) and the Clachnert (throwing a 16-pound river stone); Highland Dance competition; Rugby Sevens Highland Challenge; Coerver Cup 3v3 youth soccer tournament; Dogs of Scotland and other animal presentations; Genealogy and cultural exhibits; Parade of Clan Tartans; Children's activities including mini golf, crafts and carnival attractions; and attendee competitions including the Kilted Mile Fun Run/Walk, British Car Show, Haggis Hurling Contest for women, Knobbly Knees contest for men, Haggis Eating Contest and Shortbread Contest. Attendees will also enjoy musical performances on the Celtic Rock Stage, Whisky tastings and seminars, traditional Scottish or American cuisine and shopping in the Celtic Marketplace.

CITY: Itasca

Fountain Square

Now celebrating its 34th year, Fountain Square Art Festival is the largest and oldest fine arts fair on Chicago's majestic North Shore. Featuring the eclectic works of more than 225 juried artists, this sprawling art showcase epitomizes words like "cosmopolitan” and "sophistication." The festival takes place in downtown Evanston, just steps from the eponymous Fountain Square. It also features a popular children's art tent with fun activities overseen by the acclaimed Evanston Art Center, food, and a soothing jazz-centric music lineup.

CITY: Evanston

Fireworks at the MB Financial Park

Come out and enjoy a free fireworks show at the MB Financial Park in Rosemont. Starting 10 PM on June 6th, July 3rd & August 8th.

CITY: Rosemont

Wood Dale Prairie Fest

It's all about community pride when west suburban Wood Dale's popular "Prairie Fest" returns for its 11th year in 2013. Held at the DuPage County city's Town Square, the weekend kicks off with carnival rides and food vendors before three days of expanded activities. In addition to food, arts/craft vendors and the always-popular carnival, Prairie Fest features live music, kids' entertainers, bingo play and a fireworks display on Saturday night.

CITY: Wood Dale

Arlington Million

The Arlington Million brings together horses, owners, trainers, jockeys and fans from every corner of the world. Immerse yourself in the Arlington Million experience... history and tradition, special performances, fashionable apparel, and delectable cuisine.

CITY: Arlington Heights

Celtic Woman at Ravinia

This group of ladies have been described as being "Riverdance for the voice." The group has undertaken a number of world tours. Cumulatively, albums by Celtic Woman have sold over 6 million records worldwide. With such a variety of music and so much talent this is sure to be a great show.

CITY: Highland Park

American Idol

American Idol® Live! returns this summer for another hit tour to showcase the season's talented top Finalists. Come out see the contestants from American Idol perform live.

CITY: Rosemont

St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest

Put on your Lederhosen and get your stein ready for this popular Oktoberfest in Chicago's upscale West Lakeview neighborhood that's celebrating its 13th year in 2013. Attendees can enjoy traditional German foods, great beers, and enjoy an eclectic music lineup on both indoor and outdoor stages with local pop acts and traditional Bavarian bands. An added draw for kids and families is the popular "Kinderfest" on Sunday.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Aids Run & Walk

The 12th AIDS Run & Walk will take place in Chicago on Sunday, September 29, 2013. Since its inception in 2001, more than 20,000 participants, raising more than $3.5 million net, have converged in Grant Park to get moving against HIV/AIDS. Join the fight with thousands of others to help more than 36 AIDS service organizations!

CITY: Chicago

Fleetwood Mac

The Grammy Award-winning group rocked the world of music with the 1977 album, Rumours and on the record's 35th anniversary, they're celebrating with thousands of fans. Don't wait for your chance to hear Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famers, Fleetwood Mac LIVE at Allstate Arena on June 14th at 8pm.

CITY: Rosemont

North Halsted Halloween Parade

This iconic Halloween happening—now in its 17th year—is one of Chicago's largest celebrations of ghosts, goblins and costumes galore! Colorful and festive doesn't start to do justice to this iconic Halloween party that draws thousands of spectators of all ages who line the streets of Halsted to enjoy the evening's festivities. The parade receives widespread media coverage, and one of its highlights is the costume contest that draws scores of outrageously attired parade participants.

CITY: Chicago

Des Plaines Summer Fling

It's a weekend-long shindig for both the community and its neighbors when Des Plaines Summer Fling returns for its second year to the near-northwest suburb. Back again will be a non-stop music lineup, arts & craft vendors, kids' activities (including pony rides and a petting zoo), food vendors and carnival rides (which kick off the weekend early on Thursday, July 18). Among the music performers in 2012 are '60s/'70s pop legends the Ides of March featuring Jim Peterik and '70s pop/teen idol David Cassidy.

CITY: Des Plaines

Guinness Oyster Fest

Fresh & cooked oysters, great live music and—of course—great autumn beers combine to help kick off the unofficial start of fall at this acclaimed weekend festival held in Chicago’s trendy Roscoe Village neighborhood. Celebrating its 15th year in 2013, this popular fest also features an eclectic music lineup that includes several acclaimed Irish music acts.

CITY: Chicago

HRC Chicago Gala Dinner

The Chicago Gala is a night of excitement honoring HRC’s most significant allies, both inside and outside the LGBT community. It is also a chance to celebrate recent accomplishments and look at future goals that have yet to be conquered. The Chicago Gala is the Human Rights Campaigns’ largest fundraiser in the Midwest, and directly contributes to the work they are doing locally and nationwide.

CITY: Chicago

Roscoe Village Burger Fest

Now celebrating its fourth year, this fest has tapped a new level of popularity among the public for Chicago summer festivals! The crowds are large, the music first-class, and the showcase vendors are among the most acclaimed restaurants and burger hot spots in the city!

CITY: Chicago

Festival de La Villita

The largest celebration of Mexican heritage and culture in the Midwest takes place in the heart of Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. Celebrating its 24th year in 2013, Festival de La Villita (aka Little Village Festival) is a grand community gala that officially commemorates Mexico's independence from Spanish rule. And on Sunday, the crowds get even bigger as the festival is the end location of the 26th Street Parade—one of the largest in the city.

CITY: Chicago

Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival

The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival presented by MasterCard is all about celebrating the world-class Magnificent Mile shopping experience. Shopping Festival attendees receive VIP treatment with exclusive in-store offers and events, celebrity appearances, fashion shows, culinary celebrations, outdoor concerts, fabulous hotel packages, special perks for MasterCard cardholders and much more. The Shopping Festival is the perfect opportunity to book an end-of-summer getaway to The Magnificent Mile to enjoy an unforgettable lineup of events.

CITY: Chicago

Wizard World Chicago Comic Con at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

THURSDAY-FRIDAY-SATURDAY-SUNDAY, AUGUST 8-9-10-11, 2013 Show Hours: Thursday, August 8, 2013 - 12 NOON - 8pm Friday, August 9, 2013 - 12 NOON - 8pm Saturday, August 10, 2013 - 10am - 7pm Sunday, August 11, 2013 - 10am - 5pm All full-price attendees will receive a limited-edition, exclusive cover variant of The Walking Dead #1 by TBD! Artist will be on hand to sign. Extremely limited quantities are available to fans only while supplies last! **Children 10 and under get in FREE when accompanied by a paid adult (Limit 2 Per Paid Adult Tickets). All show tickets will be e-mailed AND available as a pdf file after purchase.**

CITY: Rosemont

Taste of Latin America

This truly unique food festival, celebrating its second year is 2013, will be a gala weekend celebration all things Central and South American! Eclectic international cuisine, live music, arts & crafts and much more will be part of this festival's mix that showcases a rich multi-country heritage and Latin culture.

CITY: Chicago

Alexian Brothers Tour of Elk Grove

This 8th annual cycling event in northwest suburban Elk Grove Village will again draw large crowds over its 3-day run as it offers up one of the largest cash purses for cycling in North America. In addition to top-name international and domestic riders, the event (sanctioned by the International Cycling Union!) attracts thousands spectators from upscale local residents to Midwest sports enthusiasts as well as families and children. The event is also rebroadcast on Comcast Sports Net both locally and nationally.

CITY: Elk Grove Village

Port Authority

Acclaimed playwright Conor McPherson (The Seafarer, Shining City, Dublin Carol) crafts a series of interconnected monologues that explore the heart and soul of three generations of Irishmen. A young man escapes his parents’ house to share digs with two alcohol-soaked friends and a mesmerizing young woman; a middle-aged laborer lands a dream job that he’s not remotely qualified for; and a widower receives a mysterious package that touches a hidden part of his memory. The lightly interlocking stories of these three men at three different stages of life weave together a tale that is both spirited and moving in its portrait of ordinary lives. Directed by Writers’ Theatre favorite William Brown (A Little Night Music, Heartbreak House), Port Authority revels in the rough lyricism of McPherson’s language and the poignancy of these stories of lost love, big dreams and the consequences of even our smallest choices.

CITY: Glencoe

World Environment Day

Support your local planet: a day to take action. Conservation is a big term that covers a lot of ground: that’s why Chicago Botanic Garden set aside a full day to explore conservation and sustainability on World Environment Day, Saturday, June 1. It’s a day to learn about topics large and small, from climate change to backyard composting.

CITY: Glencoe

Sting at Ravinia

Tickets go on sale in the spring for this don't-want-to-miss show. As a solo musician and member of The Police, Sting has received 16 Grammy Awards for his work, three Brit Awards, winning Best British Male in 1994, a Golden Globe, an Emmy Award, and several Oscar nominations for Best Original Song. He is a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

CITY: Highland Park

Proud to Run 5k & 10k

Proud To Run is a 10K run, 5K run or walk that celebrates LGBT pride during Chicago's Pride weekend. Proud To Run 2013 will raise funds for TPAN, The Night Ministry, and LINKS- Pride Youth Program. It is presented in association with Frontrunners Chicago. This will be the 32nd annual event.

CITY: Chicago

Chinatown Summer Fair

This iconic annual celebration is one of the most ethnically unique outdoor events in the Midwest. Attracting tens of thousands from throughout the region, Chinatown Summer Fair is a true celebration of Far East beauty and culture including food, art and music. Visitors will be amazed by the Lion Dance Procession as well as classical Chinese dance and martial arts demonstrations. There's also Old and New World music acts, kids' activities, artisans, authentic cuisine from neighborhood restaurants and much more.

CITY: Chicago

Taste of Lincoln Avenue

One of the city's largest and most popular summer celebrations, Taste of Lincoln Avenue will be celebrating its BIG 30th in 2013! This iconic event takes place over six city blocks and boasts four music stages, food, a one-block long kids' area, the Lill Street Craft Fair and lots more! Located on N. Lincoln Ave between Fullerton & Wrightwood.

CITY: Chicago

The Old Man and The Old Moon

Writers’ Theatre will open its 2013-2014 Season with the Midwest Premiere of The Old Man and The Old Moon, A New Play With Music by PigPen Theatre Co., directed by Associate Artistic Director Stuart Carden and PigPen Theatre Co. The Old Man and the Old Moon creates an epic new mythology, centered on a man whose job is to collect spilled light to refill the leaking moon. When his wife unexpectedly leaves home in pursuit of much-needed adventure, he abandons his post to follow her, throwing the world into chaos as he searches for his lost love, his fading memory and, ultimately, himself. A blend of resonant storytelling, spirited indie-folk music and inventive puppetry creates a theatrical experience that will win audiences over with its wit, style and depth of emotion. Writers’ Theatre is thrilled to collaborate with the young men of PigPen Theatre Co., who bring the story of The Old Man and the Old Moon to such brilliant, vibrant life that its New York production earned a coveted spot on multiple “Best of the Year” lists.

CITY: Glencoe

The Inside Art Show

A select group of artists showcase their artwork at the festival, which takes place indoors at the Highland Park Country Club located 1201 Park Ave West in Highland Park, just before Thanksgiving. Artwork of all mediums is welcome, with an emphasis on fine art for the home and jewelry for holiday gift giving. Come and enjoy the show Friday from 4pm-8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm. Admission and parking are free.

CITY: Highland Park

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

December 18th & 19th December 26th - 31st January 1st 4-9pm Start a new family tradition at Chicagoland's largest light festival featuring over 120 animated light displays and million twinkling lights. Come celebrate the holiday season with family and friends during Brookfield Zoos 29th annual Holiday Magic. Enjoy live entertainment, amazing animals, model trains and a train ride, special Dolphin Show, Sing to the Animals and professional ice carvers. Call or visit website for more info.

CITY: Brookfield

Lansing Autumn Festival

Join us for this annual event where we bring the "hometown back to downtown!" Invite your family & friends! Oktoberfest: A family-friendly event. Friday: brats, burgers, beer & bands; Saturday & Sunday: arts & crafts, bands, bingo, car show, children's activities, food vendors, hayrides & more. For more information or to be a sponsor or vendor, contact: Lansing autumn fest committee, P.O. Box 176, Lansing, IL 60438; lansingautumnfest@comcast.net

CITY: Lansing

Out at Wrigley

The nation's largest annual LGBT sporting event is growing even more this year, adding a special prize for a finalist of the annual national anthem contest and adding the induction of the new National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame to create a weekend-long LGBT sports event. The weekend kicks off at the Center on Halsted at 6:00 on Friday, August 2nd.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Botanic Garden- Weekend Family Classes

Together, adults and children can explore cool things about how plants connect to science, art, history, and culture. Each program includes a variety of hands-on activities and projects, as well as opportunities to bring the Garden home. Programs run from November through April on Saturdays.

CITY: Glencoe

The Liar

Writers’ Theatre concludes its 2012-2013 Season with The Liar, by David Ives, sdapted from the comedy by Pierre Corneille, and directed by William Brown. Hours after arriving in Paris, charismatic scoundrel Dorante is smitten by a pair of comely young ladies and confounded by a case of mistaken identity. Not to worry, Dorante is handsome, charming—and a pathological liar. He wins admirers wherever he goes…so long as he never has to tell the truth! Misunderstandings, secret agendas, and witty wordplay abound in this ingenious and irreverent update of a classic French romp.

CITY: Glencoe

Backlot Bash

Back Lot Bash is the hottest, most rockin’ and most attended outdoor women’s festival taking place every Pride Weekend in Chicago. Each day showcases a different mix of music and entertainment for the entire community.

CITY: Chicago

Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Ravinia

Tickets are on sale now for the highly anticipated return of the 360-voice Mormon Tabernacle Choir, joined by the Orchestra at Temple Square. This is only the second Ravinia appearance of the group Ronald Reagan dubbed Americas choir, which sold out its debut performance at the festival in 2007. Reserved pavilion seats to the June 15 concert are $95, each and lawn tickets are $17.

CITY: Highland Park

Hamlet

What do you get when you combine the ghost of a murdered king, his ambitious brother-in-law, a betrayed lover, and a prince hell-bent on revenge? Hamlet. Come celebrate the tenth anniversary of Moraine Valley's "Shakespeare Under the Stars" with our ambitious and creative interpretation of Shakespeare's masterpiece. Bring your picnic dinner and beach chairs to the Gateway Arch and experience our production of what many critics believe to be the greatest play ever written. Free admission. Thursday, August 1-Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013.

CITY: Palos Hills

Highwood Last Call Art Fair

All of the artwork featured at this outdoor festival will be high quality and affordable. This festival gives art lovers the opportunity to purchase extraordinary pieces of all kinds at end-of-season discounted prices. The fair is located along Sheridan Road, the main downtown street near all the great restaurants. There will be free hands on art projects for children. In addition to great art at great prices, the festival features live music all weekend long. Delicious food from local restaurants will be available for festival-goers to enjoy while perusing and purchasing artwork. Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm. Free admission.

CITY: Highwood

Moraine Chorale and Chamber Singers-Summer Patriotic Concert

The Moraine Chorale celebrates its 15th season performing five themed concerts, including Broadway music, operatic, patriotic, and holiday selections with a small chamber orchestra. The Chorale is a community-based choir with more than 60 members. The Chamber Singers is an ensemble featuring Moraine Valley students.

CITY: Palos Hills

Highland Park's Art Center's Festival of Fine Craft

The Highland Park Festival of Fine Craft is a two-day outdoor celebration of the visual arts. A longstanding community tradition, the Festival of Fine Craft attracts a loyal audience of art lovers who patron the show annually. Hosted on the beautiful tree lined streets of Downtown Highland Park, the show emphasizes fine craft including glass, wood, ceramics, fiber, jewelry and more. Fun art activities for children and families, as well as live entertainment and tasty festival treats. Art enthusiasts will get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making these masterpieces with live art demos taking place all weekend long. Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm and admission is free.

CITY: Highland Park

Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm

You'll experience hours of enjoyment including a relaxing tractor pulled hayrack ride, pumpkins of course, a completely animated haunted barn and a giggling animated fun barn, the famous action packed pig races (running 10x a day on the 1/2 hour), an adorable petting & feeding zoo, the giant crazy corn maizey and pony rides. Enjoy a variety of entertaining animation throughout the barnyard and farm.

CITY: Homer Glen

Hello, Dolly!

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - Hello, Dolly! has become one of the most enduring musical theater hits, enjoying three Broadway revivals and international success that included being made into the film that was nominated for seven Academy Awards. Hello, Dolly! is the story of turn-of-the-century widowed matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi, who, after cunningly negotiating marriages for others through a series of comic romantic entanglements, ultimately finds her own match. Hello, Dolly! is a magical piece of musical theater filled with memorable songs such as "Put On Your Sunday Clothes," "Before the Parade Passes By," and "It Only Takes A Moment." Show-stopping dance numbers like "Dancing" and "The Waiter's Gallop" are combined with beautiful turn-of-the-century costumes to create a musical the whole family will enjoy.

CITY: Oakbrook Terrace

Chicago Pride Parade

The Chicago 44th Annual Pride Parade will showcase GLBT Pride with over 850,000 participants and spectators.The parade contains over 200 registered entries that includes floats, decorated vehicles, marching bands and walking groups.

CITY: Chicago

The Silent Language

The Silent Language, a U.S. premiere, by Serbian playwright Miodrag Stanisavljevic, translated by Zoran Paunovic, is a highly musical and darkly comedic fairy tale. Written in the 1981, The Silent Language is an adaptation of an old Serbian folk tale originally called Nemusti Jezik. It follows the journey of a young village servant named Poor Gasho as he gains the ability to understand the “the silent language.” As defined in this story, it is the language that only animals can speak and understand. On a larger scale, the script also speaks to the things we see and hear in everyday life, but fail to recognize due to our inabilities to listen and focus on details.

CITY: Chicago

Northhalsted Market Days

Held on four blocks in one of Chicago's most popular year-round neighborhoods for both city residents and visitors, Northalsted Market Days® is the Midwest's largest two-day street festival. Featuring top-name entertainment, food and vendors galore.

CITY: Chicago

Pal Joey

Pal Joey, the O’Hara, Rodgers & Hart masterpiece introduced the world to the first anti-hero to propel a musical; featuring one of the greatest American musical scores including “I Could Write a Book,” “You Mustn’t Kick it Around,” “Zip” and “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.” The story, based on the book by The New Yorker columnist John O’Hara, focuses on the dirty deeds done by the charming cad Joey Evans. Starting a new job at a seedy south side Chicago nightclub, Joey is soon juggling the affections of a naive shop girl and a wealthy society dame who is also married. Once Joey has charmed the socialite into setting him up in his own joint, Chez Joey, he ditches the shop girl and is riding high, playing the big-time operator. However, life for Joey is never easy and when he is threatened with his affair being leaked to the socialite’s husband his glamorous world is turned upside down.

CITY: Chicago

Measure for Measure

The Saint Sebastian Players offer a new take on a classic, producing William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, set in the 1970s southern United States. In Measure for Measure, the Duke empowers Lord Angelo to rule in his place while he purports to leave on a journey but secretly investigates the moral decay of his dukedom, disguised as a friar. Resorting to an old law against fornication to enforce his strict standards of morality, Angelo proceeds to condemn fornicators to death. The first of these is Claudio, a young man who has made his fiancée pregnant. Claudio’s sister Isabella, who is about to take her vows as a nun, pleads for her brother’s life. Angelo uses his power to try to blackmail Isabella into his bed, leaving the pious young woman with an impossible choice: uphold her commitment to chastity or commit a serious sin to save her brother’s life. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

CITY: Chicago

Ravinia Festival 2013

Another exciting year of entertainment at the Ravinia Festival. With a variety of performances, there is something for everyone. Choose from artists like Journey, Sheryl Crow, Alabama, Seal, Tony Bennett, Steely Dan, BoDeans, Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty and many more. Please visit our website for a complete schedule and to purchase tickets. Bring a picnic or pick up a complete picnic spread at one of the on-site restaurants or kiosks and sit back and enjoy the show.

CITY: Highland Park

Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival

The Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival is returning to the Garden. Guests can stroll and shop among the 80 juried artists on the Esplanade who will be selling photography, paintings, ceramics, cement, metal, fiber, wood, jewelry, and much more, all with a botanic theme or made from plant materials. Artists will give interactive demonstrations and booth chats throughout the weekend. Also featured at the Art Festival will be family activities. Admission is free, regular parking fees apply.

CITY: Glencoe

The Three Musketeers

In pursuit of his dream of becoming a Musketeer, young d’Artagnan travels to Paris, where he befriends the legendary Three Inseparables: Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. His acts of bravery catch the eye of King Louis XIII, but ensnare d’Artagnan in the deadly schemes of Cardinal Richelieu and the beautiful, yet depraved, Milady Clarik. When Constance, the love of his life, is kidnapped on the eve of war, d’Artagnan must weigh his loyalties to king and country, comrades-in-arms, and the callings of his heart. Journey from Paris to London, from countryside taverns to glittering palaces, from a humble Gascon farm to the siege of La Rochelle, in an epic tale of passion, intrigue, and adventure.

CITY: Chicago

Yellow Moon

Writers’ Theatre continues its season with Yellow Moon, by David Greig and directed by Associate Artistic Director Stuart Carden. This is the ballad of Leila and Lee—a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde who learn that they aren’t alone in the world the night that they discover each other. Their wild ramble across the Scottish highlands in search of an absent father is told in a series of lyrical narratives that will immerse audiences in the action, forging a breathless drama of beauty in the darkness.

CITY: Glencoe

Fight Girl Battle World

From the team that brought you the hit production of Nguyen’s Soul Samurai, comes an action-packed sci-fi saga that blends video projection, puppetry, stage combat, parody and much more into one delicious mix. Set in a futuristic universe where humanity is nearly non-existent, Fight Girl revolves around E-V, a hardnosed prizefighter and the last known female human in the galaxy as she battles to survive. Produced by InFusion Theatre Co.

CITY: Chicago

The Electric Baby

When a young man is killed in a car accident, a group of fractured souls come together to care for a magical glowing baby. Folk tales and folklore weave throughout this story of sad endings, strange beginnings and the unlikely people that get you from one place to the next. This powerful and moving new play received it’s world premiere last spring at Pittsburgh’s Quantam Theatre and was hailed by the critics as “Enthralling” “Eloquent” And “Glowing.”

CITY: Chicago

Next to Normal

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - We are honored to present the regional premiere of Next To Normal, one of only eight musicals in history to win the Pulitzer Prize for drama. This riveting story is an intricate dissection of a "normal" American family. Driven by an incredible score (which won Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations) the narrative burrows into family secrets long since buried. This is a musical that asks the question: Can the seemingly perfect family survive an insurmountable event and tender the untenable. A story whose mere description would destroy it. See it before anyone reveals its secrets. Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey and Music by Tom Kitt.

CITY: Oakbrook Terrace

Tea with Edie and Fitz

From Dead Writer’s Playwright in Residence Adam Pasen, Tea with Edie and Fitz chronicles the tempestuous meeting of literary icons Edith Wharton and F. Scott Fitzgerald at her estate for tea in the 1920s. In scenes that jump backward and forward chronologically and span the entire globe (from glittering, expatriate Paris to roaring post-WWI Manhattan), the play examines the lives of two authors at the height of their powers and imagines what may have happened in that meeting that led them to never speak again. Particular attention is paid to their relationships with their equally legendary partners: Fitzgerald and his beautiful and troubled Southern wife, Zelda, and Wharton with the ghost of her mentor and longtime companion Henry James. Tea with Edie and Fitz calls into question themes of gender, sanity, time, the purpose of art and the nature of love and loss.

CITY: Chicago

Andersonville Midsommarfest

Midsommarfest is Andersonville's annual summer street festival, now entering its 48th year. Each year, nearly 50,000 people throng Clark Street from Foster to Catalpa for two days of music, dancing, kids' entertainment, and delicious food. Vendors from around the region sell their wares to passers-by, while ethnic dance troupes and cutting-edge bands keep the party going.

CITY: Chicago

Homewood Railroad Heritage Days – Railfest

This year, the 10th annual Railroad Heritage Days will be Sunday, May 19. In addition to the vendors, layouts and equipment display, “Lil Obie” from Canadian National will be giving rides to kids of all ages.

CITY: Homewood

Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light

Christmas Around the World began in 1942 as a United Nations Day salute to American allies during the war, is now in its 69th year. The exhibit features more than 60 dazzling trees and displays that are decorated by members of Chicago's ethnic communities to reflect holiday customs from around the world. Holidays of Light showcases various global holidays that celebrate light or enlightenment such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali. Festivities include ethnic dancing and singing, storytellers, and school choir performances.

CITY: Chicago

Lascivious Something

On a secluded Greek island, an American ex-pat pursues his passions: winemaking and his breathtaking young wife. Then, on the eve of Ronald Reagan’s presidential inauguration, the first tasting of the new wine is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of August’s former lover. Inspired by Greek tragedy, Lascivious Something combines evocative language with sympathetic yet deeply flawed characters straight out of Euripides.

CITY: Chicago

Creditors

Before The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, before Ingmar Bergman, before even the phrase "Swedish noir," came Creditors, a sexy, twisting tale of psychological manipulation and revenge. Strindberg saw the play as comedy, but it is humor as dark as midwinter Sweden.

CITY: Chicago

Collected Stories

Pulitzer Prize winner Donald Margulies confronts the themes of competition and intellectual property in Collected Stories. Using 2010’s Broadway version of the script, a mentor and her protégée battle in this 80-minute two character tour-de-force co-directed by Mary Ann Thebus and her daughter Steppenwolf Artistic Associate Jessica Thebus, in their first collaboration as co-directors. Featuring ABT Ensemble members Carmen Roman and Gwendolyn Whiteside.

CITY: Chicago

Girlfriend

On the roller coaster ride toward functional adulthood, where change seems to be the only constant, it's good to know you can always trust your best girlfriend. Right? In this world-premiere comedy by Keely Flynn, directed by 20% Company Member Amy Buckler, join Anna and Caro as they navigate the ups and downs of being a twenty-something in the Chicago theatre world.

CITY: Chicago

Improv All-Stars

See Chicago’s finest improvisers under the direction of the legendary Mick Napier in an evening of unscripted and unequaled improvisational comedy. This show is highly interactive, hilarious and thoroughly original. The Chicago Tribune calls it "a slick and entertaining show!" Mondays at 8pm.

CITY: Chicago

The Chicagoland Home Remodeling Expo

At the Chicagoland Home Remodeling Expo, homeowners can see exhibits and top professional reps from some the best known local and national home improvement and landscaping companies. It's a great event for the whole family, focusing on presentations and creating an excellent experience for customers. Families can have fun with give-aways, prizes, special events, get great food - while homeowners discover new ideas and get inspiration for turning their house into a dream home.

CITY: Villa Park

Big Love

The term “battle of the sexes” gets a whole new meaning when a group of brides-to-be on the run from the altar face down their jilted grooms at an Italian villa. Strawdog Artistic Associate Matt Hawkins, director of The House Theatre’s Cyrano and Strawdog’s award winning smash hit Red Noses returns (triumphantly) to the mainstage with Mee’s poetic, madcap riff on love, violence and gender roles. Produced by the Strawdog Theatre Company.

CITY: Chicago

What The Tour Guide Didn't Tell You: A Chicago Revue

The Second City does The Second City in this hilarious hometown revue that pulls from 52 years of classic scenes and songs that lovingly make fun of the city we call home. Whether its wholesale political corruption or a hapless ball club on the north side of town, "What the Tour Guide Didn't Tell You" is a great way to get a laugh filled look at the Windy City. Tuesdays at 8pm. Saturday & Sundays at 4pm.

CITY: Chicago

Lollapalooza

Join thousands of music fans in Chicago’s Grant Park for the summer’s biggest music festival. This three-day gathering features 70 acts on five stages, giving you a chance to see everything from hip hop and heavy metal to punk and alternative rock.

CITY: Chicago

Boo! at the Zoo

Halloween fun awaits families at Brookfield Zoo’s annual Boo! at the Zoo celebration. The popular daytime event, presented by Fisher-Price, features a Costume Parade, Costume Showcase, professional pumpkin-carving demonstrations, not-so-scary games and activities, special animal Zoo Chats, and haunted hayrides. For more information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000.

CITY: Brookfield

Night of the Iguana

A spiritually-lost reverend battles to save himself amid the denizens of a dilapidated Mexican hotel. Caught between the women who tempt and taunt him, Shannon faces his own personal Gesthemane during the dark tropical night where everyone learns exactly what happens when you come to the end of your rope. Performance times: Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sundays at 3 pm

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Pride Fest

It's all about GLBT pride at Chicago Pride Fest®! One week before Chicago's iconic Pride Parade on June 30 – this festive two-day event marks the first official party of summer. Hosted by the Northalsted Business Alliance,this crowd-pleasing gay and lesbian celebration of community pride showcases an eclectic lineup of arts and crafts, food and other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages with one dedicated to some of Chicago's fine performers in the gay community. Stay tuned for this year's stage lineup!

CITY: Chicago

Gaelic Park Irish Fest

Irish Fest brings together the best in Irish music from America, Canada and Europe. In addition to all of the music, there will be Irish sports, dancing, theater & story-telling, a petting zoo, Irish dogs and ponies, and Irish import stories. For the little people, there are magicians, puppets, jugglers, and clowns, and most importantly, unlimited carnival rides are included in the admission price in addition to free parking.

CITY: Oak Forest

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights

Enter a winter wonderland illuminated by the laughter of children and more than one million lights at Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Charter One. This holiday classic has become one of the Windy City’s must-see seasonal events. Watch live ice carving then escape Jack Frost with an exotic trip past crocodiles, pygmy hippos and meerkats at the Regenstein African Journey. Animal exhibits stay open late as guests roam taking in the lights, music and taking photos with Santa. Prepare holiday crafts and enjoy the zoo’s incredible animals immersed in an atmosphere unlike any other.

CITY: Chicago

Christkindlmarket

The Christkindlmarket is a four-week, open-air market modeled after the famous Nuremberg Christmas market dating back to 1545. The market offers shopping opportunities and serves as a winter wonderland meeting place for family and friends. Plus, enjoy German delicacies like brats, goulash and potato pancakes while you’re there.

CITY: Chicago

EXPO CHICAGO

Set to occur on Chicago's historic Navy Pier, Expo Chicago - the inaugural international exposition of contemporary & modern art.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago White Sox Opening Day

Celebrate the unofficial start to spring with the Chicago White Sox home opener against the Kansas City Royals. First pitch is at 3:10pm at US Cellular Field.

CITY: Chicago

Smokey Joe’s Café – The Songs of Leiber and Stoller

Smokey Joe’s Café, originally presented, in it’s pre-Broadway engagement as Baby That’s Rock n Roll, the Songs of Leiber and Stoller at The Royal George Theatre in 1994, returns to its roots at The Royal George with the 2012 critically acclaimed Theo Ubique Cabaret production. The original Broadway presentation had a successful five-year run with 2,036 performances at the Virginia Theatre. Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, as much as anyone, virtually invented rock ‘n’ roll, and now their songs provide the basis for an electrifying entertainment that illuminates a golden age of American culture. Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre’s Smokey Joe’s Café – The Songs of Leiber and Stoller’s features nearly 40 of the greatest songs ever recorded, covering the classic themes of love won, lost and imagined blend with hilarious set-pieces and slice-of-life emotions, such as “Hound Dog,” “Love Potion #9,” “Yakety Yak,” “Charlie Brown,” and “Jailhouse Rock,” and with a cast of nine plus a four piece band, the return of this hit production is sure to bring sold out crowds to their feet once again.

CITY: Chicago

Red, White & BBQ Festival

A weekend of tasty barbecue, music and fun at Ty Warner Park in Westmont. Start off the summer with great food, live music, and an all-ages carnival, and observe some of the best BBQ experts compete to win prize money, learn BBQ tips, and enjoy Ty Warner Park!

CITY: Westmont

Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity

Were the Impressionists fashionistas? At a time in France when designers like Charles Frederick Worth changed how clothing was made and marketed into the first manifestations of the modern fashion industry, artists were using fashion to communicate modernity as an idea. The Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity exhibit at The Art Institute of Chicago covers this period between the 1860s and 1880s that saw not only the rise of the department store and the proliferation of fashion magazines but also serious interests among an artistic and literary elite in the ephemeral and constantly innovative qualities of fashion as a means of discovering new visual and verbal expressions.

CITY: Chicago

Annoyance House Ensemble in Fire & Beer

Cast and directed by Mick Napier, the Annoyance House Ensemble is a collection of some of the best emerging talent in Chicago. Friday nights at 10 pm. Admission is $10.

CITY: Chicago

Daley Plaza Farmers Market

The Daley Plaza Farmers Market offers fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods and other items every Thursday from May 24th until October 18th. Every Thursday, 7 am - 3 pm.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Cubs Opening Day

Celebrate the unofficial start to spring with the Chicago Cubs home opener against the Milwaukee Brewers. First pitch is at 1:20pm at the historic Wrigley Field.

CITY: Chicago

TNT (Tuesday Night Thing)

An Explosion of Improv Talent! You want to see some of the best of the best improvisers in the city of Chicago, in one night, in one place in one show?? THIS IS IT. Seriously. You don't get much better than these folks... Tuesday nights at 9:30pm. Admission is $8.

CITY: Chicago

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Kick off the holiday season and create your special memories on The Magnificent Mile in 2013! The BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, the nation’s largest evening holiday celebration, jump starts the holiday season on Saturday, November 23 with a full day of family friendly activities, concerts by top musical artists and the best holiday shopping. The day’s excitement culminates with a grand evening parade down Michigan Avenue marshaled by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, illuminating one million lights on 200 trees. The parade concludes with a grand finale fireworks show over the Chicago River.

CITY: Chicago

Boeing, Boeing

Boeing, Boeing was revived in 2007 after an undeniably successful seven-year run in the West End. The Wall Street Journal hailed Boeing-Boeing as one of "the funniest plays to hit Broadway in ages" and The Daily Telegraph said it was "the funniest show on the London stage." This charming revival focuses on Bernard, a jet setting architect living in Paris. He has been successfully juggling three flight attendant fiancés with the help of his reluctant housekeeper who keeps track of everyone's comings and goings. Mayhem follows soon after the arrival of an old college pal as flights are delayed, schedules change and chaos ensues. The laughs come fast and furious when Bernard finds himself struggling to keep up with his overwhelming amorous lies. Audiences will have to fasten their seat belts for a roaring ride that will take them up, up and away!

CITY: Oakbrook Terrace