2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Summer arts 2025: All you need to know for movies, concerts, food festivals and more
Here are all of the Tribune's guides and critics' picks for summer 2025. Our writers and critics make their Top 10 lists and recommendations for this season's TV, movies, music, theater, books, dance events, concerts, food festivals and more.
What's on Chicago stages this summer? Our list also includes 'Billie Jean' at Chicago Shakespeare and a new play by Kristofer Diaz. Read more from Chris Jones here.
Experiences, not exhibitions, are coaxing folks off their couches and into cultural institutions. Read more from Hannah Edgar here.
The Art Institute has a big summer show on Gustave Caillebotte, the Intuit Art Museum has reopened and 'The First Homosexuals' at Wrightwood 659 is not to be missed. That's just for starters. Read more from Lori Waxman here.
A look at 15 shows on tap in the summer months, when streaming is your best bet for new and returning series. Read more from Nina Metz here.
A new 'Superman,' a new 'Jurassic Park' sequel, plus a few genuinely new un-franchised hopefuls fill the summer 2025 movie calendar. Read more from Michael Phillips here.
Chicago summer looks to be as busy as ever, with classical and jazz programming packed with blockbusters. Read more from Hannah Edgar here.
There's also Cerqua Rivera, a weekend for emerging choreographers and the annual Dance for Life gala. Most of our selections are indoors, though you can find dance in the open air. Read more from Lauren Warnecke here.
'Someday, when I open a bookstore and the big bucks roll in, I'll display titles in narrow categories, ensuring no one finds anything and has to wander,' Christopher Borrelli writes. 'This summer survey will be my trial run.' Read more here.
Our picks for live music have the boldface names — Beyoncé, AC/DC, Lady Gaga and Oasis — as well as club dates and music festivals. Read the full list here.
Festivals are one of the best parts of summer in Chicago, ranging from blowout concerts to small neighborhood parties. Read more from Samantha Nelson here.
The Tribune Food team dives into patios across the city that are worth exploring, from recently opened spots to patios featuring pizza under sparkling lights. Read the full list here.
