Featured Events in Chicago in May, 2025 (July 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.”

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.

Juliana Góngora Rojas is a Colombian sculptor who engages with organic materials, such as soil, salt, stones, or spider threads. Interested in establishing networks of community and spiritual exchange, Góngora collaborates with artisans, farmers, and Indigenous communities in works that emphasize the importance of ordinary materials and daily actions, as well as the ties that intimately bind human beings with nature.

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.

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.

Explore Chicago Cubs v San Francisco Giants sporting information for 6th May, 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 National League0 division. The team has a rich history, making their debut in the National League1 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 National League1 teams, the Chicago Cubs continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the league. The San Francisco Giants are a professional baseball team based in San Francisco, California. They compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the National League (NL) West division. The Giants have a rich history, as they were founded in 1883 as the New York Gothams before moving to San Francisco in 1958. They have won eight World Series championships, the most recent being in 2014. The Giants also have numerous NL pennants and Wild Card berths under their belt. Their home stadium is AT&T Park, which has been named one of the best ballparks in the country. The team boasts top players such as Buster Posey, Madison Bumgarner, and Brandon Crawford, who have all contributed to the team's success both on and off the field. The Giants have a loyal and passionate fan base, making attending a game at AT&T Park a must for any baseball fan. Information Source: fixturecalendar.com

Explore the cruising ground and locations of infamous crimes committed by the killer clown John Wayne Gacy. This tour is not intended to immortalize John Gacy,but to keep the memory of his victims alive. Information Source: Tony Szabelski | eventbrite

Experience the magic of Beyoncé live in concert at the highly anticipated COWBOY CARTER TOUR, coming to Soldier Field in Chicago on May 15, 2025. The iconic venue located at 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive will be the perfect setting for this unforgettable event. Don't miss your chance to witness one of the greatest performers of our time in a night filled with incredible music and entertainment. Mark your calendars and secure your tickets for Beyoncé's COWBOY CARTER TOUR in Chicago.

Beyoncé Chicago is set to be an unforgettable event, taking place at the renowned Soldier Field Stadium in Chicago, IL, on May 17, 2025, at 19:00. This highly anticipated concert promises to deliver an electrifying performance by the global superstar, Beyoncé. Fans can expect an evening filled with her greatest hits, captivating choreography, and state-of-the-art production. With ticket prices ranging from $76 to $321, attendees will have the opportunity to experience a night of unparalleled entertainment in one of Chicago's most iconic venues. Soldier Field Stadium, known for hosting major events, provides the perfect backdrop for this spectacular show. Beyoncé Chicago is not just a concert; it's an event that will leave a lasting impression on all who attend.

Artistic Alphabet Mafia presents The Big Gay Animation fest This event is intended to be a celebration of the art of animation and the amazing . With cohosts/dear friends of the mafia Building press, cold boy brews, and rookery interactive this event will feature a screening with artist from across the country and fun animation themed crafts. Entry Cost / Free Ticket Promo Code:Tickets are pay-what-you-can at $5, $10, $15, $20, or $30. The promo code for free tickets is LoonyToony and can be used by anyone who needs it, as we never want ticket cost to be a barrier to attending.we ask those who are able to cover the full price cost of their ticket to contribute their fair share ($20) or, better yet, help subsidize tickets for others ($30: your ticket + half of someone else's). Schedule/activities/vendors Event will be held from 4:30-7pm at Color club/lotsa screening will take place from 4:30-7pm after wards crafting will continue at lotsa until 9 with attendees will be expected to leave color club after 7pm Activities -queer focused animation screen -Zoetrope making -bouncing ball/walk cycle drawing -cartoon character block printing -play the early access demo of “a good night rest” a queer, disabled, and woman made game project with a focus on mental health management -grab a slice of pie from bang bang pie and biscuits Event schedule and space layout Color club -animation screening area on 1st floor Lotsa fun gallery-animation craft area The Venue / Accessibility: Color club is an ADA wheelchair accessible venue and the screening will be hosted on the first floor. Please note that lotsa’s bathrooms are not wheelchair accessible but color clubs are. -virtual livestream of open mic and digital pdfs of workshop materials will be available after the event -no strobe lights during the screening -a wristband system to opt out of being photographed Age requirements. This will be an 18 plus event unless you are attending with a parent or guardian . With that being said we still encourage queer youth to attend and most activities will be accessible to younger audiences and no alcohol will be present on site. COVID-19 precautions:This is a mask-required event.Guests who are able to wear a well-fitted respirator (N95, KN95, KF94 or equivalent) should do so at all times when inside Haymarket House. Free high-quality masks will be available at check-in. Guests will be permitted to temporarily remove their respirators in the outside space to eat, drink, or take a quick mask break. we ask our community to distance themselves as much as possible and to participate in reciprocal masking when in close proximity to others who are themselves wearing a respirator. We also ask to take a Covid test prior to the event. Air purification: Multiple HEPA air purifiers for large spaces will be provided by Clean Air Club. What to bring:Extra respirators (K/N95 or equivalent) Extra clothes to block print on Good loony toony vibes A note: those registering for and attending this event may have their photo/video taken for our socials and future content. If you wish to opt out of this, please notify an organizer at check-in. Your hosts:Artistic Alphabet Mafia: the official silliest queer arts org in chicago with a focus on providing accessible, affordable, sober, and fun creative spaces for local queer people. Cold boy press Cold Boy Press is run by Bridget Bilbo (they/them), a local queer organizer from Chicago. Publishing the anthology zine 'Cloudy', including 10 artists who largely come from the Chicago area. They highlight artists' individual 'reflections' on personal struggles with a heavy focus on comics and narrative storytelling. They also exhibit diy prints for donations and formerly assembled looping animations for the Corrupted Frames series. Building press A queer and Filipino run sustainability focused multimedia art collective that sells art prints, zines, clothes, and more! Headed by Marion (he/they) Who previously attended calarts and LCAD as an animation major and currently is involved in a variety of activism movements in socal as an artist/advocate. Rookery interactive Is a queer, woman, and disabled run indie game company with a lot of heart that is currently developing a good night’s rest , a mental health focused strategy rpg revolving around the lives of queer college students. In addition to representing a variety of marginalized identities the studio is also firmly anti ai /anti crunch. Rookery will be officially sponsoring this event and showcasing their early access demo at the event. Community guidelines Please note that this is a queer community focused event, while allies are welcome the LGBT, bipoc, and disabled attendees of this event will take priority. Hate speech of any kind will not be tolerated at this event and any reports of such can/will result in violators being banned from future events. Information Source: The Artistic Alphabet Mafia | eventbrite

SWANFEST 2025 FEAT. DANCE GAVIN DANCE & FRIENDS is a highly anticipated event taking place in Chicago at the prestigious Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom. The event is scheduled for May 31, 2025, and promises an unforgettable experience for attendees. Located at 1106 W Lawrence, IL, 60640, the venue offers the perfect setting for a night filled with incredible music and performances by Dance Gavin Dance & Friends. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of a memorable evening in the heart of Chicago.

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.

Experience Africa Fashion, a one-of-a-kind exhibition celebrating the dynamic voices transforming African style. With over 180 works, including haute couture, ready-to-wear, and multimedia displays, discover how African designers are shaping global fashion. From pioneering icons like Shade Thomas-Fahm to contemporary artists like Thebe Magugu, see bold designs that connect tradition with innovation.

From large-scale figures of gods and goddesses to portraits of emperors and magnificent funerary monuments, this exhibition brings to North America, for the first time, a selection of 58 rarely seen ancient Roman sculptures from Italy’s storied Torlonia Collection.Nearly half of these sculptures, which range in date from the 5th century BCE to the early 4th century CE, have not been publicly displayed in more than 70 years and have been newly cleaned, conserved, and studied specifically for this exhibition, making for a spectacular opportunity to experience their first public presentation in decades. The Torlonia Collection is not only the largest private collection of Roman marble sculptures in Italy, but it is also arguably the most important of such private collections in the world. Comprising 622 works and a wide range of sculptural types and subjects, its holdings rival those of major institutions in Europe, including the Capitoline and Vatican Museums.

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 magic of The October Nights Tour: Calling All Lovers at The Chicago Theatre in Chicago on May 4, 2025. Get ready to be captivated by an unforgettable evening filled with soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. The iconic venue at 175 N State St, IL, 60601, sets the stage for a night of musical excellence that is not to be missed. Mark your calendars and secure your tickets for a mesmerizing concert that will leave you spellbound.

Explore Chicago Cubs v San Francisco Giants sporting information for 7th May, 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 National League0 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 San Francisco Giants are a professional baseball team based in San Francisco, California. They compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the National League (NL) West division. The Giants have a rich history, as they were founded in 1883 as the New York Gothams before moving to San Francisco in 1958. They have won eight World Series championships, the most recent being in 2014. The Giants also have numerous NL pennants and Wild Card berths under their belt. Their home stadium is AT&T Park, which has been named one of the best ballparks in the country. The team boasts top players such as Buster Posey, Madison Bumgarner, and Brandon Crawford, who have all contributed to the team's success both on and off the field. The Giants have a loyal and passionate fan base, making attending a game at AT&T Park a must for any baseball fan. Information Source: fixturecalendar.com

Join Ladies Who Lit as we explore themes of cultural inheritance, embodied memory, and ancestral knowledge across two powerful mediums: visual art and fiction. The program begins with a private tour of Farah Salem: Uninhibited People of the Earth, led by the artist herself. Salem is a Kuwaiti-Iraqi interdisciplinary artist and art therapist based in Chicago. Her latest works reinterpret ceremonial and healing practices from the Arabian Peninsula through performance, sculpture, and video. Inspired by the teachings of her mother and grandmothers—who taught her to live in respectful relationship with the “ahl al ‘arth,” or spirits of the earth—Salem invites us to consider how we exist not in isolation, but in constant relationship with land, body, and unseen forces. In this exhibition, landscapes and bodies merge. Geologic time collapses into ritual movement. Ancestral knowledge is reimagined through a contemporary feminist lens to confront ongoing trauma, climate grief, and the marginalization of women and immigrant communities. Originally developed during Salem's Radicle Studio Residency at Hyde Park Art Center, this body of work continues to grow in scope and impact. After the tour, we’ll gather for a guided discussion of An Unlasting Home by Mai Al-Nakib. Spanning five generations of Kuwaiti women across shifting borders, ideologies, and class backgrounds, the novel offers a richly layered exploration of identity, language, and belief systems. Paired with Salem’s exhibition, the book offers an character-driven overview of the personal and political histories that shape women’s lives in the region and beyond. Books are available via LWL's Bookshop.org storefront, Spotify for audiobooking, or the library! Information Source: Kaylen Ralph | eventbrite

Allison Russell is set to grace the stage at The Vic Theatre in Chicago on May 8, 2025, as part of her All Returners Tour. The Vic Theatre, located at 1807 South Allport Street, IL, 60608, will host this highly-anticipated event. Fans can expect an unforgettable evening filled with Russell's soulful vocals and captivating performance. Don't miss this opportunity to experience her talent live in concert.

Experience the magic of traditional American music with "An Evening with Rhiannon Giddens & The Old-Time Revue" at Thalia Hall in Chicago. Set to take place on May 9, 2025, at 1807 South Allport Street, IL, 60608, this event promises a captivating showcase of old-timey tunes and soulful melodies. Don't miss this unique opportunity to witness Rhiannon Giddens and her talented ensemble bring the past to life through their exceptional musical performances.

Explore Chicago White Sox v Miami Marlins sporting information for 9th May, as well as links for Baseball tickets and more with Fixture Calendar. The Chicago White Sox are a professional baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois. They compete in the Central Division of the American League in Major League Baseball (MLB). The White Sox were founded in 1901 and have since then won three World Series titles, the most recent being in 2005. The team is known for producing numerous talented players, including Hall of Famers such as Frank Thomas and Nellie Fox. Their home stadium is Guaranteed Rate Field, located on the South Side of Chicago. This state-of-the-art stadium has a capacity of 40,615 and has been the host of many major events, including the Chicago White Sox0 All-Star Game and the World Series. With a strong history of success and a dedicated fan base, the Chicago White Sox continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the Chicago White Sox0. The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida. They compete in the East division of the National League in Major League Baseball (MLB). The team was founded in 1993 and has won two World Series championships in 1997 and 2003. They have also produced several notable players, including Miguel Cabrera, Giancarlo Stanton, and Jose Fernandez. The Marlins play their home games at Marlins Park, a state-of-the-art stadium with a retractable roof. This allows for comfortable playing conditions in the hot Miami weather. The team has a strong fan base and regularly competes in various Chicago White Sox0 competitions, such as the All-Star Game and the post-season playoffs. With their talented roster and impressive record, the Miami Marlins are a dominant force in the world of baseball. Information Source: fixturecalendar.com

Experience a heartwarming Mother's Day Celebration at House of Hope in Chicago. Join us on May 9, 2025, at 752 East 114th Street, IL, 60628, for a special event dedicated to honoring and appreciating mothers. This event will be a memorable occasion filled with love, gratitude, and meaningful activities to show your mother how much she means to you. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate and cherish the incredible mothers in your life at this exclusive event.

Experience the unforgettable Rauw Alejandro - Cosa Nuestra World Tour live in Chicago at the renowned United Center on May 9, 2025. Immerse yourself in the captivating performance of Latin music sensation Rauw Alejandro as he takes the stage at 1901 W Madison, Chicago, IL, 60612. Don't miss this opportunity to witness one of the most anticipated world tours of the year in a spectacular venue that promises an evening of incredible music and entertainment. Mark your calendars for this not-to-be-missed event that is sure to leave you amazed.