Featured Events in Chicago in June, 2025 (July Updated)

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

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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

K-POP IdolsStray KidsAnnounce 20 New Shows in Latin America, North America, Europe, and the UK! The highly anticipated Stray Kids World Tour will hit ChicagoWrigley Field on June 26, 2025.

Red Bull Dance Your Style is a global all-styles street dance event series with a unique battle format. From hip-hop to house, to locking to popping – dancers participating in Red Bull Dance Your Style will need to ‘wow’ the crowd and ultimately win their vote. Testing freestyle and musicality skills through unpredictable mainstream tracks ranging from recent global hits to classic beats, Red Bull Dance Your Style will have the crowd deciding who will rule the dance floor. Celebrating its 5th year in Chicago, Red Bull Dance Your Style will take place on the iconic terrace at MCA Chicago. -- Important links: Red Bull Terms of Use https://win.gs/3SkK1NY Red Bull Privacy Policy https://win.gs/4fhvNr2 Red Bull Registration & Ticket Policy https://win.gs/47GaxYg Information Source: Red Bull North America Inc. | eventbrite

Experience the electrifying performance of Stray Kids at their World Tour event, [dominATE CHICAGO], set to take place at Wrigley Field in Chicago on June 26, 2025. This highly anticipated show promises to be a memorable evening filled with incredible music and captivating visuals. Don't miss your chance to see this talented K-pop group live in action at this iconic venue located at 1060 West Addison, IL, 60613. Be sure to secure your tickets early for what is sure to be a night to remember.

Experience the electrifying energy of Tyler, The Creator live in concert at the United Center in Chicago on June 30, 2025, as part of his CHROMAKOPIA: THE WORLD TOUR. Known for his innovative music and captivating performances, Tyler, The Creator is set to deliver an unforgettable show that fans won't want to miss. The United Center, located at 1901 W Madison, IL, 60612, provides the perfect venue for this highly anticipated event. Secure your tickets now for a night of music, art, and an immersive experience like no other.

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.

Kendrick Lamar and SZA are set to electrify Chicago with an unforgettable performance at Soldier Field Stadium on June 6, 2025, at 7:30 PM. This highly anticipated event, Kendrick Lamar, SZA Chicago, promises an evening of unparalleled musical artistry from two of the industry's most influential artists. With ticket prices ranging from $44 to $247, fans will experience a dynamic blend of Kendrick Lamar's thought-provoking lyrics and SZA's soulful melodies. Soldier Field Stadium, located in the heart of Chicago, IL, offers the perfect backdrop for this monumental concert. As the city gears up for this spectacular event, anticipation is building for what is sure to be a night filled with powerful performances and unforgettable moments.

Experience the magic of Beyond Wonderland Chicago at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island in the Windy City. Immerse yourself in a world of electronic dance music on June 7, 2025, at 1300 S. Linn White Drive, IL, 60605. Get ready for a night of unforgettable performances and vibrant visuals in the heart of Chicago. Get your tickets now and step into a wonderland like no other.

Experience an unforgettable evening at the Dave Specter: Live at SPACE Album Release Party in Evanston. The event will take place at SPACE, located at 1245 Chicago Avenue, IL, 60202, on June 24, 2025. Join music enthusiasts in celebrating the release of Dave Specter's latest album with a live performance that promises to captivate and delight. Don't miss this opportunity to witness a talented musician showcase their new music in a vibrant and intimate setting. Mark your calendars and secure your tickets for a night of exceptional music and entertainment.

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.

Please join us in person on Tuesday, June 3rd at 7:00pm central to help celebrate Melissa Febos' new memoir, The Dry Season: A Memoir of Pleasure in a Year Without Sex. Melissa will be in conversation with Jessica Hopper! About The Dry Season: In the wake of a catastrophic two-year relationship, Melissa Febos decided to take a break: For three months she would abstain from dating, relationships, and sex. Her friends were amused. Did she really think three months was a long time? But to Febos, it was. Ever since her teens, she had been in one relationship after another. As she puts it, she could trace a “daisy chain of romances” from her adolescence to her midthirties. Finally, she would carve out time to focus on herself and examine the patterns that had produced her midlife disaster. Over those first few months, she gleaned insights into her past and awoke to the joys of being single. She decided to extend her celibacy, not knowing it would become the most fulfilling and sensual year of her life. No longer defined by her romantic pursuits, she learned to relish the delights of solitude, the thrill of living on her own terms, the distinct pleasures unmediated by lovers, and the freedom to pursue her ideals without distraction or guilt. Bringing her own experiences into conversation with those of women throughout history—from eleventh-century mystic Hildegard von Bingen, Virginia Woolf, and Octavia Butler to the Shakers and Sappho—Febos situates her story within a newfound lineage of role models who unapologetically pursued their ambitions and ideals. By abstaining from all forms of romantic entanglement, Febos began to see her life and her self-worth in a radical, new way. Her year of divestment transformed her relationships with friends and peers, her spirituality, her creative practice, and, most of all, her relationship to herself. Blending intimate personal narrative and incisive cultural criticism, The Dry Season tells a story that’s as much about celibacy as its inverse: pleasure, desire, fulfillment. Infused with fearless honesty and keen intellect, it’s the memoir of a woman learning to live at the center of her own story, and a much-needed catalyst for a new conversation around sex and love. About the authors: Melissa Febos is the national bestselling author of four books, including Girlhood—which won the National Book Critics Circle Award in Criticism, and Body Work: The Radical Power of Personal Narrative. She has been awarded prizes and fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, LAMBDA Literary, the National Endowment for the Arts, the British Library, the Black Mountain Institute, the Bogliasco Foundation, and others. Her work has appeared in The Paris Review, The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, The Best American Essays, Vogue, The Sewanee Review, New York Review of Books, and elsewhere. Febos is a full professor at the University of Iowa and lives in Iowa City with her wife, the poet Donika Kelly. Jessica Hopper is a director, producer, and author based in Chicago. Most recently, Hopper directed and executive produced the four-part docuseries Women Who Rock, released in the summer of 2022. She has written for GQ, Rolling Stone, The New York Times Magazine, The Guardian, Elle, and Bookforum. Her first book, The Girls Guide To Rocking (Workman, 2009) was named a Notable Book for Young Readers by the American Library Association. She is the author of The First Collection of Criticism By A Living Female Rock Critic, published in a revised and expanded second edition in 2021, and the 2018 music memoir Night Moves. She was formerly the Editorial Director at MTV News, and Senior Editor at Pitchfork and Rookie. Her essays have appeared in Best Music Writing for 2004, 2005, 2007, 2010, and 2011. She is series editor of The American Music Series at the University of Texas Press. In 2019, Hopper served as host and executive producer for KCRW’s popular music history podcast, Lost Notes. In 2021, she co-founded Golden Teapot, a production company specializing in music and culture documentary work, with her sister, former Rookie publisher Lauren Redding. Hopper’s forthcoming book, No God But Herself: How Women Changed Music in 1975, is due from MCD/Farrar Straus & Giroux in 2025. About this event: This is a free, in person event and registration is required. Please click on the registration link below. Melissa and Jessica will be happy to sign and personalize copies of their books after the event! Can't make it to the event? Signed copies will be available after the event and we ship nationally. Information Source: Exile in Bookville | eventbrite

Labubu Sip and Paint Night in Downtown Chicago!🌆 Enjoy a self-directed Sip and Paint Session at your own pace! Your Ticket Includes: 🎨 All Art Supplies - Just bring your creativity, we've got the rest covered! 🍹(2) Crafted Cocktails from Pancho's Rooftop & Cantina 🎁 ENTRY TO LABUBU GIVEAWAY 🏆 Surprise Prize 🌮 Food available to Purchase Information Source: SIP AND PAINT BAR | eventbrite

Widespread Panic will be performing live at The Chicago Theatre on June 6, 2025. The Chicago Theatre, located at 175 N State St, IL, 60601, will host this highly anticipated event in the vibrant city of Chicago. Fans of the iconic rock band can expect an unforgettable night filled with their signature blend of Southern rock, funk, and blues. With a career spanning over three decades, Widespread Panic continues to captivate audiences with their mesmerizing live performances. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of Widespread Panic in one of Chicago's most historic venues.

Experience the electrifying Grand National Tour featuring Kendrick Lamar and SZA at Soldier Field in Chicago on June 6, 2025. Immerse yourself in the dynamic performances of these iconic artists at the renowned venue located at 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, IL, 60605. Don't miss this unforgettable evening of music and entertainment that promises to leave a lasting impression on all attendees. Get ready to witness a spectacular show that will captivate audiences and make this event a standout highlight of the year.

We're bringing Write About Now Poetry to new heights! Join us for an amazing night filled with spoken word in the heart of Chicago! Write About Now is the preferred destination of poetry for thousands of individuals each year. Our poetry events have become a bucket list visit for poetry lovers who drive and fly from across the country to attend our shows every single week. Our shows, poets and poetry videos have received popular acclaim garnering attention and shares from celebrities like Sophie Turner, Lily Allen, Lenny Kravitz, LeAnn Rimes, Chance The Rapper, Juan Gotti, Misty Copeland, Thomas J. Hilfiger, Busta Rhymez, Marc Jacobs and more. Write About Now Poetry has been covered by, featured by or collaborated with some of the largest media networks in the world, including Vibe Magazine, AfroPunk, Huffington Post, Upworthy, Diet Prada, MasterClass, POPSUGAR, Everyday Feminism, We are mitu, Word Porn, BuzzFeed, Remezcla, HiHo, George Takei, A plus, Blavity, For Harriet, Houston Chronicle, Texas Monthly, Whataburger and more. This coverage and support has helped Write About Now become one of the most popular poetry groups in the world building a following of more than 2 million individuals across the @wanpoetry Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, which has helped poets reach tens of millions of viewers online. Our open mics are open to ALL. Come see some of the best poets from all across the greater Chicago area share original works of art. Our signup lists go up when the doors open at 7:30 pm. Most individuals start arriving before then to guarantee a spot on the list. First come. First serve. If you see a long line. Don't worry the it moves fast. It's a short wait. Our Featured Poet: Steven Willis Known for his powerful storytelling and wizard-like wordplay, Jason brings the kind of performance that lingers long after the mic drops. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of truth, rhythm, and heart—grab your tickets now! But that's not all, we got Jeronimo Speaks hosting and DJ Bloom on the 1s and 2s! Get your tickets now or wear comfortable shoes! Where do I go? Mostly known for weddings, the venue is a beautiful 4th story loft in the heart of night life in Chicago. Once you enter the front doors, you'll take the elevators up to the 4th floor. If you're have any trouble finding the venue look up Bellagio 223 Chicago. Doors open at 7:30 pm | Show starts at 8 pm Sharp Full Bar Available! Large groups and birthdays are welcome! For more info or questions email wanpoetry@gmail.com. There's parking all around the venue! Check the app Spot Hero for the best spot, distance and price for you! No Refunds For more upcoming events go to wanpoetry.com. Information Source: Write About Now Poetry | eventbrite

CHECK BACK FOR RIDE UPDATES! Southside Critical Mass' ride is 1st Fridays at 5:45pm. Come join the ride from Nichols Park (south end, 55th & Kimbark) 1300 E. 55th St, Chicago. Bring mask, helmet, water, money, bike lock, bike lights, jacket. The ride is free. Meet at 5:45pm and ride at 6:15ish. Please be aware that by participating in Southside Critical Mass rides you accept that you are responsible for your bike’s condition, your own fitness to ride and your own safety. The streets may present hazards. Please wear a helmet. Social Pop-up Ride. Route subject to change. Everyone is responsible for themselves. Ride at your own risk. Please ride in a safe manner. Have Fun! Happy Friday! Please like our page and share this post. Thanks! The Southside Critical Mass bike ride meets every 1st Friday of the month at 5:45pm riding at 6:15ish at Nichols Park (Plaza), located at 55th & Kimbark. We do not ride in winter or (December through March) . We normally travel about 15-20 miles at a moderate pace (rolling speed 10-14 mph). Our monthly ride through the Southside of Chicago is focused on using the activity of cycling as a vehicle to make our neighborhoods more bikeable and ultimately more liveable. We support businesses in the area. Facebook: Southside Critical Mass Twitter & Instagram: Southside Critical Mass Information Source: Southside Critical Mass Chicago | eventbrite