Featured Events in Cook County in April, 2025 (June Updated)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Descending the Staircase considers novel artistic approaches to representing the human body. Spread across two floors of the museum, the exhibition presents figures of all kinds, from the fragmented, absurd, and surreal to the curated, self-aware, and media savvy. Puppets, masks, and automatons merge bodies with objects, juxtaposing the animate and inanimate, while abstract sculptures evoke the human form through soft and fleshy materials such as nylon, wax, hair, and latex. Elsewhere, artists deploy the living body as a medium, setting it in motion with performance and gesture. Together, these artworks delve into fundamental questions about the human body in the contemporary world, including its relationship to labor and machines, its presentation in advertising and social media, and its role within the everyday domestic sphere.

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.

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.

The artist and scholar Tai Xiangzhou masterfully fuses antiquity and contemporary artistry by reinterpreting ancient Chinese jades and bronzes through the meticulous lens of ink painting. Renowned for his deep engagement with classical Chinese painting traditions, the artist shifted his focus from cosmic landscapes—such as those in his 2021 exhibition Cosmoscapes: Ink Paintings by Tai Xiangzhou—to tangible artifacts of China’s rich history. His hyperrealistic paintings magnify the grandeur of ritual vessels and jade ornaments, elevating them to an unprecedented monumental scale, along with the artist’s own inscriptions.

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.

For this iteration of the Atrium Project series, artist, author, and activist Edie Fake transforms the two-story lobby wall in the museum’s second floor atrium with his mural The Free Clinic for Gender Affirming Care (2024–25). An imagined facade of a clinic for free transgender healthcare, the mural offers a majestic counterview to the present reality in the United States, where transgender and nonbinary people are under constant threat of political repression, restriction, and scapegoating. The mural, with its layered architectural motifs and undulating prismatic colors, invites visitors into Fake’s utopian vision of access and open expression. Following his earlier Memory Palace series—examples of which are included in the exhibition City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago, on view at the MCA from July 5, 2025, through May 31, 2026—wherein Fake reimagined the facades of historic queer and feminist establishments in Chicago, this work underscores the artist’s shift in focus from the past to the future, from what was to what could still be.

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.

Apparitions presents the work of over twenty pioneering artists from across the last century whose interrogations of the human form and its fleeting presence have pushed boundaries of representation. Whether by dematerializing the body, imagining spirits, or making mirages, the artists on view conjure a hallucinatory realm—a liminal space between what appears and what vanishes.

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are set to bring their highly anticipated "Restless Leg Tour" to Rosemont at the Rosemont Theatre on April 6, 2025. The venue is located at 5400 North River Road, Rosemont, IL, 60018. Fans can expect a night filled with laughter and entertainment from these two comedic geniuses. Don't miss this opportunity to see these iconic performers live on stage in the vibrant city of Rosemont. Mark your calendars for a memorable evening with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler on their "Restless Leg Tour."

Experience the comedic genius of KevOnStage at the Back Pew Tour in Chicago. The event will take place at APC Morgan Park (Apostolic Pentecostal Church) on April 5, 2025. Located at 11401 South Vincennes Avenue, Chicago, IL 60643, this hilarious show promises to keep you entertained from start to finish. Tickets for this unforgettable evening range from $37.50 to $50. Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness KevOnStage live in Chicago!

Trap Poetry is an event that brings together the art of poetry and music to create an unmatched vibe. At this event you’ll be able to hear your favorite artists spoken words, and vibe with them in a lounge setting that includes music provided by the hottest event hosts, DJ’s and musical artists. This is an event where poetry and music is felt, and not just heard. Trap Poetry is curated and hosted by Matt Capone, quickly rising as one of the most influential open mics in Washington, DC. Launched in 2018, it has since become the number one open mic in the city, known for showcasing a diverse array of talent. The event features not only local poets and musicians but also out-of-town artists and surprise performances during intermissions, creating an unpredictable and exciting atmosphere for both performers and audience members alike. It’s a space where the art of storytelling meets the energy of the streets, blending the raw emotions of trap culture with the introspection of spoken word. Information Source: Matt Capone | eventbrite

Mark your calendars for Theo Von's highly-anticipated comedy special, "Return Of The Rat," coming to Wintrust Arena in Chicago on April 24, 2025. Get ready to laugh along with Theo Von as he takes the stage at 200 E Cermak Road, IL, 60616 for a night of hilarious stand-up comedy. Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening filled with laughter and entertainment. Secure your tickets now for Theo Von's "Return Of The Rat" in Chicago.

CENTERPIECE FILM (EXTENDED VERSION) Hong Kong | Drama | 2024 | 139 minutes In Cantonese w/ Chinese and English Subtitles Director: Anselm Chan Screenwriters: Anselm Chan, Cheng Wai-kei Starring: Dayo Wong, Michael Hui, Michelle Wai, Chu Pak-hong Film Source: Emperor Motion Pictures Director Anselm Chan and actress Michelle Wai are scheduled to attend this screening in-person to introduce the film and participate in a post-film Q&A. Wai is the honoree of the Extraordinary Actors Award in recognition of her career-bending performance in this film. SYNOPSIS: After losing his business during the pandemic, Dominic takes over a coffin shop to make ends meet. But to make it in the funeral business, he must earn the approval of his co-owner, stern and vehemently traditional Taoist priest Master Man, and learn about the true purpose of funerals. Despite featuring two of Hong Kong’s biggest comedy legends, The Last Dance is a deeply emotional drama about catharsis after trauma that has moved Hong Kong audiences to tears. In addition to the two stars’ impressive dramatic turns, Michelle Wai also shines in a career-defining performance as Master Man’s long-suffering daughter. Latest just announced via Hong Kong: The Last Dance received 18 nominations, making it the most-nominated film of the year at the 43rd Hong Kong Film Awards (equivalent to Hong Kong's Oscar). Anselm Chan, Director Born and raised in Hong Kong, Anselm Chan Mou Yin is a renowned screenwriter within the Hong Kong film and television industry, an up-and-coming director, and a member of the Hong Kong Screenwriters’ Guild. Debut film is Ready O/R Knot (2021) and the second is the sequel Ready O/R Rot (2023). The Last Dance is his third film. Michelle Wai, Actress Michelle Way was a Nominee for Best Actress at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards for Ready O/R Rot. This film event is partially supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office New York. Information Source: Asian Pop-Up Cinema | eventbrite

Explore Chicago Cubs v San Diego Padres sporting information for 5th April, 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 Central 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 Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team competing in the National League West division. Established in 1969, the team has had moderate success throughout its history, with their most recent division title in 2006. The Padres are known for their consistently strong bullpen, anchored by dominant closer Kirby Yates. The team plays their home games at Petco Park, which has been recognized as one of the best stadiums in all of baseball. The Padres have produced several notable players, including Tony Gwynn, Trevor Hoffman, and Dave Winfield, all of whom have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Overall, the San Diego Padres are a formidable team with a strong history and loyal fan base. Information Source: fixturecalendar.com

Experience a night of unforgettable music with El Flaco, El Mimoso, and Paquita La Del Barrio at Credit Union 1 Arena at UIC in Chicago. The event is set to take place on April 12, 2025, at 525 South Racine. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to witness these iconic performers live on stage. Get your tickets now for an evening filled with passion, energy, and soul-stirring melodies.

Access the adventure where science and imagination meet. Explore the iconic cars, gadgets and props of the James Bond film series. 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond is the first-ever official exhibition to focus on the science and technology behind the world’s longest-running movie franchise. Go behind the scenes to learn how the Bond production teams harness real-world science to craft 007’s on-screen adventures. See fantastical gadgets created for the Bond films alongside the real-life inventions they prefigured—see a prototype jetpack from “Thunderball” and the modern Gravity Industries Jet Suit.

In the early 1970s, Nancy Holt (American, 1938–2014) created her first sculpture, a viewing device that she called a Locator. Made from two pieces of welded steel pipe, with a viewing aperture set at the height of her own eyes, the Locator became a powerful means for Holt to ground her viewer in the conscious process of perception. The first Locators were installed in Holt’s New York studio in 1971. From here she could train a viewer’s eye on overlooked aspects of the urban landscape, focusing attention on found elements, such as ventilators on nearby rooftops or windows on neighboring buildings. She then created site-responsive installations, using the Locator as an apparatus to frame surprising passages in the built environment, which she selected and marked with paint. In this installation, conceived in collaboration with the Holt/Smithson Foundation, two historical works—Dual Locators (1972) and Locator (PS1) (1980)—are presented for the first time out-of-doors on a sculpture terrace, where the interior and exterior architecture of the museum are in constant dialogue with each other and the surrounding city. Drawing awareness to the act of looking, these devices ask us to attend to our individual experience of vision, while challenging the presumption that how we see is in any way self-evident.

What meanings has Earth held for people of African descent, and what can an environmental consciousness grounded in Pan-Africanist perspectives teach all of humanity today? Conceived to accompany the major survey exhibition Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica (on view at the Art Institute December 15, 2024–March 30, 2025), this exhibition, drawn from the museum’s collection, addresses the planet itself. Works by 17 artists in film, photography, and book arts draw attention to three vital and intertwined interactions with the land: as a path to freedom, as a means of spiritual and bodily sustenance, and as a source of enlightenment. Works by artists such as Carrie Mae Weems and Dawoud Bey retrace nocturnal paths to freedom. For example, Weems’s North Star stems from the experience of her grandfather, labor organizer Frank Weems, who made a path from rural Arkansas to Chicago in 1936 by traveling at night and following Polaris, the North Star. Like many others who found their way to freedom, Weems saved his life but lost his family and never could return to his birthplace. Foregrounding the interrelation of food and spiritual wisdom are works by Radcliffe Bailey and Luis Medina as well as the room-filling photo installation Bori (Feed the Head) by Candomblé priest and visual artist Ayrson Heráclito. Bori memorializes a ritual performance in which Heráclito encircled the heads of one dozen initiated participants with mounded ingredients to nourish individual Yoruba deities.

From wild carnivores to domestic companions, cats have their paws in science and culture alike. Learn about the characteristics of cats, big and small; walk through dynamic dioramas with dozens of felines frozen in time; and spot your own furry friends in a fan submission photo gallery. This interactive exhibition is the purr-fect blend of science, history, and pop culture.

The Chicago Bulls, established in 1966 and based in Chicago, Illinois, USA, play their home games at United Center. The Bulls have won the NBA Championship six times, including two three-peats from 1991 to 1998. Current key players include Zach LaVine and Nikola Vučević. The Toronto Raptors, established in 1995 and based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, play their home games at Scotiabank Arena. The Raptors won the NBA Championship in 2019. Current key players include RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes.

Experience a night of intense metal music as MESHUGGAH, along with special guests Cannibal Corpse and Carcass, take the stage at Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. The event is set to take place on April 1, 2025, at 1106 W Lawrence, Chicago, IL, 60640. Don't miss this opportunity to witness these iconic bands deliver a powerhouse performance in the heart of Chicago. Get ready for an unforgettable evening filled with heavy riffs and electrifying energy.

Experience the legendary blues sound of the Robert Cray Band live in Skokie at the Center Theatre at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts on April 1, 2025. The venue is located at 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL, 60077. Don't miss this opportunity to witness one of the most influential blues musicians of our time. Get your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of soulful music and electrifying performances.