Arts & Entertainment Recommendations

Compiled by Emma Slings

The Power of Dance!

Kyiv City Ballet

Opening the Auditorium Theatre’s (50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) fall season is Kyiv City Ballet with its first-ever Chicago performance. Dancing as the “voice of resistance amidst a greater struggle,” the Kyiv City Ballet presents dazzling excerpts from Swan Lake featuring two of the top prima ballerinas of Ukraine: Krystina Kadashevych and Oksana Bondarenko. On September 24 and 25, support those “who are risking it all to bring culture to their communities” as you enjoy the expertise of these classically trained dancers. “As we welcome back audiences to our landmark stage, the Auditorium Theatre is especially proud of this season’s Global Dance offerings… We hope to attract not only dance lovers but all who stand behind Ukraine to show support for these brave artists,” said Auditorium Theatre CEO Rich Regan. Tickets for The Kyiv City Ballet range from $40-$94 at auditoriumtheatre.org. Get 15-25% off your purchase with a create-your-own-series subscription! The Auditorium Theatre is a not-for-profit organization “committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community and educational programming to all of Chicago.” Future performances include American Ballet Theatre, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Trinity Irish Dance Company and much more.

Let's Talk Books!

Unique Subscription Bookclub

Do you love reading but can’t commit to a book club? Are you looking for something a little extra? Workshop leader Alice Moody and bookseller Ann Walters have created a unique literary subscription series to fill those needs! Talk books with these two ladies at The Book Stall (811 Elm St. in Winnetka) on Wednesday, August 3 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Learn more about this book series, the “surprise” books, the “Siskel & Ebert” style talks and the “carefully curated selection of titles.” There will also be a raffle for a 6-month subscription (3 books and 3 talks)! Bookworms do not want to miss this free event. Visit thebookstall.com for more information.

Splashdown!

Chicago Ducky Derby

Watch as over 70,000 rubber ducks splash into the Chicago River in support of Special Olympics Illinois on August 4! But first, attend the Family Festival at 401 N. Michigan Ave. for free activities and live music. At 1 p.m., the ducks will splash down at Columbus Bridge and race down the river. Watch along the Chicago River near Columbus Drive Bridge, with live entertainment at The Northman (233 E. Riverwalk) or listen via FOX32. For more information or to adopt a duck for $5, go to soill.org – your duck might be the lucky winner of a 2022 Chevy Equinox, cash, or more!

Museum Quality Artifacts!

The Jim Irsay Collection

Owner and CEO of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, Jim Irsay, is bringing items from The Jim Irsay Collection, “a renowned assemblage of iconic artifacts from rock music, American history and pop culture,” to Chicago. It's “one of the most comprehensive overviews of American culture in the world,” said Mike Mills, bassist and founding member of alternative rock band R.E.M. Head to the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) on Tuesday, August 2, from 7 - 10 p.m. In addition to the grand display, attendees will enjoy a performance by The Jim Irsay Band! This event is free, but capacity is limited, so tickets are required. Get yours at eventbrite.com. For a sneak peak, visit jimirsaycollection.com.

The Sonic Story Continues!

Epiphany Center for the Arts: 'Jazz Occurrence'

Experience Lewis Achenbach’s visual improvisation of the music scene as he pairs sonic and visual arts in his latest project, "Jazz Occurrence." "Jazz Occurrence" uses storytelling with key frames and poses to tell The Sonic Story through layered “paints you can smell; wood panel scribed with pastels, charcoal and carpenter’s chalk; and sketches of sound on paper.” Achenbach graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts for Film and Animation. He is skilled in traditional animation, printmaking, decorative painting and has been making music since 2012. Attend the free opening reception of Jazz Occurrence on August 5 at 6 p.m. at the Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland. This exhibition runs through September 17. Visit epiphanychi.com.

Market With A Purpose!

Argyle Night Market

It’s time for the annual Argyle Night Market! Enjoy food from local restaurants and live cultural music each Thursday evening through August 25! This free event welcomes and supports those from every socioeconomic and racial background. Partnerships and donations go to organizations and headliners such as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI), Japanese taiko drummers and youth circus performers. Head to 1000 W. Argyle for foods and goods offered from 5 - 9 p.m. This year, enjoy the new beer garden and trellised alfresco dining areas! Visit exploreuptown.org for details.

Pedal Into The Night!

Night Owl Bike Ride

Join a fun, late-night biking group for the TLC Night Owl Bike Ride! Cruise the lanes and trails of Crystal Lake (100 W. Woodstock St.) on Saturday, August 6, starting before the ride at 8:30 p.m. with live music and fun. Ride starts at 10 p.m. The main route is about 20 miles long, but a shorter, family-friendly 9.5-mile route is also available. Proceeds benefit The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. For more information or to get tickets ($15), see conservemc.org.

BBQ For A Cause!

Backlot BBQ Fest

Raise money for Designs with Dignity and women in construction at the Backlot BBQ Fest! Enjoy delicious BBQ bites and sides from local chefs with craft beer or an artisanal cocktail. Play games like giant Jenga and Cornhole as you jam with the DJ, or enter raffles to win lounge furniture, grills and more! Don’t miss this evening of good-purposed fun on Wednesday, August 10, from 5-10 p.m at the Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza. Tickets start at $75 at eventbrite.com. This event is presented by the Building Industry Association of Greater Chicago.

Dancing In The Streets!

Chicago Brewing District

Attend a “one-of-a-kind craft beer and live music event” at Dancing in the Streets! Enjoy live music, curated drinks, food trucks and activities for the whole family! Thanks to local non-profits, kids can enjoy crafts, games, tie-dyeing and face painting! Dancing in the Streets runs 5-10 p.m. August 7 at the Chicago Brewing District, 1700-1800 W. Hubbard St. For more, visit dancinginthestreetschicago.com. This event is presented by the West Town Chamber of Commerce, On Tour Brewing, and the Chicago Brewing District.

Laugh Your Sins Off!

'Are You Smarter Than Your 8th Grade Nun?'

Enjoy a night of laughs at the Greenhouse Theater Center (2257 N. Lincoln Ave.) with Vicki Quade’s "Are You Smarter Than Your 8th Grade Nun?" This interactive comedy game show welcomes willing audience members to the stage for a quiz on school subjects like history, geography, arithmetic and science. Too many wrong questions put you in Purgatory, where you must answer a religious question to get out! Play for your chance to win glow-in-thedark rosaries, holy cards or a free pass to heaven! This show is extended through August 28. For more information, visit nuns4fun.com. For other plays throughout Chicago, see chicagoplays.com.