Arts & Entertainment Recommendations

Compiled by Emma Slings

Dance Inspired by Chicago Murals!

Mural Dances

2022 is the Year of Chicago Dance, and the Chicago-based Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation (GDDF) is supporting 28 small dance companies and their performances throughout the city! The Synapse Arts’ "Mural Dances" is on July 23 with local dancers and musicians performing “projects inspired by Chicago’s fascinating neighborhood murals” of Park #567 on the 606 trail. Featured artists include Anjal Chande, Felicia Holman and Rahila Coats. “Small dance organizations are part of the everyday rhythm of our city. With programs rooted in the global diversity of Chicago, these vital companies benefit the overall health and wellness of our communities,” said David Farren, executive director of the GDDF. The Year of Chicago Dance is far from over! Future dances include Momenta, an integrative performance for those with and without disabilities on August 20, a second performance of Synapse Arts’ Mural Dances on August 27, and more! Visit gddf.org for details.

Sweet 16!

Wicker Park Fest

The Wicker Park Fest is returning for its Sweet 16 party at 1423 N. Damen Ave. with over 50 bands, interactive art, over 80 food and shop vendors and the popular Kids Fest! The fest runs from 5 - 10 p.m. July 22-24. A $10 donation at the entrance benefits the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce in its small business assistance. Visit choosechicago.com for more.

Back in the Loop!

Sundays on State

Mark your calendars for what Time Out Chicago named the “Best New Event in 2021” as it returns to State Street on July 24! This interactive block party of Chicago neighborhoods is back with art, culture, food, shopping and recreation fit for every age and interest. Can’t make it on July 24? Future Sundays on State will be August 7, August 21 and September 4. Enjoy this free event presented by the Chicago Loop Alliance. This event runs 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on the closed-off street between Lake and Monroe. Don’t miss out on W.hat the New York Times calls one of “eight great spots [in Chicago] to hit while the weather is hot!”

Unity in Hyde Park!

Bantu Fest

Promote cultural exchange and diversity through music, food, culture and history of over 30 different countries at the Bantu Fest! It’s Chicago’s biggest multi-cultural festival returning for its 6th edition to celebrate love, peace and unity. The Bantu Fest is at Midway Plaisance in Hyde Park (1130 Midway Plaisance near 60th and Ellis) from July 23 at 10 a.m. - July 24 at 10 p.m. Tickets start at $10 on eventbrite.com. For more information, visit bantufest.com.

A Chicago Story!

Conversation with author Tonya Wolfe

Read about author Tonya Wolfe’s lived experience in her debut novel, "Last Summer on State Street." "Last Summer on State Street" authentically shares life from inside the projects, from gang life and predators to the power of community and family. Read this story to better understand the impact of “racist institutions, redlining, gentrification and the power of one’s past” on identity. Wolfe will be joined in conversation on Wednesday, July 20, with Chicago author and journalist Dawn Turner. Attend in person in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium at the Harold Washington Library at 6 p.m. or later online via CPL’s YouTube channel or Facebook page.

Tacos For All!

Rogers Park Taco Crawl

Join the Taco Crawl along North Clark Street on Thursday, July 21, from 3 - 7 p.m. Enjoy authentic tortillas and toppings from 14 different restaurants including El Famous Burrito, Taqueria El Chorrito, Tomatillo and Urban Tables. Tickets are $20 per person or $30 the day-of. Get yours at RPBA.org before they’re sold out! Each ticket allows one signature taco from the participating restaurants. Start your crawl at the check-in station at 7056 N. Clark St. to pick up your pre-paid passes or to purchase day-of passes. This event is presented by the Rogers Park Business Alliance.

Poetry & Community!

Chicago Poetry Center: Summer Poetry Gathering

To go or not to go: that is the question. The Chicago Poetry Center is presenting A Summer Poetry Gathering, and we say go! Join poets and poetry fans from around Chicago in this evening of celebration and community. Enjoy performances by CPC’s Poets in Residence, including Fullamusu Bangura, Larry Dean, Isaac Ginsburg and Joy Young. These performances will be followed by a time of community building with beverages and snacks. Head to the Haymarket House (800 W. Buena Ave.) on Wednesday, July 20, at 6 p.m. Event starts at 6:30 p.m. Masks are required inside. Tickets are available on eventbrite.com.

Fire in Boomtown

Chicago History Museum: The Chicago Fire

Enjoy the "Fire in Boomtown" family event at the Chicago History Museum on Saturday, July 23! From 1 - 1:45 p.m., musicians and storytellers Amy Lowe and Megan Wells will perform a musical mix of commentary, theater and history on the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and the resilience of Chicagoans. This event is free with general admission to the museum. Also visit the exhibition "City on Fire: Chicago 1871" to learn about Chicago as a rapidly growing city built from wood, a summer-long heat wave and the spark that started it all. Experience history in the 40-foot-wide immersive 1871 Cyclorama. Visit chicagohistory.org for tickets.

Butterfly Kisses!

Butterflies & Blooms

Immerse yourself with the butterflies at the "Butterflies & Blooms" exhibition at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road. Now through September 25, visitors of all ages can learn about the life cycles of butterflies and moths in the 2,800-square-foot mesh enclosure with hundreds of butterflies on the Regenstein Learning Campus. Featured species include those native to South America, Asia, North America and Africa. "Butterflies & Blooms" is open from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Admission fees vary. See chicagobotanic.org.

Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!

Pizza City Fest

Calling all pizza lovers to Plumber’s Hall in the West Loop (1340 W. Washington Blvd.) for Chicago’s first Pizza City Fest on July 23 and 24! Join over 40 pizza makers for a weekend of tasting, education and history, an event curated by the awardwinning food reporter and author of “The Ultimate Chicago Pizza Guide,” Steve Dolinsky. Listen to pizza experts talk about the history of deep-dish and how you can make great pizza at home while you enjoy slices from a variety of different pizza styles. 1-day General Admission is $59 and comes with all-you-can-eat pizza from 18 different vendors, VIP panels, seminars, demonstrations, live music, book signing and more. 2-day tickets start at $89 and VIP tickets start at $149. Kids 10 and under are free with a ticketed adult. The daily events run from noon to 9 p.m. For tickets and details, see pizzacityfest.com.