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Dancing Outside!

Chicago Repertory Ballet: 'Rite of Spring'

This outdoor ballet performance showcases three world premiere and two company premiere dance pieces against the backdrop of the Chicago skyline. In accordance with the Chicago Repertory Ballet’s mission, this particular series aims to bring unique storytelling and innovative choreography to a traditional art form for a summer show audiences are sure to remember. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. on July 23 - 25 at Cricket Hill in Montrose Harbor (lakefront trail between Montrose and Wilson avenues) with general admission tickets beginning at $25. For a map, seating chart, and other information, visit chicagorepertoryballet.com/riteofspring. For any other questions, email info@chicagorepertoryballet.com.

Sibling Rivalry!

Oak Park Festival Theatre: 'The Tempest'

Oak Park Festival Theatre is thrilled to return to live performances this summer with William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m., through August 21. Directed by Barbara Zahora, this production tells the story of the sorcerer Prospero who, 12 years after a power struggle with his sister, causes a shipwreck in an act of vengeance against those who have wronged him. Theatre productions are held outdoors in the amphitheater at 167 Forest Avenue in Oak Park, and food and drink are permitted. Tickets for The Tempest are $35 with discounts for seniors, students, and young children and can be reserved at oakparkfestival.com/tempest. In accordance with CDC guidelines, social distancing at the theater is recommended and masks are required for patrons who are not vaccinated. More information about Oak Park Festival Theater’s COVID-19 guidelines is available on their website as well.

Keep In Tune!

Merit School of Music: Summer Pop-up Events

Bring the whole family to these musical events throughout Chicago this month! The Merit School of Music has prepared events and demonstrations that offer a wide variety of ways to engage. This week, from 10 a.m. - noon on July 24, there will be a pop-up in Edward Kelly Park, 2725 W. 41st St., with free instrument tuning and demonstrations. In following weeks, events include performances, musical storytimes, music at Green City Market, and other family-friendly activities. Most of the events are free to enter, and the others range in price from $10-$50. Go to meritmusic.org/special-events/summer-pop-up-events for the list of pop-ups in this summer series and other information on how to participate.

Take it to the Streets!

Wicker Park Fest

Named “Chicago’s Best Street Festival of the Summer” by the Chicago Tribune, this family-friendly event highlights the music, nightlife, and restaurants in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. From 5 - 10 p.m. on July 23, 24, and 25, visitors will enjoy a lineup of live music performances, local arts and crafts, many retail vendors, and a wide variety of local food. Entry to the festival is free and located at Milwaukee and Damen avenues. The music lineup, a list of Wicker Park Fest sponsors, and other information is available at wickerparkbucktown.com under “stuff to do” and “events and festivals.”

Jazz it Up!

Chicago Latin Jazz Festival

JazzCity and the Chicago Park District have teamed up to present this two-day drive-in concert series. Chicago’s top Latin Jazz ensembles will be playing live music in Humboldt Park in celebration of Chicago’s rich music history. The shows run from 6 - 8 p.m. on Friday, July 23, and Saturday, July 24, at the Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1301 N. Humboldt Drive. This family-friendly, free event is presented in accordance with Be Safe Chicago Guidelines for Parks and Recreation Activities with no standing pre-registration requirement. For more information, see the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s calendar at jazzinchicago.org/events.

Downtown Market!

Daley Plaza City Market

Chicago’s longest running farmers market is back this year with plenty of opportunities to shop local and engage with the community. Presented by Chicago City Markets every Thursday from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m., the Daley Plaza City Market (50 W. Washington St.) proudly offers a wide range of seasonal produce, flowers, prepared foods, and other goods from local artists and vendors. Chicago City Markets also hosts similar farmers markets in neighborhoods across the city. Admission is free, and a schedule for the Daley Plaza and other similar events is available on the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events page at chicago.gov.

The Sun is in My Eyes!

Hello Helios: The warming suns of Chicago’s Greektown

Painted by a diverse group of Chicago artists and named for Helios, the god of the sun in Greek mythology, the exhibit includes 24 vibrant three-dimensional artworks, which line Halsted Street from Monroe to Van Buren streets. Many works in the exhibit draw inspiration from related mythologies, including those in the Greek, Aztec, Yoruba, Japanese and Native American cultures. Hello Helios is sponsored by Greektown SSA #16, the neighborhood’s business improvement district and will be on display through Spring 2022.

High and Mighty!

Movies at Gallagher Way: D-2 The Mighty Ducks

The historic Music Box Theater is hosting this free showing of The Mighty Ducks at Gallagher Way as part of a series of summer movie showings. The event is free and open to the public and guests are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks or enjoy what’s available from on-site concession stands. Seating space is available on a first come, first served basis, but if guests wish to reserve seats with a clear view of the screen, they can do so by purchasing the $25 package which also includes snacks and beverages. The gates at 3635 N. Clark St. open at 6 p.m. on July 21, and the movie begins at 7:30 p.m. To reserve premium seating or for more information, navigate to the movie showings section at gallagherway.com/events.

Free Film!

The Chicago International Film Festival presents 'Knuckle City'

The Chicago International Film Festival presents this virtual showing of the film "Knuckle City" as part of its free summer screening series. Directed by Jahmil X.T. Qubeka, "Knuckle City" follows Dudu, an aging professional boxer threatened by younger, up-and-coming talent, who works to maintain his footing and relevance. The story expresses the effect of apartheid on South African indigenous communities through the lens of Dudu’s story. Originally in the Xhosa language, the free screening includes translated subtitles. Viewers can claim their free online tickets at chicagofilmfestival.com to gain streaming access. Tickets to view the film will be available starting at 6:30 p.m. on July 21 for 24 hours.

-Compiled by Audrey Champelli