Arts & Entertainment Recommendations

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Compiled by Kyra Walker

Get Involved!

Remember, Reconnect, and Represent

Be a Connector and link with organizations to advocate for a better Chicago on July 4 at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N Clark St. Listen to local leaders such as Mary Ellen Daneels, and make your mark on the community mural.

Enjoy crafts and games outside, hands on history facilitated by Natalia Virafuentes. Tour the museum with a Civic Action @ CHM guide, followed by a special screening of the Kartemquin Films documentary, "Represent" (pictured). The program begins at 11 a.m. with live music from the Americana Concert Band, and family festivities. From noon until 4:30 p.m., the museum will be open and Illinois residents get free admission. To receive the resident discount, visitors must either create an account or login to their museum account at chicagohistory.org

Let's Get Physical!

Physical Theater Festival 10th Season Kickoff Party

Join the Physical Theater Festival as it kicks off its 10th annual edition. Enjoy free drinks and small bites as you mingle with board members, artists, partners and members of the physical theater community. Attendees will also hear from the co-artistic director about what makes the 10th anniversary edition so unique, along with expanded programming, artistic residencies, cultural exchanges and physical theater shows. The event will be 6-8:30 p.m. June 29 at the Instituto Cervantes, 31 W. Ohio St. Reserve your free spot at physicalfestival.com

Author Talk!

Author Lorrie Moore: 'I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home'

Join American author Lorrie Moore in a conversation about the release of her new novel, “I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home.” Lorrie is an English professor at Vanderbilt University. She’s the recipient of a Lannan Foundation Award and a Lannan Fellowship, along with the PEN/Malamud Award. She also received the Red Sea Award for her achievement in the short story. Her latest release is a daring, meditative exploration of love and death, passion and grief, and what it means to be haunted by the past. See Lorrie from 6-7 p.m. June 28 at the Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St.

Sewing Pride In!

Queer Quilting

End Pride Month with a collaborative art/project fundraiser for local trans and LGBTQIA+ groups on June 30 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the second floor lounge of the Mayfair Presbyterian Church, 4358 W. Ainslie St. The mission is to acknowledge that the art and pride the queer community makes isn’t just for one month, but all year. Participants will help create trans and intersectional flags. This isn’t a quilting workshop, but there will be limited guidance on quilting techniques. Those who have sewing experience are highly encouraged to come and sew something on the quilt. Participants are also encouraged to bring their own supplies. Snacks and drinks will be available for sale. Register for free on Eventbrite.com

A Market for All!

LuckyMart

One of Chicago's most popular markets and block parties is making a comeback, noon-6 p.m. July 1-2 at On Tour Brewing Company, 1725 W. Hubbard St. Everyone of all ages (and their dogs) are welcome. The market will feature over 60 local and regional vendors who specialize in art, artisan crafts, vintage clothing and homemade goods. There will also be lively music, games, and much more. FREE admission, but reserve your spot on Eventbrite.com

Art & Activism!

Housing Justice in Chicago Today: Arts and Activism

Join Willie “J.R.” Fleming (pictured) and Tiff Beatty in a conversation on the intersection of art and activism in Chicago’s housing. Hear from organizers, cultural workers and former public housing residents as they share the ways creativity spurs action and policy, as well as how both home and housing can nurture talent and creativity. Join them, 7-9 p.m. June 29 at the Green Line Performing Arts Center, 329 E. Garfield Blvd. FREE, but register on Eventbrite.com

Outdoor Movie!

Films on the Green | 'The Artist' by Michel Hazanavicius

Bring a chair and/or blanket for a free movie at 8:30 p.m. June 28. "The Artist," directed by Michel Hazanavicius, is a silent, French drama/romance that takes place in Hollywood between 1927 and 1932. The film focuses on the relationship between a rising young actress and an older silent film star. Although the movie is in French, there will be English subtitles. The movie will be screened at Belmont Harbor Park, south of the Belmont Harbor South parking lot at Lake Shore Drive and Belmont Avenue, 3100 N. Lake Shore Drive. More info and registration at Eventbrite.com

Outdoor Theater!

Broadway In Your Backyard At Wicker

60 minutes of music featuring some of Chicago’s most talented musical theatre voices. Hear classics from Broadway past and present, as well as Disney favorites, 6-7 p.m. June 29 at Charles Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen Ave. FREE.

Learn About City Art!

Graffiti Writing and Mural Creation

Join graffiti artist Paul Puschautz 3-5 p.m. June 29 and learn the basics, using spray paint and plywood. After a quick lesson, participants can contribute to the community mural that will be hung in the Chicago Public Library's Vodak-East Side branch, 3710 E. 106th St. Recommended for age 13+. Masks strongly recommended in all CPL spaces. FREE.

Celebrating Traditional Music!

Mexico and Our Music at Barrett

Attend this free event and listen to the sounds of Mariachi Tradicional Juvenil. The goal of this Little Village 10-member ensemble, age 9-15, is to keep their music alive. They will play 6:30-7:30 p.m. June 30 at Charles Barrett Park, 2022 W. Cermak Road.