Chicago has always been a midwestern hub for reflection and innovation aimed at making the world a more just, hospitable place. Perhaps it’s both my personal and institutional stake in the idea that a better world is possible, but the need for change feels especially pressing right now. As I continue witnessing the economic, social, […]
Category: The To-Do
Mixtape Trilogy, queer spaces, Brazilian Film Festival, and more
Mostra XIV: Brazilian Film Festival opening nightSat 11/4: reception and silent auction begin at 5 PM with music by Dil Costa and refreshments, followed by remarks at 6 PM. Paloma screening begins at 6:15 PM, followed by a Q&A with producer Ernesto Souto. Instituto Cervantes, 31 W. Ohio, $55.85, tickets through Eventbrite. Full festival schedule […]
Pumpkins, Sanctum, and lowriders
It’s scary how much fun stuff is happening right now! Spooky season never misses. It Takes a Village (ITAV) Pumpkin PatchSat 10/21, includes a petting zoo, a bounce house, face painting, food, games, and a train, 4020 W. Division, free to attend, all-ages. Reservations required events.eventnoire.com/e/itav-pumpkin-patch-2023 For a classic autumn adventure appropriate for the whole […]
Boptober, Rocktober, Frocktober?
Uhhh . . . how is it October already? I swear it was just July. Starting the month with 80-degree days has me thinking, “Wow, what can’t this month do.” Viva Acid10/5-10/9, workshops and events at Q Studios, 2328 N. Milwaukee, third floor. Performances include in-store DJ sets by Geto Mark and D. Strange at […]
Galleries, glitch, and more
“Violets and Daisies”At M. LeBlanc through 10/29: Wed-Sat noon-6 PM, 3514 W. Fullerton, 773-360-7178, mleblancchicago.com Fall is prime gallery season, and I’m looking forward to “Violets and Daisies,” the second solo show by artist Cameron Spratley at M. LeBlanc (3514 W. Fullerton). Spratley is a rising figure in Chicago’s contemporary Black painting community and was […]
Hecho En Arts & Craft Fair, Mothers of Murdered Transpeople annual picnic, and more
Bounce the CitySat-Sun through 9/3 (individual timed entry from 10 AM-5:30 PM depending on day), 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, $24, all-ages, bouncethecity.com As someone without a car, I do not make a habit of leaving the city, but Bounce the City at Schaumburg’s Woodfield Mall has me reviewing my transit options. Through Sunday, September 3, […]
‘A Dreamhouse,’ streetwear, justice for ‘comfort women,’ and more
You can’t beat Chicago’s heat right now, but here’s some more hot stuff for you to enjoy! “A Dreamhouse of Our Own: an Examination of Dolls, Play, and Queer Identity”Ongoing: Wed-Thu 6-9 PM, Fri noon-4 PM, Sat 10 AM-4 PM, Gerber/Hart Library and Archives, 6500 N. Clark, second floor, gerberhart.org Exhibit opening cocktail reception and […]
Disco for abortion access, soul yoga, and more
Summertime in Chicago really reveals the city’s range. When there’s so much to choose from, how to pick any one thing? Well . . . The Gospel of the Hold Steady: How a Resurrection Really Feels by Michael Hann and the Hold SteadyAkashic Books, hardcover, $40, 208 pp., akashicbooks.com Do you eat, sleep, and read […]
Microcinema, rock ’n’ roll photography, and more
Warming temperatures mean it’s time to get out there and strut. From book signings to variety shows, there’s something coming up for everyone’s walking speed. Sweet Void Cinema screeningssweetvoidcinema.com The Humboldt Park-based production company and microcinema Sweet Void Cinema (3036 W. Chicago, Suite 1W) collects shorts from local filmmakers and screens them monthly as a […]
Cronenberg, comedy, and weirdo music
Warmer weather is finally here to stay. You’re probably hoping to be everywhere all at once, but here are a few things you won’t want to miss, in the first iteration of our new column, The To-Do. MargueriteFri 5/26, 8 PM, Color Club, 4146 N. Elston, sold out, 18+ ReveriesSat 5/27, 8 PM, Color Club, […]