The little yellow troublemakers are back, but this time they're trading evil masterminds for movie magic.

Jason Statham’s 2013 action thriller “Homefront” is dominating streaming charts, outperforming newer releases like “Scream 7” and “Top Gun: Maverick” on Paramount+, according to Yahoo Entertainment. The 13-year-old film reached No. 1 on Paramount+’s Top 10 Movies chart in the U.S. on June 25…

Chicago’s long-running youth performing arts organization The Happiness Club will host its annual benefit Saturday, July 19 at 6 p.m. at Park West (322 W. Armitage Ave.), bringing together supporters for an evening centered on music, dance and youth empowerment.

Cedric the Entertainer will perform a one-night-only comedy show at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, IL, on Saturday, August 8, at 8 p.m. CT. According to the announcement, this is his only Chicago-area stop in 2026, making it a unique chance for local fans to see him live.

Broadway star Idina Menzel will make her highly anticipated debut at Lyric Opera of Chicago for one night only on Saturday, May 1, 2027, at 7:30 p.m. CT. The Tony Award-winning actress, singer, and songwriter will perform with the full Lyric Opera Orchestra under conductor Edwin Outwater at …

One of Chicago’s favorite summer traditions is back. The Millennium Park Summer Music Series returns beginning June 15, bringing an eclectic mix of acclaimed artists, emerging talent and hometown favorites to the iconic Jay Pritzker Pavilion for a season of free outdoor concerts.

Marvel has released a new trailer for “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” showing Tom Holland’s Peter Parker facing a harder life in a city that no longer remembers him. The trailer and ticket launch come as the film builds toward its theatrical debut on Friday, July 31, with early screenings for P…

Chicago’s summer concert season is bringing a steady stream of major acts to the city’s biggest venues, with shows scheduled from Soldier Field to the United Center and Guaranteed Rate Field. The summer season of music festivals and arena shows is already well underway.

As excitement builds for the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago’s Jackson Park, visitors are getting an early look at one of its most meaningful new additions: the first official painted portrait of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama together.

Steven Spielberg’s new film “Disclosure Day” arrives as public interest in UFOs and alien life has widened far beyond science fiction. The film opened Friday, June 12, and returns Spielberg to a theme he explored in “E.T.”: what happens when humans learn they may not be alone.

“24 Jump Street” is in the works at Sony Pictures, with Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum and Ice Cube in talks to return, according toVariety.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened Thursday in Mexico City with the first of three opening ceremonies, blending Mexican culture and pop music before the tournament’s first match.

Netflix is keeping “Stranger Things” at the center of its 2026 lineup, with more episodes from the franchise arriving after the April debut of the animated spinoff, according to Collider.

One of Chicago's most beloved summer traditions is set to return as Amdur Productions brings the 68th annual Gold Coast Art Fair back to Grant Park on June 20-21.

Chicago's iconic Magnificent Mile has been transformed into an open-air museum with "Monuments of Stillness," a major public art installation featuring ten monumental sculptures by internationally acclaimed American artist Carole A. Feuerman.

Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The Labor Day weekend tradition will feature internationally known performers, Chicago artists and emerging players.

For many, the required Shakespeare reading in high school was a low point in the American educational system that left countless children scarred. Whether it was Macbeth blindly fulfilling his prophecy, King Lear watching his empire crumble, or Hamlet's unquenchable thirst for revenge, Shake…

Every Chicagoan knows the telltale signs: the smell of kettle corn wafting through the air, oversized booths selling oversized lemonade, and a local indie band covering Mr. Brightside. Yes, that's right, streetfest season has returned to the city, and this summer there are more than ever to enjoy. 

Freeman’s proudly returns to the spotlight with its Important Jewelry auction on June 10, a standout sale featuring museum-worthy diamonds, iconic designer pieces and notable private collections that span generations of craftsmanship and style.

Chicago rock icons The Smashing Pumpkins are coming home this fall with a massive anniversary celebration at United Center on Oct. 14 as part of their newly announced “Rats in a Cage Tour.” The arena tour marks the 30th anniversary of the band’s landmark double album, Mellon Collie and the I…

The Joffrey Ballet will conclude its celebrated 2025–26 season with the Chicago premiere of Eugene Onegin, a powerful full-length ballet inspired by Alexander Pushkin’s enduring poetic novel. The production runs for ten performances only from Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 14, at the …

Windy City Smokeout is adding a new weekly concert series, the first-ever “Road to Smokeout,” at Bub City Chicago, as the country music and BBQ festival builds toward its 13th year, according to a press release. The series begins on Friday, June 5, and runs through Friday, June 26.

Due to popular demand, Going Bacharach: The Songs of an Icon has been extended through June 21 at the Apollo Theater Chicago Fresh from a record-breaking New York engagement, this vibrant musical revue celebrates the enduring genius of Burt Bacharach, whose songs have long defined the emotio…

One of Chicago’s most beloved shopping experiences, the iconic Randolph Street Market Festival, returns to the West Loop this Memorial Day weekend, bringing together hundreds of vendors, vintage lovers, designers and treasure hunters for two days of curated shopping, cocktails, live music an…

Pop superstar Bruno Mars is set to bring his highly anticipated “The Romantic Tour” to Soldier Field for two back-to-back performances on Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17.

Chicago cinema lovers can get their popcorn ready as Rooftop Cinema Club, one of the city's most unique summer activities, returns for the season. 

The Chicago Opera Theater turned suspense, music and mystery into one unforgettable night with its Murder Mystery Gala.

The Magnificent Mile is adding a new member to its roster of exciting experiences as The Cube is set to debut this June on Michigan Avenue.

Giordano Dance Chicago will pull back the curtain on its creative process with an evening built around fresh choreography, new voices and a rare chance for audiences to connect directly with the artists.

Chicago turns up the volume every summer when the legendary Chicago Blues Festival returns to Millennium Park June 4-7 and venues across the city. Celebrated as the world’s largest free blues festival, this iconic event honors the city’s deep musical roots while showcasing the genre’s past, …

Chicago's Magnificent Mile got a magical makeover with the arrival of The Hand & The Eye, a $50 million magic theater now open in the historic McCormick Mansion at 100 E. Ontario St., this grand venue is an immersive experience, blending world-class magic with fine dining and live entert…

A 43-year tradition of bringing art to the streets is back in full color as Amdur Productions unveils its 2026 festival season. Founded in 1983 by Amy Amdur, the award-winning company will present 26 juried art festivals this year, continuing its mission of connecting artists and communities…

As its milestone Emerald Anniversary Season draws to a close, Music of the Baroque offers a transcendent finale with Celestial Voices, a choral program that promises to envelop audiences in sound, history, and atmosphere on May 17 and 18.

One of Navy Pier's hidden gems remains the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and this spring the troupe is bringing one of the playwright's most beloved comedies to life with the debut of “The Merry Wives of Windsor.”

The Lyric Opera of Chicago is offering budget-friendly fun for families this spring. Its newest upcoming event, “Explore Your Lyric,” brings kids and parents behind-the-scenes at the opera house, where young audiences can discover the thrill of live theater and music. Tickets start at $5 for…

The “Street Fighter” movie is ramping up excitement six months before its Friday, Oct. 16 premiere. According to Yahoo Entertainment, Paramount dropped character posters and a fresh trailer at CinemaCon. WWE stars shine as Cody Rhodes plays heroic Guile with a high-top fade. Roman Reigns emb…

Rick Moranis stepped back into the spotlight after a 30-year absence from live-action films. According to People, the 72-year-old actor promoted “Spaceballs 2” at Amazon MGM's CinemaCon on Wednesday, April 15. The actor resumed playing his character Dark Helmet from the 1987 sci-fi parody.

Music lovers, mark your calendars - Ravinia Festival is turning up the volume on spring with a soulful, citywide celebration of International Jazz Day (April 30) that promises rhythm, history, and serious star power.

Internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter Yasmin Levy will open her long-awaited return to the United States with the tour “One More Night with Yasmin Levy” in Chicago on April 18, marking the first concert of the tour. The journey will then continue through Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Mia…

Emmy winner Zendaya kicks off a whirlwind 2026 with five major projects. “The Drama” hits theaters Friday, April 3, and just nine days later, “Euphoria” season three premieres Sunday, April 12, according to The Hollywood Reporter.