Dinaw Mengestu resigned as PEN America president after seven months, saying the organization’s response to a New York Times investigation showed an uneven defense of writers. His departure puts trustees under pressure to chart a way forward.

The Tony- and Grammy-winning Buena Vista Social Club opens at the Arsht Sept. 29–Oct. 4 with community events and student access.

Talking Volumes’ fall season opens Sept. 12 in St. Paul with Marlon James, followed by Colson Whitehead, Lucy Foley and more; member presales start July 10.

Deep Vellum’s inaugural Music & Literature Festival fills Deep Ellum July 10–12 with free daytime programming, panels and a Saturday headliner show featuring Hanif Abdurraqib and Jamila Woods.

Alvin Bragg’s office repatriated 59 antiquities — including dozens seized from the Met — to Italy, Iraq and Indonesia after multi‑year investigations.

The Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival returns July 17–19 with world‑class sculptors, food trucks and a Saturday fireworks show.

A two‑part Grateful Dead exhibition opens in San Francisco this summer, starting July 3 at the Haight and expanding to an immersive Hall of Flowers show on Sept. 5.

Meow Wolf has partnered with L.A. animation studio Titmouse to supply original animation for its West L.A. exhibition, a move that leans into more cinematic storytelling.

Hamilton’s touring company plays Bass Performance Hall July 15–26 with Tyler Fauntleroy and Jimmie “J.J.” Jeter among the principals. Tickets start at $69 and vary by date.

Local musician Tavana is taking over Moiliili’s Anna O’Brien’s and will convert the upstairs into a listening room called Tavana’s at Anna’s. The soft opening is Friday, July 10.

David Odo, raised in Kailua and formerly director at the Georgia Museum of Art, will begin leading the Honolulu Museum of Art on Sept. 1 as the museum prepares for its 2027 centennial.

The Westerville Music & Arts Festival returns to Heritage Park this weekend with 125+ artists, live music and family-friendly programming. Expect food trucks, demonstrations and a Saturday headliner.

The Ellie Caulkins Opera House will replace its 20‑year‑old seats and retire the seatback caption screens this summer, with new above‑stage captioning being tested. Work is expected through September and accessibility remains a priority.