Chicago’s Shannon Rovers mark their centennial with a Soldier Field gala that blends family tradition, parade pageantry and a village‑style celebration.

The Leather Archives & Museum is closed for a year for a roughly $2.2M renovation that will expand galleries, add an ADA entrance and modern climate control for archives.

City Council approved a $5M NOF grant to expand the South Side Community Art Center, clearing the way for a three‑story addition and restored galleries at 3831 S. Michigan.

A new study finds the Loop’s creative sector produces $14.3 billion a year and supports roughly 66,000 jobs, giving allies fresh leverage to seek dedicated funding.

A new Arts Alliance Illinois study finds Chicago's creative sector supports more than 210,000 jobs and $50 billion in output — but many artists still report economic insecurity.

The Joliet Area Historical Museum and city partners will restore the original Dairy Queen storefront at 501 N. Chicago St. into a Route 66 'selfie stop' with archival and grant support.

Walter Parazaider, founding saxophonist of Chicago, has died at 81. His woodwind work helped define the band's horn-driven sound.

teamLab turns the Smart Museum's galleries into reactive, weather‑sensitive light installations this fall, including a North American premiere.

Humboldt Park's Puerto Rican Festival runs through Sunday with live music, food and the People's Day Parade; Chicago Police say officers will be on site.

John Tillman is pitching a Hall of Giants museum that organizers say will debut on the National Mall this summer and pursue a permanent, donor-backed campus costing hundreds of millions.

The Art Institute assembles more than 200 drawings in a career-spanning show that reframes de Kooning’s paper work as central to his art. It opens June 14.

Anwar Nasir, the Louisiana Philharmonic's executive director, will take over leadership of the Grant Park Music Festival. The appointment follows Paul Winberg's announced retirement.

El Grito Chicago returns to Grant Park Sept. 12–13 after a 2025 pause amid enforcement fears. The two‑day festival will bring music, food vendors and family programming to Butler Field.