Summer is here and you know what that means: our calendars are about to be filled with a slew of events.
This year may be a bit of a mixed bag in some areas, with the TV lineup in a pinch after the Hollywood strike and this season's movie showings cluttered with sequels, reboots and spinoffs.
And while Chicago won't be seeing Taylor Swift and Beyoncé's spectacular performances for several days this summer, there are things worth getting excited about across the arts, including the return of some of Chicago's beloved theater companies to production.
Below, find all of the Tribune's arts and entertainment guides for summer 2024, with everything you need to know about this season's TV, film, music, theater, books, museums and dance events, and more from our writers and critics.
The 10 best plays of summer 2024: from “Midnight” and “The Lord of the Rings” to Laurie Metcalfe
“Rich musicals, entertaining stage shows, great new plays, and best of all, the return of productions from some of Chicago's beloved theater companies. They're all ready for this summer in the big city,” Tribune critic Chris Jones wrote. Read his full list here.
Live music of summer 2024: Melt-Banana to Green Day, concerts not to be missed
“Although this summer will end without Taylor Swift and Beyoncé's multi-day extravaganza of last year, there are plenty of great performances to keep you busy through Labor Day,” wrote critic Bob Gendron. Read his full list here.
TV series for summer 2024: “The Bear” and “Couples Therapy,” but the chances are few
“I wish I had more enthusiasm for the upcoming slate of premieres,” Tribune critic Nina Metz wrote, “but studios are in the midst of a pipeline problem and decision makers seem unwilling to take risks on the new and unfamiliar.” “On the bright side, I expect The Bear's return to be as satisfying as it has been in seasons past. Read its full list here.
10 films of summer 2024: sequels and reboots, but a surprise
“Like many recent summer movie seasons, but more so, sequels, reboots and spin-offs rule our screen world. “The summer of 2024 is the summer of colons or numbers in titles,” wrote Tribune critic Michael Phillips. Read his full list here.
Dancing for Summer 2024: In the warmer months, free festivals are just the tip of the iceberg
“Indoors or out, when it comes to dancing — there's something for everyone this summer — everywhere you look,” critic Lauren Warnecke wrote. Read their full list here.
Classical, jazz and experimental music for summer 2024: Rush Hour concerts turn 25, plus a once-in-a-lifetime act
“From annual stand-up parties to interesting one-offs, the Chicago Cup is overflowing with summer concerts worth your time,” wrote critic Hannah Edgar. Read their full list here.
Top 10 Art Businesses in Chicago: Georgia O'Keeffe to Art on the Mart in Summer 2024 for the First Time
“An unusual number of premieres are happening at Chicago museums this summer, from older artists getting their due from their underexamined histories, to emerging talents making their debut locally,” critic Lori Waxman wrote. Read their full list here.
Museums for Summer 2024: After-hours parties at Shedd and the debut of the Holocaust Museum
“Not all of the exhibitions are free,” wrote critic Hannah Edgar, “but there are enough to prove that Chicago is the best major American city to spend the summer.” Read their full list here.
Summer Books 2024: It's summer and reading is easy. Or epic. Choose your own adventure.
“For the rest of you who just want a new mystery or backyard history, this summer is well stocked, even more so than next fall’s season,” reporter Christopher Borrelli wrote. Read his full list here.
