Events – Chicago Theater and Arts

Starstruck comes to Chicago

Photo taken at 2017 Adler exhibit (JJacobs photo)

Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience is a first-of-its-kind virtual reality adventure that doesn’t just show you the universe — it places you inside it. Launching in Chicago, and created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, the experience takes visitors on a journey through the cosmos, from dazzling galaxies to the edge of a black hole.

🍂 Fall into the Universe: 20% OFF all tickets starting September 24th. This start-of-fall promotion ends September 28th.
COMMUNITY DAY: Celebrate the start of World Space Week with FREE ADMISSION all day October 4th! Tickets are first come, first served while supplies last. 🚀

Highlights:

Stand beside the Smithsonian’s Whipple Observatory, under a sky alive with constellations.
Climb aboard powerful telescopes and uncover the universe’s greatest mysteries.
Listen to the Sun’s vibrations and behold solar flares 30 times larger than Earth.
Explore an exoplanet where volcanoes erupt and diamonds glitter beneath the surface.
Witness a spectacular supernova as star stuff is recycled into new stars and planets.
Venture to the edge of a supermassive black hole as it pulls a star into its grasp.

General Info
📅 Dates & Time: Select your date & time directly in the calendar
📍 Location: Fever | Immersive Center, located at 108 W Germania Pl 3rd Floor, Chicago, 60610
⌛ Duration: approx. 1 hour (including a 40-minute VR experience)
👤 Age requirement: 10+
👥 Group Size: Up to 6 guests may enter at a time. Groups of 6+ will stagger entry every 3 minutes.
♿ Accessibility: We are committed to ensuring all visitors can enjoy the experience

For tickets and more info click: Journey into deep space in Chicago at Smithsonian Starstruck

September ends with the October moon

Yes, summer is over and Fall means it gets darker earlier and then, it gets lighter in the morning later. Daylight Saving Time 2026: When the Clocks Change

However, we still are still in September but that full moon lighting up your night is the Harvest Moon which has been full the last few days and is still full on Sept. 28, 2026.

It’s logically called “harvest” because of farmers’ schedules. The Full Moon nearest the autumnal equinox was last week on September 22 in time for pulling in some of the crops. However, if your sky was clear you likely still saw it last night.

Other names listed in the Almanac are “Corn Moon, Barley Moon, Wine Moon, Singing Moon, Falling Leaves Moon, Nut Moon and Snow Goose Moon.”

The Farmers Almanac says the moon’s bright moonlight near the equinox extended the working day for farmers gathering corn, pumpkins, squash, and beans before the first frost.”

But here in the Midwest in 2026 that first frost might come later given our unseasonable warmer weather.

Jodie Jacobs

Fall is officially here

Monarch Skull

Chicago Botanic Garden

In the Midwest, if you live anywhere that leaves are beginning to cover patches of grass or sidewalks, you don’t need the calendar to announce that the autumnal equinox has arrived this Sept. 22 of 2026. (The Vernal Equinox came in Spring.)

You may also have noticed that daylight hours and nights are pretty much equal so those long days of June, July and August have changed to questions of what happened to Summer.

Making it even harder to adjust to seasonal changes is that one day feels cooler but the next few days warmer weather returns.

When is the First Day of Fall? Autumnal Equinox 2026 | Almanac.com

What to do to transition to Fall? Find fun events you don’t have in summer. Here are just a couple of things in the Chicago area to look forward to this Fall.

Chicago Botanic Garden’ s “Night of 1000 Jack ‘o Lanterns” select nights Oct 7-25.

Brookfield Zoo Boo at the Zoo Oct 3-25 Weekdays 10-5 p.m., Weekends 10-6 p.m.

Jodie Jacobs

Luner eclipse Thursday

Our August Moon, called the Sturgeon Moon because this is the season when these fish are prevalent in our Great Lakes, will seem to go to sleep early Thursday night. But just somewhat briefly.

Instead of seeing a bright moon all night on Sept. 27. 2026 watch it seemingly black out as the Earth’s penumbral shadow starts to block it. That action begins at 9:23 p.m. EDT. (Find more info at TimeandDate.com).

(Those readers used to finding moon info on our Earth and Sky website will know this moon is called the Sturgeon Moon because this is the season when these fish are prevalent in our Great Lakes.)

At its peak by 12:12 a.m. EDT, Aug. 28, most (96.2%) of the lunar surface will be in the shadow of Earth’s umbral shadow. Only a thin part of the moon will still be lit by the sun.

Look for that sliver to have a reddish-orange color similar to a “blood moon.”

The eclipse will be visible from both North and South America plus Europe and Africa.

Follow the action with the lunar eclipse live blog on Space.

Jodie Jacobs

On the horizon

(See below) William Shakespeare (comp from Chandos post)

Info and shows

Eggs

There used to be scores of egg hunts sponsored by organizations, schools and neighborhoods. So it was nice to hear of one sponsored by the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance. The group hosts its 19th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Chicago’s Women’s Park and Gardens April 4, 2026, from noon to 2 p.m. The Easter Egg hunt will begin at 12:15 p.m.

What to know: The egg hunt is for ages 12 and younger with hunt areas divided by age. Also, participants are to bring their own basket and be accompanied by an adult.

And more

Partners of the event include the Chicago White sox and Chicago Rec Sports which will donate hundreds of toys. The White Sox organization will give away 500 free game tickets.

Activities: Easter Bunny visit, petting zoo, face painters, balloon artists, sports games and hundreds of prizes. Noshes: Easter cupcakes, cookies and other refreshments.

The Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens is at 1801 S. Indiana Avenue, Chicago. Admission is $18 for children 1-12 and $10 for age 13 years to adults. No charge for children under one year old. Tickets are required. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the event website: http://southloopeasteregghunt.com/ or call (312) 401-2688.

Shakespeare and more

Shakespeare’s Birthday is celebrated by of course – The Chicago Shakespeare Theater in CST’s three venues: Jentes Family Courtyard Theater, The Yard, and the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Upstairs Studio with productions running simultaneously for only the second time in the Theater’s history.

The Merry Wives of Windsor, the world premiere play Fault, and Indian Ink Theatre’s Mrs. Krishnan’s Party will jointly run April 18–26 with a celebration of Shakespeare’s 462^nd birthday on April 23.

“These three productions express … what an American Shakespeare company could be: entertaining and engaging tellings of Shakespeare’s stories alongside exciting contemporary work, mixed in with some of the best theatrical events from around the world,” said Artistic Director Edward Hall.

Jodie Jacobs

For more theater info visit Theatre in Chicago

Spring at the Garden

Orchids go on sale. (J Jacobs photo) — (J Jacobs photo)

The calendar says it’s February which translates to flowers for Valentine’s Day. But let’s go longer and bigger in 2026 and think Feb. 7 to March 22. That is how long gorgeous orchids take over the Chicago Botanic Garden’s greenhouses.

Just don’t be surprised to find the more than 10,000 orchids are expressing their beauty via a flower-filled Volkswagen Beetle on Rt. 66, hanging drapery and even a lava lamp.

That’s because the folks (including volunteers) at the Botanic Garden have turned the years back to the 1960s and ’70’s for this year’s Orchid Show theme: ” Feelin’ Groovy.”

The Chicago Botanic Garden is at 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe.

The Orchid Show | Chicago Botanic Garden

Jodie Jaccobs

last Minute Getaways

WF25_1st Place_Sculptora Borealis_WI3

Block #7 | Wisconsin 3 | Sculptora Borealis | “Creativity Come to Life”

February is already around the corner so don’t be surprised if there are a few last minute day or overnight trips we almost overlooked. But they still can be slivered into the schedule.

1. Lake Geneva Winterfest

The weather looks fine this weekend for driving up to Lake Geneva, WI. for its Winterfest. Sponsored by Discover Wisconsin, this annual celebration of snow creativity is going on right now north of Chicago.

Teams of snow sculptors have invaded Lake Geneva this week-weekend with their creative concepts of what can be done with snow and hand tools. They have been working on their creations at Riviera Plaza and Flat Iron Park since their blocs of snow were delivered on Wednesday.

These art works will be up through Sunday or until they melt. However, the judging and awards are done today, Jan. 31, 2026.

In addition, the town is hosting its Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk, Bonfires on the Beach and entertainment.

Groundhog Dy in Woodstock. (JJacobs photo)

J Jacobs image

2. Groundh og Day in Woodstock, IL

Producer Harold Ramis’ famed movie that supposedly takes place in Pennsylvania but is actually shot in Woodstock, IL, centers around a groundhog’s winter-spring prediction.

It’s fun to see the movie and its noted filmed spots up in Woodstock, a town northwest of Chicago.

Celebrated this year in Woodstock with a recreation of Woodstock Willy’s prediction Feb. 2, many of the activities are really going on right now so don’t worry if you can’t drive up there for the actual announcement.

The “live” set is a fun place to visit.

Jodie Jacobs

Two big winter events on the docket

Aba

Aba in the West Loop participates in Restaurant Week, 2026

Chicago Restaurant Week 2026

This annual celebration (which this year is Jan 23 through Feb. 8) is more than a week and more than just within Chicago’s city limits. It’s a chance to try restaurants on your do-someday list or return to those eateries you already love for a special lunch or dinner.

I like the info put out by Choose Chicago because it mentions the introductory event First Bites and also lists all the more than 550 participants.

First bites (sold out) features taste bites from 76 participating restaurants served up in the Field Museum’s Great Hall Jan. 22. (early bird $120. reg. $155. It goes to charity and is worth every dollar). So watch for the event in 2027.

Brunch/lunch at participating restaurants/bars during Restaurant Week run $30. Dinner is a set price of $45 or $60 depending on the place.

Restaurants range from American, French, Indian and Mediterranean to Mexican, Seafood, Steakhouse and Sushi.

Patrons enjoy closeup experience with the Chevrolet Corvette at the Chicago Auto Show

Chicago Auto Show (Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago)

The Chicago Auto Show, held at McCormick Place, runs Feb. 7 through Monday, Feb. 16. 2026. Its intro, “First Look for Charity,” is Feb.6 and is Black Tie (only).

The show attracts more than 200,000 people to see experimental and concept cars plus antique and collector vehicles. There will also be several interactive stations.

Produced by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, the event showcases the newest vehicles. What to expect: outdoor ride-and-drives plus indoor test tracks including “Chicago Drives Electric” plus plug-in hybrid vehicles. In addition, “Camp Jeep” will be back with its off-road course.

For more information visit Choose Chicago’s Chicago Auto Show: Your Guide to the Show

Jodie Jacobs

James Beard Awards

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Restaurant and Chef awards. Hosted by chefs Nyesha Arrington and Andrew Zimmern they take place at the Lyric Opera of Chicago at 6 pm. You can also livestream the awards on Eater. Or wait until Tuesday when the award recipients are announced.

Often referred to as “the Oscars of the food world,” they recognize the best chefs and restaurants across the country.

However, for our Chicago readers, know that Five local chefs and restaurants are nominated, including Galit in Lincoln Park for Outstanding restaurant and Kumiko in the West Loop for Outstanding Bar.

Also Best Chef : Great Lakes nominations include Chefs Thai Dang of HaiSous in Pilsen, Noah Sandoval of Oriole in Fulton Market, and Chris Jun and Erling Wu-Bower of Maxwells Trading in West Town

Jodie Jacobs

Chicago shines at Tony Awards

The Tony Award (See below)

What Chicagoans have known for years, that Steppenwolf Theatre has great acting and productions, was acknowledged in New York at the Tony Awards, Sunday, when “Purpose” commissioned by and first produced at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, won the Tony Award for Best Play.

In addition, the production’s Kara Young took home Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Play, her second Tony in two years. Young received the Tony in 2024 for her performance in “Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch.”

“In this world where we are so divided, theater is a sacred space that we have to honor and treasure. It makes us united,” Young said upon receiving the award.

Directed by Phylicia Rashad, playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ “Purpose,” revolves around discussions at a gathering of a well-known Black family when they are snowed-in.

The play, which had won a Pulitzer Prize and premiered at Steppenwolf Theatre in Spring 2024 received six nominations.

The Tony Awards

If watching the show closely, you may have noticed what the award looked like. Actually called the Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Broadway Theatre, the Tony is presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League annually to performers and creators of live theatre on Broadway. They cover everything from individual performances to writing and set design.

Founded by theatre producer and director Brock Pemberton, they are so named for actress, director and producer Antoinette “Tony” Perry, co-founder and secretary of the American Theatre Wing.

However, what many viewers waited for was a performance by Lin- Manuel Miranda’s original “Hamilton” cast. (It didn’t disappoint) “Hamilton” had won 11 tony awards including Best Musical and received 16 nominations in 2016.

Other 2025 Tony winners

Best Musical: “Maybe Happy Ending”

Best Revival of a Play:” Eureka Day” by Jonathan Spector

Best Revival of a Musical: “Sunset Blvd.”

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play: Cole Escola,”Oh, Mary!”

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play: Sarah Snook, “The Picture of Dorian Gray”

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical: Darren Criss,”Maybe Happy Ending”

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical: Nicole Scherzinger, “Sunset Blvd.”

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play: Francis Jue, “Yellow Face”

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (see above)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical: Jak Malone, “Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical.”

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical: Natalie Venetia Belcon, “Buena Vista Social Club.”

Best Direction of a Play: Sam Pinkleton, Oh, Mary!

Best Direction of a Musical: Michael Arden, “Maybe Happy Ending”

Best Book of a Musical: “Maybe Happy Ending,” Music and Lyrics: Will Aronson and Lyrics: Hue Park )

Jodie Jacobs