Theater
- The Gift Theatre presents Irish playwright Marina Carr’s “Marble,” the story of two married couples whose comfortable lives begin to splinter after a shared dream triggers suspicion and desire. Kay Martinovich directs. From July 30-Aug. 30 at Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave. Tickets: $45-$50. Visit thegifttheatre.org.
- Adam Rapp, Justin Levine and Jamestown Revival’s Tony Award-winning musical, “The Outsiders,” returns for a two-week run. Based on S.E. Hinton’s novel and Francis Ford Coppola’s film, it’s the story of a group of teenage outsiders and their battle with their affluent rivals. Danya Taymor directs. From Aug. 4-16 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St. Tickets: $45-$156. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
- Also returning for a two-week run is “The Notebook,” Ingrid Michaelson and Bekah Brunstetter’s musical adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ novel about two people from different worlds who share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart. Directed by Michael Greif and Schele Williams. From Aug. 4-16 at Nederlander Theatre, 23 W. Randolph St. Tickets: $37-$127. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
- In the solo show “Michiganderish,” playwright-actor Julie Ganey finds a little place for her family to get away from it all in the Great Lakes State and discovers it’s not that simple. Cue the chainsaws, chipmunks, menacing deer and eco-heroes. Ann Filmer directs. At 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1 and 3 p.m. Aug. 2 at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 1700 N. Halsted St. Tickets: $15-$30. Visit steppenwolf.org/lookout.
- “Sweat Girls: Submerged” features true-life tales from the collective featuring Caroline Andres, Cindy Hanson, Dorothy Milne, Clare Nolan, Martie Sanders and Pamela Webster. At 1 and 4 p.m. Aug. 1 and 2 p.m. Aug. 2 at Bughouse Theater, 1910 W. Irving Park Rd. Tickets: $22, $25. Visit filletofsolo.org.
Music
- Black Moon Trio, a horn, violin and piano chamber ensemble devoted to the power of storytelling, gives a nod to the Great Lakes in two performances at Ravinia. First up is “Lakenotes: Seasons of Lake Michigan” (1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Aug. 2, $36), a multidimensional tribute to the mystery and majesty of Lake Michigan. This is followed by “The Great Lakes: Our Fresh Water Treasure” (11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Aug. 8, $20), a family-friendly companion to Barb Rosenstock and illustrator Jamey Christoph’s picture book “The Great Lakes.” At Ravinia’s Crown Theater, 201 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park. Visit ravinia.org.
- Chicago-born classic rock bands Chicago and Styx co-headline The Windy Cities Tour. The multiplatinum artists perform the hits and more from their classic songbooks. At 7 p.m. Aug. 1 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. Tickets: $83+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
- For nearly three decades, Hot Club of Cowtown has delivered a powerhouse blend of Western swing and European hot jazz. Violinist Elana James and guitarist Whit Smith are joined by Chicago’s own Beau Sample on bass. At 4 p.m. Aug. 2 at FitzGerald’s, 6615 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn. Tickets: $26.44+. Visit fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
- Texas troubadour Robert Earl Keen is having a late career renaissance. He recently made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, performed with Tyler Childers and Turnpike Troubadours and continues to headline his own shows featuring songs and stories from his long career. At 7 (sold out) and 9 p.m. Aug. 4 at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Tickets: $90.69. Visit evanstonspace.com.
Museums and galleries
- “Boy with a Hat: Ed Askew, Paintings 2014-2024” is an exhibit of selections from the final working years of the late New York-based artist and singer-songwriter. Primarily known for his music (the psych folk masterpiece “Ask the Unicorn”), Askew’s artistic endeavors worked in tandem and it’s easy to see the paintings as their own song. An opening reception is from 8-11 p.m. July 31 with the exhibit on view through Aug. 21 at Soccer Club Club, 2923 N. Cicero Ave. Admission is free. Visit soccerclub.club.
- Celeste Rapone is the latest Chicago artist to be featured in the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Atrium Project series, which features a large-scale work displayed in the museum’s two-story entrance. Rapone’s painting “Sideline (After Ben Shahn),” revisits a 1940 painting titled “Men on a Bench” by Lithuanian American social realist painter Ben Shahn, an artist who focused on labor and immigrant experiences during the Great Depression. To June 20 at 220 E. Chicago Ave. Admission: $10-$22. Visit mcachicago.org.
Movies
- Vroom, Screech is a month-long series featuring action-adventure blockbusters that celebrate the classic car chase. Included are Peter Yates “Bullitt,” Joseph H. Lewis’ “Gun Crazy,” Jean-Luc Godard’s “Weekend,” George Miller’s “Mad Max: Fury Road,” Jacques Tati’s “Traffic,” Quentin Tarantino’s “Death Proof,” William Friedkin’s “The French Connection” and Soi Cheang’s “Motorway.” From July 31-Aug. 27 at Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St. Tickets: $15.50. Visit siskelfilmcenter.org.
Family fun
- Laurie Berkner, “the Adele of the preschool crowd,” according to The New York Times, performs a joyful concert of her family-friendly hits including “Pig on her Head,” “We Are the Dinosaurs,” “The Goldfish” and many more. Berkner’s 18th album, “Walking With the Penguins,” was released in June. At 11 a.m. Aug. 1 at Ravinia, 201 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park. Tickets: $20. Visit ravinia.org.
- Navy Pier is offering free rides on the Centennial Wheel from 6 p.m. to closing every Wednesday through Labor Day. The special offer was launched to make up for the foggy fireworks display on July 4. New tickets are released at 10 a.m. every Thursday for the upcoming Wednesday. Enjoy the ride at 600 E. Grand Ave. Visit navypier.org.
- The Hand & the Eye, the magic emporium in the McCormick Mansion, has debuted a family-friendly brunch, the venue’s first opportunity for children 5 and older to experience the wonder of magic. At 11 a.m., 12:30 and 2 p.m. Sundays at 100 E. Ontario St. Admission: $95 (brunch selections/beverages available for a la carte purchase). Visit handandeye.com.
Festival fun
- The Morton Arboretum’s Destination Asia Festival features food, traditional performances, a bonsai show and more. The festival, included with admission, kicks off 5:30-9 p.m. July 31 with lantern making, origami crane stations, sumo demonstrations, a puppet display and a lantern ceremony on Meadow Lake, and continues 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 1. An Evening in Japan from 6-9 p.m. July 31 ($50) highlights Japanese art, music and cultural traditions: a koto performance, Japanese textiles, Japanese whiskies and a complimentary sake spritz and more. At 4100 Ill. Rt. 53, Lisle. Arboretum admission prices vary. Visit mortonarb.org.
- The inaugural Italian Beef Fest (formerly Jeff Fest) is a celebration of the iconic sandwich with some of Chicago’s favorite restaurants serving up their mouthwatering versions. Plus there’s music on two stages, a children’s area, arts and crafts and more. From 5-10 p.m. July 31, noon-10 p.m. Aug. 1 and noon-8 p.m. Aug. 2 at Jefferson Memorial Park, 4822 N. Long Ave. Admission: $10, free for 17 and under. Visit chicagoevents.com.
- Bronzeville Smooth Jazz Festival features live performances (Willie Fultz, Park N Ride, Reggie Foster and Michael Ross), local vendors and food in a family-friendly atmosphere. From noon-8:30 p.m. Aug. 1 at 3701-3837 King Dr. Admission is free. Visit bsjfest.com.