20 things to do in Chicago May 14-20

9 hours ago

Eric Idle and John Du Prez’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy, “Spamalot,” inspired by “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” takes a hilarious journey with King Arthur as he attempts to recruit his Knights of the Round Table. Josh Rhodes directs. From May 19-31 at CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St. Tickets: $35-$125. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
“Le Bal,” a newly devised dialogue-free production inspired by Ettore Scola’s film of the same title, tells the story of political and personal transformation through dance, music and fashion. Stephen Buescher directs. From May 14-June 20 at Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W. Cortland St. Tickets: $32. Visit trapdoortheatre.com.

Writer-performer Eileen Byrne performs “Running with Coffee,” in which she portrays 11 characters in an exploration of memory loss, mental health and the quiet isolation that can exist within families. At 7 p.m. May 16 and 1 p.m. May 17 at Lookingglass Theatre, Water Tower Water Works, 163 Pearson St. Tickets: $35. Visit lookingglasstheatre.org.
[producingbody] presents Leegrid Stevens’ drama “Spaceman,” a one-woman, sci-fi odyssey in which the difficulties of interplanetary space travel are explored via an astronaut’s mission to Mars. Ashley Neal stars; Eric Slater directs. From May 19-June 13 at The Edge Off-Broadway, 1133 W. Catalpa Ave. Tickets: $15-$45. Visit producingbody.com.
Chicago Latino Theatre Alliance presents Inicios: Chicago Latine New Play Festival featuring readings of Aileen Moreno’s “Mama Juana,” Sonja Lynn Mata’s “The Dam Inn,” Pedro Jimenez’s “Family Trip,” Estefania Unzueta’s “Gorda,” Nelson A. Rodriguez’s “Estrellazo” and Donovan Marquis Diaz’s “La Virgen de Bumblef—, Ohio.” From May 15-17 at Collaboraction Theatre, 1757 N. Kimball Ave. Admission is free. Visit clata.org.

The Deslondes’ new album, “Don’t Let It Die Vol. 1,” features new interpretations of old songs by artists who have guided the band for years (Swamp Dogg, Shelby Lynne, Johnny Cash, Clifton Chenier and Hurricane Smith) alongside new songs by peers and collaborators (Pat Reedy, Nick Woods and more). Sam Gelband and Kiki Cavazos open at 7:30 p.m. May 19 at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. Tickets: $26. Visit hideoutchicago.com.
Phil Manzanera, Roxy Music’s lead guitarist, shares music and stories from his career in an interview with WXRT’s Terri Hemmert. The evening also includes a slideshow highlighting moments from his new memoir, “Revólución to Roxy.” At 7:30 p.m. May 18 at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Tickets: $33.90. Visit evanstonspace.com.

Mexican singer Aida Cuevas celebrates her 50th anniversary as the queen of ranchera music, with a performance of her iconic hits, including “El Pastor,” “Quizás Mañana” and more. At 8 p.m. May 15 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets: $45+. Visit cso.org.

Fox Crossing String Band is a woman-led Chicago bluegrass group founded by Cassie Lynn Wright (banjo and dobro) and Despina Pafralides (guitar). The group’s sound is built on powerful songwriting and captivating harmonies. At 8 p.m. May 15 at Robert’s Westside, 7321 Madison St., Forest Park. Tickets: $15+. Visit robertswestside.com.
Evanston-based jazz guitarist Donovan Mixon presents a prerelease performance of his new album, “Finding Center,” which he describes as a “memoir in sound — rhythms of joy and sorrow, calm and chaos, holding on and letting go — finding one’s center when life pulls you in every direction.” At 7 p.m. May 17 at AKAR Auditorium, 2716 Hurd Ave., Evanston. Admission is free. Visit donovanmixon.com.

“Ink & Outrage: 18th Century Satirical Prints in London & Dublin” explores the wit and graphic brilliance of English satirical artists such as James Gillray and Thomas Rowlandson alongside plagiarized works by artists in Ireland that provoked historic debates around authorship and plagiarism. From May 15-Sept. 13 at Driehaus Museum, 50 E. Erie St. Admission: $13-$23, children 12 and under free. Visit driehausmuseum.org.

“CPS All-City Visual Arts Exhibition” (to May 27) showcases student achievement in visual and media arts from pre-K through 12th grade. “Artists in Public Schools: Class of 2026” (to May 28) is a selection of artworks from the 2025-26 school year created by working artists who took part in residencies in CPS schools. At Design Museum of Chicago, 72 E. Randolph St. Admission is free. Visit designchicago.org.

In November 1976, the drama, “Rocky,” directed by John G. Avildsen and written by and starring Sylvester Stallone, was released and became one of the most iconic sports films ever. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the film is screened with Bill Conti’s musical score performed live by the Chicago Philharmonic. At 7:30 p.m. May 16 at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. Tickets: $60+ Visit auditoriumtheatre.org.

Chicago History Museum Walking Tours return with strolls through many city neighborhoods, including Humboldt Park, Lincoln Park and the West Loop as well as tours of murals in Pilsen and Hyde Park and a downtown tour of LGBTQIA+ hidden history. For a complete list of tours, visit chicagohistory.org.

Rosemont’s annual Spring Fun Fest celebrates the season with bounce houses, balloon sculptors, face painting, a petting zoo, music by Jeanie B. and the Jelly Beans and more. From 1-5 p.m. May 16 at Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. Admission is free. Visit parkwaybankpark.com.
Maxwell Street Market begins a new season with its usual array of handmade crafts, resale housewares, clothing and more. There’s also live entertainment and food from neighborhood restaurants. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on select Sundays beginning May 17-Oct. 4 on Maxwell Street from Halsted Street to Union Avenue. For more information, visit maxwellstreetmarket.us.
Facets (1517 W. Fullerton) is launching Family Sundays, a monthly screening series for children and families. The series debuts at 10:30 a.m. May 17 with My First Movies featuring short films for ages 2-6 followed by drawing and craft making. At 2 p.m. “Ratatouille” is screened for ages 6-12+ followed by a stop-motion activity where kids can create their own mini films. Tickets: $14. Visit facets.org.
The festival season in Long Grove begins with Chocolate Fest, featuring many chocolate-inspired treats. The family-friendly event also offers music, a classic carnival, children’s activities, interactive experiences and more. From noon-11 p.m. May 15, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. May 16 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 17 in downtown Long Grove, 145 Old McHenry Rd. Admission is free. Visit longgrove.org.

Lincoln Roscoe Art + Craft Fair features handmade work by 90 artists and artisans in a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, home décor and more. There’s also music, painting classes, personalized poems, children’s activities and food. From 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 16-17 on Lincoln Avenue from Roscoe Street to Melrose Street. Admission: $10 suggested donation. Visit lakeviewroscoevillage.org.
Renegade Craft Fair features more than 250 curated artists at its springtime event in Andersonville. Among the offerings: ceramics, clothing, paintings, jewelry, food and more. From 11 a.m.-6 p.m. May 16-17 on Clark Street from Bryn Mawr Avenue to Edgewater Avenue. Admission: $5 suggested donation. Visit renegadecraft.com.