25 things to do in Chicago June 11-17

Theater

• One doesn’t see many Stephen Sondheim musicals at the Marriott Theatre, but now fans are in for a treat with one of the master’s best. Written with Hugh Wheeler, the Tony Award-winning musical “A Little Night Music” explores the complexities of love, longing and second chances revolving around actress Desirée Armfeldt (Alexandra Silber) and the men who love her. Nick Bowling directs. From June 17-Aug. 9 at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire. Tickets: $80-$93. Visit marriotttheatre.com.
• “Deserted” is Melanie Coffey’s drama about a former city couple now living in rural America who attempt to grow a garden but find that farming provides more challenges than anticipated. Laura Sturm directs. From June 14-Aug. 2 at Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Tickets: $10-$60. Visit redtwisttheatre.org.
• Tin Drum Theatre presents “Southern Rapture,” Eric Coble’s drama, based on actual events, about a theater company in the Bible Belt and its decision to stage a play that sends the city into a frenzy. Jason Palmer directs. From June 11-28 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets: $30. Visit tindrumtheatre.com.
• BrightSide Theatre stages Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan’s “The Producers,” a musical adaptation of the classic film about a pair of hapless producers on a mission to stage the biggest flop in theater history. Jeffrey Cass directs. From June 12-28 at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth St. Tickets: $37. Visit brightsidetheatre.com.
• Paramount Theatre presents The Second City’s “Laughing for All the Wrong Reasons,” which features classic sketch comedy and songs plus new favorites. To June 20 at Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. Tickets: $46. Visit paramountaurora.com.
• The 2026 Opera Festival of Chicago kicks off with its leading artists in concert (7:30 p.m. June 13 at Jarvis Opera Hall, DePaul University, 800 W. Belden Ave.) followed by performances of Giacomo Puccini’s “La Bohème” (7:30 p.m. June 26, July 1 and 2 p.m. July 5) and Francesco Cilea’s “Adriana Lecouvreur” (2 p.m. June 28 and 7:30 p.m. July 3). Both operas are performed at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Tickets: $25-$91. Visit operafestivalchicago.org.

Dance

• Ensemble Espanol celebrates its 50th anniversary with performances of Dame Libby Komaiko’s “Bolero,” the world premiere of Irma Suarez Ruiz’s “Escenas de Villanesca,” Suarez Ruiz’s “Pasion Oculta,” Jose Torres’ “Antecesores/Ancestors” and Isaac Tovar’s “Amangue.” At 7:30 p.m. June 13 at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Tickets: $45-$65. Visit ensembleespanol.org.
• Chicago Tap Theatre presents “Saturn Returns,” the universally human story of getting older as told through tap dance and live music. Molly Smith directs. At 7 p.m. June 11-12, 5 p.m. June 13 and 2 p.m. June 14 at The Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway. Tickets: $35-$75. Visit chicagotaptheatre.com.

Music

• The Hold Steady celebrates the 20th anniversary of its classic 2006 release “Boys and Girls in America” with three Chicago performances: a storytellers set at Thalia Hall (8 p.m. June 11 at 1807 S. Allport St., sold out), a rock show at The Empty Bottle (9 p.m. June 12 at 1035 N. Western Ave., sold out) and a final concert at The Salt Shed (4 p.m. June 13 at 1357 N. Elston Ave., $79.50+) with special guests Built to Spill, Bully and Titus Andronicus. Visit saltshedchicago.com.
• The Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash features 50-plus hip-hop artists on three stages. Headliners include Lil Uzi Vert, Chief Keef, Skrillex, Yung Lean, Bladee, Playboi Carti and Lil Baby. Gates open at 3 p.m. June 12 and 1 p.m. June 13-14 at SeatGeek Stadium, 7000 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview. Tickets: $175+. Visit thesummersmash.com.

• Millennium Park Summer Music Series begins at 6:30 p.m. June 15 with performances by Grammy-winning hip-hop artists Arrested Development, rapper Linda Sol and DJ CA$h Era. Concerts continue through Aug. 6 at Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, at Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street. For a complete schedule, visit millenniumpark.org.

• Inara George easily moves between pop, folk and jazz. Best known as one half of the duo The Bird and the Bee and as a member of The Living Sisters, she also has found time for solo work. Her latest release, “Songs of Douglass and Littell,” offers a fresh interpretation of music written years ago by her longtime collaborators, Philip Littell and Eliot Douglass, in which she dives more deeply into jazz. Auralai opens at 7:30 p.m. June 11 at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Tickets: $43.24-$49.88. Visit evanstonspace.com.
• Old Town School of Folk Music/Music Moves Chicago, Fortunehouse Art Center, Praize Productions and other organizations are programming a new outdoor Bronzeville music series The Stage. First up on June 13 from the Old Town School/Music Moves is a performance by Afro-Puerto Rican bomba ensemble Los Medicos plus DJ Noshaluv. At 6 p.m. Saturdays through September at South Side Sanctuary, 4702 S. King Dr. Admission is free. For a complete schedule, visit posh.vip/g/fourtunehouse.
• Tuesdays on the Terrace returns with a lineup including jazz, soul, alt-pop and more. The summer series begins at 5:30 p.m. June 16 with the visionary jazz of Kahil El’Zabar and The Ethnic Heritage Ensemble. From 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 25 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. Admission is free. Visit mcachicago.org.

Museums

• “Willem de Kooning Drawing” features more than 200 works, many of which have never been shown together before, to reveal how the act of drawing was foundational to de Kooning’s artistic process and production. The exhibition includes drawings, major paintings, sculptures and prints to showcase the totality of his graphic production, from his earliest existing works to his late calligraphic paintings. From June 14-Sept. 20 at Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets: $14-$32. Visit artic.edu.

• “Nathaniel Mary Quinn: A Love Letter to My Mother” explores memory, identity, survival and humanity through Quinn’s distinctive collage-like portraits and “paint-drawing” technique while also recreating the artist’s living room from the Robert Taylor Homes where he grew up. To Aug. 23 at National Public Housing Museum, 919 S. Ada St. Admission is free. Visit nphm.org.

Movies

• Bleak Week: Cinema of Despair (June 12-18) highlights some of the greatest films that explore the darkest side of humanity. Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave., $11) opens its 12-film series with a new 4K restoration of Gregg Araki’s “Mysterious Skin.” Gene Siskel Film Center (164 N. State St., $15.50) offers six animated films beginning with Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece “Princess Mononoke.” For a complete list of films, visit musicboxtheatre.com and siskelfilmcenter.org.

• Rob Reiner’s nostalgic coming-of-age drama, the 1986 film, “Stand By Me,” is screened followed by a conversation with three of the movie’s stars: Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell and Wil Wheaton. At 7 p.m. June 14 at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. Tickets: $66+. Visit ticketmaster.com.

Family fun

• “Castle” is a fun immersive exhibit that lets children explore a castle complete with secret tunnels, a rope bridge, tower, dungeon, throne room, wizard’s room, market, kitchen and more. Children can choose from hundreds of costumes and props to enhance the experience. To Jan. 10 at Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave. Admission: $21, free for 1 and under. Visit chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

• “Shimmering Summer” is an exhibit that highlights nature through iridescent bubble art that reflects the landscape throughout the Chicago Botanic Garden. The installation, “Evanescent,” also includes weekend events such as juggling performers, Hula-Hoop artists, bubble performances and music throughout the summer. To Sept. 20 Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe. Admission prices vary. Visit chicagobotanic.org.
• Gamer’s Universe is an event organized by Chicago Public Library teen interns that includes gaming completions including a Mario Kart World tournament, a cosplay competition, an exhibit featuring Chicago artists and games. From 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 13 at Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St. Free but register at chipublib.org/gamersuniverse.

Festival fun

• Andersonville Midsommarfest is a summer tradition celebrating Swedish culture and history. There’s music on four stages (American English, Cecy Santana, Anthony Rapp, Too Much Molly, etc.), food vendors, artisans, traditional Swedish activities including a maypole dance and more. From 5-10 p.m. June 12 and noon-10 p.m. June 13-14 on Clark Street from Foster Avenue to Gregory Street. Admission: $10 suggested donation. Visit andersonville.org/midsommarfest.
• Art, music and more can be found at two long-running events within walking distance of each other. Old Town Art Fair (10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 13 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 14 at Lincoln Avenue and Wisconsin Street, $13 suggested donation) features 200-plus artists and a popular garden walk. Wells Street Art Festival (10 a.m.-10 p.m. June 13 and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. June 14 on Wells Street from North Avenue to Division Street, $10 suggested donation) showcases 100-plus juried artists, music and food. Visit oldtownartfair.org and wellsstreetartfest.us.
• Puerto Rican Fest includes music and dance performances, carnival rides, children’s activities, food vendors, art installations and more. From 3-10 p.m. June 11-12 and noon-10 p.m. June 13-14 in Humboldt Park, 2800 W. Division St. Admission: $18+. Also the Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade begins at 2 p.m. June 13 on Division Street from Campbell Avenue to Sacramento Avenue. Visit puertoricanfest.com.

• Now in its 40th year, Scottish Festival & Highland Games celebrate Scottish culture and traditions. The event features a pipe and drumming competition, athletic events, Highland dancing, a children’s area, music, food, marketplace and more. From 9 a.m.-9 p.m. June 12 and 9 a.m.-10 p.m. June 13 at DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Rd., Wheaton. $25-$45, children 12 and under free. Visit chicagoscots.org.