Arts & Entertainment
From a Stand-Up Comedy Festival to a Día de los Muertos Dance Party, Here Are 4 Arts Picks for Your Week
Ann Murdy, Grave Decorating in Tzintzuntzan, 2010, digital photograph (NMMA Permanent Collection)
Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.
It’s Halloween and the Day of the Dead this weekend. While you can indulge in all the spooky festivities, eat the leftover candy and enjoy your neighborhood jack-o’-lanterns, not everyone loves the holiday. That’s why this week’s Artbeat column includes a selection of non-scary plays and comedy events alongside the seasonally themed events and openings.
Play: “Las Borinqueñas” — Visión Latino Theatre Company
The 2024 Nelson Diaz-Marcano-penned play “Las Borinqueñas” runs through Nov. 9 at West Town’s Visión Latino Theatre Company at Chicago Dramatists. Earning a rave review from the Chicago Tribune, this production was directed by Xavier M. Custodio as part of the 2025 Destinos Festival. It’s a woman-centered story about the 1950s birth control trials in Puerto Rico, where the scientists behind oral contraceptives conducted secret studies on Puerto Rican women. 798 N. Aberdeen St. Tickets can be found here.
Dance: Día de los Muertos Ritmo del Mar — Shedd Aquarium
Celebrate the Day of the Dead against the vivid and aquatic backdrop of the Shedd Aquarium at Día de los Muertos Ritmo del Mar. The Thursday evening party will feature a dance party, live entertainment and more. As a press release states, “move to the many beats of música mexicana as we celebrate life, memory and community.“ Admission includes all aquarium exhibits and live entertainment. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets can be found here.
Art: Public Gallery Tour: Día de Muertos: A Celebration of Remembrance — National Museum of Mexican Art
Head to Pilsen Saturday for a tour of the National Museum of Mexican Art’s 39th annual Dia de Muertos exhibition. A guide will take you through the gallery, explaining the themes and traditions associated with the Day of the Dead, then they’ll take you outside to their courtyard for an immersive installation. RSVP here.
Comedy: 312 Comedy Festival — Multiple venues
Featuring a packed slate of comedians and podcasts, Chicago’s 312 Comedy Festival runs from Nov. 4-9 across a handful of local and suburban venues. Must-see shows include Pete Holmes, who’s performing at the Riviera Theatre on Nov. 6. Tickets and the schedule to all shows can be found here.
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.
