Arts & Entertainment
An LGBTQ+ Film Festival and Stand-Up Comedy: 4 Arts Picks for Your Week
“La Bola Negra” (Reeling Film Festival / Netflix)
Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.
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We had our first taste of brisk fall weather to start the week. It was a welcome shift, but rain is on the horizon this weekend. If you’re like me, you’re not going to let a little precipitation ruin your plans, which hopefully include taking in some art and culture. Below, WTTW News curated a small selection of what’s on offer this weekend. Fortunately, with the weather forecast, all of these recommendations are held indoors.
Art: Karla Wong: Journeys of Being — Intuit Art Museum
Before Mexico native Karla Wong became an acclaimed artist, she worked as a forensic and witness sketch artist. Compared to the straightforward assignments of her early job, she’s become known for her fantastical, vibrant and folkloric paintings that blend surrealism with a deep love for her Oaxacan heritage. Her latest collection, “Journeys of Being,” is now on display at the Intuit Art Museum, and there’s an opening reception Thursday. The event, which starts at 5 p.m., is free, but registration is encouraged.
Film: Reeling 2026: The 44th Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival — Multiple Theaters
Reeling, the long-running Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, celebrates its 44th production with a packed slate of acclaimed cinema Thursday through Sept. 27. It’ll be held at the Music Box Theatre, the Landmark Centura Cinema and Chicago Filmmakers. The opening night features a sold-out screening of festival favorite “La Bola Negra,” which premiered at Cannes and netted Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi an award for best director. Check here for festival passes, schedule, film guide and more.
Theater: “Dirty Dancing - The Musical” — Nederlander Theatre
This 1987 romantic dance movie starring Patrick Swayze is probably a comfort watch in your household, but it’s also a touring musical that makes its stop in Chicago from now until Sunday at the Nederlander Theatre. Directed by Lonny Price, this version has gotten solid reviews from the Tribune, which called the revival “an overall rehabilitation of quite impressive proportions.” Buy tickets here.
Comedy: Atsuko Okatsuka — Chicago Theatre
This Taiwanese-Japanese American comedian boasts an energetic, endearing and unique brand of stand-up that’s led to acclaimed specials that premiered on Hulu and HBO. She’s been interviewed on NPR’s “This American Life” and PBS’ “NewsHour” for her “interesting, sometimes tumultuous, life story” and will take her latest routine to the Chicago Theatre this weekend across two shows Friday and Saturday. Buy tickets here.
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.
