DuPage Foundation

Violinist Himari in a performance of Bruch’s “Violin Concerto No. 1” with conductor Jaap van Zweden and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. (Todd Rosenberg Photography)

An Extraordinary Young Violinist Lights Up the Stage With the CSO: Review

Feb 24, 2026 | Hedy Weiss

The four audiences in mid-February who were able to see guest artist Himari perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra could not have been more lucky, writes WTTW News critic Hedy Weiss.

Miriam Margolyes stars in the Oscar-nominated short film “A Friend of Dorothy” (Provided)

From Oscar-Nominated Shorts to a Music Photography Exhibit, Here Are 4 Arts Picks for Your Weekend

Feb 19, 2026 | Josh Terry

Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Feb. 18-24

Feb 18, 2026 | Josh Terry

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

From the ‘Handmade Market’ to a Lunar New Year’s Celebration, Here Are 5 Arts Picks For Your Week

Feb 12, 2026 | Josh Terry

Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.

Mato Wayuhi + Black Belt Eagle Scout (Provided)

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Feb. 11-17

Feb 11, 2026 | Josh Terry

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

"The Dance of Death" at Steppenwolf (Michael Brosilow)

From a New Steppenwolf Revival to a Nelson Algren Book Club, Here Are 5 Arts Picks for Your Weekend

Feb 5, 2026 | Josh Terry

Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Feb. 4-10

Feb 4, 2026 | Josh Terry

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

A still from the short film “We Call Each Other” directed by Sarah Oberholtzer, screening at the short film series “Life Within the Lens” at Music Box Theater on Feb. 23 for Black History Month. (Courtesy of Sarah Oberholtzer)

Black History Month Short Film Series Spotlight Directors Shaping Chicago’s Film Scene

Jan 30, 2026 | Eunice Alpasan

In celebration of Black History Month, Chicago filmmakers will be showing their short films at Music Box Theater and Facets.

From a Tony Nominee Debut to a New Art Institute Exhibit, Here Are 4 Picks for Your Weekend

Jan 29, 2026 | Josh Terry

Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Jan. 28-Feb. 3

Jan 28, 2026 | Josh Terry

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

(L–R) Claire DeJean as Diana and Denver Milord as Peter in “Stereophonic,” running at the CIBC Theatre in Chicago. (Julieta Cervantes)

From a Rising Local Comedian to a Record Fair in Ukrainian Village, Here Are 4 Arts Picks for Your Week

Jan 22, 2026 | Josh Terry

Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Jan. 21-27

Jan 21, 2026 | Josh Terry

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Jan. 14-20

Jan 14, 2026 | Josh Terry

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

A Red Orchid Theatre's 'Birds of North America' Cast: Ensemble Member John Judd and Cassidy Slaughter-Mason (Travis A. Knight)

From An Exhibit Opening in the North Suburbs to a New Play at A Red Orchid Theatre, Here are 4 Arts Picks For Your Week

Jan 14, 2026 | Josh Terry

Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.

As Chicago’s poet laureate, Mayda Alexandra del Valle will commission new works, create public programming and serve as an ambassador for the city’s literary and creative communities. (Courtesy of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events)

South Side Native Mayda Alexandra del Valle Chosen as Next Chicago Poet Laureate

Jan 12, 2026 | Eunice Alpasan

Mayda Alexandra del Valle will serve a two-year term and receive $70,000 to commission new works and create public programming. As Chicago’s second poet laureate, del Valle will serve as an ambassador for the city’s literary and creative communities.