If you’re spending money at Lollapalooza, enjoy yourself and skip this week’s list. But if you plan to avoid the raucous caucus in Grant Park, please read on.

If you can’t “get out of town,” as the Cole Porter song says, at least get out of your house or apartment. Start the second half of 2025 on sure footing — see something, do something.

Officials at the University of Chicago Crime Lab’s Policing Leadership Academy brought members of The Second City, Chicago’s storied improv theater, to teach police leaders the more diverse skills found in improv exercises — like thinking on your feet, reserving judgment and fully listening.

These five picks spotlight Black History Month, including one absolute must-see that will cost you just a dollar.

The show is aptly titled “The Devil is in the Detours.” Scenes cruise along with solid laughs and then take a turn no one sees coming, because it is just so nutty.

The Victor Wong fellowship involves three months of intensive training in sketch comedy writing, performing and improv. The “Youth in Asia (Are You Proud of Me Yet?)” showcase, written and performed by Second City’s latest cohort of fellows, is a culmination of the program.

“Black by Popular Demand” showcases common experiences from a Black viewpoint, resulting in some hilarious moments. 

February marks Black History Month and cultural institutions around Chicago are hosting events celebrating the city’s art and culture scene. Here are a few events you should check out.

A member of Chicago’s famed Second City comedy troupe, Arkin was an immediate success in movies and peaked late in life with his win as best supporting actor for the surprise 2006 hit “Little Miss Sunshine.”

Chicago’s Second City comedy theater — where performers including Bill Murray, Steve Carell and Jordan Peele honed their skills — has been put up for sale.

The improv comedy institution has a new leader after accusations of racism led to a shake-up. We check in with Anthony LeBlanc, the theater’s interim executive director.

Andrew Alexander, the CEO and co-owner of famed The Second City improv theater, said he is stepping down after a former performer leveled accusations of racism against the comedy institution.

The author, actor and former “Saturday Night Live” cast member tells us about her new stand-up residency at The Second City.

Comedian Peter Kim talks about the state of stand-up comedy, and why he recently left a hit show at The Second City.

Second City cast members report racist audience outbursts, and some cast and management have left the venerable theater. We take a closer look at recent changes with theater critic Chris Jones.

The head honchos at The Second City discuss their book about the importance of improv in everyday life.