advertisement
Ravinia Festival chief conductor Marin Alsop poses for a portrait at the renovated pavilion stage Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in Highland Park.

The barrier-breaking Marin Alsop takes a bow, departing as Ravinia chief conductor

Marin Alsop is departing Ravinia after six years as chief conductor and a one-time curator of the festival. During her tenure, she steered the Chicago Symphony through its first regularly convened concerts out of the pandemic and settled it into the renovated Hunter Pavilion. But Breaking Barriers may have been her crowning achievement.

Joe (Kevin Hart), second from right, beings wisdom and experience to the bachelor party friends (Kam Patterson, left, Marcello Hernandez and Ben Marshall) in “72 Hours.” (Netflix via AP)

In ‘72 Hours,’ the bachelor party has an unlikely plus-one

As a movie about getting older and still having to cater to younger demographics, the Kevin Hart comedy “72 Hours” has a meta synergy to it.

Niche co-owner Vince Balistreri said: “It’s crazy, I had a full head of hair when it started.” The restaurant is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. (Rick West/Daily Herald)

‘It’s incredibly meaningful’: Niche celebrates 20 years in downtown Geneva

For 20 years, Niche has worked to embody the definition of its name in downtown Geneva. This classic American restaurant continues to provide an evolving menu that fuses modern sensibilities with classic preparations and global influences while curating one of the most distinctive beverage programs in the Chicago area.

Dave Burroughs of Sugar Grove, left, and Trevor Sartain of Bristol get ready to boil some corn at last year’s Sugar Grove Corn Boil. This year's four-day event, featuring food, music, carnival rides, a parade and more, begins Thursday, July 23, at Volunteer Park.

Sugar Grove Corn Boil returns with four days of music, fireworks and sweet corn

The Sugar Grove Corn Boil on July 23-26 features carnival rides, food, music, nightly entertainment, and fireworks on Saturday. This year's event honors America's 250th anniversary. Also, proceeds from red, white and blue light-up bracelet and glow stick sales will go toward supporting veteran mental health.

Benson Boone performs the “Wanted Man Tour” Friday and Saturday, July 24-25, at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont.

Concerts July 24-30: Benson Boone, Blues Traveler, Karol G, Guns N’ Roses, Lollapalooza and more

Upcoming concerts include Benson Boone at Rosemont’s Allstate Arena, Blues Traveler at Brookfield Zoo Chicago, Karol G at Chicago’s Soldier Field, Guns N’ Roses at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Lollapalooza in Chicago’s Grant Park and more.

Arnold Heath VFW Post 5151 members wave to the crowd during the 2024 Summer Celebration parade in Streamwood.

Streamwood’s 30th annual Summer Celebration adds ‘Wizard of Oz’ theme

Each year, the Streamwood Summer Celebration Committee works to bring new ideas and events to the free festival while keeping it welcoming and enjoyable for all ages.