The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 2026-2027 season includes incoming music director and conductor Klaus Mäkelä, emeritus music director Riccardo Muti and performances by guest artists Yo-Yo Ma, Lang Lang and Andrew Bird.
The celebrated Chicago restaurant The Purple Pig, with Michelin and James Beard pedigrees, will make its much-anticipated suburban debut when it opens Friday in Oakbrook Center. “We are bringing a taste of city dining to the suburbs,” co-owner Marianna Bannos said.
Upcoming concerts include Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit at The Salt Shed, John Oates and The Good Road Band at the Genesee Theatre, Mariah the Scientist at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, Michael McDermott at Hey Nonny and more.
Chicago native Lenin Izquierdo’s performance as the titular dreamer in Goodman Theatre’s “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” is one of the best things about the play adapted from Junot Díaz’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about a nerdy young man who loves unreservedly and inspires others to do the same.
Portillo’s launches a new birthday cake and cake shake and McDonald’s unveils the Big Arch Burger, both for a limited time. Plus, Finn McCool’s Irish sports pub opens a new location in Wheeling with a ribbon cutting and special Happy Hour celebration Friday.
Oscar-winning actress Mira Sorvino discusses her career during a meet-and-greet at the Woodstock Opera House, Jeff Award-winner Heidi Kettenring channels Karen Carpenter at the Metropolis, and “Funny Women of a Certain Age” comes to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts.
Make plans to see the O’Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, “Dancing With The Stars Live” at the Rosemont Theatre, Maple Sugaring Days, Elmhurst’s 28th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and more.