Featured Events in Chicago in December 2024: Concerts, Shows, Fairs, Calendar&Tickets (June Updated)

Renowned multimedia artist Dieter Roth’s preferred form, and the one he spent his lifetime pursuing, was the Gesamtkunstwerk, a German term for “total work of art.” Working across a diverse range of media, disciplines, and creative activities, Roth developed an artistic practice that dissolved the boundaries between art and life, upending traditional categories, hierarchies, and even timeworn notions of singular authorship. Often collaborating with other artists, including his son Björn, Roth produced an ever-expanding body of work that gestured toward the cumulative effects of a life spent making and remaking.

Jitish Kallat’s site-specific installation, Public Notice 3, returns to the Art Institute of Chicago’s Grand Staircase this fall after a 14-year hiatus. Initially unveiled on September 11, 2010, the work connects two significant historical events separated by 108 years: the First World’s Parliament of Religions which began on September 11, 1893, and the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. At the earlier event, the World Parliament of Religions, held in an auditorium that encompassed the area that today includes both the museum’s Fullerton Hall and Woman’s Board Grand Staircase, a young Hindu monk, Swami Vivekananda electrified audiences with a powerful speech calling for an end to religious fundamentalism, intolerance, and bigotry.

Descending the Staircase considers novel artistic approaches to representing the human body. Spread across two floors of the museum, the exhibition presents figures of all kinds, from the fragmented, absurd, and surreal to the curated, self-aware, and media savvy. Puppets, masks, and automatons merge bodies with objects, juxtaposing the animate and inanimate, while abstract sculptures evoke the human form through soft and fleshy materials such as nylon, wax, hair, and latex. Elsewhere, artists deploy the living body as a medium, setting it in motion with performance and gesture. Together, these artworks delve into fundamental questions about the human body in the contemporary world, including its relationship to labor and machines, its presentation in advertising and social media, and its role within the everyday domestic sphere.

The wait is over, USA! The biggest Muslim Comedy Takeover Tour in support of our Gaza Emergency Appeal is coming to a city near you from November 8th to December 1st — BOOK NOW! It’s bigger than ever! For the first time, we’re taking the largest Muslim comedy takeover tour global, celebrating 10 incredible years and landing in USA this November. We’re bringing comedy royalty to cities across the USA for an unforgettable tour, all in support of an important cause: our Gaza Emergency Appeal. Gather your friends and family for a night of non-stop laughs. It’s the most fun you’ll have this November, all while supporting vulnerable families in Gaza. Grab your discounted tickets now for a limited time only. Information Source: Human Appeal USA. | eventbrite

Experience the magic of R&B music at the highly anticipated R&B Forever Tour, coming to Wintrust Arena in Chicago on December 6, 2024. Immerse yourself in the soulful melodies and captivating performances of top R&B artists in a night to remember. Join us at 200 E Cermak Road, Chicago, IL, 60616, for an unforgettable evening of rhythm and blues.

Access the adventure where science and imagination meet. Explore the iconic cars, gadgets and props of the James Bond film series. 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond is the first-ever official exhibition to focus on the science and technology behind the world’s longest-running movie franchise. Go behind the scenes to learn how the Bond production teams harness real-world science to craft 007’s on-screen adventures. See fantastical gadgets created for the Bond films alongside the real-life inventions they prefigured—see a prototype jetpack from “Thunderball” and the modern Gravity Industries Jet Suit.

In the early 1970s, Nancy Holt (American, 1938–2014) created her first sculpture, a viewing device that she called a Locator. Made from two pieces of welded steel pipe, with a viewing aperture set at the height of her own eyes, the Locator became a powerful means for Holt to ground her viewer in the conscious process of perception. The first Locators were installed in Holt’s New York studio in 1971. From here she could train a viewer’s eye on overlooked aspects of the urban landscape, focusing attention on found elements, such as ventilators on nearby rooftops or windows on neighboring buildings. She then created site-responsive installations, using the Locator as an apparatus to frame surprising passages in the built environment, which she selected and marked with paint. In this installation, conceived in collaboration with the Holt/Smithson Foundation, two historical works—Dual Locators (1972) and Locator (PS1) (1980)—are presented for the first time out-of-doors on a sculpture terrace, where the interior and exterior architecture of the museum are in constant dialogue with each other and the surrounding city. Drawing awareness to the act of looking, these devices ask us to attend to our individual experience of vision, while challenging the presumption that how we see is in any way self-evident.

What meanings has Earth held for people of African descent, and what can an environmental consciousness grounded in Pan-Africanist perspectives teach all of humanity today? Conceived to accompany the major survey exhibition Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica (on view at the Art Institute December 15, 2024–March 30, 2025), this exhibition, drawn from the museum’s collection, addresses the planet itself. Works by 17 artists in film, photography, and book arts draw attention to three vital and intertwined interactions with the land: as a path to freedom, as a means of spiritual and bodily sustenance, and as a source of enlightenment. Works by artists such as Carrie Mae Weems and Dawoud Bey retrace nocturnal paths to freedom. For example, Weems’s North Star stems from the experience of her grandfather, labor organizer Frank Weems, who made a path from rural Arkansas to Chicago in 1936 by traveling at night and following Polaris, the North Star. Like many others who found their way to freedom, Weems saved his life but lost his family and never could return to his birthplace. Foregrounding the interrelation of food and spiritual wisdom are works by Radcliffe Bailey and Luis Medina as well as the room-filling photo installation Bori (Feed the Head) by Candomblé priest and visual artist Ayrson Heráclito. Bori memorializes a ritual performance in which Heráclito encircled the heads of one dozen initiated participants with mounded ingredients to nourish individual Yoruba deities.

From wild carnivores to domestic companions, cats have their paws in science and culture alike. Learn about the characteristics of cats, big and small; walk through dynamic dioramas with dozens of felines frozen in time; and spot your own furry friends in a fan submission photo gallery. This interactive exhibition is the purr-fect blend of science, history, and pop culture.

Experience the joy of the holiday season at Pat McCurdy's Ugly Sweater Christmas Party in Chicago. Taking place at Reggies Bananna's Shack on December 1, 2024, this festive event promises an evening filled with live music, fun activities, and the opportunity to showcase your most outrageous ugly sweater. Join fellow party-goers at 2105 South State Street, Chicago, IL, 60616, for an unforgettable night of merriment and celebration. Get into the holiday spirit and create lasting memories at this must-attend Christmas party.

Explore Chicago Bulls v Brooklyn Nets sporting information for 2nd December, as well as links for Basketball tickets and more with Fixture Calendar. The Chicago Bulls are a professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois. They compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the league's Eastern Conference Central Division. The Bulls have a rich history of success, having won six NBA championships in the 1990s with legendary player Michael Jordan leading the way. They have also been conference champions six times and division champions nine times. The team's home games are played at the United Center, an arena with a seating capacity of over 20,000. The current roster boasts talented players such as Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic, and Lauri Markkanen, making the Bulls a strong competitor in the league. With a dedicated fan base and a storied past, the Chicago Bulls continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of basketball. The Brooklyn Nets are a professional basketball team based in Brooklyn, New York. They compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the league's Eastern Conference Atlantic Division. The team was founded in 1967 and played in New Jersey before moving to Brooklyn in 2012. The Nets have made two NBA Finals appearances and have won four conference titles. They have also produced some top-notch players such as Jason Kidd, Julius Erving, and Kevin Garnett. The team's home arena is the world-class Barclays Center, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and electrifying atmosphere. With a strong roster and a dedicated fan base, the Brooklyn Nets continue to be a formidable force in the NBA. Information Source: fixturecalendar.com

Court Theatre's Charles Newell will be engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with acclaimed author Mark Larson in Chicago. This event will take place at the Augustana Lutheran Church, located at 5500 South Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637. The discussion is scheduled to occur from December 4th to December 9th, 2024. Attendees can enjoy this enriching experience at no cost. Join us for an insightful dialogue between these two distinguished figures in the literary and theatrical worlds.

Join us for an evening with the Chicago College of Performing Arts Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Sewell. The concert features CCPA Solo Competition winner Mateus Furtado performing Frédéric Chopin’s E Minor Piano Concerto. Also on the program is Georges Bizet’s Symphony in C. Information Source: Chicago College of Performing Arts @ Roosevelt Uni | eventbrite

Attend the opening reception for Holly Holmes’ exhibitREVERBERATIONS on Friday, December 6, 6:00-9:00pm. Since 2011, Holly Holmes has explored the tension between abstraction and representation. Her work resonates with the facts, readings, and translations of life’s elements, which she conveys through recurring themes, forms, textures, and colors. Travel, whether daily commutes or overseas trips, plays a crucial role in her art. Holmes meticulously chronicles her experiences, translating them into paintings and tufted rugs. She creates sketches on the go, using them in the studio alongside her memories and emotions to produce images that reflect direct observation and emotional resonance. Holmes’ process involves constant examination and reexamination, which extends to her painting and color mixing with yarn. Recently, she has been creating paired tufted and painted works, allowing her to make creative decisions fluidly. While acrylic paint offers immediacy and ease of experimentation, working with yarn is more time-consuming, requiring careful blending and consideration. By alternating between these mediums, Holmes can test an idea in one place and realize and refine it in the other. These works are exhibited in conversation with each other and Holmes invites gallery visitors to share in their reverberations. Make sure to RSVP for this amazing event! Golden Hour at Epiphany: Stop by Epiphany for Golden Hour beforehand for free live music, drinks and lite bites in the Café Bar! Doors open at 5pm with 1/2 priced bottles of wine and other specials until 7:00pm Golden Hour Menu + Music Schedule Please note that outside food or beverages are not permitted in the venue. Information Source: Epiphany Center for the Arts | eventbrite

Experience the magic of Brett Eldredge - GLOW: Welcome to the Family Tour at The Chicago Theatre in Chicago on December 6, 2024. Immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening filled with soulful melodies and captivating performances by this talented artist. Join us at 175 N State St, Chicago, IL, 60601, for a night of music that will touch your heart and leave you wanting more. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to be a part of a truly special event.

Bill Maher is bringing his "The WTF? Tour" to Chicago at the CIBC Theatre on December 7, 2024. The venue is located at 18 West Monroe, Chicago, IL, 60603. This is a must-see event for fans of stand-up comedy and political commentary. Maher is known for his sharp wit and insightful observations on current events, making this a show that is sure to entertain and provoke thought. Don't miss your chance to see Bill Maher live in Chicago on his latest tour.

Join Solarium Dance Company for our first annual fundraising semi-formal event. Tickets include small plates, drinks, a silent auction, live dance performance excerpts of the company’s season two evening-length work, and dancing the night away in the vibrant River North Chicago Neighborhood! Funds raised through `this event contribute directly to advancing our mission to foster empathy and greater awareness of challenging topics facing the communities we serve by enabling the payment of fair compensation to our dancers, securing venue rentals for meaningful performances and collaboration, and aiding future outreach initiatives. Let's come together to illuminate the future of dance in Chicago! This event is also a perfect opportunity to consider joining the Solarium family through our membership programs: INDIVIDUAL DONOR TIERSCORPORATE SPONSORSSolarium Dance Company is dedicated to exploring the complexities of the human experience. Akin to a sunlit sanctuary, Solarium opens a window into the profound beauty and complexity of the mind. The company's mission is to foster empathy and connection by creating a safe and inclusive space for audiences to confront challenging ideas. Ultimately, Solarium seeks to inspire individual change and contribute to the betterment of humanity within and beyond our communities. - Solarium Dance Company's first season was dedicated to the music and memory of the late Mac Miller. The season culminated in a wonderfully relatable story about life, love, addiction, and death—along with all of the little moments in between. Whether the audience had struggled with addiction themselves, knew someone with a similar story, or experienced loss, they were able to find a connection with a story that was, at its simplest, about growing up. The work was restaged July 2024 at the Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois, and presented through a collaboration between Solarium Dance Company, Ecker Center for Behavioral Health, Steel Beam, and the Kane County Health Department. The summer performance weekend dueled as an overdose awareness event, consisting of a free Community Enrichment Evening and two performances of “Thumbs Up.” The Community Enrichment Evening served as a space for community enrichment and connection, featuring an array of activities intended to engage, inspire, and support our community members from all walks of life. Participants of the Community Enrichment Evening and audience members of the Saturday and Sunday night performances participated in a talk-back surrounding the topics presented in the performance as well as naloxone training with Ecker Center for Behavioral Health. Kane County Health Department generously provided and distributed free naloxone for each night of the performance and the enrichment evening. The company's season two work seeks to evoke the same resonating feelings and call to action through collaborative efforts with like-minded organizations and the use of literary and media references as a storytelling tool. Information Source: Solarium Dance Company | eventbrite

Get ready to mark those calendars, because IT Procurement USA 2024 is right around the corner! This much-anticipated event is set to take place in the Windy City - that's right, Chicago – from December 8th to the 10th, 2024. Swissotel Chicago, a gem nestled in the heart of Illinois, will play host to a gathering of the industry's finest minds and decision-makers. Whether you're in the market to procure the latest in information technology or looking to network with top professionals, IT Procurement USA 2024 offers an unmatched platform. Attendees can expect to immerse themselves in cutting-edge trends, best practices, and innovative solutions crucial for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Organizers have pulled out all the stops to ensure that this event isn't just a run-of-the-mill conference. With dynamic workshops, insightful keynote speeches, and ample opportunities for meaningful connections, IT Procurement USA 2024 promises to be a game-changer for all attendees. Don't miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to enhance your IT procurement strategies and propel your organization's success into the future.

Created over the course of six years, Making Space explores the studios and thoughts of 113 Chicago artists. Selected from over 4,000 images generated from 166 studio visits. The exhibition includes 30 large-scale photographs from Making Space artists' work. Information Source: Alma Art Gallery | eventbrite

Midwest Market Days 2024, set to take place in Chicago at the esteemed Regent Products Corporation, Illinois, USA, promises to be an unmissable event for industry professionals. Scheduled from December 9 to December 10, this premier gathering offers a unique platform for businesses to showcase their latest products and innovations. With a focus on fostering connections and facilitating trade, Midwest Market Days 2024 provides an invaluable opportunity for attendees to network with key players in the market. The event is renowned for its comprehensive range of exhibits, featuring everything from cutting-edge consumer goods to essential household items. Participants can expect a well-organized and enriching experience, designed to drive business growth and industry insights. This event is a cornerstone for those looking to stay ahead in the competitive landscape, making Midwest Market Days 2024 a pivotal date on the calendar.

Experience a one-of-a-kind holiday concert at Twisted Xmas With Cage The Elephant in Chicago. The event will take place at the iconic Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom on December 10, 2024. Immerse yourself in the electrifying performance by Cage The Elephant as they bring their unique sound to the stage. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with unforgettable music in the heart of Chicago. Secure your tickets now for a night to remember at 1106 W Lawrence, Chicago, IL, 60640.

Experience a unique holiday celebration at the Twisted Xmas With All-American Rejects event in Chicago. Taking place at the prestigious Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom on December 11, 2024, this concert promises a memorable evening filled with fantastic music and festive cheer. Located at 1106 W Lawrence, Chicago, IL, 60640, the venue is easily accessible for all attendees. Don't miss out on this special opportunity to enjoy the sounds of All-American Rejects in a magical holiday setting.

Experience the ultimate parody celebration of the iconic movie "Die Hard" in Chicago at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place. Taking place on December 11, 2024, this event promises to deliver a hilarious and entertaining twist on the beloved action film. Located at 175 E. Chestnut St, Chicago, IL, 60611, attendees can expect a night filled with laughter and nostalgia as they immerse themselves in this unique theatrical experience. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind event that pays homage to the classic movie in a fun and unexpected way.

Experience a unique holiday celebration at the Twisted Xmas With Smashing Pumpkins event in Chicago. Taking place at the iconic Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom on December 12, 2024, this event promises an unforgettable evening filled with mesmerizing music and festive cheer. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the legendary Smashing Pumpkins perform live in the vibrant city of Chicago. Join fellow music enthusiasts at 1106 W Lawrence, Chicago, IL, 60640 for a night of thrilling performances and holiday spirit.

Experience a unique and twisted holiday celebration at Twisted Xmas With Bush in Chicago. The event will take place at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom on December 13, 2024. Get ready for a night filled with festive cheer and rock music as you join fellow attendees at 1106 W Lawrence, Chicago, IL, 60640. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind holiday event that promises to be an unforgettable experience.