Evanston Made

The Factory Theater’s “The Sporting Life”
2026-05-08 20:00 - 22:30, 2026-05-09 20:00 - 22:30, 2026-05-15 20:00 - 22:30, 2026-05-16 20:00 - 22:30, 2026-05-22 20:00 - 22:30, 2026-05-23 20:00 - 22:30, 2026-05-29 20:00 - 22:30, 2026-05-30 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Chicago) and 3 more dates | The Factory Theater
The Factory Theater, 1623 W. Howard St., presents The Sporting Life, October 10 – November 22, written by Marjorie Muller and directed by Kayla Menz.
16-year-old Dot still hasn’t gotten her period. Lucky for her, there’s a Witch in the woods who can get it started. However, in exchange, Dot must offer her the life of a man who has wronged her. And who better to offer than a math teacher? When Dot gets her elusive first period and becomes witness to the Witch’s murder, they become bonded in literal blood, sending Dot down a path of self-understanding, bitterness, and perhaps a little bit of violence too (as a treat). The Sporting Life is a “coming of rage” story brutally snapped open to expose the, sometimes literal, entrails of growing up girl.
The performance schedule is October 10 – November 22 Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. There will be two additional Thursday performances November 13 and 20 at 8 p.m. An accessibility performance will occur on Sunday, Nov. 2. The Tickets are $10 – $30 and may be purchased through the box office by calling 312-275-5757 or by visiting TheFactoryTheater.com.

SEE CHICAGO DANCE’S CHICAGO DANCE MONTH PRESENTS WAVE WALL MOVES, JUNE 7 - 28
2026-05-09 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-16 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-23 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-30 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-06 16:00 - 17:00 | Navy Pier’s Wave Wall, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL, 60657
See Chicago Dance, the dance industry’s nonprofit service organization celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, is proud to announce that its popular annual offering, Chicago Dance Month, will return May 31 – June 28. Now in its 12th year, Chicago Dance Month provides numerous opportunities for artists and companies to celebrate the myriad talents that make Chicago’s dance scene so strong. This summer celebration features the return of “Wave Wall Moves.” In partnership with Navy Pier, dance comes to the Wave Wall stage, located across from the iconic Ferris Wheel grand staircase, with pop-up performances from a rotating roster of dance companies every Saturday in June from 4 – 5 p.m. For more information on events and other offerings go to SeeChicagoDance.org.

EVENTS CURRENTLY SCHEDULED INCLUDE*:

Pier Dance
Navy Pier’s Wave Wall Platform, 600 E. Grand Ave.
Wednesdays, June 4 – 25
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
FREE

Enjoy free dance lessons on Navy Pier’s Wave Wall Platform every Wednesday in June. These sessions are great for those who love socializing, learning new dances and being outdoors. Make it a date night or social event by sticking around for Navy Pier’s iconic fireworks display every Wednesday night following these exciting dance classes.

On the Move
Palmisano Park, 2700 S. Halsted St.
Tuesdays, June 17 and 24
5:30 – 7 p.m.
FREE

A series of short, site-specific performances that winds its way through public parks, inviting audience members to discover hidden pockets of movement.

Tuesday, June 17 at 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 24 at 5:30 p.m.

*Performers, companies and programs are subject to change.

In addition to the events listed above, See Chicago Dance will highlight the work of scores of artists and organizations during this citywide celebration. Chicago Dance Month events and Hot Deal discount offers will be added to future releases and updated regularly on the organization’s newly re-designed, state-of-the-art website, SeeChicagoDance.com.

Glow Wild: A Lantern Festival of Hope
2026-05-09 18:00 - 2026-06-30 22:00, 2026-05-10 18:00 - 2026-07-01 22:00 | Brookfield Zoo Chicago, 31st Street and Golfview Avenue, Brookfield, IL, 60513, United States
From March 19 through May 10, experience Glow Wild: A Lantern Festival of Hope — a breathtaking journey of light, art, and conservation. Wander paths under the moonlight, illuminated by handcrafted lanterns representing wildlife and mythology from around the world.
Launching on the cusp of the spring equinox, each evening will shine with culture and community. Enjoy live performances, global music and dance, storytelling, and unique food experiences. Your ticket also includes rides on the Carousel and the Ferris Wheel, plus event parking. Select nights — March 26, April 16, and May 7 — feature sensory-friendly programming, allowing guests of all ages and abilities to share in the magic.
Join us Thursdays through Sundays March 19-May 10 for Glow Wild: A Lantern Festival of Hope — a culturally unique celebration of beauty, hope, and the enduring connection between all living things. During these special evenings, all animal habitats will be closed to ensure the comfort and well-being of our animals. We can’t wait to welcome you for a vibrant celebration of lights, global cuisine, and cultural traditions. Your support truly helps advance animal care and conservation.
Mar 19, 2026, 6:00pm to
May 10, 2026, 10:00pm Timezone: Central Time (US & Canada)

“MAGIC VS SCIENCE,” SEPT. 6 - 27
2026-05-09 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-16 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-23 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-30 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-06-06 19:00 - 22:00 | Stars & Garters, 3914 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL, 60613, United States
Chicago’s brand new Stars & Garters, 3914 N Clark St, presents Magic VS Science produced by Thom Britton, now playing every Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Rouge Room, Sept. 6 -27

Thom Britton (Freakshow & Tell) is a fire-wielding science savant. Nolan Webster is Chicago’s most mysterious person—an enigmatic rogue who manipulates minds, bends perception and reveals truths no one dares to speak aloud. Together, they bring you an unforgettable night where science collides with the unexplained.

This show is intended for audiences 21+. Tickets are $33.99 and available at StarsandGarters.club or by calling the box office at (773) 242-9929.

STARS & GARTERS AFTER DARK
2026-05-14 19:00 - 21:30, 2026-05-21 19:00 - 21:30, 2026-05-28 19:00 - 21:30, 2026-06-04 19:00 - 21:30, 2026-06-11 19:00 - 21:30 | Stars & Garters, 3914 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL, 60613, United States
Chicago’s brand new Stars & Garters, 3914 N Clark St, presents Stars & Garters After Dark, every Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Rouge Room.

Audiences are invited to enjoy a wonderful evening of live Jazz with the Steve Knight Duo and a magical interlude by John Sturk, David Jeselski or friends. The Stars & Garters mixologists will create delicious cocktails available at the bar and during the performance.
This show is intended for audiences 21+. Tickets are $30 and are available at StarsandGarters.club or by calling the box office at (773) 242-9929.

Free Community Meditation – First Friday’s @ 6:30pm
2026-06-05 18:30 - 19:30 | MSI Wellness Center, 2144 Ashland Avenue Suite #1, Evanston, IL, 60201, United States
Our Evanston, Illinois Wellness and Meditation Center offers a free group guided meditation for peace, mindfulness, and relaxation. Welcoming you the first Friday of each month 6:30pm – 7:30pm. We have been providing this free community event in the Northshore area for over 28 years. We begin with gentle breathing techniques followed by short Native American drumming into the guided meditation.
MSI Wellness Center 2144 Ashland Ave Suite #1 Evanston IL 60201
847-866-0505 msi-healing.com
About Your Guide:

Billie Topa Tate is a Native Author & Mescalero Apache Teacher – founder of MSI Wellness Center and from the Mescalero Apache Tradition dedicated to “Creating a Sacred Space One Person a Time” through the indigenous native teachings. She is the author of several meditation recordings and books, including her new book Spirit Guide Invocation – Seeking Help from Sacred Helpers.

Evanston Art Center: Summer Camps and Classes
2026-06-08 - 2026-08-13 | Evanston Art Center, 1717 Central Street, Evanston, IL, 60201, United States
Sign up now for 2026 Summer Camps at the Evanston Art Center! From June 8th to August 13th, we’re offering a variety of mixed-media camps for kids and teens ages 4-18, with flexible half-day and full-day options. Get ready for an unforgettable summer filled with creativity, exploration, and fun! Register through our website or give us a call today!
Have questions? Contact Ellie Hazlett, Director of Education, at ehazlett@evanstonartcenter.org
