2024 summer arts in Chicago: The Tribune’s top picks for movies, theater, books and more

Summer is here and you know what that means: our calendars are about to fill up with a plethora of events.

This year may be a bit of a mixed bag in some areas, with the TV lineup suffering a post-Hollywood strike malaise and the season’s movie offerings cluttered with sequels, reboots and spinoffs.

And while Chicago won’t see multi-day Taylor Swift and Beyoncé extravaganzas this summer, there are things to be excited about across the arts, including some beloved Chicago theater companies returning to production.

Below find all of the Tribune’s summer 2024 arts and entertainment guides, with everything you need to know about this season’s TV, movies, music, theater, books, museums, dance events and more from our writers and critics.

Theater top 10 for summer 2024: From ‘Midnight’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ to Laurie Metcalf

“Lush musicals, fun revues, fascinating new plays and, best of all, the return to production of some beloved Chicago theater companies. All are on tap for this summer in the big city,” Tribune critic Chris Jones writes. Read his full list here.

Live music for summer 2024: Melt-Banana to Green Day, the concerts not to miss

“While this summer will unfold without last year’s multi-day Taylor Swift and Beyoncé extravaganzas, plenty of fantastic shows should keep you busy through Labor Day,” critic Bob Gendron writes. Read his full list here.

TV for summer 2024: ‘The Bear’ and ‘Couples Therapy,’ but few chances taken

“I wish I had more enthusiasm for the coming slate of premieres, but the studios are in the midst of a pipeline problem and decision-makers appear to be unwilling to take chances on the new and unfamiliar,” Tribune critic Nina Metz writes. “On the bright side, I’m expecting the return of “The Bear” to be as satisfying as it has been in seasons past. Read her full list here.

10 movies for summer 2024: Sequels and reboots, but fingers crossed for a surprise

“Like many recent summer movie seasons, but more so, sequels, reboots and spinoffs rule our screen world. Summer 2024 is the summer of colons or numbers in titles,” Tribune critic Michael Phillips writes. Read his full list here.

Dance for summer 2024: In the hot months, free festivals are just the tip of the iceberg

“Indoors or out, when it comes to dance — there’s something for everyone this summer — everywhere you look,” critic Lauren Warnecke writes. Read her full list here.

Classical, jazz and experimental music for summer 2024: Rush Hour Concerts turns 25, plus a once-in-a-lifetime one-act

“From annual standbys to intriguing one-offs, Chicago’s cup overfloweth with summer concerts worth your while,” critic Hannah Edgar writes. Read their full list here.

Top 10 for art in Chicago: Georgia O’Keeffe to Art on the Mart in a 2024 summer of firsts

“An unusual number of firsts are taking place in Chicago museums this summer, from older artists getting their due to under-examined histories being recovered to emergent talents making their local debuts,” critic Lori Waxman writes. Read her full list here.

Museums for summer 2024: After-hours parties at the Shedd and a Holocaust Museum debut

“Not all the exhibitions are free, but enough are to prove, yet again, that Chicago is the very best major American city to spend a summer,” critic Hannah Edgar writes. Read their full list here.

Summer books 2024: It’s summertime and the reading’s easy. Or epic. Choose your own adventure.

“For the rest of you who just want a new mystery or history for the backyard, this summer is overstocked, even more so than the coming fall season,” reporter Christopher Borrelli writes. Read his full list here.