Chicago is a bustling hub for art and culture this weekend with several exciting events taking place across the city. The highly anticipated EXPO Chicago returns to Navy Pier, showcasing contemporary works from over 170 galleries.
In its second year under the guidance of London-based Frieze, EXPO Chicago introduces ‘Contrast,’ a new curated section that emphasizes themes of culture and identity.
Moreover, the event features a special collaboration with the Galleries Association of Korea, promising a diverse array of artworks.
The fair runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 25-26 and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 27 at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall (800 E. Grand Ave.). Tickets start at $36 and can be purchased at expochicago.com.
In conjunction with EXPO Chicago, Chicago artist and 2025 Guggenheim Fellowship recipient Theaster Gates will host a unique event titled ‘A Clay Sermon’ at his Stony Island Arts Bank.
This 12-hour performance project will transform the venue into an active clay studio, allowing guests to witness Gates’ creative process in real-time.
Gates will be joined by the Black Monks and other special guests, making this event not just a performance, but a fundraiser for his Rebuild Foundation.
The event takes place from noon to midnight on April 26, and attendees are encouraged to come and go throughout the day.
Tickets are available from $25 at www.eventbrite.com.
Music enthusiasts can look forward to Charli XCX, who will be gracing the stage at Allstate Arena as part of her Brat Tour on April 28.
Following her recent Grammy triumphs, this British pop star is set to deliver an electrifying performance beginning at 8 p.m.
Tickets for Charli XCX’s concert start at $149.50 and are available at charlixcx.com.
For those seeking a more relaxing musical experience, Ivan Cornejo will perform on April 26-27 at the United Center.
As part of his Mirada Tour, the singer-songwriter blends alt rock and música Mexicana, offering a chilling contrast to the high-energy pop of Charli XCX.
His Nashville-inspired sound will resonate with fans starting at 8 p.m. each evening, with tickets starting from $91 available at ivancornejoofficial.com.
Art and music fuse together at the Chicago Renaissance Showcase, where an industrial warehouse will be transformed into a vibrant celebration on April 26.
This day-long event features a vendor marketplace, panel discussions, an art auction, interactive graffiti art, house music dance lessons, and an eye-catching fashion show.
The festivities will culminate in an afterparty featuring renowned DJs Joe Smooth and Paul Woolford, running from noon until 1 a.m.
Tickets start at $15, with proceeds benefiting the Museum of House, available at lu.ma.
Additionally, the Merchandise Mart will come alive with the Art on the Mart projection show.
From April 25 through June 1, visitors can enjoy colorful displays by digital artist Shana Moulton that spotlight female figures within intricate mandala patterns.
These projections will be visible from the Chicago Riverwalk Thursday through Sunday evenings, at no cost.
Film aficionados won’t want to miss the Doc10 Film Festival, which launches on April 30 with a focus on the roots of house music in its featured film ‘Move Ya Body: The Birth of House.’
The screening will be complemented by a Q&A session featuring producer Chester Algernal Gordon and house music innovator Vince Lawrence, as well as an afterparty headlined by DJ Celeste Alexander.
The festival runs through May 4 at locations including the Davis Theater and Gene Siskel Film Center, with tickets starting at $16 available at Doc10.org.
For fans of cinematic nostalgia, ‘The Goonies in Concert’ promises an unforgettable evening as the Chicago Philharmonic accompanies a screening of the beloved film with a live performance of Dave Grusin’s original score.
This event is set to take place at 7:30 p.m. on April 26 at The Auditorium.
Tickets start at $49.50 at chicagophilharmonic.org.
Additionally, shopping enthusiasts can take part in the Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl, celebrating Independent Bookstore Day on April 26.
Those in search of handcrafted items can attend the One of a Kind Show + Sale, which will feature over 350 vendors showcasing a diverse range of products from food to fine art.
The show runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 25-26 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 27 at The Mart.
Modern Vintage Chicago will also be happening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 27 at Ravenswood Event Center, offering a glimpse into a treasure trove of vintage items.
Tickets for the One of a Kind Show + Sale start at $15 while tickets for Modern Vintage Chicago are available for $5 at randolphstreetmarket.com.
Lastly, the Central States Coin Show takes center stage with its 86th annual convention at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel.
On April 25-26, collectors can admire rare coins and engage with hundreds of professional dealers at this educational event.
Tickets are priced at $15, with entry free for individuals aged 17 and under, available at csns.org.
image source from：https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/04/25/what-to-do-in-chicago-expo-chicago-charli-xcx-and-theaster-gates-live/
