Here’s 6 Fun Ways to Spend Your Chicago Summer at Goodman Theatre!
Written by Vicky Mejia
Goodman Theatre has an impressive lineup of events this summer that you’ll want to check out! From a LGBTQIA+ celebratory night, sensory outdoor plays for the very young, a night of improv comedy with seasoned comedians TJ & Dave, and Indigenous artistry with conversation, there’s something fun for everyone! Whether you’re visiting the Chicago Riverwalk or shopping around Magnificent Mile, make the most out of your visit by visiting us in the Chicago Theatre District with FREE and affordable events this June, July, and August.
Read on for a list of entertaining Goodman events happening at our theater and across the city this summer.
On June 25, before the world-premiere of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Pride Night OUT! will celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community in a one-of-kind immersive lobby experience filled with eclectic tunes from a local Chicago DJ. Enjoy a 25% discount, a FREE beverage, and get ready to paint the town rainbow with us! You don’t want to miss out.
Vicky’s take: It’s not everyday you get to jam to music in the lobby with a DJ; count me in!
The two actors and friends, TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi, have garnered an impressive reputation over the past few decades in the world of long-form improv. From July 18- 20, the comical duo, TJ & Dave, will be “serving up “the best improv comedy [you’ve] ever seen “brilliant, heart-breaking, mind-blowing and inspiring” (The Guardian). Do the adjectives need any more convincing?
Vicky’s take: Long-form improv is something that only a few can master and I’m intrigued that TJ & Dave have done it and can’t wait to experience them live.
Twelve Chicago Park Districts will team up starting July 24 to bring an enchanting retelling of The Lizard Y El Sol, a Mexican folktale featuring interactive storytelling, colorful puppets, and Mexican-inspired music and dance to families across the city. The citywide event is made specially for children ages 0 – 5 years and their adult friends and family. All performances are FREE and include a hands-on workshop for audiences!
Vicky’s take: If you’re someone like me who enjoys going to “Movies at the Park” in the summer with their family, you’ll enjoy taking your little ones to The Lizard y El Sol.
The Sweetest Season festival comes to Goodman Theatre July 26 through 27, hosting a wide range of activities to celebrate Indigenous creativity in Chicago. The third annual festival featured live Indigenous music performances, gathering local Indigenous artists for an evening of music, dance, and spoken word. Sign up for free to The Sweetest Season Social Hour where you’ll get to taste of delicious Indigenous cuisine or earn bragging rights after having a laugh with this year’s Indigenous comedians.
Vicky’s take: What better way to continue to learn about Indigenous culture than through different forms of art? As a music, dance, AND spoken word aficionado, this one is right in my ballpark.
If you’re not already familiar with the annual New Stages Festival, the New Stages Residency is a program designed to support and develop new work by Chicago playwrights. Did you know that a select number of plays developed in the Residency have gone on to receive readings and workshop productions in the New Stages Festival as well as full productions at the Goodman? Free readings for the New Stages Residency happen this month—stay tuned for the date announcement!
Vicky’s take: I’m excited to be one of the first people to see plays that may continue to be developed in our New Stages Festival.
Vicky Mejia is the Digital Marketing Associate at Goodman Theatre
