What’s playing at the Athenaeum Center

ACTC Presents

Featured Events

Athenaeum-Center-presents-Mike-Dawes-Chicago-Theatre-2026_500x500-Square-Box-Office-Image
Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture presentsAn Evening with Mike DawesOctober 15, 2026
Athenaeum-Center-presents-Ottolenghi-Chicago-Theatre-2026_500x500-Square-Box-Office-Image
ACTC in partnership with Chicago Humanities presentsAn Evening with Yotam OttolenghiOctober 12, 2026
Athenaeum-Center-presents-Sound-And-Gravity-Chicago-Theatre-2026_500x500-Square-Box-Office-Image
Constellation presentsSound & Gravity FestivalSeptember 5–6, 2026
Athenaeum-Center-presents-Ann-Patchett-Chicago-Theatre-2026_500x500-Square-Box-Office-Image
ACTC in partnership with Chicago Humanities presentsAnn Patchett: WhistlerJune 28, 2026

All Events

Roger Deakins Photography Exhibition
Team Deakins
Athenaeum Center
Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture presents

Roger Deakins Photography Exhibition

A photography exhibition by Sir Roger Deakins, featuring selections from Byways and unpublished work. On view in the Paradiso Ballroom, offering a rare glimpse into his visual perspective.

April 13–Sept 16, 2026
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Lakeview Chamber of Commerce presents

Coffee & Commerce

Looking to make new connections and exchange ideas with fellow small business owners? Coffee & Commerce is your chance to grow your network in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Join us in the Paradiso the third Wednesday of every month at 8:30 a.m. to 10am for coffee and networking.

Every 3rd Wednesday of the Month
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THE EPIC PLAYERS OF CHICAGO presents

Antigone: A Modern Adaptation After Sophocles

In a contemporary authoritarian state, Antigone stands against power, refusing silence and exposing injustice. Using Epic Theatre techniques, live music, and direct audience address, this production invites you not to escape—but to think.
A story of resistance, responsibility, and the cost of truth.

June 5–7, 2026
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Definition Dance Acadmey presents

Define Yourself 2026

Definition Dance Academy Annual Dance Recital.

Lakeview Orchestra presents

Hughes Conducts Beethoven

Gregory Hughes, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, leads a bold and invigorating program that pairs two revolutionary symphonies.

June 7, 2026
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Live Nation Urban presents

Like a Star: Celebrating 20 Years of Corinne Bailey Rae

2026 marks the 20th anniversary of Corinne Bailey Rae, the Grammy Award-winning singer’s acclaimed debut album that introduced the world to her soulful, sun-soaked sound. Originally released in February 2006, the record produced timeless hits like “Put Your Records On” and “Like a Star,” earning critical praise, multi-platinum sales, and Grammy nominations.

June 10, 2026
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Sacred Voices Tour with Roman and Vatican Singers: The Music of the Popes
Sacred Voices Tour

Sacred Voices Tour with Roman and Vatican Singers: The Music of the Popes

This event is at St. Norbert Church in Northbrook, IL. Direct from Rome, the Vatican Singers and the Cardinal Bartolucci Choir present an evening of Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony from the musical tradition of the Popes. Experience the beauty of the Roman School of sacred music in a rare Chicago performance.

June 18, 2026
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Sacred Voices Tour with Roman and Vatican Singers: The Music of the Popes
Sacred Voices Tour

Sacred Voices Tour with Roman and Vatican Singers: The Music of the Popes

This event is at Church of St. John Cantius in Chicago, IL. Direct from Rome, the Vatican Singers and the Cardinal Bartolucci Choir present an evening of Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony from the musical tradition of the Popes. Experience the beauty of the Roman School of sacred music in a rare Chicago performance.

June 19, 2026
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Sacred Voices Tour with Roman and Vatican Singers: The Music of the Popes
Sacred Voices Tour

Sacred Voices Tour with Roman and Vatican Singers: The Music of the Popes

This event is at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Naperville, IL. Direct from Rome, the Vatican Singers and the Cardinal Bartolucci Choir present an evening of Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony from the musical tradition of the Popes. Experience the beauty of the Roman School of sacred music in a rare Chicago performance.

June 20, 2026
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Sacred Voices Tour with Roman and Vatican Singers: The Music of the Popes and Italian Opera
Sacred Voices Tour

Sacred Voices Tour with Roman and Vatican Singers: The Music of the Popes and Italian Opera

This event is at Des Plaines Theatre in Des Plaines, IL. Direct from Rome, the Vatican Singers and the Cardinal Bartolucci Choir present an evening of Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony from the musical tradition of the Popes. Experience the beauty of the Roman School of sacred music in a rare Chicago performance.

June 21, 2026
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Athenaeum Center
Filmspotting presents

Filmspotting Fest II

Filmspotting Fest returns with a curated lineup of films and special guests, bringing together critics, artists, and audiences for shared viewing experiences and live conversations. This year’s selections explore time not just as subject, but as something embedded in the storytelling — through anticipation, memory, and the way the past presses into the present. 

June 27 & 28, 2026
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Athenaeum Center
ACTC in partnership with Chicago Humanities presents

Ann Patchett: Whistler

New York Times bestselling author Ann Patchett makes her Chicago Humanities debut to discuss Whistler, a luminous novel about the small yet consequential moments that shape a life — and the remarkable power of feeling truly known by another person.

June 28, 2026
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Athenaeum Center
Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture Presents

An Evening with Fr. Mike Schmitz and Luke Burgis

An evening with Fr. Mike Schmitz and Luke Burgis exploring identity, faith, and the courage to live with integrity in the modern world. Through talks and conversation, discover practical paths to virtue, belonging, and authentic selfhood.

July 6, 2026
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Live Nation presents

PJ Morton

PJ Morton is a soul singer, songwriter, performer and producer based in New Orleans. He is a 6x GRAMMY-winner and 22x GRAMMY nominee who has earned numerous nominations for BET, Soul Train and NAACP Image Awards, in addition to selling out countless shows at historic venues like the Apollo Theater and others around the world.

August 23, 2026
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95Savant presents

Bring Yo Mama Comedy Tour

Chicago native comedian, actor, host, and viral content creator 95Savant (John Carter) has built a fast-growing fanbase through sold-out performances, social media, and appearances at iconic comedy venues nationwide. Known for his hilarious storytelling, electric crowd work, and “still funny, just cleaner” style of comedy, the night features a live comedy competition, giveaways, audience interaction, and a special guest set from comedian Larro.

September 4, 2026
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Constellation presents

Sound & Gravity Festival

Sound & Gravity returns to Chicago September 3-6 for its second edition after a brilliant and celebratory first year. The festival, brought to you by Constellation, will take place across multiple venues in Chicago’s Bricktown neighborhood and caters to adventurous, creative listeners eager to support a musical universe founded, curated, and run by artists.

September 5–6, 2026
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Canaan Wellspring presents

Jafra

Jafra is a story about a young Palestinian girl who will guide you on a journey into the world of Palestinian dabke dance and folklore. Through her storytelling, you will discover the history of dabke and the stories woven into the lyrics of our folk songs—many of them composed and passed down by Palestinian women through oral tradition.

September 7, 2026
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b.e. Creative and Brian Leonard presents

Therapist Zero

This acclaimed solo show is a raw, darkly comic journey through the chaos of parenting a brilliant but emotionally explosive daughter—and the endless revolving door of therapists who couldn’t help her. Told through sharply observed vignettes that swing between hilarious and heartbreaking, Therapist Zero blends humor with hard-earned insight as Leonard confronts his own unconventional childhood while trying, fiercely, to parent differently.

September 11–12, 2026
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Thinkable presents

An Evening with Steven Pinker

Steven Pinker, Harvard psychologist and best-selling author and one of the most influential minds of our time, takes the stage across the U.S. & Canada this September.

September 11, 2026
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Back Pocket presents

Chicago Story Fest

The oldest human art form takes center stage. After selling out in SF, Philly, and Detroit, the inaugural season of Chicago Story Fest is finally here.

September 18, 2026
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Art Space Productions presents

Swan Lake: Symphony of Lights

Tchaikovsky’s iconic score opens the door to an entirely reimagined world: vivid light design, illuminated costumes, and world-class dancers from around the globe transform the classic ballet into a mesmerizing visual experience.

October 1, 2026
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Athenaeum Center
ACTC in partnership with Chicago Humanities presents

An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi

Join Yotam Ottolenghi for an intimate and energizing evening celebrating his forthcoming Fall 2026 cookbook, SIMPLE TOO, the long-awaited follow-up to his bestselling Ottolenghi Simple.

October 12, 2026
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Athenaeum Center
Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture presents

An Evening with Mike Dawes

Mike Dawes is an English guitarist known for composing, arranging, and performing multiple parts simultaneously on a single guitar. He is regarded as one of the world’s most creative modern fingerstyle guitarists, with a repertoire spanning original viral videos and popular arrangements, alongside mainstream chart success performing with Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues.

October 15, 2026
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Dante 360
2026 Season
Athenaeum Center
Athenaeum Center Theatre presents

Dante 360

Join us for a journey through the Divine Comedy, from Inferno to Paradiso. Experience the depth and complexity of Dante’s vision through a series of recitations, displays of visual art, and music, which carry the soul alongside the pilgrim in his ascent to Paradise.

November 13-15, 2026
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It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
2026 Season
Athenaeum Center
Athenaeum Center Theatre presents

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

Join us this December for a captivating retelling of It’s a Wonderful Life, brought to life as a 1940s-style live radio play. Set in the intimate round of the Paradiso, every seat offers a unique, up-close view of the beloved tale of George Bailey, his guardian angel Clarence, and the resilient community of Bedford Falls.

Dec 11–31, 2026
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No upcoming events found.

Dante 360 opening this weekend!

Our ticketing system is undergoing a scheduled maintenance October 7, 5:00AM–12:00PM. We regret to inform you that you will be unable to purchase tickets during this time.

We look forward to serving you better with this update!

Come on out tonight!

An Evening with Dennis Quaid

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Dante 360

Midway upon the journey of our life, I found myself within a forest dark, for the straightforward pathway had been lost.” 

And so we all begin—in darkness.

Join Dante on his most famous journey through the depths of hell, levels upon levels of purgatory, finally discovering the light and glory of paradise. You will find terror in the wild beasts he meets along the way; and only moments later great hope at the strong woman, Beatrice, who leads him always upwards.

This contemporary staged performances of one of the most epic stories of the western world is an immersive, multi-dimensional production that leads you into Dantes universe. Returning to the stage for the 4th year, this year’s production.

Its heaven. It’s hell. But above all, it’s worth the trip.

November 8–10, 2024