Even though we are way way past school age, we still get a little melancholy at the close of summer. Fortunately, our friends across the -ist network know that the shenanigans don't need to end just because the big yellow buses are back on the roads. So, grab your sunscreen and your favorite hangover cure, as we take a tour of end of summer fun from -ist cities all over the damn place. SFist Tourist... more ›

The Drinking and Writing series is the perfect libation for theater enthusiasts and beer lovers. Each low-maintenance, high-buzz show is a collection of meticulously researched history, anecdote, editorial, and clever party tricks presented by three Neo-Futurists in a watering hole of choice. Since 2002, they’ve mostly stuck to bars around town with regular travel around the country and an engagement at the Edinburgh Fringe Fest. Wherever they go, the Neos ask why so many great writers are inveterate drinkers. more ›

Irish Repertory of Chicago reminds us that there’s much more to the Emerald Isle than Guinness and cereal-chomping cartoon characters. The Irish and their American descendents gave the world some of its finest playwrights and literary figures, from Pulitzer Prize winners to brilliant contemporary writers deserving wider exposure. This week the company imports Donal O’Kelly, an actor-playwright in the latter category who probably wouldn’t mind joining the former, in a very limited engagement at Columbia College. more ›

Note: Part 1 of this series is here. The Chicago Sketchfest brings some of the country’s finest comic troupes to town this weekend and next. Fitting really, since a mid-January Chicago vacation requires a hearty sense of humor. Yesterday, Chicagoist profiled a few up-and-comers but we didn’t want to leave out the veteran performers, the very backbone of the festival itself, and the uniquely wacky groups, the pickled liver of the festival itself. Many of... more ›

This time of year, it seems you’re either on vacation or thinking about it. For those of you lucky enough to be in the first category and lucky enough to Wake Up in the City That Never Sleeps, consider taking in a show at The New York International Fringe Fest. Chicago companies are once again well represented, and you might be the lucky first to see another offbeat hit. Chicago at FringeNYC: The Last Two... more ›