Eat. Watch. Do. — Lollapalooza lineup, ‘Spongebob Musical’ review, plus top Malört bars

It’s Thursday, Chicago.

No matter if it’s your first Lollapalooza weekend or your 15th, we’ve got your essential guide to the must-see bands, best bites and tips to know ahead of time. But there’s more fun to be had outside of Grant Park in Chicago before the summer ends; our entertainment reporters compiled over a dozen must-do’s as the warmer weather winds down.

Meanwhile, Chicago foodies are saying farewell to some of the city’s best restaurants as they announce closures. Even so, a smorgasbord of exciting new openings — from a shop making some of the city’s best bagels to an intriguing Persian tasting menu — have us looking forward to venturing out to some new spots.

However you choose to indulge — Malört, anyone? — it’s sure to be a weekend filled with Chicago-style summer fun. Enjoy, and we’ll see you next week.

— Lauryn Azu, deputy senior editor

Our 18 must-do’s before summer ends: Entertainment writers share their personal picks

Movies under the stars? Ever been to a pizza farm? Here’s what’s on our list of what to do in this glorious last full month of summer 2023.

Review: The view from Miru is perfectly luxurious — and sometimes, so is the food

Miru, the new Lettuce Entertain You restaurant in the St. Regis hotel, offers views, luxury and one of critic Louisa Chu’s favorite dishes of 2023 — if you know where to look.

Lollapalooza in Chicago: Lineup, must-see artists, entry details

Our selection of the best up-and-coming and established musicians to check out during Lollapalooza 2023, plus everything else you need to know for the four-day fest.

Taste of Chicago 2023 food and music lineup announced

Chicago’s largest food fest will take place Sept. 8-10 near Buckingham Fountain at Jackson and Columbus, with some 35 vendors and 15 food trucks and music on three stages. Get the full details here.

Which Chicago bars sell the most Malört? Top spots spill secrets on slinging that ‘taste from home’

The Chicago bars that go through the most bottles of Malört each year share what makes the drink so loved and so hated.

Column: In defense of background TV

There’s a place in the TV landscape — or there should be — for the kind of easy-to-watch shows you pick when you’re tired or distracted, writes Tribune critic Nina Metz.

• My Worst Moment: Beau Bridges and the surreal moment on stage

Loba Pastry + Coffee’s comeback, plus 13 notable restaurant openings and closings

After a nearly two-year hiatus, Loba Pastry + Coffee reopened earlier this summer at its new West Lakeview location — and it joins a smattering of new and notable spots for hungry Chicagoans.

Review: Fun just oozes from ‘The SpongeBob Musical’ by Kokandy Productions

JD Caudill directs a vibrant new production of Nickelodeon’s “The SpongeBob Musical,” a show that premiered in Chicago before opening on Broadway in 2017. Catch the goofy, family-friendly adventure under the sea through Sept. 3.

Tilly’s Bagel Shop opening storefront, expanding its lineup of some of Chicago’s best bagels

Tilly’s Bagel Shop began as a virtual bagel project during the pandemic and quickly caught the eye of Tribune food critic Nick Kindelsperger, who named it one of the city’s best. Now, it’s putting down roots with a storefront in the South Loop.

Shedd Aquarium announces 40-foot Caribbean tunnel, new learning studio as part of ongoing $500 million plan

The Shedd Aquarium released plans Tuesday to significantly upgrade many of its exhibits, gardens and learning spaces by 2027.

Big screen or home stream, takeout or dine-in, Tribune writers are here to steer you toward your next great experience. Sign up for your free weekly Eat. Watch. Do. newsletter here.