‘Vigil’ by acclaimed author George Saunders kicks off the new Campus Reading Program
May 13, 2026
This month, enjoy a stacked Summer Cinema lineup, opportunities for staff to connect and two new productions at Wirtz Chicago. Here’s what to put on your calendar.
Eye to the sky
Tour Northwestern’s historic Dearborn Observatory and look through its telescope during its weekly public viewing hours. The first hour is by reservation only, but the second is open to walk-ins.
Public viewing hours begin each Friday at 9 p.m. at Dearborn Observatory, 2131 Tech Drive, Evanston. Sign up for the reserved tour waitlist or walk in starting at 10 p.m. More info.
Family favorites under the stars
Summer Cinema is back again with outdoor screenings of family-friendly favorites “Inside Out 2,” “Wall-E,” “Turning Red” and “Mulan.” Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a film under the stars, and come early for free activities. Luna’s Pub and Grill will also be open for refreshments each evening.
Summer Cinema is on Thursdays in July, beginning July 9. Check-in begins at 6:30 p.m., and movies will be screened at dusk (7:30–8 p.m.) at Kahn Pavilion on Cohen Lawn at Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston. See more info and RSVP for specific dates here.
A sweet treat for staff
The Northwestern Staff Advisory Council (NUSAC) invites staff members to connect at ice cream socials on the Chicago and Evanston campuses.
The Chicago social is at noon on Wednesday, July 15, on the patio outside the entrance to Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago. The Evanston social is at noon on Wednesday, July 22, in the courtyard of Scott Hall, 601 University Place, Evanston. Register for either social here.
A complicated mission
In “The Harvest,” a group of evangelical missionaries in southeastern Idaho is preparing to go to the Middle East. One of them — a young man who has recently lost his father — has bought a one-way ticket. But his plans are complicated when his estranged sister returns home and makes it her mission to keep him there.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 17; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 18; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, at the Wirtz Center for Performing and Media Arts, Abbott Hall, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Buy tickets.
Intro to AI
Attend a beginner-friendly introduction to using generative AI tools effectively for everyday research tasks. Join Northwestern IT for a practical introduction to the current AI landscape: what tools exist, how to choose among them and how to use them safely with different types of research data.
The workshop is at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, in room 421, Wieboldt Hall, 340 E. Superior St., Chicago. Register here.
A movie by Lake Michigan
Watch “The Goat” lakeside at Northwestern’s annual community movie night. Drinks, popcorn and candy will be provided while supplies lasts, and attendees may also bring their own snacks to enjoy.
Gates open at 5:45 p.m., with the movie beginning at 6:30 p.m., on Tuesday, July 28, at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, 2235 Campus Drive, Evanston. RSVP here.
A summer picnic
Feinberg staff are invited to a complimentary picnic lunch. This casual, come-and-go gathering is an opportunity to connect with colleagues, enjoy lunch and spend time building community with one another.
The picnic is at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, in the Potocsnak Family Atrium, Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago. RSVP here.
Marriage and mystery
Three days before a wedding, a handsome and mysterious man is fished from the Amazon River. Set once upon a time in a small Brazilian fishing village, “The River Bride” is a tale of true love, regret and two sisters who struggle to be true to each other and their hearts.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 31; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2, at the Wirtz Center for Performing and Media Arts, Abbott Hall, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Buy tickets.
