Summer festivals and downtown celebrations have kicked off, but the onetime epicenter of arts and culture lies dormant.

The big picture: The Petrillo Bandshell is no longer the premier downtown location for concerts, as event organizers have moved to the state-of-the-art Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park or to temporary stages for huge Grant Park festivals like Lollapalooza and Taste of Chicago.

State of play: The old band shell sits virtually unused, and the pavilion chairs have been removed, leaving a large slab of concrete in the middle of Grant Park.

Flashback: Over the past 50 years, the outdoor amphitheater off Columbus Street has hosted the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, Taste of Chicago concerts, sports championship celebrations and more.

Driving the news: This year, Taste of Chicago confirmed it won't be using the band shell in September again. Taste performances will happen on a temporary stage near Buckingham Fountain.

• The future of the venue is undecided.

What they're saying: "The Park District is evaluating it as part of the Grant Park Framework Plan, which includes gathering input from community stakeholders," a Chicago Park District spokesperson tells Axios.

• "The Petrillo Bandshell is currently available for permitted use."

Reality check: Hardly anybody is renting it out.

Yes, but: The Park District says Lollapalooza has filed for a permit for the band shell again this year.

The bottom line: Petrillo's days might be numbered, but it will always hold a special place in many Chicagoans' hearts for the memories made there.

💭 Justin's thought bubble: Setting up blankets and sneaking in warm beers to see James Brown, Chaka Khan and several Bulls championship rallies are forever imprinted in my memory bank.

💭 Monica's thought bubble: As a music writer, I reviewed dozens of shows there, including George Clinton's 1995 Taste show, where he turned the pavilion into One Nation Under A Groove.

📫 Email us your favorite memories of Petrillo, and we'll include them in future newsletters.

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👋 Hi! Carrie and Moyo here!

We recently played tourists in our city and took a sunset tour on a double-decker Big Bus for the first time.

What to expect: A two-hour ride that starts at the Hard Rock Cafe on Ontario, weaves through the Gold Coast and Lincoln Park, heads south on DuSable Lake Shore Drive and takes Michigan Avenue to the Museum Campus.

• Riders can hop off by the Adler Planetarium to get a great shot of the skyline just as the sun is setting.
• The tour will give you a deeper understanding of Chicago's rich history and a new appreciation for the city.

The vibe: Like you're on vacation and seeing your city in a new way.

Though we can't show you everything, here's a behind-the-scenes look at our experience.

If you go: Tickets are $49.50 and $35 for kids ages 3-12. Reservations are recommended.

• Now through Oct. 19: Times vary based on sunset.

🏀 The Bulls traded Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City for Australian point guard Josh Giddey. Caruso was just named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. (NBC Sports)

📚 Chicago Public Schools is considering renaming three elementary schools named after controversial individuals. (Tribune)

🎤 Tyler, The Creator withdrew as a headliner for Lollapalooza but was quickly replaced by Megan Thee Stallion. (Axios)

👋 Hey, it's Monica. I recently went to see a movie on top of the Emily Hotel in Fulton Market as part of this summer's Rooftop Cinema series.

How it works: All summer long, Rooftop is presenting classic movies (sometimes three a day) that viewers watch from Adirondack chairs while wearing headphones.

• After buying your online ticket, you can show up early to mingle and play board games or arrive right on time to grab your headphones and take a seat.

Ticket cost: $23 for a padded chair; $29 for a loveseat and box of popcorn.

The flicks: Movies this month include "Pretty Woman," "Pride & Prejudice," "White Chicks" and "The Mummy."

The food: Cookies, hot dogs, pizza, popcorn and walking tacos ($4-$14).

• But if my doughy pizza ($16) was any indication, you might be better off eating at one of the many fine Fulton Market restaurants nearby before the show.

Drinks: Wine, beer and movie-themed cocktails like Mango Unchained and Dark-Knight Cap ($6-$14).

The verdict: With the right weather and right flick in the right time slot (midday could be rough), Rooftop Cinema can offer a magical summer experience under a sparkling night sky.

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📆 Start planning your days ahead.

Stars & Stripes Vintage & Artisan Market at Logan Square Auditorium on June 29: Visit the historic Logan Square Auditorium built in 1915 in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood for a fun time at this one of a kind market. Immerse yourself in this experience with vintage clothing, accessories, toys, art, home goods and more. Free.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

👋 Monica here, again!

All this summer, we're reviewing beachfront cafes and restaurants, and today we head to Aura on the Lake, where I felt transported to a tropical resort for a couple of hours.

• Though this place may not be easy to find, it's worth the effort.

Dig in: Burgers, seafood appetizers, tacos, sandwiches and salads for between $12 and $18.

• We loved the indulgent lobster nachos with truffle cheese ($18), beer-battered fish tacos with cilantro lime slaw and chipotle aioli ($18) and the garden burger, featuring buffalo mozzarella, basil aioli and balsamic reduction ($18).

Drink up: Wine, beer and non-alcoholic and regular summery cocktails — think mangonada martinis and watermelon mojitos — for $7-$14.

Steps to the water: 150, mostly on a sturdy plastic boardwalk.

Pro tip: Take public transit, bike or walk to this hidden Edgewater spot tucked behind a building near Hollywood Avenue and Sheridan Road.

• I dumbly drove and was lucky to find parking four blocks away.