The Time Out Chicago blog team

It's no secret the Windy City draws millions of visitors every year, but our world-class culinary scene and pristine parks are apparently convincing some to stick around. For the second year in a row, Chicago has expanded its population and reversed a downward trend from previous years. RECOMMENDED: These are the best Chicago neighborhoods to buy a home in this year According to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Second City added 22,164 residents between mid-2023 and mid-2024, a slight increase Mayor Brandon Johnson attributes to Chicago's "remarkable resilience," reports The Chicago Tribune.  Sitting pretty at a population of 2,721,308—up from 2023's 2,664,452—Chicago preserves its stronghold as the third-largest city in the nation, behind New York (pop. 8,478,072) and Los Angeles (pop. 3,878,704). However, Houston, Texas is just 330,000 residents from usurping that third-place finish. (According to the Census, Houston grew to 2,390,125 as of July 1, 2024, up from 2023's 2,314,157.) Giving Greater Chicago a population boost, though, are the surrounding suburbs, which are also reportedly experiencing an influx as of late: Plainfield leads the region with nearly 4,000 new arrivals since 2020, followed by Naperville, Warrenville, Montgomery, McHenry, and Joliet. Plainfield Village President Jon Argoudelis credits the area's growth to holistic tactics and a 10-year plan to spend $160 million on infrastructure.  “It’s not just things like economics, traffic and...

In case you haven't heard yet, the new pope is a Chicago boy—yes, the freshly minted Pope Leo XIV—formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old Chicago native—made history as the first-ever American pope the papal conclave earlier this month, a surprising election that had folks around Chicagoland pretty amped. (Chicago-based chain Portillo's even made a Pope-themed sandwich to celebrate). And now the White Sox are getting in on all of the holy fun, with a special event honoring Pope Leo next month. RECOMMENDED: This is apparently Pope Leo's favorite Chicago pizza joint—get it before it closes On Saturday, June 14, the Archdiocese of Chicago has scheduled a citywide Catholic mass and special program to be held at Rate Field (333 W. 35th Street) to celebrate Pope Leo's election and inauguration. The event will feature music, film, speakers and prayers at the ballpark, which has capacity for 40,000 participants. More information, including a start time for the event and how to purchase tickets, is still to come. “The Archdiocese of Chicago invites media and the public to a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first pope born and raised in the Chicago area,” the archdiocese said in a release. “Pope Leo XIV’s message of peace, unity and the key to a meaningful life have touched hearts across the globe. This celebration is an extraordinary opportunity for people from the city and beyond to come together in shared pride for one of our...

Magnificent Mile in Streeterville has long been home to designer fashion, Michelin-starred dining, and annual an Art Festival. Soon, the famed district will enchant visitors with a sprawling $50 million magical theater destination called The Hand & The Eye. Brainchild of Chicago healthcare entrepreneur Glen Tullman, the sorcery will span 36,000 square feet of the historic McCormick Mansion (formerly home to Lawry's Prime Rib), including not one but seven theaters, multiple bars, and a massive dining space—all dedicated to the art of illusion. "This is not some six-month pop-up thing. This is a once-in-a-generation project,” Tullman told The Chicago Tribune. Guests will move among multiple upscale, all-adult experiences, ranging from live jazz sets to illusions by self-proclaimed "curator of magic" Jeff Kaylor. Bars will be equipped for sleight-of-hand drink slinging, a nod to Chi-Town's rich history of magician-barkeeps. No word on food menu specifics just yet, but Levy Restaurants CEO Andy Lansing equated it to "Pump Room in its heyday."  "We want to open up people’s imaginations," Kaylor told the Tribune. "And create a place where every magician in the world wants to perform." Visitors will purchase a single inclusive ticket for timed reservations at a premium price point yet to be determined. Could dinner be served in the famed fourth-floor ballroom, which hosted upwards of 400 guests and visiting royalty in its early days?! Either way, expect a dress code. Club...