The Time Out Chicago blog team

Chicago’s seasonal Lights Out program has officially begun, marking a citywide effort to reduce nighttime light pollution during peak bird migration. From March 15 through June 15, buildings across the city are asked to switch off non-essential lights after 11pm and keep them off until sunrise. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chicago Bird Alliance (@chicagobirdalliance) What is the Lights Out program? At its core, it’s a conservation initiative. The program targets high-rise buildings, especially those over 40 stories or taller than 20 stories if they stand alone. Tenants and building managers are encouraged to turn off decorative lighting, dim interiors or close blinds late at night. Chicago was the first U.S. city to implement this program in 1999. Many U.S. cities have followed suit through a national Lights Out program. What is the purpose of the Lights Out program? For migratory birds, bright city lights can be deadly. Artificial light at night disrupts their navigation, causing them to circle illuminated buildings until they either collide with windows or collapse from exhaustion. Chicago sits along a major migration route, making it a critical point of intervention. The city estimates this program can save up to 10,000 birds each year. When does the program run? The spring phase runs from March 15 to June 15, aligning with one of the busiest migration periods. A similar effort typically returns in the fall. How can Chicagoans participate...

Ebisu Life Store, a wildly popular Japanese lifestyle shop packed with viral snacks, blind boxes and kawaii collectibles, has officially landed just outside of Chicago. The Osaka-born retailer just opened a new location inside Woodfield Mall, putting thousands of Japanese goods, from cult-favorite candies to collectible figurines, under one roof. RECOMMENDED: New immersive exhibit WONDRA brings crystal caves, cool cloudscapes and more to Woodfield Mall If you’ve ever fallen down a TikTok rabbit hole of Japanese snacks or “blind box” toys, this is essentially that, but in real life. Ebisu specializes in a rotating mix of imported treats, stationery, beauty products and character merch, all sourced directly from Japan and often including limited-edition items you won’t find elsewhere. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Woodfield Mall (@woodfieldmall) The store marks a continued U.S. expansion for the brand, which was founded in Osaka in 2013 and has been steadily growing its stateside fan base thanks to its mix of novelty and nostalgia. And the setting couldn’t be more fitting: Woodfield Mall remains one of the few malls in the region that still pulls serious foot traffic, making it a prime spot for buzzy retail concepts to take off. Inside, the vibe is equal parts convenience store and collector’s paradise. Shelves are stacked with everything from matcha Kit Kats and fruit jellies to plush toys and tiny trinkets designed to be opened as...

Chicago’s biggest summer party is back and, this year, it’s leaning all the way into pop spectacle, with just enough indie, rap and dance to keep everyone happy (and very busy running between stages). Lollapalooza will return to Grant Park from July 30 through August 2, 2026, and the newly announced lineup is stacked at the top. Charli XCX, Lorde and Tate McRae lead the charge, joined by Olivia Dean, the XX, Jennie, John Summit and hometown icons the Smashing Pumpkins—who, notably, haven’t played a U.S. Lolla in more than 30 years. (Yes, really.) The slightly-chaotic mix comes as no surprise: Lolla has always thrived on genre whiplash and 2026 is no exception. The headliners alone span hyperpop, alt-pop, K-pop, house and ‘90s alt-rock nostalgia, making this one of the festival’s most cross-generational top lines in years. Beyond the marquee names, the undercard is where things really start to sprawl, but in a good way. There are buzzy indie acts like Wet Leg and Wolf Alice, rap heavyweights including Clipse and Freddie Gibbs, and a strong showing from global pop and dance, with artists like Aespa, Zara Larsson and The Chainsmokers all on deck. Add in cult favorites like Ethel Cain, Blood Orange and Little Simz and you have a lineup that will reward both casual fans and deep divers. Electronic music also gets a major boost this year, with DJ Trixie Mattel, Boris Brejcha and Eli Brown popping up across the bill and bands like Turnstile and Geese bring guitars back into the...