Shannon Shreibak

Last updated October 27, 2025: It happened: We’ve reached the final week of spooky season—a bittersweet pocket of time before fake cobwebs are replaced by string lights and crisp fall breezes yield to punishing sleet and snow. So, before the city slips into a yuletide tizzy, squeeze in a few of the best (mostly Halloween-themed) things to do this week. If you’re looking to embrace all things spooky and scary, there’s no shortage of events for you: Haunted Halsted Halloween Night Parade marches through the Northalsted neighborhood, the Shedd Aquarium transforms into a haunted house and Weegee’s Lounge becomes David Lynch’s Twin Peaks. There are plenty of things to do for the Halloween abstainer, too: the Vimeo Staff Picks Screening brings some of the platform’s best short films to the big screen, La Carrera de los Muertos winds through Pilsen and The Other Art Fair returns to Artifact Events this week. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago in October 2025

The arrival of December sends the holiday season into full swing—prepare yourself for a jam-packed roster of glittering Christmas lights, festive holiday pop-ups and plenty of glühwein to be sipped at Christkindlmarket locations in both Daley Plaza and Aurora. As the month draws to a close, bid adieu to 2024 at New Year's Eve events and parties happening at Chicago hotels, clubs and other hotspots, where you'll find Champagne towers and other special ways to welcome 2025 in style. So make the most of the final month of the year with our guide to the best events in Chicago this December. RECOMMENDED: Check out our 2025 Chicago events calendar

Welcome to November in Chicago! You've got about two weeks of breathing room after Halloween before holiday events begin in earnest, from twinkling Christmas lights displays to the first days of Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville. And of course, don't forget about Thanksgiving in Chicago. Hoping to avoid the holidays altogether? Take a spin on the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon or huddle away from the wintry weather at one of many Chicago museums as temperatures start to plummet. Say goodbye to fall in Chicago with the help of our list of the best things to do in Chicago this November. RECOMMENDED: Check out our 2025 Chicago events calendar

We’re probably not alone in saying that the weekend is always on our minds here at Time Out Chicago HQ. Like you (probably), we spend the workweek daydreaming about the next restaurant to obsess over and obsessively updating our concert calendars. Whether you’re museum-hopping, plotting a day trip to escape the city, or ready to ghost your original plans for something spontaneous, you’ll find plenty of ways to make the most of your weekend in Chicago. Last updated October 22, 2025: Praise be—Chicago is finally settling into fall weather, and the city has the perfect events to pair with these crisp temps and changing leaves. Animal lovers can enjoy not one, but two animal-centric Halloween celebrations: the Streeterville Doggy & Kitty Halloween Party and a Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest at dog-loving bar Cody’s Public House. For those seeking boozy Halloween revelry, enjoy pop-ups like Nightmare on Clark Street, Black Lagoon and Curse of the Nile. If you’re saving all your festive energy for Halloween weekend proper, catch a flick at the Chicago International Film Festival or support local makers at KOVAL Distillery’s Ravenswood Makers Market. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Chicago today RECOMMENDED: The best free things to do in Chicago this month RECOMMENDED: The best cheap eats in Chicago RECOMMENDED: Discover the 50 best things to do in Chicago right now

Last updated October 16, 2025: Fall in Chicago is officially underway, which means it's time to turn your attention to all things spooky, ghoulish and pumpkin-filled. Hoping for a fright? Visit one of Chicago's most haunted places, attend one of the city's many Halloween parades and parties or wander through a ghostly haunted house. No matter your age, embrace the thrills and chills of spooky season with our guide to the best Halloween events in Chicago this year.  RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Halloween in Chicago Read more: The 40 greatest Halloween songs for the ultimate spooky party The 12 best Halloween events in the USA for 2025 The 48 best Halloween movies of all time

Last updated October 16, 2025: As a chill runs through the air and the leaves begin to change, it’s not just fall that’s upon us, but spooky season. Autumn is the perfect time to watch horror movies, tell scary stories and walk through haunted houses. If you’ve ever wanted to have a real paranormal encounter, though, Chicago has plenty of destinations to try and make that happen. Historic buildings aren't the only places that have reported hauntings—music venues, cemeteries and hotels all have ghost stories surrounding them as well. So for those who are looking for more than pumpkin patches and corn mazes this fall, we’ve put together a list of some of the most haunted spots in Chicago that offer a truly chilling experience. RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Halloween in Chicago Quick picks: The best haunted spots in Chicago Holy Name Cathedral – Bullet holes from a 1926 gang hit are said to resist patching. Congress Plaza Hotel – Historic Michigan Avenue hotel infamous for ghost sightings and mobster lore. Graceland Cemetery – Resting place of Chicago notables with legends of ghostly children. Read more: The 40 greatest Halloween songs for the ultimate spooky party The 12 best Halloween events in the USA for 2025 The 48 best Halloween movies of all time

Every city has its own lingo, so if you're spending some time in Chicago, you might as well get acquainted with the local vernacular. From unique Chicago delicacies to nicknames for interstates, there's plenty of Chicago slang that might elicit a bit of confusion if you haven't spent much time in the Midwestern metropolis. While most folks are familiar with “The Bean” and nicknames for other Chicago attractions, we've gathered some more essential Chicago slang—including terms you can use during your next visit to a Chicago hot dog restaurant. Bungalow (n.): One-story, single-family homes with sloped roofs that are found in neighborhoods throughout the city, primarily in the "Bungalow Belt," an arc-shaped zone containing almost 80,000 of the unique houses. Chicago handshake (n.): The local version of a boilermaker, typically comprising a pint (or can) of Old Style and a shot of Malört. Chicago Mix (n.): The salty-sweet combination of cheddar and caramel popcorn. You'll find it at Garrett Popcorn Shop (where the scent usually wafts into the street) and pretty much every popcorn shop worth its salt in the city. Comiskey (n.): When the original Comiskey Park (the home of the White Sox) was demolished in 1990, the team's new ballpark went by the same name until it was rechristened U.S. Cellular Field in 2003 and then renamed Guaranteed Rate Field 13 years later. Many fans still cling to the South Side stadium's original title. Coach house (n.): A small, separate dwelling located i

For the past eight years, we’ve made it our mission to scope out the coolest pockets of the world’s greatest cities in order to create our definitive annual ranking. The places where stuff like nightlife, art, culture, and affordable food and drink can be found on every corner and down every backstreet. Where diversity is championed and independent businesses thrive, from old-school boltholes to the newest avant-garde art space. Put simply, the world’s coolest neighbourhoods are places that represent the soul of our cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work and play. So, what are the neighbourhoods that fit the bill this year? To find out, we asked our network of writers and editors across a breadth of cities to nominate the vibiest district in their hometown right now. We then ranked every neighbourhood against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.  On our list this year, you’ll find everything from homely, village-like enclaves with tight-knit communities to revitalised city-centre hubs and formerly dormant, industrial areas transformed into creative districts. Many are underrated spots that sit in the shadow of their commercialised counterparts; others have become unexpected culinary hotspots or magnets for the city’s artists, writers and activists. What they all have in common is a DIY spirit – and an unshakeable proclivity f

No matter where your interests lie, you can always find something to get excited about in this no-nonsense Midwestern metropolis. The best things to do in Chicago run the gamut—from seriously fun to awesomely educational. Looking for culture? Spend a day exploring Chicago museums. Hungry? You've come to the right place, because Chicago is famous for its delicious cuisine. There are tons of amazing restaurants in Chicago that highlight the city's rich and diverse culinary landscape. (And plenty of uniquely Chicago bars that do the trick, too.) We've searched all across the city to assemble this list of the best things to do in Chicago. Follow it and never get bored here again. Quick picks: The best things to do in Chicago Millennium Park – See “The Bean” (Cloud Gate) and enjoy free outdoor concerts, workouts and more Art Institute of Chicago – World-class collection with strong Impressionism and modern art wings ($26–$32) Lincoln Park Zoo – Historic zoo in the heart of the city housing over 200 animal species (Free) Willis Tower Skydeck and “The Ledge” – Enjoy sky-high views and step onto glass ledges above the city ($36–$45) Bike or walk the Lakefront Trail – Scenic route along Lake Michigan weaving through beaches and parks Last updated October 1, 2025: Along with the arrival of milder weather and fall colors, October ushers in some of the year's finest events and happenings: The Chicago Marathon, Halloween parades and parties galore, Open House Chicago—the list goes on an

The official start of fall in Chicago might be in September, but the season doesn't really hit its stride until October—a month replete with crisp air, colorful fall foliage and a heaping helping of spooky fun. Take advantage of everything autumn has to offer by exploring the best pumpkin patches near Chicago, attending an apple-themed neighborhood fest, getting lost in corn mazes or staring up at the changing leaves at your local park or garden. And of course, celebrate Halloween in Chicago with spooky pop-ups, haunted houses, horror movie marathons and even more ghoulish events. Ready to embrace autumn? Check out the rest of the best things do to in Chicago this October.  RECOMMENDED: Check out our 2025 Chicago events calendar

Last updated October 3, 2025: Some of the world's most famous collections and exhibits can be found in Chicago. Want to see premier pieces from famous artists? Book your tickets for the Art Institute or Museum of Contemporary Art. Obsessed with the deep unknown of the sea or space? Take a trip to the Shedd Aquarium or Adler Planetarium, which are two of the best children's museums. Whether you enjoy art, science, history or architecture, the city’s many museums are some of the top Chicago attractions and provide a great way to spend an afternoon. They're also among the best things to do with kids in Chicago. So spend a day exploring the best museums in Chicago.  RECOMMENDED: Discover the best things to do in Chicago

Halloween is almost here, and you know what that means: time to track down a phenomenal costume (and some spooky decorations) to greet the season in style. Not to fear—Chicago is filled with places where you can rent a Darth Vader getup, throw together a quick skeleton 'fit or stock up on those cobwebs that inevitably glom onto everything you love. Before you party at the city's best music venues, cocktail bars or dance clubs, make sure you're donning an ensemble no one will soon forget. We rounded up the best Halloween costume stores in Chicago, including plenty of shops that are open year-round. RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Halloween in Chicago  

Do you like riding your bike? How about delicious Mexican food? Do you want to support local street vendors? If you’ve answered “yes” to all of the above, CyclingxSolidarity’s Street Vendor Bike Tour is the place to be. Organized in partnership with the Street Vendors Association of Chicago, the Bike Tour is designed to build community, one bike and meal at a time. The event will kick off with two stops in Pilsen during which CyclingxSolidarity will highlight its mutual aid efforts and partnerships with local organizations. The bike tour will then move westward toward Little Village, where cyclists will meet street vendors, hear their stories and enjoy delicious food at three different stops. The event is open to cyclists of all skill levels. “I want this tour to act as open arms to welcome people to Little Village and other communities where we have built bridges with local community organizations and introduce them to the people, places and food that make up these beautiful communities,” Rick Rosales, community organizer for CyclingxSolidarity says. “They need our support more than ever and for those of us that love to ride bikes, this seemed like a perfect opportunity.” Rosales hopes that this event will be the first of many Street Vendor Bike Tours. Learn more about CyclingxSolidarity’s mission here.

If Wes Anderson designed a cafe-meets-gift shop, it would probably look a lot like The Center of Order and Experimentation. Step inside and you're greeted by a velvet-upholstered counter, sticker-covered clipboards and sleek, futuristic-font signs declaring that the space is "not a cult." Cake-shaped candles, fluorescent tea boxes and handmade ceramics are artfully arranged on shelves and tables, every detail carefully curated. The space is often buzzing, especially during weekend micro-bakery pop-ups, watercolor workshops and other whimsical events.  

Inspired by the cultural resurgence of Mort Garson’s synth-powered album Mother Earth’s Plantasia, Empty Bottle Presents and Sacred Bones Records have been hosting an annual music festival celebrating plants and people who love them for nearly half a decade. Spread across two days, attendees can enjoy experimental music and on-site activations in the Garfield Park Conservatory's lush confines. This year's Plantasia lineup includes electronic music legend Suzanne Ciani, ambient juggernaut Tim Hecker, Pakistani composer Arooj Aftab and more.

The latest addition to the Salt Shed's sprawling grounds is a pinball palace owned by none other than Jim Zespy of Logan Arcade. Housing over 100 games, 8-bit purists, pinball wizards and casual gamers alike will all find fun ways to collect virtual prize tickets, which can be redeemed at a fully-stocked prize shop. Billed as an all-ages space by day and adult-centric playground—complete with jello shots—by night, there's something for everyone at Elston Electric.

What happens when a grift lands you smack dab in the center-court spotlight during the Chicago Bulls’ legendary 1996 reign? BULL, a two-act comedy following unathletic schemers Scott and Bryce, sets out to answer exactly that. As the duo navigates a grand con and the chaos of unexpected fame, they struggle to hold their friendship together—all against the backdrop of one of the most iconic eras in Chicago sports history.

This one’s for the birders out there! Stop by the Newberry Library this August and September for a free guided tour of "Winging It: A Brief History of Humanity's Relationship with Birds,” an exhibit exploring the cultural and environmental resilience of birds across eras and civilizations. The tour ends in one of the library’s cozy reading rooms, where you can chat about what you’ve learned or dive into everything else the Newberry has to offer. (Spoiler alert: it’s a lot.)

Wander into Carol's Pub on the second or fourth Tuesday of the month, and you might not recognize the iconic country dive. No cowboys downing High Life, no two-stepping in sight. Instead, you’ll find a rowdy crowd waving jello shots (proceeds benefit a rotating charity) and gleefully dabbing bingo cards with multicolored markers. Welcome to Cougar Bingo, hosted by comedian Brittny Congleton, who performs as the fabulous Aunt Nance. Throughout the night, Nance calls out bingo numbers with the flair of a tipsy Midwest aunt, mixing in musical interludes, sharp one-liners and the occasional George Michael reference.

Stationed on the first floor of the Chicago Cultural Center, Buddy is a one-stop shop for any locavore on the hunt for the perfect gift—whether for a friend or just yourself. The boutique features work from over 400 Chicagoland artists, with options ranging from ceramics and clothing to zines and more. Don't miss their rotating lineup of events, including the “Art 4 Sale” exhibition series, seasonal window installations on Randolph Street and monthly in-store happenings.    

During the summer, spending more time indoors than absolutely necessary feels almost sacrilegious. The Music Box Theatre gets it—and fully embraces the season by inviting movie lovers into its charming outdoor garden. Grab a specialty cocktail (each one cleverly named after an iconic film) and settle in for a night of cinema under the stars. Highlights of this year’s lineup include The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (the 2003 remake, for the horror purists out there), Dirty Dancing and The Goonies.

There's a new kid joining Chicago's street festival scene, and this one promises to be unlike anything else. Edgewater will be hosting over 35 musical acts—including indie rock mainstays Cloud Nothings, Chicago hip-hop standout Ric Wilson and local drag punk outfit Bev Rage & The Drinks—and 100 vendors for the inaugural Edgewater Music Fest. The fest is open to all ages, with a Kids' Zone activity area for the little ones.

The Midwest’s largest free outdoor literary festival returns this September for its 40th year. Book lovers can browse offerings from more than 150 booksellers and exhibitors, while six stages and over 200 presenters deliver programming for all ages. While the full lineup is still under wraps, this year's festival will be headlined by Sandra Cisneros—author of The House on Mango Street and recipient of the 2025 Harold Washington Literary Award.

When Pitchfork Music Festival announced its sudden sunset at the start of 2025, Chicago’s music scene collectively wondered how festival co-founder Mike Reed would fill the sonic void. Turns out, Reed had an ace up his sleeve: Sound & Gravity, a five-day music marathon featuring 48 performances across six venues in Bricktown and Avondale. Lineup highlights include Bill Callahan, Mdou Moctar and Mary Lattimore, with some special sets curated by Electrical Audio—the recording studio founded by the late Steve Albini. Read more about Sound & Gravity's inception here.

We’ve heard a lot of Halloween talk lately, but this week ushers in another important celebration: Día de los Muertos. Translating to “Day of the Dead” in English, Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that celebrates deceased loved ones with ofrendas (altars), cemetery visits and vibrant festivities. Through offerings like the deceased’s favorite food and drink, the celebration ushers spirits of the departed back to the realm of the living. Día de los Muertos is traditionally observed from October 31 to November 2, and Chicago has no shortage of events, 5K races and more to celebrate.  The best Día de los Muertos celebrations in Chicago Día de los Muertos Ritmo del Mar Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S DuSable Lake Shore DrOct 30 at 6pm Celebrate Día de los Muertos in the Shedd Aquarium’s aquatic confines. The Shedd will be hosting live music, local cuisine and opportunities for community and connection. Event tickets include admission to all aquarium exhibits. Photograph: Courtesy of United Neighborhood Organization La Carrera de los Muertos Benito Juarez Community Academy, 1450 W Cermak RdNov 1 at 8am La Carrera de los Muertos—or “Race of the Dead”—is a fundraising event that began in 2007. With a course weaving through Pilsen, runners and walkers convene to celebrate Día de los Muertos, complete with costumes, entertainment and food. The race’s proceeds benefit UNO, a nonprofit that supports girls’ access to mentorship, mental health, leadership and physical wellbeing. Free publ

We’ve reached the final, flickering weeks of spooky season—a blissful pocket of time before plastic skeletons are replaced by inflatable reindeer and pumpkin spice makes way for all things eggnog (vile) and peppermint (barely acceptable). So, before the city slips into a sleigh bell jingling tizzy, squeeze in a few more scares, boo-zy cocktails (see what I did there?) and chaotic costume decisions. From haunted pop-ups to family-friendly parades, here’s where you can find a little seasonal mischief around the city. RECOMMENDED: The best Halloween bars in Chicago RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Halloween in Chicago The best Halloween events, pop-up bars and parties in Chicago Streeterville Doggy & Kitty Halloween Party Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Chicago AveOct 25 at 9am Chicago’s most adorable Halloween party happens every year at the MCA Sculpture Garden, where local dog and cat owners parade their costumed pets around the grounds. The best-dressed furry friend—chosen by Alderman Brian Hopkins and Streeterville resident Maureen Schulman—will receive some special prizes. A $10 suggest donation supports the the dogs, cats, kittens and puppies residing at PAWS Chicago. Hallo-Queen! Metro & Smartbar, 3730 N Clark StOct 26 at 9pm Queen!, Smartbar’s weekly LGBTQ+ underground house and disco party, takes over the entire 3730 building in celebration of Halloween. House heavyweights including Derrick Carter and Ralphi Rosario have the tunes covered, while local drag queens

The world is full of things that go bump in the night—closet doors that inch open seemingly on their own, floorboards that groan beneath an invisible weight, things that have haunted you since you were old enough to fear your own shadow. But the world’s most disturbing horrors don’t bump at all—they click; they creak. Puppets, as it turns out, are nightmare fuel carved from wood. Rough House Puppet Arts is all too aware of marionettes’ capability to shock, awe and terrify. Every October, Rough House transforms Steppenwolf Theatre’s Merle Reskin Space into House of the Exquisite Corpse, Chicago’s one and only puppet-powered haunted house. For its fifth iteration, the horror installation—whose general motif changes every year—resurrects with the unifying theme of “blood.”  RECOMMENDED: The best haunted houses near Chicago Photograph: Courtesy of Rough House Puppet Arts Each artist team contributing to House of the Exquisite Corpse V: Blood & Puppets interpreted the “blood” theme in wildly different ways, spawning vignettes with eerie titles like “Blood & Power,” “Blood & Family” and “Blood & Sacrifice.” From ghastly post-apocalyptic fables to grisly allegories about the medical industrial complex, true-to-life horrors reside in each of the House’s rooms, each with its own chilling tale to tell through physical performance, sound design and illusion. “Get ready to be transfused! I mean, transformed,” Claire Saxe, cofounder and artistic director of Rough House Puppet Arts says.

We may have just wrapped up the 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, but it’s never too early to start thinking about your next race—something I’m sure a passionate distance runner would say. For those already counting the days until next year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon, we have some good news: Registration for the 2026 iteration of the run—set to take place on October 11, 2026—is open now.  Before we delve into the details, here is a reminder that those interested in the Distance Series—a three-race challenge that requires participants to finish the runs in the span of one year and, therefore, automatically qualify for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon—should sign up for the program early, before spots fill up. Read more about that here. How to register for the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon: The application window for next year’s race is open from now until 2pm CST on Tuesday, November 18. Keep in mind that registration is open for both a non-guaranteed entry drawing and guaranteed entry applications (i.e. time qualifiers, charity runners, etc.).  The cost of entry for United States runners is $250. That price increases to $260 for runners who live outside of the country. How to qualify for a guaranteed entry into the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon: Time qualifiers who have met the event’s age-graded qualifying standards or qualify for the event’s High Performance Program Legacy finishers who have completed the Chicago Marathon five or more

If you’ve strolled past Logan Arcade sometime in the past week, you’ve probably been swept up by a sea of strobing lights and the sound of Danzig’s unmistakable yawp billowing onto Fullerton Avenue. Peering through the bar’s window, you’ll catch gaggles of smiling pinball wizards head banging and waving their glasses to the hacksaw rhythm of “Skulls” by the Misfits. Occupying the stage is not a formidable cover band—or even human beings. Drawing a sizable crowd to Logan Arcade night after night is the Biscuits, an animatronic dog band that’s been popping up at Logan Arcade since 2018. Every year, sometime between their late-summer slot at Riot Fest and Halloween, the Biscuits reappear on a modest stage nestled between rows of manically blinking pinball machines, turning the retro bar into what can only be described as “Chuck E. Cheese for drunk punks.” All are welcome to enjoy the Biscuits’ rousing five-song catalog for no cover charge, but there is a catch: No one—not even Zespy, Logan Arcade proprietor and caretaker of the Biscuits—can say how long their triumphant return will last. Only a handful of times has the band reappeared outside of their spooky season residency. “It was my dream to have a band,” Zespy says, voicing a sentiment familiar to any diehard music fan. While most folks would attempt to actualize their rock & roll dreams by stapling “drummer wanted” flyers on telephone poles or turning friends into bandmates, Zespy took a decidedly different approach: Acqui

The Savannah Bananas, a theatrical exhibition baseball team taking the world by storm, are swinging through Chicago next year alongside their Banana Ball Championship League brethren. After selling out two back-to-back games at Comiskey—or, if we must, Rate Field—the purveyors of “Banana Ball” are returning in 2026 for a three-night residency at Wrigley Field. Unfamiliar with the Savannah Bananas’ quirky twist on America’s pastime? The Georgia-based team pioneered “Banana Ball,” a high-energy twist on traditional baseball involving batters on stilts, choreographed dances, twerking umpires and much more—think Harlem Globetrotters-level antics unfolding in a baseball diamond. Since the sport’s debut in 2020, it has grown into a full-fledged league with a 60-game schedule sliding through MLB ballparks across the country. Read on to learn more about the Savannah Bananas’ upcoming Chicago games, how to get tickets and more. When are the Savannah Bananas playing in Chicago? The exhibition baseball team will be playing at Wrigley Field July 24–26, 2026, as part of a national tour. Check out the team’s full schedule here. When do Savannah Bananas tickets go on sale? Tickets for the Savannah Bananas’ 2026 tour stops will go on sale on an undisclosed date following a fan lottery.  How do I sign up for the Savannah Bananas ticket lottery? Sign up for the ticket lottery here. The 2026 Banana Ball Ticket Lottery List is open until October 31, 2025. When you join the list doesn’t impact

Chicagoans will be marching to two drastically different rhythms this Saturday: Two major gatherings—one political, one artistic—will share the streets in downtown Chicago. The annual Arts in the Dark parade returns with family-friendly fun and Halloween fanfare, while the peaceful “No Kings” protest is preparing to rally against ICE’s occupation in Chicago, the ongoing government shutdown and the Trump administration’s continued encroachment on states’ rights. With both events unfolding in the Loop on Saturday, October 18, here’s everything you need to know.  RECOMMENDED: Where and when are the No Kings protests happening in Chicago this weekend? Will the “No Kings” protest and Arts in the Dark overlap at all? The “No Kings” protest is scheduled for early afternoon, while Arts in the Dark takes place in early evening. While the two events do not have any anticipated overlap, it’s possible that crowds from the “No Kings” protest may linger. Will there be any street closures on Saturday, October 18? According to Chicago Loop Alliance, rolling street closures throughout the Loop may be in effect beginning at noon. State Street will be closed from Wacker Drive to Van Buren Street from 6 to 11pm. What is Arts in the Dark? Arts in the Dark—now in its 11th year—is a community-centered parade that celebrates Halloween as an “artist’s holiday.” Winding through downtown Chicago, the holiday spectacle features dazzling floats, an ensemble of puppets and a showcase of dance and visual

Another "No Kings Day" march is blowing into the Windy City this weekend: The nationwide movement—which calls for mass, peaceful demonstrations against what organizers describe as President Trump's increasingly authoritarian grip on America and its people—returns to Chicago tomorrow, October 18. The autumnal activism follows a June demonstration that saw five million passionate protestors fill the streets of Chicago, and this weekend's turnout is estimated to be even larger.  Ahead of Saturday's rally—which will focus on ICE’s occupation in Chicago, the ongoing government shutdown and the Trump administration’s continued encroachment on states’ rights—here's everything you need to know about the "No Kings" protest in Chicago:  What is the “No Kings” protest? The “No Kings” protest is a joint effort organized by several organizations across the country, including Indivisible, 50501, the American Civil Liberties Union and a contingent of labor unions. The first—and only previous—“No Kings” protest was held on June 14, 2025, to counter a military parade in Washington, D.C., which coincided with President Trump’s 79th birthday. This weekend’s protest was organized to decry the ongoing government shutdown, the creep toward criminalization of political and ideological dissent and the deployment of federal forces in Chicago and beyond. When is the “No Kings” protest in Chicago? The Chicago “No Kings” protest will take place on Saturday, October 18, from noon to 2pm. Where is the “No

Open House Chicago—one of the world’s largest architecture and urban exploration festivals—returns this weekend thanks to the Chicago Architecture Center. With 210 locations scattered across 25 Chicago neighborhoods, this year’s installment is the festival’s biggest yet. Along with peeping behind the doors of some of the city’s most architecturally and culturally significant buildings, Chicagoans can also enter a photo competition, play architectural bingo via the Chicago Reader’s festival guide and enjoy free private tours of residential spaces normally closed to the public. Here’s everything you need to know about Open House Chicago 2025. RECOMMENDED: Five iconic landmarks you’ll be able to access for free during Open House Chicago 2025 RECOMMENDED: Five seriously cool private Chicago homes you can explore that are normally closed to the public Does Open House Chicago have free entry? Yes, Open House Chicago is a free festival open to all. What are the Open House Chicago dates and hours? Open House Chicago takes place on Saturday, October 18, and Sunday, October 19, 2025. Most sites will be open 10am to 5pm. If your heart’s set on visiting a particular building, double-check its hours via Open House Chicago’s site directory. What neighborhood areas are included in Open House Chicago? Open House Chicago spans 25 Chicago neighborhoods, including Avondale (one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world, according to Time Out), Englewood, Hyde Park, Logan Square, Pilsen and Ukra

Trying to predict Chicago’s weather is about as fruitful as guessing if any of our sports teams will have a winning season—no matter the number crunching or the optimism, it’s usually a lost cause. But damn the torpedoes—the National Weather Service is charging in with a fresh batch of Midwest weather predictions. La Niña has arrived, and meteorologists have some thoughts about it. According to the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center, La Niña conditions have emerged in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. While the “cool phase” of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation climate pattern may be brewing half a world away, there are some real deal implications for Chicagoans. Here’s everything you need to know about La Niña and what it means for Chicago’s winter. RECOMMENDED: This map can tell you when fall foliage will peak in Chicago What is La Niña? La Niña is part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate pattern, during which a band of the Pacific Ocean—just along the equator—cools to a temperature lower than average due to trade winds nudging warm water westward. As a result, a cool pocket of air forms and initiates a domino effect: cold air begets shifting jet stream patterns begets storm tracks slicing through the northern U.S. and Great Lakes region. How will La Niña impact Chicago's weather this year? According to the National Weather Service, the upper Midwest and Great Lakes tend to experience above-average snowfall during La Niña years. (Cue the collective g

Chicagoans couldn’t have asked for better weather for this year’s Chicago Marathon: Ribbons of sunlight glittered against clear blue skies while a refreshing breeze rolled off the lake—the platonic ideal of a crisp fall day in the Midwest. Runners brought electric energy to the race, while spectators brought good will and, of course, hilarious signs. Oh, and in case you missed the race’s results: Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo—competing in just his second marathon—won the men’s division with a time of 2:02:23. With a time of 2:14:56, Hawi Feysa became the first Ethiopian winner of the Marathon’s women’s race in eight years.  We sent a photographer to Old Town (near mile 13) to snap the thousands of runners pounding the pavement on their way to the finish line in Grant Park. Along the 26.2-mile course, we spotted plenty of hilarious signs that encouraged runners and provided much-needed laughs along the way. From cheeky political quips (nods to the Epstein files and ICE’s growing presence in Chicago) to a game of Where’s Waldo? and supportive messages from runners’ furry friends, these were best signs we spotted at the Chicago Marathon this year. Check out these colorful posters and start planning your sign for next year. Photograph: Steve Marquette Photograph: Steve Marquette Photograph: Steve Marquette Photograph: Steve Marquette Photograph: Steve Marquette Photograph: Steve Marquette Photograph: Steve Marquette Photograph: Steve Marquette Photograph: Steve M

We all know that there’s no place like home, and come next month, “home” is the Richard H. Driehaus Museum. Beginning November 13, Chicago’s premier Gilded Age museum will welcome visitors into the beloved world of Oz—no tornado required—with its new installation “The Land of Oz: Beyond the Page.” Coinciding with the upcoming release of the sequel to the blockbuster film Wicked, “The Land of Oz: Beyond the Page” will transport visitors back to the film’s 1939 source text. You know the one—the musical fantasy classic that starred a doe-eyed Judy Garland, was plagued by production-related catastrophes and shaped pop culture in indelible ways—inspiring everything from a special sought-after collection of Barbie dolls to the music video for Blues Traveler’s maddening 1999 single “Run-Around.” Spread across two galleries on the museums’ third floor, the installation will showcase rare objects and memorabilia from the iconic film in three sections: writing, costume and production design.  Curated by Laura Woolley—who devoted thrifters and collectors will recognize from her appearances on Antiques Roadshow—the installation will feature some of the The Wizard of Oz’s most iconic props. Highlights include a replica of Dorothy’s ruby red slippers, a prototype of the inimitable flying monkey costume and a reproduction of the Cowardly Lion’s medal of courage—all pulled from the private collection of Richard H. Driehaus, the late founder of the eponymous museum. Visitors will also see rar