Wendy Altschuler

Haven’t already nailed down plans for the Summer Solstice? We've got a fittingly mystical option for you: Head to Bucktown for Tarot Esoterica, a festival hosted by beloved Chicago curiosity shop Sideshow Gallery with three full days of art shows, tarot workshops, local vendors, live DJ sets and more. The best part? It's all free and open to the public. RECOMMENDED: Ravinia Festival in Chicagoland dropped this summer's lineup and it's looking dope The weekend kicks off on Friday, June 20 with the Tarot Esoterica Ball & Art Show from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Along with tarot-themed works from more than 30 artists on view, the evening will welcome attendees to dress up as their most compelling tarot card and participate in a costume contest, enjoy readings by special guest Glam Witch and dance the night away to supersensory tunes spun by Petra Steele. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ✦ Sideshow Gallery Chicago ✦ (@sideshowgallerychicago) The festivities continue on Saturday, June 21 when, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., guests can peruse the Tarot Esoterica Market, stocked with preternaturally cool wares from the likes of Acid Queen Jewelry, Witchy Woman World Apothecary, Laetitia Barbier Antiquities, and many more purveyors. Three tarot readers will be available to walk you through your card pulls or, for an even more dialed-in experience, you can attend a workshop: "Tarot for Love" with Jacob Mayfield is scheduled for noon to 2 p.m. and "Risi

The nation’s second largest public transportation system, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is a lifeline to residents and travelers in not only the Windy City, but also the surrounding suburbs and both international airports. The mass transit system includes the Chicago “L” trains as well as the CTA bus service and serves well over 950,000 riders on an average weekday. Is there room for improvement? Yes. Enter: “CTA Chats”, a series of interactive pop-up events at rail stations and bus terminals that aim to connect commuters with CTA leadership to gain a valuable understanding of the current dynamic and challenges, aswell as work toward solutions to improve the CTA riding experience.  Concerned passengers can now speak directly with Chicago Transit Authority leaders and share insights on how they'd like to see things improve onboard—the feedback collected will be used by the CTA to assist in budget planning and future investments.   RECOMMENDED: CTA's rainbow-bright Pride Train is back on the Red Line tracks this month “Engaging with our riders provides invaluable insights into how transit currently serves their daily lives and supports their communities, while also allowing riders to provide us feedback on the improvements they would like to see,” said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen. “We are in a unique time for transit in our region, and it important that decisions we are making and projects and programs we are prioritizing are grounded in our riders’ priorities and

Chicagoans take baseball seriously—fans stay fans, even during the Chicago Cubs’ 108-year championship drought, taking the moniker “loveable losers” out of everyone’s mouths. Cheering at a game at the famous Wrigley Field on the North Side of Chicago is an experience you’re not soon to forget. From rooftop stadium seats on neighborhood buildings to the unique ivy-covered brick outfield wall, from the massive hand-turned scoreboard to the classic red marquee hanging over the main entrance, it’s easy to see how Wrigley Field became a designated National Historic Landmark. And now there’s a nationwide study that reveals a fact that locals have always known: Wrigley Field is the ultimate bucket-list destination for American sports fans. RECOMMENDED: Chicago is getting a $650 million soccer stadium in South Loop Last month, Deadspin polled 2,000 sports enthusiasts across the nation to determine what banger experiences across the globe are travel-worthy. Edging out Boston’s Fenway Park, the oldest Major League Baseball stadium, Chicago’s Wrigley Field—the MLB's second eldest venue—has earned the number one spot. Utilizing the research platform Prolific, Deadspin cast a wide net, including respondents living in the U.S. who would consider themselves sports fans. This online survey set out to determine which sports destinations fans most want to visit in their lifetime. What did the poll determine? Out of all of the sports destinations across the globe, fans have determined that the

You don’t get named number five on North America’s 50 Best Bars list without taking some risks. Sip & Guzzle, a two-level cocktail haven in New York City’s West Village expertly stirs buzzy NYC nightlife with Japanese cocktail culture. And, now, for one night, and one night only, that acclaimed drinks team have partnered up with Hawksmoor Chicago, a Windy City favorite well-known for its midwestern hospitality and steak-and-seafood spread. RECOMMENDED: The first-ever Chicago Cocktail Classic will let you drink your way around the world What began in east London in 2006 has evolved into a culinary juggernaut with restaurants in New York and Chicago, earning Hawksmoor placement on the World’s Best Steak Restaurant list as well as James Beard Foundation mentions and Tales ofthe Cocktail accolades. So you can expect to be in very good hands with this pop-up match-up, which takes over the Chicago venue tonight, June 13 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. (final entry is at 9:30 p.m. Attendees can expect two different bar vibes, all in one epic night: Guzzle will bring crushable cocktails and highballs, while Sip will deliver refined, Japanese-style creations. Plus, the Hawksmoor bar team will also be serving up select cocktails from their own menu. Those boozy tipples will be available for purchase a la carte, on Hawksmoor's second-floor bar while supplies last. While walk-in imbibers are welcome, reservations are recommended—RSVP via Evite is encouraged but does not guarantee a reservation. T

Chicago's Pride Month celebrations are legendary, spreading LGBTQ+ culture, history and community at the best gay bars, the top drag brunches and, of course, the annual Pride Parade. (This year's parade festivities kick off on Sunday, June 29 at 11:00 a.m. with "United in Pride" as the 2025 theme.) But a far more everyday way of honoring the historic legacy and continuing vibrancy of Chicago's queer and trans communities is by simply hopping on a CTA train—yes, the annual eight-car, rainbow-hued Pride Train is back on the city's Red Line tracks during the whole month of June, this time sporting a snazzy new design. RECOMMENDED: The 21 most epic Metra day trips from Chicago Expect to see multi-hued vertical waving bars on the train’s cars, with the words “Ride with pride!” emblazoned on the sides. Bookending each train, black and brown stripes represent LGBTQ+ people of color, with transgender and classic Pride flag colors filling in the middle. But it doesn’t stop there: On the inside of each car, passengers can read not only inclusive and supportive affirmations, but also facts about local LGBTQ+ history, which is a new addition for this year. Photograph: Courtesy Chicago Transit AuthorityCTA Pride Train The first major transit agency to publicly support the queer community with a Pride Train, this beauty has been chugging along since 2017. “The CTA is excited to continue the tradition of celebrating the LGBTQ community with the unveiling of the 2025 Pride Train and Pride

One of the biggest (literally!) names of summer festival season in Chicago is back again: The Chicago Blues Festival 2025, the largest free blues music festival in the world, is horn-blowing its way into the Windy City for its 40th installment (the only year it skipped was 2020, naturally), taking over Ramova Theatre, Jay Pritzker Pavilion and Millennium Park from tonight, June 5 through Sunday, June 8. RECOMMENDED: Millennium Park's free summer lineup includes outdoor concerts, movies and workout classesThis outdoor festival is a great way to enjoy the city and Chicago’s culture and history, closely tied to its music scene. You’re sure to hear some quintessential Chicago blues, a specific electric genre that dates back to the 1940s when Mississippi blues artists made their way to the Illinois city, forever influencing its music and culture. The live music event regularly attracts more than 500,000 listeners to Millennium Park and fellow venues across its festival dates. In addition to celebrated professional artists, including real-deal icons like Mavis Staples and Bobby Rush, you can also listen to new and upcoming musicians as they take the stage—some for the first time. This year's lineup includes a B.B. King Centennial Tribute featuring Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, D.K. Harrell, and Jonathan Ellison as well as a Women in Blues Tribute to Denise LaSalle featuring Nellie "Tiger" Travis, Thornetta Davis, Nora Jean Wallace, and Mzz Reese with Jonathan Ellison.Good to know: W

Getting outside is a quintessential warm weather experience in Chicago, a city that is known for its massive park system. This season, whether you want to watch a movie, listen to music, or join a Pilates, Zumba, or cardio kickboxing class, head to Millennium Park where a lively lineup of events are taking place all summer long. Best part: They're all totally free. RECOMMENDED: Chicago was named one of the best cities in the world for green space and nature Millennium Park's Summer Film Series, which includes fan-favorite and family-friendly movies like The Sandlot, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, will be shown on a 40-foot LED screen on Tuesday evenings beginning July 1 and running through August 19. Arrive early to secure your spot ahead of the 6:30 p.m. screenings (gates open at 5:00 p.m.), held either at Jay Pritzker Pavilion or on the park's Great Lawn.  You can check out the full 2025 lineup of films below: Tuesday, July 1: The Sandlot (1993, PG) Tuesday, July 8: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005, PG-13)  Tuesday, July 15: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989, PG-13) Tuesday, July 22: Love & Basketball (2000, PG-13)  Tuesday, July 29: The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014, R) Tuesday, Aug. 5: My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997, PG-13) Tuesday, Aug. 12: Wicked (2024, PG) Tuesday, Aug. 19: Pride and Prejudice (2005, PG)  More of a music fan? The Summer Music Series features free outdoor gigs from both established professiona

Great news, Chicago soccer fans: A brand-new 22,000-seat stadium is expected to be ready before the 2028 MLS season. Owner and chairman of the Chicago Fire Football Club since 2018, Joe Mansueto built his business, family and life in the Windy City. Now the billionaire is planning to spend $650 million of his own cash on a new privately funded soccer stadium and entertainment district in the Chicago's South Loop. Located just south of Roosevelt Road, along the Chicago River, the stadium is expected to open in the spring of 2028 in Chicagoland’s newest neighborhood: The 78. RECOMMENDED: Take a look at the new proposed state-of-the-art stadium for the Chicago Bears This literal game-changing project will anchor The 78, "a $7 billion mixed-use project planned by developer Related Midwest for 62 acres of former railroad property along the South Branch of the Chicago River in the Near South Side community area, per the City of Chicago website. The Chicago Fire Football Club’s new home will build up the neighborhood, with more local jobs, economic development, and a burst in community resources. What’s more, along with both the proposed stadium and the surrounding green space, the project includes mixed-use expansion, with restaurants, retail and office spaces, and residential buildings. The decision to construct a new stadium ensures the longevity of the Chicago Fire in Chicagoland. Previously, home matches were played at Soldier Field—however, playing at a soccer-specific stadium

Full of history, massive events like the Bud Billiken Parade and an ever-evolving art scene, Bronzeville is a pulsating Chicago neighborhood worth exploring. And for art enthusiasts? You could spend a week here and not experience everything. To get adecent feel for the nabe's art scene, the Bronzeville Art District Trolley Tour is back again for its 19th season—and good news: the event is free for everyone! RECOMMENDED: The best art galleries in Chicago to see works from emerging and established artists in intimate spaces To open your eyes and mind to what the locale has to offer, hop on a double-decker bus beginning its first tour on Friday, June 20 at Gallery Guichard at 6pm. You’ll explore not only that gallery, but also the Faie Afrikan Art Gallery and the Blanc Gallery, as well as other unique locations. Along the way, you’ll get to learn about local, national and international artists and their celebrated works, with guides giving valuable context to what you're viewing and pondering. You’ll also discover the stories surrounding greater Bronzeville, home to many artists throughout history. Continuing in the Bronzeville Art District every third Friday throughout the summer, from June through September, guests can also see the Bronzeville Artist Lofts, which includes over a dozen lively studios where you can see artists create in real time. Artists reside andwork here, essentially living and breathing art on a daily basis. These painterly personalities will give you an in

Sip or slurp? Ramen lattes are now trending in Chicago’s Wicker Park—seriously. Those oddball brews come courtesy Milwaukee's award-winning experimental coffee concept, Discourse Coffee, which is partnering with Cornerstone Restaurant Group for a three-month java residency at Urbanbelly. RECOMMENDED: The 40 best coffee shops in Chicago for creative pours and classic brews Launching on Saturday, June 14 with a grand opening party from 10am to 1pm, the collaboration will show off Discourse's cutting-edge coffee creations for a Midwest mash-up of bold flavors and beverage innovation. Author of The New Art of Coffee Ryan Castelaz and Discourse Coffee partner Sean Liu are masters at coffee origination—now the pair will work alongside Chef Bill Kim at Urbanbelly to bring their creations to life at a dedicated coffee counter on Thursdays and Fridays from 7am to 2pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 4pm. Photograph: Kevin J. MiyazakiDiscourse Coffee   The menu will include Discourse’s "Core 4" beverages, each known for their inventive flavor combinations like the "Channel Orange" (made with espresso, milk, smoked-and-oaked orange vanilla syrup, blackstrap bitters, orange powder and black lava salt), the "Moonwater" (a blend of espresso, milk, honey, cinnamon, Tellicherry black pepper and applewood smoked sea salt), the "Motorhead" (which combines espresso, milk, pork fat and apple caramel, root beer bitters, apple powder and smoked salt), and the "Parisian," a refreshing mix o

The City of Angels' park score? Let’s just say it’s no walk in the park. According to a new report by the Trust for Public Land, a nonprofit organization that makes it their mission to connect people to the outdoors, Los Angeles plummeted to the 90th spot out of 100 major metropolitan areas throughout the U.S. for its park system. This is as astonishing stat, given that Los Angeles netted the 49th spot on the very same ranking just five years prior. What has changed so much in the city to necessitate such poor marks?  RECOMMENDED: The 25 best parks in Los Angeles, from the Griffith Park wilderness to the urban Grand Park Well, firstly, let's get into the report's methodology: Trust for Public Land looks at five important categories in determining which cities come out on top and which fall short: equity, access, investment, amenities, and acreage. The ranking for each city, including Los Angeles, is determined by comparison to all of the other 100 major metropolitan areas, considering the park system’s features. This national Park Score index is published each year, hopefully sparking not only dialogue, but also an action plan for leaders to achieve more resources for improving a city’s park systems.Washington D.C. earned the number one spot and it’s easy to see why—99-percent of residents live near a green space and over 21-percent of public land is used for parks. Other cities earning a top spot in all of the five categories include: Minneapolis, Minnesota; Cincinnati, Ohio

No more need for lineup rumors or headliner predictions: Lollapalooza 2025 will officially kick off this summer with four days of the world's best music under the iconic Chicago skyline at Grant Park from July 31 through August 3. Whether your vibe is metal, country, punk, hip hop or electronic dance music, you’ll find something to love at this mammoth music festival: Thursday’s lineup includes Tyler, The Creator and Luke Combs; Friday’s smashers are Olivia Rodrigo and Korn; Saturday you can see Rüfüs Du Sol and Twice; and Sunday’s stars are Sabrina Carpenter and A$AP Rocky, among many other artists set to dazzle over the weekend. RECOMMENDED: Chicago’s 2025 festival season dates have just been announced: Everything you need to know But the party doesn’t end there: The 2025's Aftershows lineup has dropped and the talent coming to the City of Big Shoulders is fantastic. With more than 40 artists performing at two dozen stellar venues citywide, the late-night Aftershows give music fans the chance to see both established and emerging artists in more intimate settings than those big Lolla stages. Participating venues include celebrated locales like Aragon Ballroom, Bottom Lounge, Empty Bottle, House of Blues, Metro, Riviera Theatre, Salt Shed, Sound-Bar, Thalia Hall, and Vic Theatre.  And taking to those stages will be a wide variety of live talent this year, including Layz, Magdalena Bay, Wild Rivers, Foster the People, Tanner Adell, Bleachers, Cage the Elephant, FINNEAS, Sierr