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City Cast Chicago

Emily Mack

. The City of Broad Shoulders is home to the 

, which publishes “Poetry” magazine, plus constant

spoken word events and workshop opportunities. We’re on it year-round. But since April is 

 National Poetry Month, consider diving in deeper.

Some classic and more contemporary lyric odes to the complicated city we love. 

Hog Butcher for the World … City of the Big Shoulders

Chicago who wears her skyscrapers like a necklace ...

Chicago … Like loving a woman with a broken nose, you may well find lovelier lovelies, but never a lovely so real.

✒️ Favorite line: The whole thing! (It’s short.)

“the great stone lions outside monumentally pissed by jumbo wreaths and ribbons”

“whenever i’m at that land is chicago”

underneath my gym shoes. is a trail of salt. that last sentence is a test.

 “i’ll miss crossing guards ushering the grown folks too, like ducklings”

Chicago Public Library and plenty more organizations are hosting readings, workshops, lectures, and performances throughout the month.

 | April 8 | Call & Response Books | Kenwood

 | April 9 | Haymarket House | Uptown | Free

 | April 11 | Archer Heights Branch | Free

 | April 11-12 | Ruth Page Center for the Arts | Near North Side

 | April 13 | Portage Cragin Branch | Free

 | April 15 | Harold Washington Library | Loop | Free

 | April 19 | Offshore Rooftop | Navy Pier

Patricia Smith, Ashley M. Jones, Donika Kelly, Aimee Nezhukumatathil

 | April 23 | Poetry Foundation | River North | Free

Sijo and Sijo-song: Korea’s Poetry Form

 | April 25 | Little Village Branch | Free

Every month is Poetry Month in Chicago. But since April is actually National Poetry Month, consider diving in deeper. 

Celebrate Poetry in Chicago for National Poetry Month

Celebrate Poetry in Chicago

Find the best of everything that Chicago has to offer.

Chicago’s Best

Chicago's Best

the city’s last Black-owned bowling alley

, closes permanently April 26. In operation since the 1950s, it was one of the South Side’s few remaining bowling alleys as the sport 

 after 98 years following the pandemic. More recently, 

 and closed its city site. My teenage haunt, Lincoln Lanes, burned down years ago …

There are just about a dozen bowling alleys left in Chicago. Lucky for us, though, they’re as fun as ever.

 in Logan Square — call in advance since there are lots of leagues. You can also form your own!

 in West Lawn is an old-school joint with a Sunday Special for big groups.

 may look old, but the manual-scoring spot is a fairly new addition to 

 in North Center is where it’s at. And if you’re at nearby businesses, keep on the lookout for those free coupons!

 in Jefferson Park has been a North Side birthday destination for over 50 years.

 in Forest Park is, yes, technically suburban, but it’s been a local staple since 1941.

 is located inside Marina City in River North, carrying on the 

long tradition of bowling within the famous complex

 in Auburn Gresham has 12 bowling lanes in addition to its 

 in River North and Wrigleyville. A free open house (with cheap drinks) for Wrigley’s summer league 

 in Bucktown is more known for, well, WhirlyBall, but the event space has several bowling lanes.

 in Goose Island, part of a national chain, 

Where You Can Still Bowl in Chicago

Sure, April showers bring May flowers. Tulips and cherry blossoms, specifically! But this month has a lot more than just rain in store. Check out all there is to do in Chicago.

. Just 130 galleries will be participating in the Navy Pier event, a drop of about 23%. (I will still be there, people-watching for outfit inspo.)

. That’s plenty of time to check out the jam-packed roster of shows at Landmark Century Centre Cinema in Lakeview.

showcasing filmmakers under 22 returns to FACETS in Lincoln Park 

, but April has extra opportunities to dive in:

CAConrad, Rickey Laurentiis, Jake Skeets, S Yarberry

 | April 2 | Poetry Foundation | River North | Free

 and stay tuned to City Cast Chicago all month long for more poetry events.

The eight-day Jewish celebration starts tonight! Here’s where you can 

, Easter is a time for special delicacies in Chicago. 

Then it’s time for carrot cake. Reader recs include:

And if, like me, you find lamb-shaped butter heartbreakingly nostalgic, you can pick some up at 

 in citywide park cleanups ahead of Earth Day on 

Last year, I tried to partake in 420 and had an ego death at Lottie’s after drinking a 5 mg soda. Know your limits — and consider hitting up these 

 on your journey. You can still enjoy a range of hemp products thanks to 

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s veto of the ban

April showers bring May flowers. But this month has a lot more than just rain, check out everything to do in Chicago!

Your Guide to April 2026 in Chicago

Your Guide to April 2026

I’m a hooligan for St. Patrick’s Day — always have been. So I’m extra excited to bring you this month’s guide. However, there’s also plenty of 

-day-drinking activities to explore all month long.

As Chicagoans, you should know the city gets down the weekend 

Plan on getting to, or avoiding, the Loop accordingly. (That goes for Wrigleyville, too.)

 and the best place to watch is between State and Columbus. Keep in mind, it’ll be a madhouse. Get there early (or just surrender yourself to the chaos of the street).

 The city’s annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at noon and stretches between Balbo and Monroe on Columbus Drive. 

 in West Loop starts at 11 a.m. It’s got beer and bands!

A festival at The Irish American Heritage Center

The South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade

 begins at noon at 103rd and Western in Beverly and ends at 115th and Western in Morgan Park.

begins at noon at Neola and Raven, then turns onto Northwest Highway and ends at Harlem Avenue.

If your antics leave you hankering for pub food, I recommend 

 for live music and shepherd’s pie and 

Another Chicago tradition? Competitive political primaries. This is often when elections are decided in this city, so study up and get to the polls.

! Regardless of where you live, anyone can vote early at those 50 sites, and same-day registration is available. If you wait till the final day, you’ll need to hit your local polling place. 

 we’re keeping a close eye on. For more details on each candidate, consider perusing these heavily researched voting guides:

 both allow you to easily compare candidates.

 offers helpful details for evaluating judicial candidates. (This year, though, 

 is a progressive option with a casual tone and 

Here at City Cast Chicago, we will keep reminding you.

👇👇👇 March is also Women’s History Month! Stay tuned to 

, where we’ll be highlighting opportunities to celebrate and learn all month long.

Your Guide to March 2026

, don’t forget about the city’s independent Black-owned bookstores. Here are some spots to support across the city.

One of the city’s newest bookstores, Honey & Hue opened in December. The Black woman-owned shop focuses on sharing stories about the experiences of Black people, Indigenous people, and other people of color.

Semicolon Books' physical shop is currently closed for renovations, but you can still order online. It’s set to reopen sometime this year. The nonprofit bookstore was founded by Danielle Moore in 2019 with the mission to amplify minority voices and provide a welcoming space for all readers. It's since provided thousands of free books to Chicago Public Schools students.  

, journalist trina reynolds-tyler, and organizer Andrea Faye Hart co-opened Build Coffee and Books. The shop sells books and zines about social justice and local politics — and 

Underground Bookstore is dedicated to historical literature. By offering a curated selection of books focused on Black heritage and history, they provide resources that can help educate and inspire.

Located in Hyde Park, this Black woman-owned bookstore showcases works by authors of color for readers of all ages. In addition to their curated selection, they host 

Since opening in 2007, this bookstore has developed a large collection of books for kids. It also hosts regular events. 

, Sadeqa Johnson and L. Michelle Smith both have signings and on Saturday, there’s a book brunch for kids.

Jurema Gorham owns this nonprofit bookstore, committed to bringing culturally relevant literature to Chicago’s youth. In addition to providing books to CPS, they also have a variety of events including a book club and a spelling bee.

Where do you get your books in Chicago? 📚

Here are five Black-owned bookstores you can support in the city.

Black-Owned Bookstores in Chicago

Check Out These Black-Owned Bookstores in Chicago

I’m an “Outsiders” fanatic — I’ve pilgrimaged to the Oklahoma sites, and Matt Dillon collages still cover my childhood bedroom wall. So, naturally, I was dying to see 

, which made its Chicago debut this week. And it was pretty good.

The cast doesn’t have the swagger of the original 1980s boys (who could?), but Nolan White provides a solid anchor as Ponyboy. The songs are corny yet catchy. The rumble is a bloody, flash-bang ballet. And as the set transforms, the barren Tulsa park remains at its core.

This is, however, a sanitized “Outsiders,” especially when it comes to Dallas Winston’s storyline. That’s a likely letdown for greaser superfans but just might make this a tuff family outing. (“Tuff” means cool.)

‘The Outsiders’ Musical: Green or Gold?

Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday means restaurants will be booked and theaters will be 

. But dinner-and-a-movie is basic anyways. A V-day cop-out if you ask me.

Here are some more unique date recs from the City Cast Chicago team.

“Escape room dates help you learn info that's crucial to choosing a partner: How do you solve problems together? How do you both handle pressure? Are you competitive? My boyfriend and I are still together after ‘Escaping the ‘90s’ at 

Emmi, Newsletter Editor — Wait, That’s Me!

 on Chicago Avenue and get margaritas to go. They come in nifty, sealed bottles and fair warning, they are 

. (I like the hibiscus.) Then take a short stroll to the 

. Hammering interactive Yoko Ono pieces is more fun with a little buzz.”

“Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind” ends Feb. 22.

"A fun grocery store! My love of food extends to a love of ingredients. Pick somewhere new — 

 — and just marvel at the stuff on the shelves. I'd ask my date to pick out something they've never had before and see if I can make a meal for us with it."

 and shoot pool. He pays for the touch tunes, but I queue the songs. Then hit up a listening bar after: 

Here's where else you can shoot pool in Chicago

“One of my favorite date nights of the last few years was rug making at 

 in Bridgeport/Chinatown. I made a Goofy Movie rug (Max as Powerline) and my partner made a Steven Universe rug (Ruby and Sapphire). The staff were nice, helpful, and really cool about us coming back to finish.”

not feeling inspired, plenty more date ideas are linked in 

Dinner-and-a-movie is basic, especially on Valentine's Day. Here are unique date recs from the City Cast Chicago team.

Unique Chicago Dates (No Dinner, No Movie)

Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter … Woodstock Willie did not. Since we’re optimists — and 

 was filmed in Woodstock — we’re going with Willie.

So get out there and have some winter fun before it’s too late! 

Ice skating at Millennium Park has ended for the season, but there are plenty of other places to skate outdoors:

Also in the Loop, the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon is open through early March, but make sure you 

 Skate rentals there are pricier than at other parks, about $17.

 hosts skating lessons through Feb. 15 and, on Feb. 6, a “Wicked”-themed skate night. Rink access costs $6 and skate rentals cost $16.

While you can’t exactly hit the slopes in Chicago, you 

 runs its hot tub boats rain (or snow) or shine as long as temps stay above 20 degrees. A weeknight ride costs about $50 per person.

If you’re more for chills than thrills, though, there’s 

 at the Gwen Hotel. Curling on the hotel’s rooftop terrace runs through March and costs $25 per person. Fondue costs extra, but you gotta do ‘due! (Valentine’s Day is, unsurprisingly, booked up.)

 continues. Christmas may be long over, but you can still play ice bocce ($150 per group) or rent ice bumper cars ($10), as well as skate, outside of Wrigley Field through Feb. 15.

Ice skating at Millennium Park has ended for the season, but there are plenty of other places to skate and revel outdoors.

Where to Engage in Winter Revelry

Okay, so January was brutally cold. Onwards and upwards! Not even freezing temps can keep us inside this February because there’s just 

 but IMO Chicago can claim anything related to a long winter. Plus: “Groundhog Day” writer and director Harold Ramis was a Chicago native. Today is 

 at Navy Pier, and you can learn more about him at 

There’s also a big Groundhog Day celebration 

 — that’s where "Groundhog Day” was actually filmed! But if you don’t want to venture so far, there’s 

We celebrate Black culture and history all year long. But this February, there are some extra special exhibits to check out. 

 highlighting Black artists and thinkers in 20th-century Paris, is currently on at the DuSable Museum. At Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the 

“Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition”

"Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell"

 are hosting events all month long. Plus, Chicago’s museums have plenty of 

The event we’re most excited for is local historian 

Don’t forget to check the events section throughout February to stay in the know 👇

We all do Valentine’s Day a little differently. (As a terminally single gal, I’ll probably watch “Bridget Jones” then hit the bars.) So we’ve got you with varied date options:

impress with your behind-the-back pool shot

Lunar New Year kicks off Feb. 17. It’s the Year of the Horse. But hold your horses: 

Chinatown’s parade isn’t till March 1

. In the meantime, there’s plenty of celebrations to attend:

You can get into the southern Mardi Gras spirit anytime at bars like 

 in River North. But here in Chicago, Fat Tuesday means one thing: paczki. Mark your calendars for Feb 17. Luckily, we know 

where to find the best deep-fried doughnuts

Then of course, comes lent, or as I think of it, pepper-and-egg sandwich season. (I recommend 

.) That’s one thing I’ll never give up.

February in Chicago is filled with events. From Groundhog Day to Lunar New Year, plus where to find the best paczki for Mardi Gras, check out our guide.

Your Guide to Chicago in February 2026

At Inner Town Pub, honorary pool plaques hang on the wall. One of those emblazoned names is Henry Ferolie: an attorney by day and pool enthusiast by night who grew up playing with his dad. Today, Ferolie competes in 

through the American Poolplayers Association, though there’s plenty of options around Chicago for serious and non-serious players alike. 

 in West Loop is a legit hang for league players, though you can usually get a table — there's nine total. Open since 1998, it keeps an old-school feel despite its (increasingly ritzy) location.

 in Portage Park is the North Side’s go-to pool hall. It’s dingy, BYOB, and historic: “The Color of Money” and "The Hustler" both filmed there.

, in Albany Park and Logan Square, is a more upscale option. (“Millennial-core,” according to Ferolie.) While I might not forgive them for replacing 

 — RIP — the cocktails and food are surprisingly tasty!

 in Lakeview has two large tables, plus an outdoor pool table in the back: a rarity in Chicago. The living-room-style interior is also cozy for posting up as you wait to play.

 in Uptown is good for just about everything: playing pool, dancing to throwback music, binging bar food … It’s also run by a league player and great for a date, according to Ferolie. 

, where a live feed of the pool table plays on a flat-screen TV; 

There plenty of pool options around Chicago for serious and nonserious players alike. 