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City Cast Chicago

A cheat sheet for getting beyond your block.

Emily Mack

So, I jumped in the Chicago River. Considering 

, you might think me brave. Or stupid. But ever since 

, I’ve wondered, viscerally, what it would be like to wade in.

 was a fundraising effort for ALS research and swim education. On Friday, I took a small part in the festivities, jumping in alongside other passionate Chicagoans, some politicians, and former Bear Charles “Peanut” Tillman.

And I gotta say: Come on in, the water’s fine! Well, mostly.

As a multitude of speakers assured us before the jump, the water quality had been tested repeatedly. That didn’t 

 assuage my nerves — “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.” But I took a literal leap of faith.

Once I jumped in, I immediately forgot about the river’s nasty reputation. The water was perfectly warm. It smelled only slightly metallic. And I gotta say, floating on your back while staring up at Marina City towers is downright dreamy.

Sure, after the swim, I couldn’t stop thinking about 

. There’s a reason swimming in the Chicago River is technically prohibited. But ongoing efforts to clean the river show.

When I told my friends I planned to jump in the river, they shuddered. Visibly shuddered. 

 It was once the “Stinking River,” flowing (slow and brown) into Lake Michigan, sickening Chicagoans.

Famously, the flow was reversed in 1900. But that didn’t mean the water was suddenly clean. Treated as a dump for decades, 

 until the 1970s. That’s when the Deep Tunnel Project began to 

Fifty years later, the project is still underway, expected to complete in 2029. Who knows? By then we might be meeting each other for a dip in the Loop.

I jumped in the Chicago River. It was quite warm!

So, I Jumped in the River

Everything to know about Chicago neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Chicago Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

As the city gears up for the Bears’ first home game of the season, don’t sleep on college football games playing across the city.

Chicago State University’s Division 1 football team

 — that technically makes them Chicago’s only Division 1 team. (Sorry, Wildcats.) And 

But if you’re cheering for another Midwest alma mater, here are some sports bars to watch from. (Perhaps unsurprisingly, most are around Lincoln Park.)

A guide on where college football games are playing across the city.

City Cast Guide on Where to Watch College Football

Where to Watch College Football

(So were the vibes, if I’m being honest). So, let's not take September sitting down. Summertime Chi WILL continue for one more month, I’m officially announcing right now. This guide will not include pumpkin spice. It will not include light jacket reminders. Instead, here’s how to make the ABSOLUTE most of September.

Lately, most Chicago Bears talk has hinged on the team’s stadium standoff. (

, by the way.) But now it’s time to pivot to actual football. Last season was enough to turn even the grouchiest sports-haters — myself included — into megafans. Will they keep making fourth-quarter history? 

September marks fall theater season here in Chicago. For musical fans, there’s 

 about 1980s teens and hip-hop, at Definition Theatre.

 at the Goodman Theatre, based on the memoirs of a trapeze artist, and 

 at Lookingglass Theatre, which follows Tennessee Williams and Marlon Brando.

Another theater gem this month: The 9th annual 

Chicago International Latino Theater Festival 

kicks off Sept. 17. Latino Heritage Month runs through mid-October, making it the perfect time to 

. More official ways to celebrate include:

The Cubs’ Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month Celebration

 | National Mexican Museum of Art | Pilsen | Sept. 16

“Where Memory Lives: 40 Years of Día de Muertos” opening

 | National Mexican Museum of Art | Pilsen | Sept. 25

returns to Douglass Park the weekend of Sept. 18, and this year William Shatner is a special guest. Headliners include Twenty One Pilots, Iggy Pop, Tool, Pierce the Veil, Elvis Costello, and (my idol) Alanis Morissette. Meanwhile, many — many! — 

All month long, we’ll continue covering Chicago’s ongoing 

. The mayor must submit his own proposal by Oct. 5. Here at City Cast, we’re also gearing up for the general election on Nov. 3. (Remember? 

Every month, the City Cast Chicago team tells you what we’re eating, where we’re shopping, and what else we’re planning for.

This month, I am seeing two of my favorite artists on back-to-back nights. I’m starting with Jungle at the United Center Sept. 10, followed by Noname at Park West Sept. 11.

Public pools close the day after Labor Day, and fall technically starts Sept. 22. But as stated above, I’m pretending September is still true summer. Catch me tanning at the Montrose ledge month-long, 

 and the Seadog (one of my favorite attractions) 

I’m visiting Lithuania for the first time this month! But I’m a bad Lithuanian. I know nothing about my heritage. So, I’m excited to 

, a two-day celebration of ambient and electronic music throughout the Garfield Park Conservatory’s nature campus. I’m also looking forward to reading at 

, an open mic by the Guild Literary Complex in collaboration with Brighton Park Poets. Palabra Pura is a bilingual reading series that showcases the work of Latino writers in Chicago.

I’m finally moved into my new place, and now it’s time to party! I’m making good use of 

, and will endeavor to build a nice charcuterie plate from 

. Also, if anyone has a line on where to find inexpensive large rugs, let me know!

Tickets to Get Now (Before It’s Too Late)

A guide to things to do in Chicago in September 2026

City Cast Chicago's September 2026 Guide

Your Guide to September 2026 in Chicago

Every month, we bring you news about the newest 

 … and this month, they’re all cafes!

The world’s largest Hello Kitty Cafe just opened downtown. It’s 8,000 square feet, two stories tall and, you guessed it, pink. Very pink. The space also features a speakeasy-style Bow Room, 

, matcha horchata, affogato, sandwiches, and more to McKinley Park. It’s located on 37th Street between Archer and Leavitt and open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The sibling duo that runs Tawney initially 

 — then out of a car. Now, Tawney is back at its permanent space on Pope John Paul II Drive, following 

. Finally, there’s one in Logan Square, in the former Infuzed Cafe. And good news for night owls, it’s open till 10 p.m.

Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Colectivo has been expanding across Chicago for years. The newest location opened yesterday in the Southport corridor, following delays and a 

Inside luxury furniture store Design Within Reach, California-based Canyon Coffee is operating a pop-up shop through July 26. It also features pastry from Logan Square’s popular 

As if there wasn’t enough to explore inside the Fine Arts Building, Groundswell Coffee Roasters opens there July 20, next to the former Artist’s Cafe storefront. It will serve food from West Loop bakery Good Ambler.

🍽️ More places to sip and dine!

Every month, we bring you the newest restaurant openings across Chicago. This month, they’re all cafes!

Seven new cafes in Chicago

7 — Yes, 7! — New Cafes

Fests, fireworks, food, and freshwater fun — there’s a lot to do in Chicago in July. Here’s a guide to keep it all straight.

Fourth of July is always lit in the city — from lakeside shenanigans to big fireworks shows to, er, less official neighborhood displays. In honor of America’s 250th, Navy Pier is showing its 

. Meanwhile, our City Cast Chicago team talked with those 

Fitzgerald’s 43rd American Music Festival

African/Caribbean International Festival of Life

July is full of fests well beyond the Fourth, too:

 | Blue Island Avenue between Cermak and Wolcott | Pilsen 

 | Wells Street between Ontario and Chicago

 | Cermak between Ashland and Morgan | Pilsen | Free

 | Lincoln Avenue between Altgeld and Fullerton | Lincoln Park

 hot enough to enjoy time out on (or in) the water — that’s no longer the case. Of course, Chicago has no shortage of splashy activities:

I just took a lovely ride on the lake with 

 — shout out to wife-co-captains Gina and Steph ❤️

 as a descendant of Friday Morning Swim Club!

And if you’re not a planner, there are always 

As I write this, I am sitting directly in front of my window unit. And I suggest you do the same. As high temps continue, storms ahead this weekend may help Chicago cool down, but those 

there were gaps in the city’s cooling network

There’s a lot to do in Chicago in July. Here’s a guide to keep it all straight.

Your Guide to July 2026 in Chicago

 in Woodlawn. And while you’re there, take a walk around the neighborhood to see some of our favorite sights. Including, but not limited to, a certain hometown president’s new library.

, we want to highlight other spots to visit while you’re in the area.

If you managed to snag tickets, begin your walk at the Obama Presidential Center. If not, don’t worry — 

Build is the perfect way to start a morning in Woodlawn. In addition to coffee on us, they’ve got a banging breakfast sandwich and 

 about social justice and local politics.

, a community center that’s also home to 

Experimental Station also hosts the 61st Street Farmers Market every Saturday: “

The best place to experience diversity in a segregated city

,” as our friends at South Side Weekly say.

Continue down Blackstone Avenue, and you’ll hit 

. The perfect spot to sit and read a zine you picked up at Build!

From there, head down Dorchester Avenue till you hit the 

. Here, non-OPC-ticket-holders can enjoy a mosaic of Barack and Michelle.

out of the way. But it's absolutely worth a stop for lunch. They’ve got homemade ice cream sandwiches, smoothies, mini cheesecakes, paninis … When you’ve hit the shipping container on Woodlawn Avenue, you’ve made it.

From there, it’s a 15-minute walk east to Stony Island Arts Bank.

 is not in Woodlawn — it’s just over the border in Greater Grand Crossing. But we’ll take any excuse to plug this one-of-a-kind space.

Artist Theaster Gates turned the century-old abandoned bank into an exhibition space and archive in 2015. Now, after recent renovations, it’s reopened with 

a conceptual tea salon and cocktail lounge

More great spots near OPC

A Guide to Woodlawn — Plus Coffee! 

Michelle Navarro

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is happening today through July 19 across North America. It starts today at 2 p.m. when Mexico and South Africa play, and South Korea and Czechia play at 9 p.m. Even though Chicago isn’t a host city, there are plenty of sports bars and watch parties to experience the World Cup matches and energy.

Chicago was seen as a prime location to host World Cup matches— we have the third-largest population, a travel hub, and the historic Soldier Field. But

 then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel withdrew the city’s bid

 in 2018, his final year in office. Emanuel didn’t want the cost to fall on the city and taxpayers when it came to transportation, security, and safety. The last straw? There was a chance FIFA could request a dome built over Soldier Field at the city’s expense.

: Gov. JB Pritzker expressed a similar sentiment for why he didn’t want 

in West Loop, which will include a giant screen, a DJ, happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m., and patio vibes.

Latina Sweat Project World Cup Viewing Party

 in Pilsen with a live DJ, soccer-themed face paintings, cotton candy, popcorn, and aguas frescas.

 in Logan Square is opening earlier for the match. Their full burger and beer menu will be available.

are playing matches in Spanish using live cinematic audio and video.

I’m rooting for Mexico 🇲🇽! Reply to this email and tell us where you’re watching and who you're rooting for.

Chicago has plenty of spots to catch World Cup matches.

Where to World Cup in Chicago

The long-awaited Obama Presidential Center opens Juneteenth — a day with plenty 

events across Chicago. And that’s all in addition to Pride, the end of the school year … and more. This month is PACKED.

As we jump into June, here’s your official guide to keep everything straight.

 is June 20 and 21 in Northalsted, headlined by Durand Bernarr on Saturday and G Flip on Sunday.

Finally, the big parade is June 28. It starts at 11 a.m. on Sheridan and Broadway and ends on Diversey. 

Chicago Public Schools are out Thursday! By now, the kids in your life probably have their summers scheduled, but the parks are full of 

 (for free). Meanwhile, we’ll be keeping our eye on the 

upcoming school board elections and the district’s major budget concerns

The birthplace of Juneteenth is Galveston, Texas, but the holiday has plenty of 

. Celebrate Black Chicago throughout that week:

 | DuSable Black History Museum | Washington Park

Boxing Out Negativity Juneteenth Celebration

Multiple events through the National A Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum

, across 19 acres of Jackson Park, opens officially to the public June 19. Museum slots for the weekend are full, but there’s availability on 

 for free activities and performances on the campus. Register ASAP!

As you all know, summer in Chicago is fest season. They’re really ramping up this June — but don’t forget to 

 all month long for additional street (and non-street) parties.

 | Lincoln Avenue between Irving and Berteau | North Center

 | American Writers Museum and Harold Washington Library | Loop | Free

 | Clark Street between Foster and Gregory | Andersonville

 | Randolph Street between Peoria and Racine | West Loop

The long-awaited Obama Presidential Center opens Juneteenth — a day with plenty more events across Chicago. And that’s all in addition to Pride, the end of the school year … and more. This month is PACKED.

June 2026 Guide to Chicago

Your Guide to June 2026 in Chicago

May kicked off with a jolt on Friday as Chicagoans turned out to celebrate May Day all across the city. I expect the energy will stay high all month long — a lot is going on!

, true Chicago farmers market season begins in May. Twelve seasonal markets start back up this month, stretching across the city from 95th Street to Uptown. 

Maxwell Street’s Sunday market returns May 17

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May is AAPI Month. Here’s how Chicago is celebrating:

 | May 7 | Experimental Station | Woodlawn | Free

 | May 26 | Davis Theater | Lincoln Square

📆 Stay tuned all month long for more AAPI events!

catch “The Sun Never Sets” and director Joe Swanberg

 on May 17. Speakers include Padma Lakshmi, Peter Sagal, Mary Beard, John Waters (!!!), and Rep. Lauren Underwood (14th).

 have already returned to the side of Merchandise Mart. This month, the projection features works by current School of the Art Institute and Chicago Public Schools students. Catch it Thursday through Sunday evenings.

, all eyes are on the Chicago Sky. The Sky’s 

. Meanwhile, White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami is riling fans up with his home-run hot streak. The team recently had its highest April attendance for a non-opener in 19 years. 

Beginning Memorial Day weekend, twice-weekly fireworks return to Navy Pier. Catch them Wednesdays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 p.m. Chicago’s beaches open May 22. 

 returns to its original home in Lincoln Square. Grab a pint and get ready for warmer months ahead. Prost!

May kicked off with a May Day jolt, and I expect the energy will stay high.

City Cast Guide to May 2026

Your Guide to May 2026 

 through April 25 — which is coincidentally Independent Bookstore Day! There’s an 

However, our recs on where to find and read books in Chicago are timeless.

City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran is on a mission to hit all of Chicago’s public libraries before 

Chicago’s oldest public branch, Blackstone, looks like it could sit on Museum Campus. It's got impressive columns and a dome with 

The modern Chinatown and Northtown branches

It’s National Library Week through April 25 — which is coincidentally Independent Bookstore Day! There’s an official crawl across Chicagoland.

However, our recs on where to find and read books in Chicago are timeless.