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Rain & Snow Expected For Much Of The Week Before Sunshine Returns In Time For The Solar Eclipse
Despite having said goodbye to winter last month, Chicago’s mercurial weather is not letting us enjoy the blooms and brightness of spring just yet. This week will somewhat hinder any early April plans in Chicago with rain and even some snow expected throughout the week. Rain and snow are likely tonight, all of tomorrow, and even further into the week as winter gives us the last taste (hopefully) of its merciless might before sunshine and clearer skies return this weekend just in time for a significant total solar eclipse that is dubbed “the Great North American Solar Eclipse”. According to the National Weather Service, “a strong storm system” will bring “strong thunderstorms, strong non-thunderstorm winds, and slushy snow” over the next couple of days.
Sundance Institute Set To Launch New Film Festival In Chicago This Summer
Chicago’s affiliation with film and tv needs no introduction. From a range of popular filming locations to its many unique movie theatres and consistent new independent film festivals like February’s Crying at the Shed FilmFestival and last month’s Film Girl Film Festival, we live in a city that loves to celebrate the big screen. Now Chicago has been chosen to host another new film festival, this time in collaboration with none other than the renowned Sundance Institute. In partnership with Choose Chicago and the Chicago Film Office, the prestigious non-profit institute will this summer present its first annual film festival in Chicago making it the first and only place in the United States to do so outside of Park City, Utah, the original home of the Sundance Film Festival. Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024 will take place from Friday, June 28th through to Sunday, June 30th, and feature artists programs, film screenings, panel discussions, and other events across the city, according to the release.
Heinz Has Installed Ketchup-Dispensing Billboards Across Chicago
While it may be the day after April Fools that Heinz kicks off its crafty new “Smack for Heinz” campaign, it seems it’s no joke and the company has launched a sauce offensive against Chicago’s most-renowned ketchup-hating establishments. Heinz is all too familiar with Chicago’s relationship with ketchup having teasingly introduced a “Chicago Dog Sauce” on National Hot Dog Day in 2017 only to dupe locals and reveal that it was actually just ketchup all along. This time, there are no smokes and daggers just straight-up ketchup outposts being rolled out around the city, and it seems the Pittsburg-headquartered company is well aware of those Chicago hot dog joints that take a particularly dogmatic stance against their famous red condiment. A video recently posted to Heinz.com shows one of their new “smackable” billboards situated right outside of Chicago’s renowned Superdawg Drive-In.
Sofar Sounds: We Tried Chicago’s New Concert Series, And Absolutely Loved It
Sofar Sounds has recently collaborated with Fever to bring a series of special concerts to L.A. neighborhoods, and we got the opportunity to experience the first one on March 23! With a secret venue and lineup, we weren’t too sure what to expect. It ended up being a lovely night out in Van Nuys that we’d experience again and again. Read on for our review! As we made our way to the Fever x Sofar Sounds premiere, we felt a bit apprehensive. Booking our ticket was straightforward: once we selected our concert, we were sent an email with all the...
Say Goodbye To Selfies At The Bean Because It Will Soon Be Matte [April Fools]
While tourists can agree Millennium Park is one of the top attractions in Chicago, home to iconic structures such as the Crown Fountain, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and The Bean, it also happens to be the most crowded area—which locals have been complaining about for years. Chicago officials have been discussing how to address the congestion surrounding Cloud Gate. While they recently discussed getting rid of The Bean altogether, they came up with a solution that appeases both tourists and locals: a matte finish on The Bean. Whether you like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye to seeing your reflection; the Bean will be losing its shine! With the Bean under construction since late summer, many people thought it was just a routine “necessary maintenance.” That is not the case; reports of replacing pavers and making other repairs and accessibility upgrades to the Plaza—are only the beginning. The real change will be to the Bean’s appearance. According to the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, applying a matte finish to the Bean will create a dull, lackluster tourist experience and discourage people from taking selfies at the location.
The Best Drag Brunches In Chicago This Weekend
Don’t let your Saturday be dull and dreary—one of the exhilarating ways to get your weekend started is partying at drag brunch in Chicago! Drag is a beloved way of expressing ourselves and will leave us smiling. Here are some of our favorite drag brunches that will rid anyone of the Sunday Scaries. We’re not egg-aggerating when we say Roscoe’s EggsYZ is one of the best drag brunches in Chicago. Every Saturday, starting at 12:30, Roscoes has electrifying local talent—usually someone from Drag Race, might we add. If you’re nostalgic for Britney Spear’s Toxic, Roscoe’s has the 1990s and 2000s theme. Address: 3356 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657 There’s a Saturday Chicago drag brunch, and then there’s the Sunday drag brunch. Join The River Kitchen and Bar every Sunday for “The Real Drag Brunch of Chicago.” At one of the largest and wildest drag brunch in Chicago, this experience includes unlimited mimosas, Bloody Marys, domestic beer, and all-well cocktails.
Green City Market Locations To Open One Month Early
Green City Market is set to open both outdoor farmer’s markets ahead of schedule with the Lincoln Park location opening as soon as next Saturday. Organizers announced earlier this month that they hoped to open early for their 25th year in Chicago “and provide a vibrant marketplace for our local, sustainable farmers and food businesses” earlier than expected provided they could secure the required permits. Now, with everything accepted the markets are now preparing to open early with a grand total of 109 dates to look forward to. The Lincoln Park location at 1817 N. Clark St. is set to reopen Saturday, April 6th, and run Saturdays from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. through Saturday, November 23rd. It will then also open on Wednesdays starting Wednesday, May 1st, and run through Wednesday, October 30th.
A Chicago Suburb Has Been Ranked The Best Place To Live In The Country
Some months on from Chicago ranking as the Best Big City in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler and now a suburb west of Chicago has been named the best place to live in the country in 2024. Niche, an online rating database that reviews the best places to settle down in the United States, recently released its 10th annual rankings for the Best City to Live in America naming Naperville at the very top. But that’s not all… not only was Naperville named the best city to live in the entire country, it also took first place in the categories Best Cities to Raise a Family in America and Cities with the Best Public Schools in America. Based on a scrupulous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education, Bureau of Labor Statistics, FBI, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Niche looks into schools, work, and public safety evaluating a total of 230 cities to determine its annual ranking.
Merchandise Mart’s Stunning Art Projections Return To The Riverwalk Next Month
Chicago has emerged from winter, albeit an incredibly mercurial one, and all manner of spring activities are about to return offering an array of things to do this April. Cherry blossoms and tulips will soon bloom, imbuing Chicago with color and offering up spellbinding spectacles. Another thing that comes back to life this time of the year is Chicago’s cherished Art on TheMART projections that light up the 2.5-acre river façade of the Merchandise Mart. On Friday, April 12, at 8:30 pm, ART on The MART will fire up all 34 digital projectors for its Spring 2024 Program and once again breathe life into the 25-story-tall face of the Merchandise Mart every night through June 5.
The St Regis Hotel’s Highly-Anticipated New Tuscan Steakhouse Is Now Open
After several years in the making and a name change, one of the newest additions to Chicago’s iconic skyline, the St. Regis Chicago, finally opened just under a year ago displaying a stunning array of amenities and impressive features. Designed by Jeanne Gang and her architectural firm, Studio Gang Architects, it now holds the title of the tallest tower on the planet designed by a woman and has already been picking up awards for being one of the best new hotels in the United States. Now some months after its official opening, the hotel’s exciting new restaurants and bars are all open with Tre Dita— one of Michelin Guide’s most anticipated new restaurants for 2024—the latest to be unveiled this month. Helmed by two-time James Beard-nominated Chef Evan Funke, the new restaurant Tre Dita is a project by Chicago’s Lettuce Entertain You hospitality group and adds to the flourishing caliber of exceptional steakhouses in Chicago.
The Best Spring Date Ideas In Chicago For A Lovely Evening
While the winter months can be dreary, dark, and icy, spring is something we can all look forward to. With the days getting longer and the air getting humid, it’s the definitive time to grab drinks on the Chicago Riverwalk, wander through a garden, or have a picnic at Millennium Park. So, here are the best spring date ideas in Chicago. While there is a plethora of parks sprinkled across the city, nothing truly beats visiting Millenium Park. From iconic structures like the Buckingham Fountain to the stunning Rose Garden, there are many places to spread out a blanket and lounge for...
Blommer Chocolate Is Closing Its Chicago Factory After 85 Years
From cherished local restaurants and beloved bars to long-running antique stores and historic movie theatres, when something closes in Chicago the city unites in mourning the loss of a once well-loved establishment. Heck, even the Chicago Rat Hole’s recent transition to Chicago folklore has had people up in arms. Now another beloved spot will soon bite the dust after Bloomer Chocolate Company announced the imminent closure of its Chicago factory. Long affiliated with the sweet scents of chocolate that spew from its Kinzie Street location and emanate through the West Loop, the factory first opened back in 1939 as the original manufacturing plant of the Blommer group.
You’ll Soon Need This Card If You’re An American Hoping To Fly Anywhere In The United States
For anybody in the United States planning to travel next year, it’s time to get up to speed on everything you need to know! You might be aware of the new European travel requirement, ETIAS, that will be necessary to have when entering many European countries by 2025. From early May next year, you will now also need to obtain a REAL ID to fly domestically. So what is a REAL ID, why do you need it and how do you get hold of it?
Jeremy Allen White Got Rejected From This Chicago Steakhouse
While we all love an opulent night out with decadent slices of Ribeye, Filet Mignon, or Skirt Steak, we usually have to plan it in advance. Let’s face it—it can be hard to get a reservation at some of Chicago’s most celebrated restaurants. However, if you’re Jeremy Allen White—the most recognized celebrity in Chicago right now—you can surely stroll into any restaurant, snap your fingers, and have a linen-white table prepared with an elegant meal and a glass of a cabernet—or so we would’ve thought. On his latest appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel Show, The Bear star told how he...
There’s An Island Near Chicago Called ‘Volvo Island’ Due To One Stranded 2001 Volvo Sedan
As we sadly said goodbye to the Chicago Rat Hole this week, it seems a good time to indulge in another tongue-in-cheek landmark close to Chicago. Not far from Chicagoland in Ottawa, Illinois lies ‘Volvo Island‘ where a single 2001 silver Volvo S80 sedan has lorded over a tiny island in the middle of a lake for around 12 years. The island, which is not much bigger than the car itself, has been officially named “Volvo Island” on Google and the silver car has been visible on Google Maps Street View since 2015. It even has a 4.9-star rating on Google with over 300 reviews, some dating back years, and even more flooding in over the past few days.
Heavy Snowfall Expected Across Chicago Today As Storm Brings Late Taste Of Winter
With Chicagohenge this week signaling the start of spring, you’d be forgiven for thinking that winter weather has all but passed us by for now, especially given the February of record-breaking warmth we just had. Alas, Chicago is Chicagoing and the mercurial weather is giving us a late taste of winter today. According to the National Weather Service, despite it being the third full day of spring, some areas north of Chicago could see more than five inches of snow thanks to today’s ‘clipper system’. A winter weather advisory is consequently now in effect for places like McHenry and Lake counties in Illinois until later today.
The Chicago Lakefront Could Soon Become A National Park
From enchanting gardens to blooming cherry blossoms—Chicago is known for its stunning nature. Nothing in the Chicago area, however, has yet been declared National Park worthy—could that soon change? The Chicago Lakefront is one step closer to becoming a National Park. In three precincts in Rogers Park, a referendum on the Illinois Primary asked about designating the Chicago Lakefront a National Park. It passed with more than 60 percent of the vote. Albeit, the referendum was only on the ballot in the 4th, 15th, and 16th precincts in the 49th Ward—with a total of 1,240 votes. Chicago Lakefront National Park...
After A Five Year Hiatus, Passion Pit Is Performing Live In Chicago
For the first time since 2019, Passion Pit is officially touring again—and luckily for us, they are making a stop in Chicago. The band, comprised of Michael Angelakos, Chris Hartz, Aaron Folb, Giuliano Pizzulo, and Ray Suen, is heading to the Vic Theatre this May for a concert that will buoy you from any melancholy day. Their indie electronica discography—Manners, Gossamer, Kindred, Tremendous Sea of Love—exists as an upbeat, electronic, and effervescent melody that is singular when talking about esteemed artists from the 2000s. Songs such as “Take a Walk” and “Sleepyhead” are ingrained in our minds, and our feet can’t help but begin to tap as the rhythm fills our ears—it’s one of the few bands that elicit millennial nostalgia. You can now purchase to Passion Pit’s Chicago concert at The Vic Theatre on Friday, May 24, 2024, and, from popular demand, Passion Pit added a second show. Saturday, May 25, 2024. Both shows start at 8:00 PM. However, if you can’t make it to the Chicago show, they are also playing three shows in California and four in New York. If you want to see them, grab tickets because who knows how long the next hiatus will be.
Columbus Drive Could Be Renamed Barack Obama Drive Under New Proposal
Alderman Lamont J. Robinson, Alderman for Chicago’s 4th Ward, has introduced an ordinance to the City Council Committee on Transportation and Public Way calling for Columbus Drive to be renamed Barack Obama Drive after the former President. It comes a few years on from the last significant name change when the outer portion of Lake Sure Drive officially became recognized as Jean Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive in honor Chicago’s Haitian founder and first non-Indigenous settler. Now, Robinson’s proposal would see the entirety of Columbus Drive remove all association with the 15th-century explorer and instead name it in honor of the first Black president of the United States who got his start in politics here in Chicago. “We need to honor more Black men, and this is one small way we can do that” Robinson expressed on X, formerly Twitter. “Chicago’s children deserve to see that they too can become Black history & cement a new tourist destination to increase Chicago tourism highlighting where Black history was made.”
Cocktail Enthusiasts! An Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy Is Coming To Chicago This Spring
Calling all literature lovers and cocktail connoisseurs! This one-of-a-kind Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy will open in Chicago this spring, bringing four of Poe’s most infamous works off of the page and onto the stage through an immersive cocktail experience. The speakeasy will only be in town for a limited time from May 2nd to 4th at the Greenhouse Theater Center, so secure your tickets here before it moves on to its next destination! Save your spot to enjoy an evening of transfixing tales and lovely libations! While it has been over a century and a half since Edgar Allan Poe graced us with a work of detective fiction or gothic horror, his legacy lives on. Within the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy, Poe historians will retell four of his most famous stories with a modern twist. The chilling tales feature classics like The Tell-Tale Heart and The Black Cat.
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Secret Chicago tracks down the best things to do in the city, from quirky restaurants and hidden bars to the best exhibitions, shows and nightlife in Chicago.
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