The Chicago Edition

Chicago’s Best 100 Eat See the list →

One enters, one leaves.

1. Enters Calumet FisheriesChicago No.100
2. Leaves DayglowChicago Was No. 4 off the list—

¶Local press Secret Chicago

Here’s the Chicago Cultural Center Fall/Winter free programming schedule↗

In search of free creative and educational experiences around Chicago this fall? Look no further than the Chicago Cultural Center’s fall/winter programming. The institution is offering more than a dozen free events now through December in… · at Secret Chicago ↗

Elena Smentkowski

¶Local press Secret Chicago

After years out of operation, Chicago’s historic 1950s Weather Bell is back at Monroe and Clark—here is what its red, blue, and green lights mean↗

at Secret Chicago ↗

Tori Levy

¶Local press Chicago Reader

Muggsy Spanier’s hot cornet gave extra shine to early Chicago jazz↗

As I get older, I’ve grown more interested in the earliest roots of the music I love—even when they predate me by a century. This includes prewar jazz, and luckily this lively music is plentiful at thrift stores (where this budget shopper… · at Chicago Reader ↗

Steve Krakow

¶Local press Choose Chicago

How to celebrate Filipino American History Month in Chicago↗

Chicago is home to a diverse Filipino American community, and October is a chance to celebrate Filipino heritage, history, and culture across the city.  Throughout… · at Choose Chicago ↗

¶Local press Chicago Reader

Blasphemy reigns at the 2026 Sanctum Dark Music Festival↗

Sanctum Dark Music Festival Fri 10/30 and Sat 10/31 at Thalia Hall · at Chicago Reader ↗

Monica Kendrick

¶Local press Secret Chicago

After enduring more than 30 roof leaks, Chicago’s 11-year-old punk and horror shop Bucket O’ Blood will close its Elston Avenue storefront this November↗

at Secret Chicago ↗

Tori Levy

¶Local press Secret Chicago

Walmart recalls nearly 4.5 million grill brushes sold in Chicago since 2021 because metal bristles can end up in your food↗

If you’ve grilled anything in Chicago in the last five years, there’s a decent chance you scrubbed the grates with a brush from Walmart. A new Walmart grill brush recall means it’s time to check which one you have. Walmart is recalling… · at Secret Chicago ↗

Tyler Schoeber

¶Local press Choose Chicago

Day of the Dead in Chicago: a celebration of (after) life↗

Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, is a tradition that has been practiced in Mexican culture for over 3,000… · at Choose Chicago ↗

¶Local press Chicago Reader

America still needs John Prine↗

On a blustery winter day in early 1969, around the time of Richard Nixon’s first inauguration, John Prine worked his route as a mailman, delivering endless copies of Reader’s Digest across the Chicago suburb of Westchester. The magazine’s… · at Chicago Reader ↗

Annie Howard

¶Local press Eater Chicago

With Chef Christian Hunter’s Hooligan, Fine Dining Gets Personal↗

Back in November 2025, one of the city’s most anticipated restaurants was this close to opening. Hooligan in Time Out Market from chef Christian Hunter, a 2023 Michelin Young Chef Award winner for his work at Chicago’s Atelier, and local… · Chicago Restaurant News at Eater Chicago ↗

Chicago Restaurant News

¶Local press Time Out Chicago news

This comedy show in a tiny Lakeview basement shouldn’t be free—but it is↗

Blind Wolf Comedy is *actually* a hidden gem. · at Time Out Chicago news ↗

Primary Author: Lauren Brocato

¶Local press Secret Chicago

Carlyle Club brings all-day menu, riverfront dining to Chicago’s historic Reid Murdoch building↗

Chicago’s downtown culinary scene is gaining a new standout destination this month, combining a luxurious dining experience with riverfront views. Carlyle Club has officially opened its doors at the historic Reid Murdoch Building (316 N… · at Secret Chicago ↗

Elena Smentkowski

¶Local press Choose Chicago

Where to watch the Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2026: the ultimate spectator’s guide↗

One of just eight World Marathon Majors, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the planet’s most epic athletic events. Each year, more… · at Choose Chicago ↗

¶Local press Secret Chicago

The 5 best chicken Caesar wraps in Chicago—I tried every viral one↗

See more: These award-winning Chicago wings take 36 hours to make—and the process is surprisingly elaborate · at Secret Chicago ↗

Tyler Schoeber

¶Local press Secret Chicago

Ranked among the top 10 cidery spots in the US, this taproom is a $40 ticket from Chicago Union Station↗

As the third-largest city in the country, there aren’t many reasons why you would leave Chicago. Maybe you spend the holidays with your family or take that Euro vacation you’ve been planning for years. But in terms of getting on Amtrak—and… · at Secret Chicago ↗

Tori Levy

¶Local press Chicago Reader

Garage rockers the Bobby Lees reemerge with the nu-metal–infused New Self↗

The Bobby Lees Thu 10/22 at Lincoln Hall · at Chicago Reader ↗

Jamie Ludwig

¶Local press Chicago Reader

Chicago indie-rock godparents Eleventh Dream Day dig into their 90s archives↗

Eleventh Dream Day Wed 10/21 at the Hideout · at Chicago Reader ↗

Monica Kendrick

¶Local press Choose Chicago

25+ things to do in Chicago this October↗

October is a jam-packed time in Chicago, with tons of Halloween events and fall-themed celebrations happening all month long. Start filling up your calendar with… · at Choose Chicago ↗

¶Local press Time Out Chicago news

Adler Planetarium is bringing free stargazing and space science to Chicago libraries this fall↗

Free telescope nights let you check out the stars and planets and learn more about space. · at Time Out Chicago news ↗

Primary Author: Gerrish Lopez

¶Local press Eater Chicago

Carlyle Club Makes a Splash Along the Chicago River↗

Although Las Vegas restaurateur Steve Gogolab first visited Chicago last August, he’s quickly establishing himself as a local hospitality industry force to be reckoned with. Last December, he opened Bucktown’s Dēliz, a splashy two-level… · Chicago Restaurant News at Eater Chicago ↗

Chicago Restaurant News

¶Local press Secret Chicago

Brown Elephant thrift shop inside Chicago’s Calo Theatre↗

at Secret Chicago ↗

Media Manager

¶Local press Secret Chicago

This interactive pop-up matches you with a curated movie watch list based on your mood—and it’s only in Chicago this weekend↗

In need of a personalized movie watch list but unsure of where to look? You can get a curated selection of must-watch flicks based on your unique personality this weekend in Chicago! Free streaming platform Tubi is launching its… · at Secret Chicago ↗

Elena Smentkowski

¶Local press Choose Chicago

The Chicago Hotel Collection: more than a stay, unforgettable Chicago experiences↗

A visit to Chicago should feel as distinctive as the city itself. The Chicago Hotel Collection offers boutique hotel stays in some of the city’s… · at Choose Chicago ↗

¶Local press Secret Chicago

Music Box Theatre Chicago October horror film screenings↗

at Secret Chicago ↗

Media Manager

¶Local press Secret Chicago

Chicago’s largest apple festival is returning this weekend with cider, live music, and 100+ local vendors↗

Do you think apple season ends with the month of September? If so, you would be mistaken, because apple season is still going strong—in fact, the largest apple festival in Chicago takes place the first weekend of October. Lincoln Square’s… · at Secret Chicago ↗

Tori Levy

¶Local press Secret Chicago

Chicago investment firm Morningstar announces new Thompson Center global headquarters, multi-million dollar local investment↗

Chicago-based financial services provider Morningstar will relocate its global headquarters to the James R. Thompson Center, according to a statement released Wednesday. The announcement comes amid tech giant Google’s ongoing full-scale… · at Secret Chicago ↗

Elena Smentkowski

¶Local press Choose Chicago

10 free things to do in Chicago this October 2026↗

This month, enjoy unique Halloween celebrations, tour local artist studios, check out global musicians, and browse the city’s longest-running outdoor market — all without spending… · at Choose Chicago ↗

¶Local press Time Out Chicago news

This Chicago steakhouse is offering 79-cent lunch items—including its famous pork chop—for one day only this week↗

Can we get a double order? · at Time Out Chicago news ↗

Primary Author: Mark Peikert

¶Local press Secret Chicago

This new Chicago art exhibition brings the world of The Odyssey to life↗

Chances are you already caught Christopher Nolan’s rendition of The Odyssey over the summer. But this fall in Chicago, there’s another immersive way to experience the story at the National Hellenic Museum. Here’s everything to know about… · at Secret Chicago ↗

Elena Smentkowski

¶Local press Secret Chicago

These award-winning Chicago wings take 36 hours to make—and the process is surprisingly elaborate↗

When it comes to wings in Chicago, there are plenty of options to choose from, but there’s a clear distinction between good wings and great wings. One place that stands out is Woodie’s, which recently earned the title of Best Overall at… · at Secret Chicago ↗

Tori Levy

¶Local press Secret Chicago

A fall Harvest Festival is coming to this Chicago-area mall—less than 1 hour from downtown↗

It’s fall festival season in and around Chicago, with events like Lincoln Square Apple Fest and Fall Fest at the Lincoln Park Zoo ushering in the spirit of the season. Well, we’ve got one more festive celebration for you to have on your… · at Secret Chicago ↗

Elena Smentkowski

¶Local press Secret Chicago

The Blackhawks’ home opener brings Patrick Kane back to the United Center↗

A new era is underway at the Chicago Blackhawks—yet it will feel nostalgic in some ways. Next week, as the Chicago Blackhawks open their 2026–27 home schedule against the St. Louis Blues, fans will get to see Connor Bedard wearing an… · at Secret Chicago ↗

Tori Levy

¶Local press Secret Chicago

Amtrak’s fall train sale ends tomorrow, with 25% off on routes from Chicago↗

Chicagoans planning a fall getaway have until tomorrow, Wednesday, September 30, 2026, to book Amtrak’s latest sale. The offer takes at least 25% off the Flex fare for eligible coach trips from October 14 through December 17, 2026. That… · at Secret Chicago ↗

Tori Levy

¶Local press Chicago Reader

Digable Planets celebrate 30 years of the immortal Black opus Blowout Comb↗

Digable Planets Sun 10/18 at Metro · at Chicago Reader ↗

Cristalle Bowen

¶Local press Secret Chicago

Only once a year: MCA Chicago brings back Streeterville’s free dog and cat Halloween costume parade with prizes for the best-dressed pets↗

Get ready for a whole lot of a-paws: the 39th annual Streeterville dog and cat Halloween costume parade returns to the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago on Saturday, October 31. The free, family-friendly event brings together hundreds of… · at Secret Chicago ↗

Tori Levy

¶Local press Secret Chicago

“Largest in North America”: Chicago’s Divvy network could add 10,000 bikes and docks through 2033↗

What could change for Divvy riders? · at Secret Chicago ↗

Tori Levy

¶Local press Secret Chicago

This Chicago neighborhood is among the most moved-to zip codes in the U.S.↗

Planning a move to or around the Windy City in the near future? You’ll likely face some stiff competition finding an apartment in this zip code. A recent study has ranked a Chicago neighborhood among the Hottest ZIP Codes in America.… · at Secret Chicago ↗

Elena Smentkowski

¶Local press Secret Chicago

MLB 2026 Wild Card Series schedule set: Cubs head to San Diego while White Sox visit Houston↗

For the first time since 2008, both Chicago MLB teams are going to the postseason. However, if you purchased tickets for a home Wild Card game, you have likely already received a refund, as neither team will start its playoff run at home… · at Secret Chicago ↗

Tori Levy

¶Local press Secret Chicago

Perry’s Steakhouse is offering 79-cent lunch specials at all Chicago-area locations for one day only, including its famous slow-smoked pork chop↗

Perry’s Steakhouse doubles 79-cent lunch tradition across Chicago locations The catch? This is dine-in only. So, the first 200 guests in line at any Chicago-area Perry’s location on Friday, October 2 will receive a card redeemable for one… · at Secret Chicago ↗

Tori Levy

¶Local press Choose Chicago

Two days, two Chicago waterfronts: the ultimate lake and river itinerary↗

In Chicago, life revolves around the water. The city is lucky enough to be home to not one, but two stunning waterfronts. The Chicago River… · at Choose Chicago ↗

¶Local press Chicago Reader

Indiana power poppers Wishy rock the party on their second LP, Nature’s Pill↗

Wishy Tue 10/27 at Lincoln Hall · at Chicago Reader ↗

Jack Riedy