Chicago artist Sen Morimoto perpetually tinkers with and reinvents their sound. No matter what instrument they play—saxophone, guitar, keyboards, drums—they use a measured hand that imbues their music with calm. Even when they use odd… · Music at Chicago Reader ↗
Chicago, dust off the witch’s hat. Chipotle Boorito 2026 is back, and this year a burrito, bowl or whatever you’re ordering is $6 if you show up in costume on Halloween. That’s it. That’s the deal. Dress up, eat cheap, and save the peanut… · at Secret Chicago ↗
Winter heating bills can put a serious dent in your budget—but some Chicago households could qualify for help, even with a six-figure-adjacent income. A four-person Illinois household served by Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North… · at Secret Chicago ↗
Bon Jovi fans in Chicago have something to look forward to next year. The Grammy-award-winning rock act has announced a host of new dates for its “Forever Tour” in 2027—including a stop in the Windy City! Here are all the details and how… · at Secret Chicago ↗
Your daily downtown commute in Chicago could be a little sweeter next month. National Donut Day is next month and the Windy City’s own Stan’s Donuts & Coffee is celebrating with a 2,000-donut giveaway in the heart of the Loop. Here are all… · at Secret Chicago ↗
Chicago boasts a long and fascinating history — and that includes quite a few ghost stories. This Halloween, explore the city’s spooky side, from supernatural… · at Choose Chicago ↗
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College campuses get makeovers all the time—new buildings, revamped programs, updated rankings. But a whole new name? That’s a little less common. Now, one Naperville institution is preparing to make the switch. North Central College’s… · at Secret Chicago ↗
How about a lovely cheese pizza just for you? If you’ve ever wished you could order a cheese pizza from Little Nero’s in Home Alone, we’ve got some mouthwatering news for you—Easy Street Pizza is transforming into Kevin McCallister’s… · at Secret Chicago ↗
October isn’t just the prime time to purchase halloween candy or flights home for the holidays—it’s also the best month to buy a house in Chicago! Well, according to one study at least. Here’s a look at the data and what it means for your… · at Secret Chicago ↗
When it comes to making a pit stop on a road trip, there are typically two types of places you can choose from. First, there are the standard gas stations, known for their mediocre food and below-average bathrooms. On the other hand, some… · at Secret Chicago ↗
When I choose subjects for the Secret History of Chicago Music, I don’t rule out anyone I’ve been lucky enough to call a friend—especially when it comes to making a memorial tribute to a great musician and human being. Secret History was… · Music at Chicago Reader ↗
Construction workers at O’Hare International Airport recently encountered an unexpected surprise amidst the ongoing ORDNext modernization project—a 50-ton boulder. Now, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is asking for the public’s… · at Secret Chicago ↗
Christkindlmarket is one of Chicago’s most beloved holiday traditions. This free-admission outdoor market brings all the charm of traditional European Christmas markets to Chicago, including… · at Choose Chicago ↗
Did you know October is National Pizza Month? You do now! To celebrate the occasion, DoorDash just released its annual roundup of Top Local Pizza Spots in America, and 4 Chicago joints are ranked among the best in the Midwest. Here’s a… · at Secret Chicago ↗
Get ready to play banana ball, Chicago! The viral Savannah Bananas are touching down in the Windy City again in 2027, following a successful series at Wrigley Field in 2026. Here are all the deets. Savannah Bananas at Soldier Field The… · at Secret Chicago ↗
All the New Restaurant Openings to Know in Chicago · Chicago’s Best Mexican Restaurants · Chicago’s Best Steakhouses · The 38 Best Restaurants in Chicago
Jewel-Osco has been a Chicagoland staple since 1899—when Frank Ross and Frank Skiff started the Jewel Tea Company with $700, a rented horse, and a secondhand wagon, selling tea and coffee door-to-door. The history of Jewel-Osco The… · at Secret Chicago ↗
Chicago leaders have approved an ordinance to broaden a program that tickets drivers for blocking city bus and bike lanes, according to multiple reports. Here’s a breakdown of the measure and what it means for you. City expanding Smart… · at Secret Chicago ↗
Four ways to dig in No need to stick to the classic white wine treatment: Mussel Fest features four preparations, including a lobster garlic option made with lobster bisque. Consider this your excuse to arrive hungry—and put those fries to… · at Secret Chicago ↗
It’s hard not to fall in love when you’re in Chicago — both with your sweetheart, and with the city itself. Whether you’re planning a… · at Choose Chicago ↗
Metra is ushering in a new era of eco-friendly transit in Chicago. The transit organization unveiled its new state-of-the-art battery-powered trainset at LaSalle Street Station on Wednesday, October 14. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at… · at Secret Chicago ↗
Thursday, Oct. 15: showers likely through the day Friday, Oct. 16: colder, with gusts to 40 mph In other news: For over 80 years, this iconic Chicago deli has served a signature favorite—and people willingly wait in line for it · at Secret Chicago ↗
There’s something special about a no-frills deli—somewhere with regulars, a place that has been around for decades, and serves a delicious sandwich that doesn’t cost a quarter of your paycheck. In New York City, you have Katz’s… · at Secret Chicago ↗
Chicagoans enjoyed a historic October heatwave in time for the Columbus Day holiday on Monday, but the weather is about to take a drastic turn for the colder. The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts heavy rains followed by a sharp… · at Secret Chicago ↗
Santa’s taking the train this year. In Indiana. And you can ride along. The Indiana Christmas Train, run by the Indiana Rail Experience, is a 90-minute holiday train ride through the northern Indiana countryside, leaving from Pleasant… · at Secret Chicago ↗
When Haley Fohr began working on a score for Nosferatu (1922) more than a year ago, she was thinking about parasitic love. All-consuming love. Identity-surrendering love. Fohr, better known as her avant-pop project Circuit des Yeux, had… · Music at Chicago Reader ↗
‘Tis the season to be merry and bright! Celebrate this magical time of year with Chicago’s most luminous Christmas light shows. Save the date: Holiday… · at Choose Chicago ↗
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Downtown commuters in Chicago may have to reroute their usual trip this month. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is altering Pink and Green line service in and around the Loop amid ongoing construction on the Lake Street Bridge. Here’s a… · at Secret Chicago ↗
If you can’t resist scrolling through TikTok (like us), you’ve probably encountered numerous viral food trends. One night, you might see someone enjoying a sprinkle-topped cake cup, and by morning, that video has gone viral, and everyone… · at Secret Chicago ↗
Roscoe Village, your morning coffee is about to get a Milwaukee accent. Colectivo Coffee Roscoe Village opens Wednesday, October 21 at 6:30 a.m. It’s the Wisconsin roaster’s eighth Chicago cafe and 24th overall. Colectivo has been quietly… · at Secret Chicago ↗
If you recently purchased a bottle of acetaminophen from Amazon, make sure to check the label. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported that over 100,000 bottles of acetaminophen sold nationwide have been recalled. The… · at Secret Chicago ↗
Chicago has seen some wild weather in recent months thanks to the ongoing Super El Niño, from sweltering heat to torrential rains. Unfortunately, it’s looking like Windy City residents may have to wait a while before things return to… · at Secret Chicago ↗