The 78

🌮 Let’s  taco  ‘bout one of the tastiest weekends in Chicago! The Chicago Taco & Tequila Fest is bringing the heat (and the flavor) to Wrightwood Park in Lincoln Park Friday and Saturday, June 27–28. This two-day fiesta is loaded with mouthwatering tacos from over 10 of Chicagoland’s best vendors, plus live music on two stages, a tequila tasting experience, and margarita flights if you’re fee...

Red Bull Dance Your Style, the world’s largest all-styles street dance competition, is back for its 2025 season—bringing high-energy freestyle battles to the Midwest with a City Qualifier in Chicago and a Regional Qualifier in Kansas City. This unique event challenges dancers to showcase their skills in hip hop, house, locking, popping, and more—all to unpredictable tracks that range from current...

Jack’s Mannequin is back—and not just for nostalgia’s sake. In 2025, the beloved alt-pop rock group, fronted by singer-songwriter-pianist  Andrew McMahon , celebrates a remarkable 20-year milestone with  The MFEO Tour , a 25-date headlining North American tour that includes festival stops and a highly anticipated Chicago show at  The Salt Shed on June 20 . The return of Jack’s Mannequin marks a po...

Reserved by nature but a force in the kitchen, 69-year-old Rogers Park resident Mark Warnaar recently found himself in a fierce, neck-and-neck culinary competition with chefs from across the country. Warnaar was a standout finalist in the James Beard Foundation’s national  Favorite Chef  competition—a celebration of top chefs, passionate home cooks, and food artists pushing boundaries with creativ...

Chicago’s iconic Old Town Art Fair proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary on June 14–15, 2025, with a historic first: a specially commissioned commemorative poster titled  Soaring Around Old Town  by acclaimed local artist Chuck Meyers. A full-time Chicago painter for over 23 years and a Fair exhibitor for more than a decade, Meyers created the piece using a series of drone photography sessions t...

In a rapidly changing world,  Downstage Arts  is a nonprofit organization in Chicago making a powerful difference by providing free, professional-level performing arts training to young people ages 5 to 35. Since launching in January 2020, the program has grown by over 3,900% in student participation, helping to build a more inclusive and diverse future for the arts. Through vocal training, perfor...

Looking for one of the best food festivals in Chicago this summer? Mark your calendar for the Fourth Annual Windy City Hot Dog Fest, happening May 30–June 1, 2025, in Chicago’s Portage Park neighborhood. This year, the popular event expands to three full days of mouthwatering hot dogs, live music, local vendors, and family-friendly fun! Hosted by the Six Corners Chamber of Commerce and sponsored b...

The Goonies Live in Concert | 40th Anniversary at Chicago's Auditorium Theatre. Hey you guys! Get ready to relive the adventure of a lifetime— The Goonies  is hitting the big screen like never before! The Auditorium Theatre (Chicago’s historic gem at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) and the acclaimed  Chicago Philharmonic  are teaming up once again for their second season of  The Auditorium Philms Concer...

Remember the Silent Film era? Most people don’t, but for one night, audiences can experience it just as their great-grandparents did. On April 3, Guarneri Hall will host a special screening of  The General , Buster Keaton’s 1926 Civil War comedy masterpiece, featuring a live performance of an original score by composer-pianist Stephen Prutsman and members of NEXUS Chamber Music. The nonprofit Guar...

Parents looking for a fun and interactive way to keep their kids entertained over spring break can head to Water Tower Place for the  Hershey Super Sweet Adventure , featuring new activities just in time for the season. Families can enjoy hands-on games, interactive exhibits and sweet experiences celebrating some of The Hershey Company’s most beloved confections, including  Reese’s Peanut Butter C...

Nestled in the heart of Chicago’s Loop, Brando’s Speakeasy offers a unique blend of vintage charm, handcrafted cocktails and one of the city’s best karaoke experiences. This intimate lounge, known for its speakeasy-style ambiance and lively atmosphere, has become a favorite spot for both locals and tourists looking for a fun night out. Brando’s Speakeasy, located at 343 S. Dearborn St., captures t...

Always on the hunt for new music? Buckle up, because I’ve got something truly special for you. Straight out of Ukraine, the electrifying folk group  YAGÓDY  is bringing their powerful, hypnotic sound to North America for the first time this spring. With primal percussion, layered vocal harmonies, and immersive, ethno-dramatic performances, this all-female ensemble is not just a band—they’re a cult...

A Burlesque Parody in a Galaxy Far, Far Away… If you’re a fan of the Star Wars universe, prepare for a night that’s out of this world. The Empire Strips Back is a dazzling burlesque experience that fuses seduction with sci-fi in a way you’ve never seen before. From jaw-dropping costumes to Hollywood-level stage design, this is a galactic spectacle that’s equal parts hilarious and hypnotic. You’ll...

The secret to a great Record Store Day isn’t just the exclusive releases — it’s  where  you spend it. And there’s no better place to drop the needle than  Val’s halla Records  in Oak Park. This iconic shop has been a vinyl lover’s sanctuary for generations — and for good reason. From its legendary connection to John Prine, to the quirky Elvis shrine tucked inside, Val’s is more than just a record...

Drew Wiegman, a self-taught improvisational cellist and viral TikTok sensation, will return to his hometown for two performances at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts at the College of Lake County. The concerts will take place on Saturday, March 29, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 30, at 3 p.m. Wiegman, who plays the cello entirely by ear without formal classical training, has gained reco...

Ever felt intimidated walking into an art gallery or thought art just wasn’t for you? That may change this weekend as  The Other Art Fair  returns to Chicago for its seventh edition. Presented by  Saatchi Art , The Other Art Fair runs  March 27-30  at  Artifact Events , featuring more than  115 emerging and independent artists . Unlike traditional art fairs, this event allows visitors to meet the...

Science fiction fans and book lovers will have the chance to meet award-winning author, educator, podcaster and cat communicator Mary Robinette Kowal as she celebrates the release of The Martian Contingency , the latest addition to her acclaimed Lady Astronaut series. Kowal will appear at Volumes Bookcafe in Chicago and Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville for two special events. Kowal’s Lady Astrona...

The 47th annual parade steps off at noon on Sunday, March 16, led by Grand Marshal Big Shoulders Fund, an organization that supports schools with demonstrated need, providing a quality, values-based education for children in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Big Shoulders Fund currently serves more than 25,000 students across 72 Chicago-area schools and 20 Northwest Indiana schools. Looking for offic...

Rock and roll is filled with countless stories, but few capture the essence of love, music, and destiny quite like that of Bruce Sudano. From launching his career at just 13 years old with the band Alive N Kickin’ to forming Brooklyn Dreams—where he met his future wife, the legendary Donna Summer—Sudano's journey is one of passion, perseverance, and artistic evolution. Sudano has spent a lifet...

Let’s be honest—heading downtown for a show isn’t always a walk in the park, especially with the never-ending Kennedy construction. So why not keep it local? For those on the South Side, there’s a cultural gem right in your backyard: The Center for Performing Arts (The Center) at Governors State University (GovState), located at 1 University Parkway in University Park. As The Center continues its...

Rock and roll is filled with countless stories, but few capture the essence of love, music, and destiny quite like that of Bruce Sudano. From launching his career at just 13 years old with the band Alive N Kickin’ to forming Brooklyn Dreams—where he met his future wife, the legendary Donna Summer—Sudano’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and artistic evolution. Sudano  has spent a lifetime...

In this episode, Tom reflects on his return to work following the birth of his daughter, Willow, while navigating the challenges of fatherhood and maintaining work-life balance. He shares unique stories from his career as a television producer in Chicago, including memorable segments he’s covered, and offers insights into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Tom underscores the importance...

In this heartfelt podcast episode, Tom Barnas reflects on the transformative events of 2024, from the life-changing birth of his daughter to the rewarding yet complex journey of fatherhood. He opens up about the challenges, joys, and lessons learned, while underscoring the profound importance of rekindling old friendships and nurturing meaningful human connections. With deep gratitude, Tom acknowl...

In this episode, Tom reflects on the profound journey of becoming a father, delving into the challenges faced in navigating healthcare in the post-pandemic world. He shines a light on local businesses and community stories, underscoring the vital role of connection and mutual support in our lives. The conversation takes an emotional turn as Tom pays tribute to his late friend Darryl, sharing how l...

In this podcast episode, Tom opens up about becoming a father for the third time, offering a candid glimpse into the challenges and memorable moments of his hospital experience. He reflects on the evolving nature of healthcare, noting the diminishing personal touch in modern birthing practices, while emphasizing the critical need for support for both parents during childbirth. Tom also delves into...