Chicago News and Information

Chicago News and Information Navigate the Windy City like a pro with Time IN Chicago. Our daily podcast offers updates on weather, events, air quality, and local insights, so you can make the most of your time in the city. Whether you're visiting iconic spots like Millennium Park or exploring local neighborhoods, we've got all the info you need."

  1. 6H AGO

    Chicago St. Patrick's Day Magic: Family Fun, Baroque Beats, and Lakeside Vibes This Sunday

    Welcome to Things to Do in Chicago, listeners! I'm Oly Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut turned city explorer, ready to unleash the Windy City's wildest vibes on this sunny Sunday, March 15, 2026. Picture crisp spring air around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with Lake Michigan sparkling and a festive green wave building for St. Patrick's Day—pure Chicago magic buzzing everywhere! Kick off your day with family fun at Gallagher Way's St. Patrick's Day bash, where all-ages games, tunes, and shamrock shenanigans turn Wrigleyville into an emerald party paradise. Culture lovers, catch the Apollo Chorus belting Bach's St. Matthew Passion at 3 PM with the Elmhurst Symphony—Baroque power that'll rattle your soul. Music fiends, Old Town School of Folk Music hosts Mariachi Herencia de México at 4 PM and 7 PM, honoring Juan Gabriel with GRAMMY-nominated mariachi fireworks. Families, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum offers Family Storybook Yoga at 9 AM and a Hawk Watch documentary at 2 PM—butterflies and birds for pint-sized adventurers. Night owls, snag Candlelight concerts at Stan Mansion tributing Hans Zimmer or Queen in twinkly, intimate glow. Local buzz: CTA's running smooth with no major delays per city alerts, and Andersonville Restaurant Weeks kick off today through March 29—dive into global eats on a budget. New gem: Handmade Market Chicago wraps up nearby vibes from yesterday, but scout fresh crafts all weekend. Must-dos today: Stroll Lincoln Park Conservatory's exotic plant jungle for a free, steamy escape; hit Brookfield Zoo's Hamill Family Play Zoo for hands-on animal romps till 4 PM; or Navy Pier for lakeside people-watching with that epic skyline view. Pro tip: Locals swear by the #49 Western bus to dodge parking chaos—hop on like a true Chi-town ninja, and grab a rainbow cone at the pier for that authentic sweet fix. Tomorrow? Spring Break fun ramps up at Navy Pier, plus more Candlelight magic—tune in for the scoop! Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai. For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/ and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/ This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

    2 min
  2. 1D AGO

    Chicago's St. Patrick's Day: River Green, Parade Glory, and Hidden Gem Bar Crawls

    Welcome to Things to Do in Chicago, listeners! I'm Ollie Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut turned Windy City whirlwind, and today the vibe is pure emerald energy—crisp early spring air around 45 degrees, sunny skies perfect for chasing that St. Patrick's Day buzz as the city greens up big time. Kick off with the iconic Chicago River Dyeing at 10 AM between State and Columbus—watch the waterway turn brilliant green, a bucket-list spectacle lasting just hours, per WGN-TV. Then catch the 70th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade at 12:15 PM on Columbus Drive, packed with bagpipers, Irish dancers, bands, and floats marching to Buckingham Fountain, as Time Out reports. For families, hit the Irish Village Market at Pioneer Court from 9 AM to 3 PM on Michigan Avenue—free entry with live music, dancing, Irish eats, vendors, and rugby on big screens. Music fans, Shamrock 2026! starts at 9 AM at House of Blues with all-day live tunes, festive food, and drinks in a 21+ party vibe. Catch Gaelic Storm there at 6:30 PM for Celtic foot-stompers, or head to CIBC Theatre for Hamilton's high-energy revolution rap. Local buzz: Chicago's real estate is on fire—Crain’s Chicago Business says homes are snapping up in days with rates under 6%, so if you're house-hunting amid the green chaos, move fast. No major transit hiccups, but expect parade crowds—CTA's running extra. Must-dos today: Snap river green from Wacker bridges, parade-hop downtown, then hidden gem it at Navy Pier for Shamrockin' bar crawl vibes with lakefront drinks and music. Pro tip: Locals grab corned beef at Irish Oak on the parade route—it's the real deal, skipping tourist traps like a true Chi-town insider. Tomorrow? Joffrey Ballet premieres at MCA and Gallagher Way's kid-friendly Irish fest outside Wrigley. Tune in for more epic discoveries! Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai. For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/ and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/ This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

    2 min
  3. 2D AGO

    Chicago Spring Awakens: Theater, Hoops, and Jazz Before St. Patrick's Takes Over

    Welcome to Things to Do in Chicago, listeners! I'm Ollie Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut turned Windy City whirlwind, ready to spin you through the quirkiest corners of this epic town. Today's Friday, March 13, 2026, and Chicago's buzzing with that crisp early-spring vibe—think brisk winds whipping off Lake Michigan, perfect for layering up and diving into the action. Kick off with a quick city snapshot: Weather's hovering around 45 degrees with partly cloudy skies, ideal for outdoor jaunts before St. Patrick's fever hits tomorrow. MyGuideChicago lists today's hottest picks across tastes. Theater lovers, snag Hamilton at CIBC Theatre—Lin-Manuel Miranda's revolutionary rap-rap battle of founding fathers is pure fire. Families and feels? Dear Evan Hansen tours at Paramount Theatre in Aurora, a heart-tugger about social media mishaps. Sports fiends like me, catch Windy City Bulls slamming Valley Suns at NOW Arena—hoops hysteria with slam dunks that'll make you holler. Music maniacs, groove to Victor Garcia's jazz Listening Party at FitzGerald's Sidebar or Fia's Love Me Tour for sultry vibes. Night owls, boogie at Judy Torres' Freestyle Takeover at Edison Park Inn, where the Queen of Freestyle drops No Reason to Cry hits amid DJ spins. Local buzz: Time Out Chicago teases St. Patrick's weekend ramp-up—no major transit hiccups, but CTA's running smooth for parade prep. New gem? Ravinia Festival just dropped its 90th season lineup, starring Chance the Rapper and Chicago Symphony Orchestra—tickets drop April 23. Must-dos today: Storm the streets on WALKIN' WITH COLIN! for history-mystery-comedy tours that feel like a goofy ghost hunt. Hidden gem: Laugh Factory's Best Stand Up or Michael Blackson's roast at Chicago Improv—belly laughs guaranteed. Sports twist? Chicago Wolves hockey if you're craving ice action. Local tip: Chicagoans swear by the "L" train's Lake Street line for skyline steals—hop on at Clinton for a free thrill ride over the city, dodging tourists like a pro. Tomorrow? River dyeing turns emerald, South Side Irish Parade, and Gaelic Storm at House of Blues—pure Celtic chaos! Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai. For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/ and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/ This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

    3 min
  4. 3D AGO

    Chicago March Madness: Hoops, Hailstorms, and Hidden Gems on a Breezy Spring Thursday

    Welcome to Things to Do in Chicago, listeners! I'm Ollie Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut turned Windy City whirlwind, ready to spin you through the quirkiest corners of this epic town. Today's Thursday, March 12, 2026, and Chicago's vibe is buzzing with a crisp early spring chill—prediction markets on Robinhood peg the high around 42-43 degrees, perfect for layering up after those wild storms that dropped massive hailstones Tuesday, potentially smashing Illinois records. Kick off with high-energy action: the 2026 TIAA Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament Session 4 tips off at 11am at the United Center—grab seats for hoops hysteria! Families, dive into free weekly fun at the Field Museum's Crown Family PlayLab from 10am-12pm, crafting and exploring dinos like it's an adventure quest. Culture fans, catch the Anacleto Trio's Jazz Happy Hour for smooth tunes. Teens and theater lovers, Viking Theater Company's Little Shop of Horrors roars onstage at Amundsen High at 6pm—killer plants and killer laughs. Night owls, hit Kit Kat's Drag Trivia Night at 7pm with half-priced pasta, $8.95 martinis, and prizes from Chicago's fierce Kit Kat Divas. Local buzz: After Tuesday's tornadoes tearing through northwest Indiana and Kankakee, experts warn of scams—stay sharp, renters, and know your rights. Big news—ARC Music Festival just dropped its 2026 lineup with Anyma, Underworld, and Honey Dijon headlining a new four-day bash over Labor Day weekend; tickets drop tomorrow! Must-dos today: Storm-watch with a twist at Lincoln Park Zoo's free animal spotting, then scavenger hunt via CityDays in the Loop for hidden gems. Hidden gem: Puttshack's tech mini-golf in Oak Brook for family trick shots. Local tip: Chicagoans dodge wind like pros—head to protected spots like the Museum Campus for that deep lakefront connection, where the city's house music soul was born. Tomorrow? ARC tickets on sale at noon, plus Family Storybook Yoga at the Nature Museum—tune in for more epic discoveries! Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai. For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/ and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/ This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

    3 min
  5. MAR 8

    Chicago's Chilly Sunday: Zoo Dolphins, Comedy Shows, and Hot Rods Galore

    Welcome to Things to Do in Chicago, listeners! I'm Ollie Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut turned city explorer, diving into the Windy City's wildest vibes on this crisp Sunday in March. Picture this: sunny skies with a chilly 35-degree breeze off Lake Michigan, perfect for bundling up and chasing epic adventures—the kind that make Chicago feel like the quirkiest competition on earth! Today's buzzing with unbeatable picks for every crew. Families, roar over to Brookfield Zoo Chicago, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where you can high-five dolphins at the 11:30 a.m. Dolphin Discovery show or pet parakeets in the Hamill Family Play Zoo—pure chaotic joy for the little ones. Comedy fans, snag seats for Max Amini's double-header at The Chicago Theatre: 3:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. CT, a device-free laugh riot that'll have you howling like a hyena. Music lovers, catch Angel Du$t rocking Bottom Lounge at 6 p.m. for punk energy that hits like a rogue dodgeball, or head to Symphony Center for Benjamin Grosvenor's piano wizardry at 3 p.m., blending Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata with Ravel's gasp-worthy fireworks. Gear heads, rev up to the 63rd Chicago World of Wheels at Wintrust Arena, open till 6 p.m., featuring hot rods, Iron Maiden's Nicko McBrain signing autographs, and a $10,000 auction for kids' hospital—vroom, what a finish line! Local buzz: Pace Bus Route 331 is running smooth to Brookfield Zoo, and discount tickets for World of Wheels are at O'Reilly Auto Parts. No major transit hiccups, but bundle up—those lake winds are sneaky! Must-dos today: Stroll Navy Pier for the Women's Makers Market popping every weekend, score unique artisan goodies. Hidden gem? Swing by Chicago Botanic Garden before it closes at 4 p.m. for lingering Orchid Show magic—groovy blooms that'll make you feel like a floral explorer. Pro tip: Locals swear by the free Metra BNSF Line to Zoo Stop—skip traffic, arrive like a boss, and grab a hot Polish dog from a street cart for that true Chi-Town fuel. Tomorrow? Holi's massive color explosion at Navy Pier—get ready to throw powder like confetti champions! Tune in for more, listeners. Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai. For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/ and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/ This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

    3 min
  6. MAR 7

    Things to Do in Chicago: March Madness, Live Music, and St. Patrick's Prep

    Welcome, listeners, to Things to Do in Chicago! I’m Oly Bennet, your globe‑trotting sports nut turned Windy City hype man, and today we’re diving into what’s hot in Chicago right now. Chicago’s rolling into March with that classic “coat on, coat off, back on again” vibe: cool, crisp air off the lake, perfect for power‑walking between fun and food. According to the National Weather Service, early March in Chicago usually means temps hovering in the 40s with a decent chance of clouds and quick sun breaks, so layer up and bring that windproof swagger. Let’s hit some events. MyGuideChicago highlights Tuff Fest VI at Joe’s on Weed Street, where Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press are turning the place into a high‑energy sing‑along—think stadium rock energy in a club setting, ideal for listeners who want to lose their voice in the best way. Over at the CIBC Theatre, Hamilton is holding court, according to Visit Chicago Southland, so musical fans can get their revolutionary rhyme fix. Comedy lovers can swing to Laugh Factory Chicago for Chicago’s Best Stand Up, a rotating lineup of local crushers and rising stars, reported by MyGuideChicago. Families, the Field Museum’s Itty Bitty Investigators: Wild Art workshop is on the calendar for kids 3–6, according to the Field Museum’s events page—tiny humans, big discoveries. And if you’re out near Gaelic Park in Oak Forest, Visit Chicago Southland lists The Whistlin’ Donkeys bringing Irish rock energy tonight, a perfect warm‑up to Chicago’s St. Patrick’s madness later this month. Now the city buzz. YourLincolnParkLife notes that March is when Chicago starts gearing up for St. Patrick’s Day: river‑dyeing coming up, parades prepping, pubs tuning their taps. On transit, the CTA typically uses early spring weekends for track work and reroutes, so always check the CTA website or app before you hop a train—your future feet will thank you. Around the food scene, the House of Blues Chicago notes its restaurant and bar are open alongside concerts, making it an easy “dinner plus show” combo downtown. If you want must‑do moves today, here’s the playbook: Start with a lakefront stroll or a quick spin through Millennium Park to say hi to Cloud Gate—yes, the Bean still photographs better than all of us. Then duck into the Field Museum or another Museum Campus spot to warm up and nerd out. Later, hit a neighborhood: Wicker Park for bars and live shows, or the South Loop for pre‑theatre eats before Hamilton. Night owls, cap it off with blues at Kingston Mines, which MyGuideChicago calls out as a world‑famous late‑night staple—two stages, nonstop music, zero regrets. Local tip from your sports‑obsessed tour guide: if you’re taking the Red Line to events, board closer to the front or back of the train; at many Loop stops those ends line up better with exits, helping you beat the crowd and feel like a transit ninja. And remember, Chicago’s a big sports town even without a game on—many bars will be replaying classic Bulls, Bears, Cubs, and Sox moments, so you’re never far from a highlight reel. Tomorrow, the city keeps heating up: more theatre, more comedy, and we’re inching closer to that neon‑green Chicago River and full‑blown St. Patrick’s boom. Tune in next time as we scout the quirkiest events, from offbeat tours to surprise concerts, and map out your next epic Chicago day. Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai. For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/ and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/ This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

    4 min
  7. MAR 7

    Things to Do in Chicago: March 7, 2026 - Music, Museums & Windy City Vibes

    Welcome, listeners, to Things to Do in Chicago! I’m Oly Bennett, your globe-trotting sports-and-shenanigans guide, coming to you from the Windy City on this fine March 7, 2026. Chicago’s vibe today: cool temps, cloudy skies, and that classic early-spring “do I wear a parka or a T-shirt?” confusion. ABC7 Chicago is tracking rain and some flooding in parts of the metro, so keep an eye on puddles and pack a backup pair of socks if you’re venturing far. Let’s kick off with some events that are absolutely flexing today. Music lovers, Joe’s Bar on Weed Street is going full send with Tuff Fest VI, featuring Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press bringing big singalong energy tonight. Chicago Theater listings show a stacked concert slate, including rock acts like Firehouse at the Des Plaines Theatre and blues at Buddy Guy’s Legends with Ivan Singh shredding late into the night. For something more refined, Orchestra Hall at Chicago Symphony Center is hosting the Zukerman Trio this evening for a world-class classical fix. Families, the Field Museum is running its Itty Bitty Investigators: Wild Art program this morning, a hands-on adventure for little explorers. And comedy fans can jump into Chicago’s legendary improv scene with Second City’s March shows highlighted by local guides like Your Lincoln Park Life. On the news front, Democracy Now reports that Chicago has been honoring the legacy of civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson with a major memorial service this weekend, a powerful reminder of the city’s role in social justice history. ABC7 Chicago is also talking about rising gas prices and how they’re squeezing rideshare drivers, so if you’re using Uber or Lyft tonight, a little extra tip might go a long way. Transit-wise, always check the CTA tracker before you hop on the Red or Blue Line—weekend maintenance loves to turn a quick hop into an accidental city tour. Now, Oly-style must-dos for today. Start at Millennium Park: snap the obligatory selfie at Cloud Gate, then stroll to the lakefront for a bracing walk that’ll wake you up faster than espresso. Swing by the Art Institute, where local listings point out new exhibits opening this month, including a Henri Matisse-focused experience highlighted by the Gorton Center. For a family-friendly indoor win, hit the Field Museum or Shedd Aquarium—perfect combo of dinos, fish, and not being outside in the wind. Tonight, pair deep-dish or a classic Chicago tavern-style pizza with live music: head to Tuff Fest VI if you want maximal chaos, or Chicago Symphony Center if you’re feeling classy. Local tip: if you’re taking the “L” to a show, ride in the second or third car—often less packed than the ends—and remember that in many neighborhoods, alleys are the secret pedestrian shortcuts. And if a local tells you something is “just a couple blocks,” that may be athlete-speak; check the map. Before we wrap, tomorrow is already warming up with more comedy at Second City, ongoing spring flower shows at the Lincoln Park Conservatory, and early St. Patrick’s season buzz building across the city, from pub events to parade prep. Tune in tomorrow and we’ll scout the quirkiest, wildest options so your Chicago weekend finishes like a last-second buzzer beater. Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai. For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/ and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/ This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

    6 min
  8. MAR 6

    Chicago Friday Fire: Hot Rods, Hockey and Live Music in the Windy City

    Welcome to Things to Do in Chicago, listeners! I'm Ollie Bennet, your globe-trotting sports nut diving into the Windy City's wildest vibes on this crisp Friday in early March. The air's got that fresh chill around 35 degrees with sunny skies breaking through—perfect for revving engines or catching a puck without freezing your tail off. Chicago's buzzing with high-octane energy today, from roaring hot rods to hockey showdowns and killer tunes. Kick off with the 63rd Chicago World of Wheels at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, firing up at 3 PM—think Summit Racing Show Car Series finals, hot rods, customs, and celeb autographs from Iron Maiden's Nicko McBrain. Gearheads, this is your quirky speed fest! Families, hit the United Center at 7:30 PM for Chicago Blackhawks versus Vancouver Canucks—grab CTA Blue Line to Damen for easy access, gates open at 6 PM. Music lovers, catch Ludo at House of Blues at 6:30 PM or The Floozies with Too Many Zooz at Metro Chicago at 7:30 PM for funky jams. Night owls, The Smithereens rock Des Plaines Theatre at 8 PM. Culture fans, Chicago Symphony Orchestra wraps The Rite of Spring tonight at Orchestra Hall. Local buzz: No big transit hiccups, but park early for United Center—SpotHero has deals. New eats? Keep eyes peeled for pop-up Irish spots prepping St. Patty's madness next week. Must-dos today: Storm the World of Wheels for epic car auctions benefiting kids' hospitals, cheer Blackhawks chaos, then groove at Metro. Hidden gem: Stroll Millennium Park for free winter art vibes before the crowd hits. Local tip: Chicagoans call the river dyeing "the green machine"—it turns emerald March 14th, but snag a skyline cruise preview now to navigate like a pro. Tomorrow? Firehouse at Des Plaines Theatre and Capstan at Bottom Lounge—tune in for more epic scoops! Thanks for listening, please subscribe, and remember—this episode was brought to you by Quiet Please podcast networks. For more content like this, please go to Quiet Please dot Ai. For more check out https://www.quietperiodplease.com/ and make sure to jump on these great deals https://amzn.to/3V0gjPt For more on Oly check out https://www.instagram.com/olybennet/ This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

    2 min

About

Chicago News and Information Navigate the Windy City like a pro with Time IN Chicago. Our daily podcast offers updates on weather, events, air quality, and local insights, so you can make the most of your time in the city. Whether you're visiting iconic spots like Millennium Park or exploring local neighborhoods, we've got all the info you need."

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