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A guide to fun things to do in Chicago this weekend.

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NBC Chicago's new studio marks end of daytime TV era

The nearly 70,000-square-foot space on the first floor of the NBC Tower is where Springer used to do his syndicated show.

Business

NBC 5&#x27;s new studio at NBC Tower marks the end of Chicago&#x27;s daytime TV production era, but bets big on the future of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local news" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/09/media-future-streaming-fox-nbc-wgn-reader-wbez-2026" data-vars-content-id="6016cc2a-e01c-455e-a923-d90534b3b4d0" data-vars-headline="NBC Chicago&#x27;s new studio marks end of daytime TV era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/09/media-future-streaming-fox-nbc-wgn-reader-wbez-2026" target="_self">local news</a>.Why it matters: The investment boosts local news — but underscores how far Chicago has drifted from its once-dominant role in daytime TV.

Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club delivers elevated cocktails

Drinks aren't cheap, but the balance, strength and service make Kitty's a standout.

Food and Drink

I love wine, but as my friend and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Twin Cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities" data-vars-content-id="07409809-4619-4a00-8740-850296b2747f" data-vars-headline="Kitty&#x27;s Cosmopolitan Club delivers elevated cocktails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities" target="_self">Twin Cities</a> colleague Torey says, &quot;It doesn&#x27;t always love me back.&quot;The big picture: I&#x27;ve been ordering cocktails when I go out, and a tasty, balanced, strong drink isn&#x27;t always easy to find.

Taking the tipping temperature of Axios readers

Please help us take the tipping temperature of Chicago diners.

As Chicago&#x27;s tipping future hangs in the balance this month, we want to know how you all feel about the issue.Why it matters: We hope the data helps servers, restaurant owners, diners and politicians make better decisions.

Illinois pushes back on latest Trump voting order

The Illinois ACLU says it would disenfranchise millions of voters.

Election

Illinois advocates are challenging President Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest effort to change voting laws" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/25/trump-elections-executive-order-citizenship-proof" data-vars-content-id="1c207705-be16-4233-a92b-7e6f3a70c53f" data-vars-headline="Illinois pushes back on latest Trump voting order" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/25/trump-elections-executive-order-citizenship-proof" target="_self">latest effort to change voting laws</a>, which would create voter lists that the Postal Service would use to identify who gets a mail-in ballot.Why it matters: The U.S. Constitution <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="places the job of election administration" data-vars-click-url="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S4-C1-2/ALDE_00013577/" data-vars-content-id="1c207705-be16-4233-a92b-7e6f3a70c53f" data-vars-headline="Illinois pushes back on latest Trump voting order" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/essay/artI-S4-C1-2/ALDE_00013577/" target="_blank">places the job of election administration</a> in the hands of the states and Congress.

The Hand & The Eye opens in Chicago

The Hand & The Eye joins a wave of recent openings on or near Michigan Avenue that draw crowds.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Hand &amp; The Eye" data-vars-click-url="https://www.handandeye.com/" data-vars-content-id="9f04c5aa-9004-4c61-a42c-419b9c8d9ec7" data-vars-headline="The Hand &amp; The Eye opens in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.handandeye.com/" target="_blank">The Hand &amp; The Eye</a> — touted as the largest magic venue in the world — opens in Chicago on April 18. Why it matters: Tickets are on sale for the 36,000-square-foot venue that transformed the old McCormick Mansion at 100 E. Ontario St.

Can you identify these iconic Chicago dive bars? Take the quiz

How well do you know the city's favorite watering holes?

History

This week, I had the distinct pleasure of hosting Axios colleagues who were in town for a conference. Of course, I took them to some of the legendary watering holes in the city.

What David Byrne's "Theater of the Mind" feels like

The 75-minute immersive experience mixes neuroscience, memory and audience participation.

Culture

When my husband asked me what <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Theater of the Mind&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/28/chicago-theater-of-the-mind-david-byrne-goodman" data-vars-content-id="2c934ba4-8bce-423b-a081-6a61cf442890" data-vars-headline="What David Byrne&#x27;s &quot;Theater of the Mind&quot; feels like" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/28/chicago-theater-of-the-mind-david-byrne-goodman" target="_self">&quot;Theater of the Mind&quot;</a> was before we went this week, I told him I didn&#x27;t really know, despite previewing its arrival.<ul><li>Now that I&#x27;ve seen it, I still don&#x27;t quite know, and that&#x27;s a good thing.</li></ul>

Chicago's TimeLine Theatre opens brand new space

After years in Lakeview, the company opens a larger Uptown venue with a theater, café and events space.

After decades of operating out of a church in Lakeview, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="TimeLine Theatre " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/06/03/the-chinese-lady-amazes-chicago" data-vars-content-id="1a02963e-14d2-4482-afea-26879d6a9a1a" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s TimeLine Theatre opens brand new space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/06/03/the-chinese-lady-amazes-chicago" target="_self">TimeLine Theatre </a>is moving to a new, 33,000-square-foot space in Uptown.Why it matters: A stalwart of Chicago&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="storefront theater scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/01/05/performing-arts-filming-theatre-strikes-2024" data-vars-content-id="1a02963e-14d2-4482-afea-26879d6a9a1a" data-vars-headline="Chicago&#x27;s TimeLine Theatre opens brand new space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/01/05/performing-arts-filming-theatre-strikes-2024" target="_self">storefront theater scene</a>, TimeLine stands apart for its mission to present works rooted in history and centered on issues with contemporary social and political resonance.

Lyric's new "Madama Butterfly" takes flight

Pinkerton is cast as an anime-loving gamer with a VR headset.

Ever since I saw &quot;Madama Butterfly&quot; for the first time at the Lyric in 8th grade, I&#x27;ve had problems with the Puccini opera.Warning: Spoilers ahead for those who don&#x27;t know &quot;Butterfly&quot;&#x27;s ending.

Hideout owners sell to musician after 30 years

Musician and former staffer Teri O'Brien buys the club, which is expected to stay on course.

After 30 years, the owners of The Hideout have sold the club to performer and former staffer Teri O&#x27;Brien.Why it matters: The club has served as a beacon for small, independent Chicago venues, with owners Tim and Katie Tuten and partners Mike and Jim Hinchsliff helping support emerging artists and other clubs through the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL" data-vars-click-url="https://civlchicago.com/" data-vars-content-id="649649eb-2da8-4fc1-ac11-cebe2f8b9d37" data-vars-headline="Hideout owners sell to musician after 30 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://civlchicago.com/" target="_blank">Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL</a>)What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;The Hideout will stay the Hideout,&quot; said former co-owner Tim Tuten. &quot;It will remain independent, creative and rooted in the community that built it. Teri knows our room, the people and our history, and she has the heart to carry it forward.&quot;<ul><li>&quot;You know, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tony Fitzpatrick&#x27;s passing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/13/chicago-artist-tony-fitzpatrick-dies-at-66" data-vars-content-id="649649eb-2da8-4fc1-ac11-cebe2f8b9d37" data-vars-headline="Hideout owners sell to musician after 30 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/13/chicago-artist-tony-fitzpatrick-dies-at-66" target="_self">Tony Fitzpatrick&#x27;s passing</a> really hit us hard and we realized that we&#x27;re getting older,&quot; former co-owner Katie Tuten tells Axios. &quot;We&#x27;re at an age now where a lot of our friends are retiring. So it just seemed like the right time.&quot;</li></ul>Between the lines: The Hideout will continue its regular programming, with the staff remaining central to the venue&#x27;s day-to-day operations. <ul><li>The owners said the public will see no major changes in the look, feel or culture of the space.</li><li>&quot;I think of the Hideout as the people&#x27;s place,&quot; former Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a release. </li><li>&quot;Tim and Katie Tuten carefully cultivated and nurtured a fun, inclusive environment, and they should be commended for their contribution to Chicago&#x27;s civic life.&quot; </li></ul>Zoom in: The Hideout has been a performance home for several influential musicians and performers, including Jeff Tweedy, Mavis Staples, Robbie Fulks and Kelly Hogan. It has also served as Axios Chicago&#x27;s live venue. <ul><li>&quot;The Hideout has always felt like a continuation of the friendly, diehard music community we had back at Lounge Ax,&quot; Jeff Tweedy said in a release. &quot;They treat their customers and bands like family.&quot;</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: &quot;It is an honor of a lifetime to take on this role, to support the staff and community who make the Hideout what it is,&quot; O&#x27;Brien said in a statement. <ul><li>&quot;The soul of this place stays exactly where it belongs — with the people who fill it.&quot;</li></ul>The bottom line: &quot;The Cubs or the White Sox can change management, but you&#x27;re still a fan of the team,&quot; Tim Tuten adds. &quot;We hope we built a legacy institution and we have a new owner who will make it even better.&quot;

Survey says: What makes Chicago, Chicago? You tell us

Help us create the most authentic Chicago database ever.

We are unveiling a new regular feature that draws from the Axios reader hive mind.The big picture: To create the ultimate guide to authentic Chicago, we&#x27;re rolling out a series of questions about our city, its culture, its food, and other local quirks. <ul><li>The answers will be used in a live game show where we quiz contestants on their Chicago street cred.</li></ul>

Quiz: How well do you know Chicago's department store history?

From Marshall Field's to Sears to Saks Fifth Avenue, the department store is a huge part of this city's history.

Inside the new Obama Presidential Center's art collection

The collection features 28 commissioned works, many by Chicago artists.

The Obamas have long said the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Obama Presidential Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/02/19/obama-presidential-center-immune-trumps-spending-cuts" data-vars-content-id="4f51c209-7297-4c83-aedd-1bcd0deb6684" data-vars-headline="Inside the new Obama Presidential Center&#x27;s art collection" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/02/19/obama-presidential-center-immune-trumps-spending-cuts" target="_self">Obama Presidential Center</a> would be more than relics of the presidency. Its art collection reflects that vision.The big picture: The 28 commissioned works contribute to the Obamas&#x27; goal of the center as a cultural hub — especially for locals — and the former president and first lady were integral in selecting the artists.

Where to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Chicago

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Patrick&#x27;s Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/09/a-very-chicago-st-paddys-day-treat-green-beer-chips" data-vars-content-id="8ac240d0-8f6f-43d7-9d5d-3c21243ad310" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate St. Patrick&#x27;s Day in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/03/09/a-very-chicago-st-paddys-day-treat-green-beer-chips" target="_self">St. Patrick&#x27;s Day</a> is one of the liveliest weekends in Chicago.The vibe: From the downtown and neighborhood parades, the river dyeing and, of course, the food and drink specials, here&#x27;s how to celebrate Chicago style.

Culture

The Hand & The Eye opens in Chicago

Can you identify these iconic Chicago dive bars? Take the quiz

Chicago Easter brunches and egg hunts

What David Byrne's "Theater of the Mind" feels like

Chicago's TimeLine Theatre opens brand new space