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

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Movement to divide Illinois into two states gains traction in suburbs

A meeting is scheduled on Saturday in Barrington.

News

A long-shot movement to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="split Illinois into two" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/12/04/illinois-counties-vote-state-split-separatist-new" data-vars-content-id="658d88ab-cafd-4b4a-84fd-d93d82c39fef" data-vars-headline="Movement to divide Illinois into two states gains traction in suburbs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/12/04/illinois-counties-vote-state-split-separatist-new" target="_self">split Illinois into two</a> states is finding support beyond rural downstate counties and into parts of the Chicago suburbs.The latest: Saturday morning, New Illinois will hold meetings in Barrington to give updates on the push for a new state.

Food fight: Best breakfast sandwiches in Chicago

From the sando at Sarima Cafe to the treats at TXA TXA and Doma, we've got you covered.

Things to Do

Chicago has no shortage of great breakfast sandwiches. Flashback: In 2022, Axios Chicago gathered<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" this tasty list " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/04/19/locals-guide-breakfast-sandwiches-in-chicago" data-vars-content-id="4c8484a4-05f8-4c34-9939-1ad94e027464" data-vars-headline="Food fight: Best breakfast sandwiches 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/2022/04/19/locals-guide-breakfast-sandwiches-in-chicago" target="_self"> this tasty list </a>of old standbys, which included the sandwich from James Beard Award-winning Kasama and the tasty traditional fare at Do-Rite Donuts. Yes, but: That was four years ago — a lifetime for Chicago businesses and palates.

Chicago-area homes for sale may disappear from Zillow

A dispute over private listings means buyers may no longer see all Chicago-area homes online.

Real Estate

The company that distributes most Chicago-area home listings is cutting off <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zillow&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/13/zillow-lawsuit-mred-compass-private-listings-chicago-housing-market" data-vars-content-id="7a9a3ebc-aa50-44d2-9e45-dcf6711a55ea" data-vars-headline="Chicago-area homes for sale may disappear from Zillow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/13/zillow-lawsuit-mred-compass-private-listings-chicago-housing-market" target="_self">Zillow&#x27;s</a> access to those properties.Why it matters: Homebuyers using Zillow and Trulia will soon no longer see all Chicago-area homes for sale, and sellers won&#x27;t be able to rely on those sites to get their listing in front of buyers.

Chicago homicides rise as violent crime drops in major U.S. cities

The city is seeing an uptick in homicides, while other violent crimes drop.

U.S. cities are experiencing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sharp declines in homicides" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" data-vars-content-id="f56b53a7-14e6-4a6c-ad27-468727ff76a6" data-vars-headline="Chicago homicides rise as violent crime drops in major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" target="_self">sharp declines in homicides</a> this year — with one notable exception: Chicago.Why it matters: Chicago is entering the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traditional summer months for crime," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/22/brandon-johnson-violence-homicides-declining-memorial-day-weekend" data-vars-content-id="f56b53a7-14e6-4a6c-ad27-468727ff76a6" data-vars-headline="Chicago homicides rise as violent crime drops in major U.S. cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/22/brandon-johnson-violence-homicides-declining-memorial-day-weekend" target="_self">traditional summer months for crime,</a> with homicides slightly ahead of last year&#x27;s pace, even as many major cities report steep declines in killings.

Can you ace this Chicago street festival quiz?

See if you can score 10/10 on Chicago's grand tradition of summer street festivals.

Culture

Talking to neighbors can ease loneliness

A new report says Americans — especially young people — are talking to their neighbors less and less.

Over my many years in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" data-vars-content-id="d31adcca-b0d5-4da7-a520-628b691cda06" data-vars-headline="Talking to neighbors can ease loneliness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago" target="_self">Chicago</a>, it has been my neighbors who made me feel most at home. Why it matters: A new report says Americans — especially younger people — are talking to their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="neighbors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" data-vars-content-id="d31adcca-b0d5-4da7-a520-628b691cda06" data-vars-headline="Talking to neighbors can ease loneliness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/americans-neighbors-socializing-less" target="_self">neighbors</a> less and less. Honestly? That bums me out.

Quiz: The wildest fan moments in Chicago sports history

Can you get a perfect score on the hijinks and history at local stadiums?

Bluebird brings improv stars back to Chicago

The comedy collective hits the Studebaker Theater on Saturday.

Chicago has exported plenty to the rest of the country — deep-dish pizza, Malört and maybe most importantly, improv.The latest: Bluebird Improv is bringing a rare homecoming of Chicago improv veterans to the Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building this Saturday.

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>

Museum of Contemporary Photography opens its vast vault

The free exhibit traces decades of photography through Chicago scenes and global change.

On its 50th anniversary, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/06/photographer-chicago-public-schools-student-portraits" data-vars-content-id="1d5df5b5-aba6-41ff-b1b5-0909873f0e3a" data-vars-headline="Museum of Contemporary Photography opens its vast vault" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/06/photographer-chicago-public-schools-student-portraits" target="_self">Chicago&#x27;s</a> Museum of Contemporary Photography presents a snapshot of its impressive collection.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;MoCP at Fifty: Collecting Through the Decades&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mocp.org/exhibition/mocp-at-50-collecting-through-the-decades/" data-vars-content-id="1d5df5b5-aba6-41ff-b1b5-0909873f0e3a" data-vars-headline="Museum of Contemporary Photography opens its vast vault" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mocp.org/exhibition/mocp-at-50-collecting-through-the-decades/" target="_blank">&quot;MoCP at Fifty: Collecting Through the Decades&quot;</a> culls from the museum&#x27;s archive of 18,000 objects to illustrate the evolution of the art form, but also reveals images of how Chicago — and the world — have changed in half a century.

Quiz: Test your knowledge of Chicago-area colleges and universities

College graduation season is firmly upon us as most schools are wrapping up finals this week.

Chicago Mother's Day plans beyond brunch

From comedy and wine tasting to meditation and a 5K, Chicago has Mother's Day plans covered.

Sure, brunch is a great way to treat the motherly figures in your life, but how about mixing it up this year?State of play: The maternal force in your life is a complex person — celebrate their many facets with these ideas.

Work by late Chicago artist Tony Fitzpatrick up for auction

Dozens of Fitzpatrick works go up for sale May 28, alongside pieces by Chicago artists and peers.

The first major sale of works by Chicago artist <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tony Fitzpatrick" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/13/chicago-artist-tony-fitzpatrick-dies-at-66" data-vars-content-id="2385deca-d7ee-45ef-9047-07913fd6f173" data-vars-headline="Work by late Chicago artist Tony Fitzpatrick up for auction" 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</a> since his death last year hits the auction market this month.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Potter and Potter Auctions" data-vars-click-url="https://auction.potterauctions.com/auctions/potter-potter/art-design-22614" data-vars-content-id="2385deca-d7ee-45ef-9047-07913fd6f173" data-vars-headline="Work by late Chicago artist Tony Fitzpatrick up for auction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://auction.potterauctions.com/auctions/potter-potter/art-design-22614" target="_blank">Potter and Potter Auctions</a> is selling 32 lots, some with multiple works, by Fitzpatrick on May 28.

History Mystery: A lost photo of Chicago's Palmer House construction

The photo shows the massive plot before the hotel was rebuilt in 1924.

History

This week&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="History Mystery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/08/rare-photo-south-water-street-market-wacker-drive-1904-burnham-plan" data-vars-content-id="57514369-6ed4-4af0-b25a-d3ed4db31784" data-vars-headline="History Mystery: A lost photo of Chicago&#x27;s Palmer House construction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/04/08/rare-photo-south-water-street-market-wacker-drive-1904-burnham-plan" target="_self">History Mystery</a>&quot; features a long-lost photo of the construction of one of Chicago&#x27;s most famous hotels.State of play: The Palmer House Hilton off State Street is one of downtown&#x27;s historic gems — a 25-story hotel completed in 1925.